Kiwi Curated
Make the Next Trip About Mindful Luxury
by Joy PecknoldAs awareness of the environmental and cultural impacts of travel grows, many vacationers are choosing to be conscientious indulgers. This mindful luxury movement means seeking out places that make sustainability and social responsibility fundamental to the whole operation. Far beyond banning plastic straws, these destinations immerse themselves in protecting nature, preserving culture or improving livelihoods (sometimes all of the above) where they live. From low-impact structures to hands-on experiences, the hotels herein put more give-back into getaways.
Make the Next Trip About Mindful Luxury
This year’s Best Sustainable Luxury winner, Kisawa Sanctuary, claimed that prize for all sorts of reasons. Eco-conscious from the ground up, their wood and plaster-built structures are lighter on the environment and an onsite 3D printer utilizes surrounding sand and seawater to create interior features. The resort funds its sister non-profit, The Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, the first permanent ocean observatory for multi-ecosystem research in Africa.
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With its own foundation, Soneva supports an array of environmental, social and economic projects, both locally and globally. One of their many projects is Soneva Namoona, a partnership between their Soneva Fushi property, the neighboring Maldivian communities of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, and NGO Common Seas, to help phase out single-use plastics, recycle waste and improve the marine environment.
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Along with witnessing the world’s greatest curtain of falling water, a real bucket list item, guests of Anantara’s Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel may find it equally refreshing to know the property’s environmental and community commitments. There’s a beekeeping project which supports a female-led cooperative in Mukuni village, youth empowerment program for providing education and opportunities, and textile production utilizing used linens dyed by local women for clinics, senior’s homes and orphanage, to name a few.
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Within the wilds of the Namibian savannah, safari-style Gmundner Lodge prides itself on being self-sustaining and community-minded. The property’s long list of efforts includes minimal impact on the land, sustainable building materials, solar power and locally sourced food, along with local hiring, upskilling, education and development projects, such as the San Art Project.
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With waters home to the endangered green turtle, Six Senses Zighy Bay, along with the Olive Ridley Project, is involved in researching the population and protecting them by removing ghost nets and trash from the ocean. Guests can join in on their efforts through beach clean-ups. The resort is also very involved with local communities, including providing equipment and aid to the local Dibba hospital, contributing to infrastructure and job training in Zighy Village and working with the Dibba Women Association to further women’s economic dependence through their “Sense of Oman, through a Woman’s Eyes” guest experience.
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On a remote island off the Atlantic Coast of Canada, Fogo Island Inn has set a new bar for sustainable luxury. Rather than have a foundation, the Inn is a product of one, Shorefast, with all surplus reinvested into the local community which has struggled since the decline of the fishing industry. Shorefast is a network of community businesses and initiatives, including Fogo Island Arts, Fogo Island Fish, heritage preservation and more. Mimicking a food label, “Economic Nutrition” is their way of maintaining upmost transparency of the financial aspects of everything they do
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Befitting its location in the nation’s capital, Hotel Zena makes a big political statement you can’t miss. The hotel is also part art gallery with a laser focus on celebrating women and championing women’s rights, including a mural of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made of 20,000 hand-painted tampons—there’s an art book outlining all the works. Their efforts are also ongoing, with a drink program featuring all female-owned producers and events planned throughout the year, such as Women’s Equality Day coming up in August.
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Long-time stewards of the Northern Neck region of Virginia, The Tides Inn, which fronts a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, now offers voluntourism opportunities along with foraging for edible plants and birding tours to its list of outdoor experiences. In collaboration with their environmental partner, Friends of Rappahannock (FOR), guests can help their Shoreline Restoration Project by signing up to plant trees or wetland grasses during their stay, the cost of which includes a picnic lunch and FOR funding.
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Once Ian Fleming’s James Bond writing retreat, GoldenEye is now more than an inspiring scene for vacationers. Owner Chris Blackwell established the GoldenEye Foundation to contribute to both the people of Jamaica’s Oracabessa Bay, through training centers, business opportunities and youth programs, and the environment via sustainable fishing, coral reef rehabilitation and sea turtle protections. Guests can also follow in the footsteps Michael Caine and Kate Moss by planting a tree.
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In the Peruvian Andes, the birthplace of Incan civilization, Titilaka on Lake Titicaca supports its surrounding communities in a variety of ways. The majority of the staff are local, ingredients are sourced from local markets as much as possible and every stay supports Kusimayo, a non-profit organization that helps improve living conditions, education and healthcare. The resort is in the process of establishing its very own foundation to further their social responsibility mandates.
VIEW HOTELMake the Next Trip About Mindful Luxury
Marlon Brando’s staggeringly beautiful private island retreat in French Polynesia carries on his legacy as eco-resort The Brando. The goal is zero carbon and, to that end, the island has its own solar power supply, sea water air conditioning and more. In fact, it’s the first resort in the world to obtain the highest accolade LEED Platinum Certification. It also has its own non-profit, Tetiaroa Society, which oversees research, conservation and culture and education programs.
VIEW HOTELMake the Next Trip About Mindful Luxury
Guided by Global Sustainable Tourism Council recommendations, each Aman property supports four pillars of local heritage, local culture, environment protection and social responsibility in ways unique to their settings. At Amansara, there is large garden committed to the agroecological work of Camborea, a young NGO that aims to help the most deprived Cambodian citizens. As an equal opportunity employer, they also challenge societal disability stigmas by recruiting team members with mobility and literacy limitations. Among many other initiatives, the resort helps guests meaningfully connect with local culture by hosting temple dinners incorporating Khmer folk dances and cooking classes with the indigenous culinary team at off-site restaurant Khmer Village House.
VIEW HOTELThis year’s Best Sustainable Luxury winner, Kisawa Sanctuary, claimed that prize for all sorts of reasons. Eco-conscious from the ground up, their wood and plaster-built structures are lighter on the environment and an onsite 3D printer utilizes surrounding sand and seawater to create interior features. The resort funds its sister non-profit, The Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, the first permanent ocean observatory for multi-ecosystem research in Africa.
VIEW HOTELWith its own foundation, Soneva supports an array of environmental, social and economic projects, both locally and globally. One of their many projects is Soneva Namoona, a partnership between their Soneva Fushi property, the neighboring Maldivian communities of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, and NGO Common Seas, to help phase out single-use plastics, recycle waste and improve the marine environment.
VIEW HOTELAlong with witnessing the world’s greatest curtain of falling water, a real bucket list item, guests of Anantara’s Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel may find it equally refreshing to know the property’s environmental and community commitments. There’s a beekeeping project which supports a female-led cooperative in Mukuni village, youth empowerment program for providing education and opportunities, and textile production utilizing used linens dyed by local women for clinics, senior’s homes and orphanage, to name a few.
ViEW HOTELWithin the wilds of the Namibian savannah, safari-style Gmundner Lodge prides itself on being self-sustaining and community-minded. The property’s long list of efforts includes minimal impact on the land, sustainable building materials, solar power and locally sourced food, along with local hiring, upskilling, education and development projects, such as the San Art Project.
VIEW HOTELWith waters home to the endangered green turtle, Six Senses Zighy Bay, along with the Olive Ridley Project, is involved in researching the population and protecting them by removing ghost nets and trash from the ocean. Guests can join in on their efforts through beach clean-ups. The resort is also very involved with local communities, including providing equipment and aid to the local Dibba hospital, contributing to infrastructure and job training in Zighy Village and working with the Dibba Women Association to further women’s economic dependence through their “Sense of Oman, through a Woman’s Eyes” guest experience.
VIEW HOTELOn a remote island off the Atlantic Coast of Canada, Fogo Island Inn has set a new bar for sustainable luxury. Rather than have a foundation, the Inn is a product of one, Shorefast, with all surplus reinvested into the local community which has struggled since the decline of the fishing industry. Shorefast is a network of community businesses and initiatives, including Fogo Island Arts, Fogo Island Fish, heritage preservation and more. Mimicking a food label, “Economic Nutrition” is their way of maintaining upmost transparency of the financial aspects of everything they do
VIEW HOTELBefitting its location in the nation’s capital, Hotel Zena makes a big political statement you can’t miss. The hotel is also part art gallery with a laser focus on celebrating women and championing women’s rights, including a mural of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made of 20,000 hand-painted tampons—there’s an art book outlining all the works. Their efforts are also ongoing, with a drink program featuring all female-owned producers and events planned throughout the year, such as Women’s Equality Day coming up in August.
VIEW HOTELLong-time stewards of the Northern Neck region of Virginia, The Tides Inn, which fronts a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, now offers voluntourism opportunities along with foraging for edible plants and birding tours to its list of outdoor experiences. In collaboration with their environmental partner, Friends of Rappahannock (FOR), guests can help their Shoreline Restoration Project by signing up to plant trees or wetland grasses during their stay, the cost of which includes a picnic lunch and FOR funding.
VIEW HOTELOnce Ian Fleming’s James Bond writing retreat, GoldenEye is now more than an inspiring scene for vacationers. Owner Chris Blackwell established the GoldenEye Foundation to contribute to both the people of Jamaica’s Oracabessa Bay, through training centers, business opportunities and youth programs, and the environment via sustainable fishing, coral reef rehabilitation and sea turtle protections. Guests can also follow in the footsteps Michael Caine and Kate Moss by planting a tree.
VIEW HOTELIn the Peruvian Andes, the birthplace of Incan civilization, Titilaka on Lake Titicaca supports its surrounding communities in a variety of ways. The majority of the staff are local, ingredients are sourced from local markets as much as possible and every stay supports Kusimayo, a non-profit organization that helps improve living conditions, education and healthcare. The resort is in the process of establishing its very own foundation to further their social responsibility mandates.
VIEW HOTELMarlon Brando’s staggeringly beautiful private island retreat in French Polynesia carries on his legacy as eco-resort The Brando. The goal is zero carbon and, to that end, the island has its own solar power supply, sea water air conditioning and more. In fact, it’s the first resort in the world to obtain the highest accolade LEED Platinum Certification. It also has its own non-profit, Tetiaroa Society, which oversees research, conservation and culture and education programs.
VIEW HOTELGuided by Global Sustainable Tourism Council recommendations, each Aman property supports four pillars of local heritage, local culture, environment protection and social responsibility in ways unique to their settings. At Amansara, there is large garden committed to the agroecological work of Camborea, a young NGO that aims to help the most deprived Cambodian citizens. As an equal opportunity employer, they also challenge societal disability stigmas by recruiting team members with mobility and literacy limitations. Among many other initiatives, the resort helps guests meaningfully connect with local culture by hosting temple dinners incorporating Khmer folk dances and cooking classes with the indigenous culinary team at off-site restaurant Khmer Village House.
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