Reservest Blog

Is it Possible to Travel Sustainably Without Compromising on Luxury?

Written by Simone Christian | Nov 14, 2024 8:27:58 AM

Sustainability in the luxury travel industry has become a beacon for travellers and travel professionals who value being eco-friendly and leaving a positive environmental footprint. 

What exactly does travelling green entail, and can it affect the quality of an exclusive getaway? Reservest is proud to present our brand partners who focus on sustainability in all areas of their offering - from luxury accommodations to activities, cuisine and wellness. 

What Makes a Brand Sustainable?

What it means to travel sustainably can differ from brand to brand and person to person. What a solo traveller looks for when booking eco-conscious accommodation varies from a family of six looking for a fun holiday. Essentially, travelling sustainably involves being mindful of the environment and the local communities. 

Eco-friendly accommodation can implement initiatives such as conservation activities for guests, local community engagements, or making use of the natural environment to supplement green energy usage, among many others. Green practices can range from eco-friendly bathroom amenities available in the rooms to solar panels or cuisine made with locally sourced and organic food.

How Maslina Resort Encourages Living Off the Land

Stylish and mindful: these are principles that define Maslina Resort’s pursuit of sustainability. They aim to exist alongside the island without depleting its resources and ensuring future generations can participate in the same activities.

Located within a UNESCO-protected area on Hvar Island, Croatia, dishes served at Maslina’s dining locale, The Restaurant, are not only Michelin-recommended but also honour the Mediterranean diet by using local and seasonal ingredients. This ensures that the way of life on the island is protected and respected, including the people, the culture and the environment. 

Maslina Resort’s exclusive villas, Villa Litica, Villa Borovina and Villa Uvala, also seamlessly integrate into their surroundings and maintain a harmonic balance with the environment (book them on Reservest here).

Eating Green in the Winelands at Leeu Estate

Leeu’s ‘farm-to-fork revolution’ encourages a healthier carbon footprint that benefits not only guests’ health but also that of the local community and economy. 

Situated in Franschhoek, South Africa, Leeu Estate is surrounded by charming vineyards and farmlands. The various restaurants on the estate source only the best local and organic food, benefiting small-scale farmers in the surrounding area. 

By supporting locals, Leeu encourages eco-friendly dining that uplifts their community and takes a step towards going green, serving exceptional cuisine that is preservative-free and environmentally aware.

Going Off the Grid at Rhino Sands

A commitment to providing an eco-friendly and sustainable safari experience is at the forefront of Rhino Sands Safari Camp’s philosophy. Designed to complement its natural surroundings and exist in harmony with Zululand’s beauty, Rhino Sands is a purpose-built South African safari camp that strives to bring luxury and green practices into equilibrium.

Solar energy powers the camp, creating accommodation that is completely off the grid. The luxury tents are made out of natural materials that blend effortlessly with the environment. Rhino Sands also sources produce locally to minimise their carbon footprint. 

Additionally, their bathroom amenities are biodegradable, single-use plastic is discouraged, guests are provided with stainless steel water bottles for the duration of their stay, and recycled paper is used on-site. 

With an ethos of conservation behind them, eco-travellers can experience all the delights of a luxury safari experience while still respecting the Zululand ecosystem and the Manyoni Game Reserve. Travel experts can book their tented camp suites on Reservest here.

“We Care All” at Barut Hotels 

Barut Hotels launched their We Care All initiative in 2019 which aims to create environmental awareness, support local communities and economies, and protect the environment. Less plastic and more recycling is their slogan, and efficient use of natural resources is their motto.

So, how does Barut Hotels implement sustainable practices? Energy management is a priority for Barut. They continuously monitor their energy usage and research ways to be more energy efficient. They utilise natural resources more responsibly by investing in solar energy, with the goal of ensuring all hotels in their portfolio are powered by green energy by the end of 2024.

Reservest’s Sustainable Partners

Luxury, eco-friendly accommodations around the world, such as Maslina Resort, Leeu Estate, Rhino Sands Safari Camp, Barut Hotels and more, can be found on Reservest - a seamless booking engine offering travel experts over 3000 luxury suites and villas. Click the button below to begin booking sustainably.