It’s been more than a year of social distancing and mostly accessing our favorite destinations through screens. To say we’re eager to get back to travelling is perhaps the understatement of the 21st century. Yet, there’s also no denying that this period of pause and reflection has been an opportunity to revise how we engage with our world. As we witnessed the skies clear over cities in China, fish return to the canals of Venice, and US national parks once again teem with wildlife, our impact as travellers has become all too apparent. 

We now have a rare opportunity for a “do over” - where we can set a new standard in how we travel, one that minimises negative impacts on the land and local people, and actually regenerates ecosystems and promotes social welfare. The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of luxury in the process. 

 To help you get started in this new direction, here are five of our favorite ethical and eco-chic resorts around the world.

Goldeneye, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Sleep in a sun-drenched villa just steps from the beach that birthed Ian Flemming’s iconic James Bond series (the desk where he first put pen to paper is still on in the property). Once you immerse yourself in Goldeneye’s sensual surroundings, you’ll understand why the location has inspired creatives throughout history - It also happens to be the place where Sting wrote his chart-topping “Every Breath You Take” while on vacation in the early 80’s. What we love most about this resort, however, is how owner and former record producer, Chris Blackwell, has taken such painstaking effort to ensure Goldeneye gives back to the island as much as it gives to the bohemian jet-set who flock to its beaches. The resort protects its coral reefs by selling reef-safe sunscreen on property, and harbours sea turtles on its shores from potential nest-poachers. A partnership with the Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary also helps improve livelihoods for the local community. 

Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, New Mexico, USA

This luxury lodge and ranch is a nature-lover’s dream. Situated on more than half a million acres of northern New Mexico wilderness, the land and lodge are owned by CNN founder and passionate conservationist, Ted Turner - the same Ted Turner who created environmentalist superhero, Captain Planet. The property is the largest of the Ted Turner Reserves, land owned by Turner which uses hospitality to fund his wildlife conservation efforts. Aside from the pristine and utterly unique landscape, people come to Vermejo to see the range of wildlife roaming free on the land, including herds of bison, elk and wild horses. The rooms are elegant (especially the brand new, 10-bedroom, Turner House) with large, four-poster beds with ensuite fireplaces, and are adorned with antiques dating back to Vermejo’s gilded-era origins. In the evenings - after a day of hiking, picnicking, horse riding, or any number of included outdoor activities - guests gather on the porch of Casa Grande for cocktails by the fire and sunset views over the mountainscape. 

Casa di Langa, Piedmont, Italy

Nestled in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, home to some of the world’s finest wines and white truffles, Casa di Langa is a sustainable luxury retreat that sits next to the vineyard landscapes of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 39-room hotel combines traditional Piedmontese design, reflected in the soft, muted colours of the surrounding natural environment, with sustainable practices such as a commitment to carbon neutrality and the use of 100% recycled water for irrigation. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine with a modern twist at the signature Fàula Ristorante, and take advantage of a wide range of immersive experiences including cooking classes, workshops at the on-property wine academy, truffle hunting, and art tours.

Six Senses Botanique, Campos do Jordão, Brazil

Located just a few hours from both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, this recently-opened resort by sustainable hospitality pioneers, Six Senses, lies at the confluence of three river valleys in the heart of the Mantiqueira Mountains - known as the “mountains that weep” due to the abundance of natural springs and rivers. The property currently hosts seven suites in the main hotel and 11 private villas dotted across the surrounding hills. A further 16 villas are planned, constructed off-site using local materials and sited to minimise their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Mina, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers contemporary Brazilian dishes and panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, with a suspended fireplace for a cozy and intimate setting. Always seeking to give back to its community, the resort team regularly engages with locals to learn how they can contribute to a better quality of life for everyone, while also preserving and celebrating local culture and traditions.

Five Elements Retreat, Bali, Indonesia

The ultimate resort for holistic wellness, the founders of Five Elements were motivated by a shared vision for a better, happier and healthier world. This beautiful, sustainably-built bamboo resort merges nature with traditional elements of Balinese culture to deliver unparalleled spiritual and physical wellness to every guest. Their signature wellness day program includes a 90 minute healing massage, multi-course gourmet lunch or dinner and use of the riverfront pool where guests can float or lounge to the soothing sounds of the river water. Those seeking more activity can partake in a yoga or Aikido class, and regular guided meditations are also on-offer to lead guests to a space of inner calm. Everything from beauty treatments to cuisine to guest suites is intentionally created to connect guests to the natural world and deliver a truly rejuvenating wellness journey.

By Bonnie Culbertson, Freelance Writer, Sustainability & Luxury Travel