Planet Earth, forever our Muse

Read through the A-Z’s of Soneva’s Sustainability list, and it’s clear they put their money where their mouth is. With their uniquely Biophilic design – “meaning a deep love and craving for nature, [while] reaping the rewards of being immersed in the wilderness.” – and ongoing restoration projects, this is one brand to watch.

Soneva Jani has perfected ‘castaway chic’ in the Maldives, and with access to some of the most pristine waters in the Noonu Atoll, their Marine Biologists play an active role in marine conservation efforts. Join the Marine Conservation Expedition to work alongside them, where guests take part in a beach cleanup to help gather vital data through conducting micro-plastic and coral bleaching surveys.

Virtuoso travelers receive:

Since its inception in 1995, Six Senses has built a brand reputation that is synonymous with barefoot luxury, a zero waste philosophy, digital detoxing and always plucking from its own organic gardens. Earth Lab displays their consumption data as well as communicating work around marine conservation, forestry or farming initiatives, and harnessing renewable energy from solar or biomass.

Six Senses Ibiza fights plastic pollution by supporting Pachamama Beach through micro-plastic beach cleanups on land, and iBi Foundation, who runs a solar-powered catamaran dedicated to the same cause at sea. Using an integrated collecting net to retrieve plastics floating on the surface of the ocean, in 2022, 1.552 kilograms of plastic was removed from the coast!

With all properties LEED Certified, advocating huge carbon offsets, and donations that have exceeded half a million dollars towards their charitable partners, 1 Hotels harmonises with the natural environment while tracking their progress through energy-tracking smart technology. On track to reach their goal towards 90% waste diversion from landfills by 2026, this ensures a future vision “where ‘away’ does not exist – where materials are repurposed, products are reimagined and food renourishes the earth.”

At 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on biodiverse Kaua’i, spot 144.6 tons of salvaged materials around their island oasis which has been transformed into unlikely art pieces and furniture inspired by the surroundings. Touches of reclaimed Teak Joists and Puka lava stone can be found, and the mindful design of this sanctuary celebrates the natural world through its green roof, native plant species, rainwater harvesting system, and regional cuisine.

Virtuoso travelers receive:

For the past three decades, Singita has taken every intentional step towards reducing their ecological footprint across their bewitching African lodges. By purposefully preserving wildlife and improving the lives of those around them, the essence of stewardship is felt when you become part of their family. Rest assured that your carbon offset levy is part of the package, with energy efficient systems to make your stay all the more guilt-free.

Community takes centre stage at Singita, whether it’s through running heartfelt programs within their lodge neighbourhoods, championing local artists through their design elements, or revealing language, arts and dance with the experience on the ground. Enforcing their sustainability partner Bioregional’s One Planet Living principles and framework allows them to ‘achieve their vision of a brighter, better future.

Virtuoso travelers receive:

Upgrades not applicable for this property
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining (already included in property rates)
A Virtuoso gift to the value of $100 USD equivalent per adult couple (Children will be gifted an appropriate gift/activity set)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Inspired to give back to the Khmer people of Cambodia, Shinta Mani Foundation which ‘Opens Doors, Opens Hearts,’ has shared a large percentage of their revenue to important wildlife and community initiatives. While some hotels pay lip service to community and environmental support, they go the extra mile by digging water wells, building school infrastructure, donating study materials and supplying food parcels.

With the Wildlife Alliance on their side, the figures speak for themselves. To share just a few of their successes, they have removed 14777 snares and 1999 bird nets, confiscated 10786 M2 of illegal wood and 685 chainsaws, and released 97 turtles and 1 sun bear. There is a commitment towards permanently ending poaching and logging in the Cardamom rainforest, as well as reintroducing wild tigers into the ecosystem.

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The Habitas ethos is built upon ‘immersive spaces that deepen our awareness,’ to ‘educate and inspire, while holding transparency in high regard,’ and fulfilling the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals for 2030. They construct with minimal environmental impact, have eliminated single-use plastics, and have an impressive portfolio of global initiatives funded by Our Habitas RISE which addresses social and environmental issues.

For the Escapists and seekers of exotic destinations looking for something unusual, landing in Our Habitas Atacama, Chile is the closest alien landscape resembling Space on Earth. Here, silence and desolation reign supreme across its deserts and mountains – a place to fully switch off, bury yourself in ‘the stillness and clarity that arises from life’s simplicity,’ and connect deeply with Nature through the Habitas spirit.