Karen Edwards | 02 April 2023
Green sleeps: 13 sustainable places to stay in Asia
Make your visit more eco-friendly by staying at one of these sustainable accommodation options in Asia...
Make your visit more eco-friendly by staying at one of these sustainable accommodation options in Asia...
(The Datai Langkawai)
Set on Langkawai island, between a 10-million-year-old forest and golden-sand beaches fringed with mangroves, Datai is working hard to preserve its setting. A zero waste-to-landfill programme, a native-tree nursery and an on-site turtle hatchery are just a few of its environmental projects.
Booking information: thedatai.com
(Shinta Mani Wild)
Spanning 342 hectares of river valley deep in the waterfall-laden Cardamom National Park, Shinta Mani Wild was purpose-built by architect Bill Bensley and entrepreneur Sokoun Chanpreda in 2010 to prevent illegal logging of this land.
Booking information: shintamani.com
(Shutterstock)
A nature retreat located just 70 minutes from Tokyo by train, this hotel is 70% self-sustaining thanks to the use of hydropower and a heating system that utilises hot-spring runoff.
Booking information: hoshinoya.com
( Three Camel Lodge)
Founded in 2002 by Mongolian conservationist Jalsa Urubshurow, this luxury eco-camp in the Gobi Desert was built to reflect the history and culture of the Gobi community, from which all its staff originate. Food served in the restaurant is all sourced from local producers, and even the lodge’s 40 hand-made ger tents were designed by Gobi artisans.
Booking information: threecamellodge.com
(The Sarojin)
The Sarojin’s ‘one booking, one tree’ initiative works in conjunction with Khao Lak’s Mangrove Forest Planting Project, maintaining ecosystems and protecting against flooding. An estimated 14,400 trees will be planted in 2023.
Booking information: sarojin.com
(Peter Chamberlain)
A surf and yoga retreat in Kerala whose ‘sustainable-ish’ initiative involves regular ocean-cleans with Surfers Against Sewage as well as tree-planting with Mossy Earth.
Booking information: soulandsurf.com
(Alamy)
Dive resort owners Ange and Dietmar Amon pay a ‘reef fee’ to the Enuk community, which supports schools and health centres. Their turtle conservation programme also raises awareness of hunting.
Booking information: lissenung.com
(The Pavilions Himalayas)
Set on an organic farm in the Himalaya foothills, Pavilions has teamed up with a local NGO to sponsor local hospitality-school students and fund primary health care for the surrounding community.
Booking information: pavilionshotels.com
(Amilla Maldives)
Situated on its own island, Amilla reduces carbon emissions by making yoghurt and other staples in-house and growing its own ingredients. A supply-chain audit has ensured all produce comes from ethical sources.
Booking information: amilla.com
(Nikoi Island Resort)
The owners of Nikoi Island send its unused ad funds to education facilities for the nearby Bintan community. Since 2009, the ten learning centres it has helped support have educated 2,700 students and trained over 1,435 teachers.
Booking information: nikoi.com
Through the Jetwing Youth Development Programme, this family-run chain provides school leavers with training in hotel management. Its Jaffna hotel is also based in a quiet corner of the island.
Booking information: jetwinghotels.com
(Shutterstock)
Positioned amid the Central Valley farming communities, Amankora Punakha Lodge upholds Bhutan’s tourism commitment by sharing local knowledge, heritage and produce through its design and village tours.
Booking information: aman.com
(Shutterstock)
Naumi works with the Community Foundation Singapore to help provide grants for financially disadvantaged women pursuing undergraduate studies. In 2021 and 2022, it also subsidised 13,000 meals to food-insecure families.
Booking information: naumihotels.com
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