Luxe List: Five-Star Escapes that Put the Planet First
Sustainable travel is about experiencing the world while making sure we leave it better for future generations. It's an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and fully appreciate the beauty around us. And contrary to popular opinion, you don't have to choose between comfort and responsibility. Many of the most luxurious hotels out there are leading the charge, proving that you can have both. They're using renewable energy, protecting cultural habitats, and making travel feel good in every way.
Swap the daily grind and endless screen time for secluded beaches, lush jungles, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Join us as we explore 10 handpicked hotels that offer extraordinary experiences while contributing to a healthier planet.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
📍 Chiang Rai, Thailand
Escape to Anantara Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai's first hotel to receive two Michelin Keys. This luxurious resort is perched on a jungle ridge in northern Thailand with breathtaking views of Myanmar and Laos. What makes this place truly special is its award-winning elephant camp, where you can bond with rescued elephants and even sponsor one! With gourmet dining, jungle spa bliss, and adventures that leave an elephant-sized impression, this all-inclusive escape is an unforgettable one.
Stand Out Experience: Spend an unforgettable night in a luxurious "Jungle Bubble," observing elephants in their natural habitat, dining al fresco, and being serenaded by the sounds of the jungle.
Sustainable Practice We Love: Through rescue initiatives and welfare-based management, they support Thailand's elephants, working with scientists, mahouts, and guests for a sustainable future.
The Brando
📍 Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Once a best-kept secret, The Brando has made headlines with visits from the Obamas and even a full island rental by Kim Kardashian. Located on the Tetiaroa atoll, this private island resort blends luxury and exclusivity with beachfront villas, private pools, and powdery white-sand beaches. Embark on guided nature tours, unwind with treetop Polynesian spa treatments, or snorkel the crystal-clear lagoon. With a 3:1 staff-to-guest ratio, you may be one coconut drink away from never leaving.
Stand Out Experience: We're bending our own rules on this one because, technically, it's not an experience, but thanks to eco-friendly scientific advancements, you can enjoy a mosquito-free vacation on the island.
Sustainability Highlights: Celebrated for French Polynesia's first LEED Platinum certification, they operate with 5,000 solar panels and a pioneering SWAC system, reducing energy use by 70%.
Brush Creek Ranch
📍 Saratoga, Wyoming
Experience the perfect blend of untouched wilderness and five-star luxury at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming's iconic Platte River Valley. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the stunning Medicine Bow National Forest, this all-inclusive retreat is a true Western utopia. Whether you're fly fishing in babbling waters or exploring endless hiking trails, Brush Creek Ranch offers something exciting for every outdoor enthusiast. This luxury dude ranch proves that rugged and refined can ride off into the sunset together.
Stand Out Experience: Saddle up and explore 30,000 acres of stunning Wyoming wilderness on horseback—it's the perfect way to soak in those jaw-dropping views.
Sustainability Highlights: Driven by a passion for sustainable ranching, they innovate in waste management, soil conservation, biodiversity, and clean energy, and their 20,000-square-foot greenhouse delivers 100,000 pounds of fresh produce per year!
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
📍 Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Overlooking the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe blends natural beauty with sustainable luxury. This lakefront resort offers year-round adventures, from hiking and golf to world-class skiing and snowboarding. You can enjoy personalized service, a serene spa with treatments like the Smoky Quartz ritual, and dining on curated seasonal fare. Relax by the fireplace in your room or take in the lakefront views from a private balcony. Edgewood Tahoe marries mountain soul with lakeside luxury –proof that you can have it all.
Stand Out Experience: Starting this summer, you can explore the clear waters of Lake Tahoe in transparent kayaks, offering a unique perspective of the stunning landscapes.
Sustainability Highlights: They protect Lake Tahoe through recycling, water conservation, and habitat restoration, removing 500,000 pounds of sediment each year, restoring native fish habitats, and revitalizing neglected spaces.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
📍 Serengeti, Tanzania
Located deep in the heart of the world's most celebrated wildlife reserve, this luxurious lodge offers a front-row seat to Africa's iconic wildlife experiences, immersing you in breathtaking scenery and unforgettable encounters. Enjoy spacious accommodations, a refreshing infinity pool overlooking a watering hole, and guided safaris through Serengeti National Park to see the "Big Five" and the Great Migration up close. Experience the wild like never before and be part of the effort to preserve its future.
Stand Out Experience: Soar above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon, watch the savannah wake up with the sunrise, and top it off with a champagne breakfast!
Sustainability Highlights: Not only are 75% of the lodge's supplies locally sourced, but their 2,256-panel solar farm runs on clean energy, saving 169,000 gallons of diesel a year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15,640 tons!
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel
📍 Oxford, United Kingdom
Escape to the idyllic English countryside at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, a must-visit for food lovers and a great addition to your European itinerary. The restaurant in this 15th-century manor, helmed by legendary chef Raymond Blanc, has proudly held two Michelin stars since its opening nearly 40 years ago. Between meals, stroll through the grounds or try your hand at falconry. At Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, world-class dining and serene luxury feel like second nature.
Stand Out Experience: Learn culinary secrets at the on-site cookery school, where you can master techniques and recipes inspired by the hotel's two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Sustainability Highlights: With 90% of produce from the property's organic garden, culinary excellence pairs with eco-friendly practices, local sourcing, and waste reduction.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
📍 Kona, Hawaii
Situated along the stunning Kohala Coast on Hawaii's Big Island, Mauna Lani feels like a heartfelt invitation into Hawaii's soul. Here, the raw beauty of the Pacific meets rich cultural heritage that flows through every detail. Relish island flavors with steaming Kona coffee, freshly caught seafood, and luscious tropical fruits. Families can dive into Hawaiian traditions at the Kids Club, while others can unwind at the seaside golf course or relax in the serene spa. No matter how you choose to spend your time, at Mauna Lani, you're ohana (family).
Stand Out Experience: Start your day with a serene outrigger canoe paddle along the Kohala Coast, taking in the breathtaking sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
Sustainability Highlights: Mauna Lani safeguards Hawaii's natural charm through coral restoration, reef care, and responsible water use, pairing conservation efforts with refillable bottles and local sourcing for a truly sustainable stay.
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort
📍 Punta Mita, Mexico
This adults-only resort is designed to nurture personal growth and immerse you in nature like never before. Stay in charming casitas or eco-luxury tents with private plunge pools tucked in the jungle. With all-inclusive luxury, you can forget about your wallet and dive into the fun. Enjoy world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, seasonal whale watching, or a round or two of golf. Whether you're here for romance, adventure, or just some time to yourself, the resort's warm "mi casa, su casa" hospitality is all about creating meaningful moments in a peaceful paradise.
Stand Out Experience: Indulge in the Temazcal Ceremony, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge experience. You'll leave this sacred "House of Heat" feeling refreshed, reconnected, and glowing.
Sustainability Highlights: In addition to initiatives like solar-powered hydro-panels and rainwater harvesting, each July, the property releases hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles, inspiring others to care about our planet.
One&Only Nyungwe House
📍 Gisakura, Rwanda
One&Only Nyungwe House is your passage into one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Set amidst a working tea plantation, this intimate retreat blends rustic charm with modern comforts like cozy fireplaces and balconies overlooking lush landscapes, offering guests a serene and luxurious escape surrounded by breathtaking nature. Indulge in farm-to-table dining, relaxing spa treatments, treetop canopy adventures, spear-throwing, and community-focused activities. With a deep love for conservation and community, Nyungwe House offers a heartfelt connection to Rwanda's natural beauty.
Stand Out Experience: For a truly heartwarming experience, join expert trackers for an exhilarating trek through Nyungwe National Park and witness the joy of chimpanzees thriving in their natural habitat.
Sustainability Highlights: With LEED Green certification and waste reduction at its core, this property fosters social sustainability, inviting guests to support children's education and dedicating 1% of profits to local schools.
One&Only Reethi Rah
📍 Male, Maldives
Located on one of the Maldives' most stunning islands, One&Only Reethi Rah is the ultimate escape for those who love laid-back luxury. This all-villa resort is a favorite among A-listers, and it's easy to see why—crystal-clear lagoons, incredible dining, and total privacy. Choose a villa with your own stretch of white-sand beach or one perched above the sparkling turquoise lagoon. With 12 pristine beaches and nearly four miles of shoreline, plus water sports and excursions, there's plenty to explore. You'll step off the plane and straight into postcard perfection.
Stand Out Experience: Escape to the treetops for a magical private dining experience with stunning Indian Ocean views and a delicious seven-course menu.
Sustainability Highlights: One&Only Reethi Rah joins forces with eco-heroes to turn plastic into sportswear, care for turtles in a dedicated habitat, and foster thriving marine life with coral restoration efforts.
