Sustainability, Animal Welfare and Eco-friendly Holidays

In May 2019, the Botswana government announced that they would be lifting the ban on elephant trophy hunting, a ban that had been in place since 2014. After closely following this debate, we made the bold decision to boycott holidays in Botswana; we're currently conducting research to see if it will be possible to sell this destination again in-line with our values. However, until further actions have been put forward by the Botswana government, we will continue to uphold this boycott.   

Our CEO is working closely with our resorts and the animal welfare teams in Africa, so that we can continue curating incredible holidays and safaris that do not cause harm to any wildlife. We are committed to ensuring that the lives of animals aren't disrupted by tourism, and are constantly looking into ways that we can give back to the communities of the destinations we specialise in. 

We truly believe that responsible tourism can make a difference to local communities; tourism can help provide invaluable funding to nature reserves and rehabilitation sanctuaries that aid and assist animals who have suffered adversely from human activity. By refusing to sell or promote negative wildlife tourism, we are certain that this will help reduce consumer demands for events showcasing animal cruelty, thus paving the way for an end to these practices. 

With environmental concerns having entered the global consciousness and with more and more travellers looking for eco-friendly travel options, this has fortunately led to the development of numerous luxury eco-resorts across the world with sustainability at the heart of their core values. For travellers seeking sustainable luxury, there is no end to where you can visit... 

Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is a private tented camp located in Kenya's spectacular Naboisho Conservancy, near the iconic Masai Mara Reserve. With only 10 exclusive tents, guests can experience the private African safari of their dreams! A winner of Eco Tourism Kenya, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara promotes responsible tourism practices; the semi-permanent structure allows the resort to reduce its footprint on the land, an act which benefits the wildlife and local residents. Additionally, Ol Seki contributes towards the livelihoods of local communities, providing training and employment opportunities, as well as supporting local craftswomen and herdsman by purchasing their goods. 

Soneva Fushi Resort is one of the most sustainable resorts in the Maldives, ideal for a secluded honeymoon. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and set in amongst lush, tropical foliage, the resort's villas were built using locally-sourced materials and inspired by the beautiful Maldivian natural surroundings. Soneva Fushi not only uses local ingredients in its restaurants, but has a garden in which it grows its own herbs and vegetables. The resort also uses eco-friendly surfing gear, boasting the first 100% sustainable surfing programme in the world. 

One of National Geographic's Unique Lodges in the World, the Topas Ecolodge is situated in the mountainous north-west of Vietnam in the tranquil town of Sapa, perfect for a wellness escape in nature. Committed to producing real sustainable benefits, the lodge works closely with the nearby community, supporting the local school, purchasing the majority of its food from the village markets and distributing recyclable materials locally. Striving to operate sustainably, Topas Ecolodge keeps its electricity usage to a minimum, as well as reusing as much waste as possible.

Gaya Island Resort is located on the lush, pristine Gaya Island off the coast of Borneo. Nestled between ancient rainforest and the turquoise Malohom Bay, the resort is a luxury eco-haven with a strong focus on sustainability. Committed to reducing its carbon footprint, the resort is considered to be a 'walking resort', with vehicles only used for operational purposes. With conservation at its heart, the resort has launched several initiatives; the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre rescues and treats endangered green sea turtles; the coral nursery provides a controlled environment for coral reefs to recover. 

Nestled in the heart of Borneo's rainforest along the Kinabatangan River is the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a secluded retreat in nature and one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges in the World. Committed to sustainability, the lodge harvests and filters its rainwater, meaning that it is 100% self-reliant on water. With strict waste management policies, the lodge has banned single-use plastic straws and encourages guests to bring along reusable water bottles. Being considerate of the native wildlife, the lodge imposes strict restrictions on the distance guests can be from animals, and uses a low-noise performance engine on its river safari boats to minimise any stress to wildlife. 

We tailor-make each and every single one of our itineraries to suit your travel aspirations. Get in touch with our Luxury Travel Specialists to discover more of our sustainable escapes, animal-friendly experiences or to book your next eco-friendly adventure...