Move over, gold-plated faucets and Dom Pérignon-drenched minibars. The new currency of luxury? Purpose.
Oh yes, luxe resorts are looking different. Think eco-conscious, sustainable, with a nod to Mother Earth. You can walk barefoot with zebras in Tanzania, soak in volcano-heated springs in the Costa Rican rainforest, or stroll through art-meets-nature exhibits on a secret island escape.
Welcome to the chic, conscious side of travel where boutique stays are flipping the script on indulgence.
Are you ready to pack your sustainably-sourced bamboo sarong and a splash of curiosity? These three off-the-radar spots from hidden gems experts Plateau International are redefining what it means to travel luxuriously, responsibly, and stylishly.
Timing is everything.
Laba Mama Simba, Tanzania
Walk on the Wild (but Safe) Side.
It’s dawn in North Dolly. The air is crisp with adventure, and your wake-up call isn’t a hotel phone. It is the melodic snort of a nearby wildebeest. Welcome to Laba Mama Simba, opening June 1st, where luxury meets wilderness with a soul-stirring Maasai twist.
Here, you’re not just observing the ecosystem—you’re immersed in it. This boutique lodge strips away the over-the-top glitz. Moreover, let Maasai experts be your guide on an otherworldly walking safari that is frankly predator-free. The plains are alive with zebras, elands, and gazelles.
Of course, it’s the sort of stillness you can only find when Wi-Fi is replaced by birdsong.
On the eco-conscious front, they’re walking the talk. Laba Mama Simba is solar-powered, locally sourced in every sense, and supports community-driven conservation efforts. Think rustic elegance with a regenerative mission.
If Greta Thunberg designed a safari lodge, this would be it. With limited space, booking early isn’t just wise—it’s essential. This gem will be the whisper on every in-the-know traveler’s lips.
Check rates for the Laba Mama Simba online at Expedia or Hotels.com.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Jungle Fever Done Right.
Skip the over-touristed beaches and head inland to the lush, steamy arms of the Arenal rainforest. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is not your average wellness retreat. It’s a pleasure dome of steamy hot springs, volcanic minerals, and tropical flora that seems straight out of a Frida Kahlo dream sequence.
Here’s where things get even hotter. Tabacón is inviting guests to explore their rainforest like never before.
For the first time in its history, the resort has opened guided nature walks through its pristine private reserve. It’s a sensory awakening—birds cawing, leaves whispering, your own heartbeat syncing with the rhythm of the wild.
Sustainability is in Tabacón’s DNA. They operate entirely off hydroelectric power, champion zero-waste goals, and work with local farmers to source everything from the papayas in your breakfast bowl to the coffee in your spa scrub.
Want a carbon-neutral glow-up? This is the place.
Check rates for the Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Pro tip: Visit during the green season (May to November). The rainforest is at its most luscious, and you’ll get those soul-cleansing hot springs practically to yourself.
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The Sanchaya, Bintan Island, Indonesia
Art, Culture, and Quiet Glamour.
Tucked away on Indonesia’s Bintan Island, just a breezy ferry ride from Singapore, The Sanchaya is a locally rich hotel that teems with a cultural reverie. Imagine colonial-era elegance meets Southeast Asian storytelling, all wrapped in a blanket of unhurried luxury.
The latest buzz? Singaporean artist Kumari Nahappan has four new site-specific installations titled “Call of the Seasons.” These pieces celebrate the ebb and flow of nature and culture—a fitting tribute for a place that celebrates its scenic surroundings. It’s art you don’t just view, you live in.
Sanchaya’s eco-spirit is just as organic as its high-thread-count linens. They source locally, reduce single-use plastics, and their team is trained in marine conservation practices—a nod to the fragile coastline they call home. They also support nearby artisan communities, ensuring your souvenir is more than just a keepsake—it’s a contribution.
Why book now? Bintan is still flying under the radar, but with regional tourism bouncing back in big, bold strokes, this pocket of paradise won’t stay secret for long.
Check rates for The Sanchaya online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Final Boarding Call
Why Timing Matters.
Eco-luxury is no longer a niche—it’s the next frontier of travel. But here’s the thing: these experiences are often limited by design. Fewer rooms, smaller groups, deeper impact.
Whether it’s a seasonal window to see eagle masters in Mongolia with WildMongolia, or a brief moment to catch the rainforest walk before the crowds arrive in Costa Rica, the time to go is always now.
So what are you waiting for?
Check Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com and Plateau International for the latest rates.
Photo credits: Supplied
