From local guiding academies to coral reef protection and community-centred social stays, here are eight luxury experiences for the traveller who wants to go on holiday knowing they’re doing the right thing by the communities they visit.
With the rise of sustainable tourism, luxury travellers are seeking hotels, tours, and cruises with genuine philanthropic experiences that benefit host communities and fragile ecosystems. Here are eight standout examples that do just that.
The Brando, French Polynesia
On Tetiaroa atoll in French Polynesia, The Brando is an ultra-luxury property on a mission to leave no trace, minimise its carbon footprint, and connect guests to the region’s rich Polynesian culture.
The Brando funds and hosts the nonprofit Tetiaroa Society, founded in honour of the late Marlon Brando’s vision to “preserve sanctuaries for future generations and raise awareness of the fragility of our environment”.
Tetiaroa Society was instrumental in the development of the ecostation hub for global scientists to research reef and terrestrial biodiversity and sustainability best practices.
Only a 20-minute charter flight from Papeete, 35 sustainably built private pool villas immerse guests in the beauty of the Tetiaroa atoll.
Diving expeditions, guided excursions, nature-focused tours, and more are offered, along with French Polynesian fusion dining to educate and ensure the preservation of the region. A two per cent community and conservation fee is added to every stay.
A&K Galápagos Infinito Project
A&K Philanthropy (AKP) is Abercrombie & Kent’s nonprofit arm dedicated to localised development and conservation practices in the destinations they visit.
In the Galápagos Islands, AKP has partnered with Ecuadorian NGO Naveducando, inviting local 12-year-olds to experience a one to three-day experience in the region.
Aimed at educating the island’s future custodians, they learn about local wildlife, geology, and history, also taking turns in essential boat roles – mechanic, cook or captain.
On select Galápagos itineraries, A&K guests can learn more about the project and meet coordinators and local children.
Kamba Africa, Republic of the Congo
One of Central Africa’s most substantial conservation-tourism enterprises, Kamba Africa has three luxury lodges in the UNESCO-listed Odzala-Kokoua National Park. In the wilds of the Congo Basin, the park is home to immense biodiversity and endemic species, including the critically endangered western lowland gorilla.
As the only private operator granted concessions in the Republic of Congo’s national parks, Kamba Africa’s focus is on low-impact tourism that protects the Congo Basin rainforest, while generating more sustainable economic opportunities to replace logging, mining, and poaching.
Founded on primatology research and science-based wildlife viewing principles, Kamba’s guest experiences include gorilla tracking expeditions and guided Lango Baï walks with graduates from their local guide training academy. Boutique stores at each lodge mean guests can support local producers from the nearby Mbomo and Ombo villages.
Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal
In honour of the first Nepalese woman to summit Mount Everest in 1993, the Pasang Lhamu Foundation supports education, vocational training, and health initiatives for women and families in Nepal’s remote mountain communities.
With the ethos that “luxury should leave a positive imprint”, Shinta Mani Mustang – an eco-conscious Bensley Collection property in the lower Mustang valley – works closely with the Pasang Lhamu Foundation, channelling profits into the region.
Alongside prioritising “the employment of local manpower”, locally sourced food, and learn-to-earn training, the high-end property invites guests to join local women-led experiences, like traditional meals in their home to learn about their culture and traditions.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
As the Maldives’ largest coral restoration facility, the Soneva Foundation is pioneering marine regeneration work across the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
From the launch of AquaTerra – the Maldives’ first coral spawning and rearing lab – to coral planting and empowerment projects for other island properties, the foundation is recognised internationally by the United Nations and on UNESCO’s Ocean Decade website.
Soneva Fushi guests are welcome to tour the state-of-the-art AquaTerra Centre to see how their high-end stay is impacting region-wide reef recovery. At both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, if you go snorkelling or diving you can witness firsthand the results of coral planting and regeneration efforts.
Zannier Bãi San Hô, Vietnam
On Vietnam’s south-central coast, you’ll find Zannier Bãi San Hô, a luxurious Green-globe certified resort across a 99-hectare beachfront peninsula with coral reef restoration at the forefront of its sustainability efforts.
Bãi San Hô has partnered with SASA Marine Animals Rescue Centre to protect and restore the resort’s three coral reefs.
Planting reef-building coral and manually removing invasive starfish species is part of the resort’s multi-pronged measures to allow guests to “fully experience its extraordinary reef features, including reef cliffs, slopes, sea fan gardens, and caves”.
Cruise Whitsundays, Queensland
Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefsuite guests gain more than a luxury underwater stay, thanks to the brand’s commitment to protecting the coral reefs, sub-tropical forests, and diverse marine life that make a Reefsuite stay so special.
While guests enjoy a floor-to-ceiling window to the Great Barrier Reef’s rich marine life, behind the scenes, Cruise Whitsundays has partnered with Eco Barge Clean Seas as part of its sustainability programme.
Volunteers for the long-standing nonprofit have removed 250,000 kilograms of marine debris to date, as well as caring for and rehabilitating injured and sick turtles in its Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
For a deluxe stay with a difference, Fogo Island Inn is a social enterprise property focused on a regenerative travel model.
Tucked in “an outport community defined by the resilience of its people” in north-east Newfoundland, Canada, Fogo Island Inn has 29 ocean-view rooms and suites adorned with furniture and textiles from island artists and craftspeople.
Awarded three ‘Michelin Keys’ in 2024, Fogo Island Inn is part of ‘Shorefast’, one of Canada’s largest social enterprise charities. A commitment to reinvest in the island and protect its fauna and flora is at the forefront of the property’s mission.
Stays are all-inclusive, with guided excursions and cultural activities hosted by Fogo Island locals for insights into the North Atlantic island’s heritage, traditions, and way of life.
Listen to Fogo Island Inn founder on Karryon’s new Into the Hearts of Canada podcast.
For more information, visit The Brando, Abercrombie & Kent, Kamba Africa, Shinta Mani Mustang, Soneva Fushi, Zannier Bãi San Hô, Cruise Whitsundays, Fogo Island Inn.
