31 July 2025

There’s luxury, and then there’s luxury with purpose. The kind that leaves you not just rested and recharged, but quietly chuffed you chose somewhere doing good in the world too. These six eco-lodges don’t just offer jaw-dropping views and top-tier pampering — they actively support the planet. So yes, you can have your barefoot luxury and your conscious credentials, too. >> GROOTBOS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA<< This one is genuinely goosebump-inducing. Set above Walker Bay with cinematic ocean and mountain views, Grootbos is all wildflowers, whales, and wow-factor. My clients came back buzzing — the views, the architectural suites, the private deck where they watched the sun set… It’s the kind of place that rewires your soul a bit. You’ll find all the luxury bells and whistles here — glass-walled villas, fine dining, spa treatments — but it’s all underpinned by a deep-rooted mission. Grootbos is a pioneer in regenerative travel, from native forest restoration to training and employing local youth. It’s eco-luxe at its best. Top tip: Don’t miss the horse ride through fields of blooming fynbos. Trust me on that one. >>SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY, OMAN<< Remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful, Zighy Bay is where the mountains kiss the sea. You can literally paraglide into the resort if you're feeling brave (or just want to make a dramatic entrance). Everything here is curated with intention — from the traditional Omani architecture to the farm-to-table menus sourced from the resort’s organic gardens. Six Senses is big on wellness and sustainability, but never at the expense of comfort. This is laid-back, earth-conscious luxury with a spice-scented breeze. >>GANGTEY LODGE, BHUTAN<< Bhutan already ticks all the boxes for slow, sustainable travel — and Gangtey Lodge is the cherry on top. Overlooking the ethereal Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes, this lodge melts seamlessly into its surroundings. You’ll spend your days hiking gentle trails, learning Bhutanese crafts, or sipping tea by the fire watching the clouds roll in. It’s a spiritual exhale. The kind of place that doesn’t just offer quiet luxury — it teaches you to enjoy silence. >>TOPAS ECOLODGE, VIETNAM<< Imagine waking up high in the hills, rice terraces cascading below, and the morning mist just lifting. That’s Topas. Built by local craftsmen and staffed by people from nearby villages, this is a lodge with genuine heart. Mr Hai, a guide here since 2003, is a living legend — his treks through local communities are packed with storytelling, warmth and authenticity. Topas nails that balance between simplicity and splendour. It’s unplugged, yes — but beautifully so. >>LAPA RIOS, COSTA RICA<< Welcome to the jungle — with plush linen, ocean views, and a troop of howler monkeys as your alarm clock. Lapa Rios is an icon of sustainable tourism. Tucked into a private reserve on the Osa Peninsula, it’s all open-air bungalows, tropical birdsong, and rainforest immersion. The lodge has helped protect hundreds of acres of rainforest and is powered by renewables. Nature walks with local naturalists reveal just how alive this ecosystem is — and how much we have to learn from it. One for the wildlife lovers (and anyone who secretly wants to be David Attenborough). >>MISOOL ECO RESORT, INDONESIA<< Barefoot paradise, but make it conservation-driven. Set in the heart of Raja Ampat, Misool is surrounded by waters so biodiverse they’ve become a global case study in marine protection. The resort co-manages a marine reserve that’s five times the size of Paris (yes, really), and biodiversity is actually improving — rare in today’s world. You’ll stay in dreamy overwater villas, dine on sustainably caught seafood, and dive in waters that feel like a living aquarium. There are few places on earth that feel this pristine — and even fewer doing as much to keep it that way. >>FAQs<< WHAT MAKES AN ECO-LODGE SUSTAINABLE? A truly sustainable eco-lodge supports local communities, minimises its environmental impact, and helps preserve the natural surroundings — whether through conservation work, renewable energy, or community partnerships. ARE LUXURY ECO-LODGES WORTH THE COST? Absolutely. Luxury eco-lodges offer a high-end experience while giving back to the environment. You’re not just paying for a room — you're supporting conservation, education, and cultural preservation. WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST ECO-LODGES IN THE WORLD? Some of the best eco-lodges are found in remote, biodiverse locations like Costa Rica, South Africa, Bhutan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This blog highlights six standouts that combine sustainability and soul-stirring luxury. CAN I STAY AT AN ECO-LODGE WITH KIDS OR FAMILY? Yes! Many eco-lodges welcome families and even offer kids’ activities tied to nature and conservation. Lodges like Grootbos or Misool Eco Resort are perfect for multi-gen travel. >>Looking for an eco-lodge with soul<< If you’d like help planning a nature-first escape that’s both responsible and remarkable, get in touch. I’ll help you find the perfect place — and make sure your journey makes a difference. EMAIL: miranda.seymour@mytc.com INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/SeymourEscapes FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/SeymourEscapes LinkedIn: Miranda Seymour

26 September 2024

How Your Next Getaway Can Make a Difference Travel isn't just about soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, and snapping Insta-worthy photos (though, let's be honest, we all love that part too!) The way we explore can leave a lasting positive impact on the places we visit. Want to travel like a true global citizen? Here’s how to make your next escape more meaningful, without skimping on the fun. 1. Keep Those Tourism Dollars Local Ah, the allure of the All-Inclusive resort: endless buffets, poolside cocktails, and zero planning. But here's the truth bomb – sometimes those tourism dollars you spend at the big resorts rarely make it beyond the hotel lobby. Instead, try this: ditch the All-Inclusive option and embrace the local scene. Not only will it give you a more authentic (and, let's face it, tastier) experience, but it also means your hard-earned cash ends up in the hands of the people who make your destination so special. Pro tip: Look for hotels that source their ingredients and hire staff from the local community. Look for those little touches that show a company cares about their surroundings. For instance, I work with a fantastic supplier that uses Pink City Rickshaw Company in Jaipur, India. This non-profit empowers low-income women with training and jobs – and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see Rajasthan’s Pink City up close while supporting local women. It's just one example of how your travel choices can directly support communities; I have a whole virtual Rolodex of ideas like this for my clients. 2. Choose Suppliers with Sustainability Credentials No one wants to be fooled by greenwashing tactics. You want the real deal. When planning your next trip, make sure you use hotels, tour operators, and experiences that have their sustainability game on point. We’re talking transparent policies, measurable goals, and actual certifications – not just vague promises about being "eco-friendly." I vet operators on everything from climate initiatives to animal welfare practices, ensuring they genuinely “walk the walk.” My ‘green leaf’ stamp guarantees you’re choosing companies that care about the planet. So, while you’re lounging by that infinity pool, you’ll know you’re doing good in the world. 3. Dabble in a Bit of Citizen Science Want to add a little meaning to your holiday snaps? Get involved with a citizen science project. This is where your holiday also becomes a chance to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. Take the Happy Whale project, for example. Over 900,000 photos of marine mammals have been submitted by the general public, helping scientists track and study these ocean giants. Imagine spotting a whale on your trip, snapping a photo, and knowing you’re helping researchers understand more about these majestic creatures. 4. Visit the Locals Let’s face it, the best memories come from genuine interactions, and what better way to get to know a culture than by sharing a meal with a local family? Many destinations offer homestays where you can spend a night or two with a local family – an opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily life, traditions, and (most importantly) their kitchen! If that feels a little too adventurous, then check out ResiRest, a genius new platform where you can book a meal with a local family, just like you would at a restaurant. They’ll welcome you into their home, serve you authentic cuisine, and even teach you the secrets of their recipes. Imagine coming back from your trip with more than just souvenirs – you’ll have an incredible story to tell and a new dish to whip up at your next dinner party. A Few Small Changes, A Big Impact There you have it – four simple ways to travel with purpose and make your holiday truly unforgettable. From supporting women in India to tracking whales in the Pacific, your choices matter. So, next time you pack your bags, remember: your trip can be the adventure of a lifetime and a force for good. Ready to plan your positive impact journey? I’d love to help you craft a tailor-made experience that’s just as unique and thoughtful as you are. Get in touch today, and let’s create something amazing together. By Miranda Seymour Luxury Travel Counsellor & Responsible Travel Expert miranda.seymour@mytc.com