Our favourite eco-friendly travel destinations

22 January 2020

Responsible travel and sustainable tourism is something that we really care about at Travel Counsellors, which is why we work with international charity, The Travel Foundation, to ensure that tourism brings greater benefits for local people and the environment, and to help us leave a better world for future generations to enjoy and explore.

Here’s our pick of some of our favourite eco-friendly destinations.

COMO Hotels and Resorts

With a focus on health, fantastic food and bespoke adventures in luxurious surroundings, COMO’s collection of stunning resorts in the Maldives, Turks & Caicos, Indonesia and Thailand are second-to-none when it comes to getting away from it all to focus on your mental and physical wellbeing.

COMO also have a commitment to sustainable practices, sourcing local where possible to support local producers, entrepreneurs, social enterprises and non-profit organisations. They choose these vendors not only because they offer the best and freshest produce, but also because they are proud to be pioneers of sustainable economic development within their communities.

Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

An exclusive cluster of five islands, enveloped by the South China Sea, the private-island resort of Bawah is shrouded in verdant greenery and lapped by turquoise waters. Offering the ultimate in sustainable luxury, the resort’s eco-friendly approach includes ocean-friendly sun cream, eco-friendly laundry detergent and no plastic bottles.

All of the island’s waste is recycled, water is heated by solar energy and wastewater is treated for the resort’s permaculturalist to use on the organic fruit and vegetable gardens, where pesticides are banned. The only land vehicles here are the resort’s electric buggies and there are even two solar powered boats.

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Six Senses Zighy Bay's commitment to sustainable tourism includes activities such as giving support to several charities, including the local girl’s school in Dibba, Sharjah Charity International and the Sukarina bin Al Husain School.

The resort also has a very active environmental programme, with an inhouse marine biologist working on multiple projects around the region, including turtle rehabilitation and engaging with local communities to create a marine protected area. Diving hosts are also being trained to remove ghost nets left by fishermen in the Gulf of Oman, and to rescue sea creatures that may have been caught in them.

Top tips for those new to cruise

Top tips for those new to cruise

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Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip.  As Travel Counsellor Dinah says, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.

Discover the ultimate Greek Island escape with Domes

Discover the ultimate Greek Island escape with Domes

22 April 2024

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring beauty of the Greek islands, where Domes’ 'Cool Inclusive' properties blend the essence of authentic Greece with the utmost luxury. Venture to their two Aulūs havens, located in the enchanting isles of Zante and Crete, where upgraded Cool Living areas elevate your holiday experience with a lavish array of extras, including access to exclusive serene spots.

Set sail for adventure with Star Clippers

Set sail for adventure with Star Clippers

22 April 2024

Celebrating over three decades of sailing history, Star Clippers is thrilled to unveil St. George's in Grenada as its newest departure port for the winter 2025/26 season. This announcement heralds the beginning of longer voyages aboard the magnificent 166-passenger Star Clipper, introducing guests to virgin territories like the untouched beauty of Charlottesville and the serene Castara Bay in Tobago.

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