Sustainable travel has become increasingly important in recent years, as the tourism industry has grown and the impact of travel on the environment has become more visible. It is important for both travellers and hotels to make conscious decisions to reduce their environmental impact and support sustainability initiatives. In Southeast Asia, there are many luxury resorts that are leading the way in sustainable travel, including Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam, Soneva Kiri in Thailand, and Song Saa in Cambodia.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, located on a pristine peninsula in central Vietnam, is accessible only by boat transfer, which ensures a deserted tropical island feel and allows nature to thrive without the damaging impact of mass tourism. The resort has a range of sustainability initiatives, including an 800-panel solar farm that already supplies 20% of the resort energy and an educational and informative ‘Earth Lab’ where guests can learn about and participate in a series of environmental activities. The resort even uses tablets to replace the need for single-use plastic toothpaste tubes. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay also has an impressive range of vegan food options, including a plant-powered bowl of pasta and pizza with homemade vegan cheese.
Soneva Kiri, located on the unspoiled island of Koh Kood in Thailand, is a multi-award-winning luxury eco-resort that has remained committed to responsible and sustainable luxury travel since its opening in 1995. The resort aims to make luxury and sustainability interconnected concepts, and its 2% environmental levy on all stays goes to support the Soneva Foundation, which delivers and develops multiple projects that make a difference. Soneva Kiri also has an acknowledgment of the growing demand for plant-based food and offers creative and nutritious vegan food options throughout the resort. Guests can enjoy exciting vegan dishes such as the ‘Sonu Salad’ named after Soneva’s co-founder, or tofu satay, which is served as part of a light lunch menu at ‘So Spirited’.
Song Saa, located off the coast of Cambodia on a private island, offers 24 spacious private pool villas divided into three distinct styles, that offer the finest tropical island vibes and luxury elements. This resort is committed to connecting with and protecting the environment and ensuring that its tourism impact can be truly sustainable. Song Saa Foundation develops projects in three categories: water, people, and land. The projects include marine conservation, sea turtles protection, mangrove restoration, rainforest reforestation, waste management, and recycling and composting programs. Song Saa also has a vegan-friendly menu featuring a selection of traditional Khmer dishes and global favourites made with organic Ibis Wildlife Friendly Rice, locally grown rice that protects endangered birds’ habitats.
In conclusion, sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important, and it is crucial for both travellers and hotels to make conscious decisions to reduce their environmental impact. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Soneva Kiri, and Song Saa are leading the way in sustainable luxury travel in Southeast Asia. They not only provide luxury experiences but also prioritize sustainability initiatives in all areas of their operation, including environmental protection, community development, and food choices. By choosing such sustainable luxury resorts for your next vacation, you will have a unique, guilt-free, and unforgettable experience that you can feel proud of.
