Sustainability

Searching for some travel inspirations? Climate change has been making headlines in recent years and we think that purposeful travel is going to be all the rage once borders are open. 

Luxury resorts are fusing their sustainability goals to the experiences offered to visitors, hotels such as these are springing up like mushrooms. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice when you search around for retreats that fit the bill, but here are some spots that will definitely tickle your fancy.  

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Set to open in Q2 2021, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is driven by its commitment to perpetuality, starting with nurturing sustainable values in tomorrow’s travellers: children. It’s going to be the first eco-conscious resort in the Maldives to tackle the issue with this approach. 

A pioneer, Footprints is a 100 per cent solar-powered kid’s club. At its Fab Lab, children can turn recycled ocean plastic into models using 3D printing and laser cutting technology. Hungry young minds can discover the benefits of local, organic sourcing and enjoy the best of sustainable plant-based cuisine at its culinary studio. 

As for budding marine biologists, they can sign up for free diving lessons. How’s that for your vacation itinerary? 

Their green initiatives are also reflected in offerings for adults. Every cocktail and spirit served here will eliminate 30 grams of carbon emissions in comparison to drinks crafted at beverage outlets with conventional labels. This is all thanks to ecoSPIRITS, the world’s first low carbon, low waste spirit distribution technology. 

Curious and conscientious foodies can indulge themselves at Roots, the resort’s signature dining experience. The restaurant advocates for a plant-based diet and prides itself on offering nutritional food and drink without compromising flavour and quality. 

Suarga Padang Padang, Bali

Nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s premier surf breaks, Suarga Padang Padang redefines the art of mindful travel. This luxurious eco-conscious boutique resort is built partly using recuperated wood from abandoned ironwood pontoons in Borneo. 

Most structures here are built on stilts in an effort to preserve the indigenous flora and fauna and to promote natural cooling air circulation. All 36 rooms, pavilions and villas feature breathtaking views of the ocean, resort or gardens. Vaulted ceilings and open-air structures encourage the refreshing ocean breeze to naturally cool the rooms. 

The season-driven signature restaurant here uses fresh and local ingredients that capture all the nutrients and flavours, offering modern comforts and indulgences at a respectful and minimal expense to the surrounding environment.

Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

At Six Senses Yao Noi, sustainability goes from niche to necessary. With a focus on energy efficiency, water and waste management, social commitment, protecting natural surroundings, air quality and noise control. 

It takes only a 45-minutes’ travel to reach this haven. For young adventurers, the escape is not complete without giving the Junior Eco Warrior program a whirl. There, Junior Warriors can collect fresh eggs, volunteer to clean dens and sow seeds of lush produce that they will later on harvest for a cooking class. Against the spectacular seascape of Phang Nga Bay, the Junior Warriors can continue their green journey and assist in beach cleanups. 

Operationally, the resort’s water comes from the reservoir, making it self-sufficient. Drinking water is filtered and bottled in reusable glass bottles onsite, eliminating imports of drinking water and up to 101,000 plastic bottles per year by the resort directly. For their efforts, Six Senses Yao Noi is awarded the HICAP 2020 Sustainable Hotel Awards in the Positive Community Impact category for its Clean Water Project. 

The Clean Water Project goes beyond the luxurious eco-conscious resort, extending to its nearest communities. Reusable water bottles are distributed amongst the locals and community leaders are informed about the benefits of adopting their systems.