Luxury retreats to reconnect with nature

Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

Nestled amidst a manmade wetland habitat, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a sanctuary of tranquillity and biodiversity. Located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, this resort stands out for its commitment to sustainability and conservation, from reforestation efforts to supporting local agricultural practices. Using species native to Sri Lanka’s dry zone, this resort has been reforesting to create a lush and thriving ecosystem, with more diverse flora and fauna, which can be explored during a stay here thanks to guided nature walks and birdwatching.

The open-plan design of the resort’s restaurant, lounge, and library have reduced the need for artificial lighting and ventilation, thus reducing energy consumption, while four acres of land are dedicated to the paddy cultivation, ensuring that local agricultural practices are preserved and promoted.

Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp, Kenya

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Laikipia Plateau, Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp offers more than just luxurious accommodation—it offers a deep connection to the land and its people. The camp is renowned for its conservation efforts and close ties with the local Samburu and Maasai tribes, with revenue from the camp supporting the conservation of the 230km private wilderness and community-oriented health, education, and enterprise programmes. The camp also has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, including highly trained sniffer dogs, to preserve the beautiful wildlife that resides there.

All of their camps feature state-of-the-art power systems to minimise emissions and fuel use, and all employ a strict recycling policy so that everything that can be recycled is – which, in turn, has helped reduce the amount of single-use plastic used by the resort dramatically.

For more inspiration around travelling more responsibly, click here.