What is a Green Leaf hotel?

22 January 2024

Our Green Leaf label is applied to hotels that have been recognised as having sustainability standards that are aligned with those created by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). As such, each have been proven to maximise social and economic benefits for the local community, enhance cultural heritage, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and have effective sustainability planning.

For a full list of accreditations and standards that are represented by the Green Leaf, please click here. To find out more about the criteria and performance indicators that hotels are measured against, please click here.

How are they maximising social and economic benefits for the local community?

Ikos and Sani Resorts are meeting 60% of their resorts’ needs through local producers.

Attitude Resorts have created their Otentik Discovery app to encourage guests to get out and explore the island, experiencing Mauritius through a local’s eyes.

At Coral Beach Hotel and Resort, 100% of management staff are locals.

How are they enhancing cultural heritage?

Beachcomber Resorts uses their ‘Beautiful Localhands’ project to help local artisans sell their products to tourists, earning an income and preserving traditional crafts and cultural heritage.

Similarly, One&Only Le Saint Géran invites in local entrepreneurs to sell their products at the hotel, giving them an opportunity to earn an income whilst also giving guests an authentic flavour of Mauritius.

Soneva Fushi regularly brings in local musicians and dancers to perform within the resort.

How are they reducing negative impacts on the environment?

LUX* Le Mourne launched its Zero Food Waste Programme in 2019 which focuses first on reducing food waste and then repurposing unavoidable waste by donating food from the buffet to local schools, and leftovers from guests’ plates to pig farms or composting it on site.

Heritage Resorts are recycling 65% of their waste with an aim to increase this to 75% by the end of 2022, and also treat wastewater onsite and recycle it as irrigation water.

Royal Hideaway Corales Beach has implemented a number of initiatives to minimise single-use plastics across the resort. Our favourite of these is the replacement of plastic water bottles on check in with ones made of recyclable material, and the replacement of single-use amenities that had plastic in their packaging.

To book your stay at a Green Leaf hotel or resort, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

A family guide to New Zealand

03 October 2025

Safe, welcoming, and filled with adventures big and small, New Zealand is an easy win for families. It’s the kind of place where kids can run free in wide-open spaces, spot animals they’ve never seen before, and dive into real-life movie sets. Parents will appreciate the slower pace in some regions, the straightforward travel options, and the way everyday moments, like stopping for an ice cream in a small town or watching the sunset by the water, feel just as memorable as the headline attractions. Here are five experiences that will keep everyone in the family smiling.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen: the perfect family resort

03 October 2025

Family holidays are all about finding the right balance, keeping the kids entertained, carving out moments to relax, and making memories together that feel easy. Paradisus Playa del Carmen, part of the Meliá family, has been designed with exactly that in mind. From pools that invite hours of splashing around to wide-open suites that make everyone feel at home, this resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a strong contender for your next family getaway.

Two ways to experience paradise: Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet

29 September 2025

Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet are two exceptional resorts located on St Lucia’s dramatic southwestern coast. Set within a 600-acre estate, these sister properties share a stunning location but offer distinctly different experiences. Whether you’re seeking serene luxury or a connection to nature, these resorts provide two unique ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of St Lucia.