Luxury retreats to reconnect with nature

31 July 2024

Travelling is about experiencing the world in its most authentic form, and with the growing trend of eco-consciousness, more people are seeking accommodation that offer both opulence and a more sustainable stay. Enter a new era of the luxury resort—a harmonious blend of comfort, elegance, and environmental stewardship. Here, we’ve chosen four outstanding luxury places that embody this ethos and cater to the most discerning traveller.

Luxury retreats to reconnect with nature

Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

Nestled amidst a manmade wetland habitat, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a sanctuary of tranquillity and biodiversity. Located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, this resort stands out for its commitment to sustainability and conservation, from reforestation efforts to supporting local agricultural practices. Using species native to Sri Lanka’s dry zone, this resort has been reforesting to create a lush and thriving ecosystem, with more diverse flora and fauna, which can be explored during a stay here thanks to guided nature walks and birdwatching.

The open-plan design of the resort’s restaurant, lounge, and library have reduced the need for artificial lighting and ventilation, thus reducing energy consumption, while four acres of land are dedicated to the paddy cultivation, ensuring that local agricultural practices are preserved and promoted.

Olas Tulum, Mexico

Located in the heart of Tulum, Olas is part of the 'Regenerative Resorts of the World,' dedicated to creating positive impacts on both the environment and the local community. This boutique resort is powered entirely by solar energy, with backup generators used sparingly, and champions sustainable living. All fruits, vegetables, eggs, and cheese used in their restaurants come from regional farms or local communities, including sourcing seafood from local fisherman, while rainwater is collected and used to feed the indigenous vegetation.

The resort’s main villa was designed half a century ago, making it the oldest structure on Tulum beach. Its architecture features a slight curvature of the walls to leverage natural breezes from the sea to cool guests, eliminating the need for air conditioning.

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Kenya

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Laikipia Plateau, Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp offers more than just luxurious accommodation—it offers a deep connection to the land and its people. The camp is renowned for its conservation efforts and close ties with the local Samburu and Maasai tribes, with revenue from the camp supporting the conservation of the 230km private wilderness and community-oriented health, education, and enterprise programmes. The camp also has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, including highly trained sniffer dogs, to preserve the beautiful wildlife that resides there.

All of their camps feature state-of-the-art power systems to minimise emissions and fuel use, and all employ a strict recycling policy so that everything that can be recycled is – which, in turn, has helped reduce the amount of single-use plastic used by the resort dramatically.

Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel and Spa, Portugal

Situated in Portugal’s enchanting wine region, Six Senses Douro Valley is a pioneer in more sustainable luxury. The resort places a strong emphasis on education and guest involvement in its sustainability initiatives, with workshops and sessions about the projects supported by the resort's Sustainability Fund.

The resort has also banned single-use plastics, including plastic straws, and uses reusable glass bottles instead. With its breathtaking views of the Douro River and commitment to more sustainable practices, this resort offers an idyllic retreat for those looking to combine the best of both worlds when it comes to travel and caring for the planet.

For more inspiration around travelling more responsibly, click here.

Experience bespoke Greek luxury at LUXME Kos

18 February 2026

Perfectly positioned on the sun-drenched shores of Kos, LUXME Kos places you at the gateway to the beautiful Aegean Sea. This impressive resort is renowned for its lagoon-style pools that weave through scented gardens, creating peaceful hideaways and inviting spaces to relax. Each room, suite, and villa offers a private balcony - many with uninterrupted views across the water - blending contemporary style with absolute comfort. Guests enjoy direct access to a sandy beach, exceptional wellness facilities, and an array of thoughtful touches, all within reach of Kos Town’s historical sights and welcoming culture.

The best scenic rail journeys

18 February 2026

Seeing the world can be one of life’s greatest joys, but a growing number of us want to do so with a lighter touch on the planet. Choosing a holiday that is both unforgettable and more responsible is becoming more important than ever, and train travel offers a wonderful solution, blending the romance of the rails with a significantly lower carbon footprint. We’ve partnered with the rail experts at Railbookers to share some of the best scenic routes to add to your wish list and what makes them so special.

Western Australia is nature’s playground, no matter the season

16 February 2026

With vast horizons and a climate that promises endless adventure, Western Australia invites you to discover its distinctive charm throughout the seasons. Thanks to its title as Australia's sunniest state, there is always somewhere at its peak - whether you want wild encounters, lazy beach days, or great food and wine. Let us walk you through when and where to visit in Western Australia, so you can make the most of every journey.