Responsible travel and sustainable tourism is something that we really care about at Travel Counsellors, which is why we work with international charity, The Travel Foundation, to ensure that tourism brings greater benefits for local people and the environment, and to help us leave a better world for future generations to enjoy and explore.
Here’s our pick of some of our favourite eco-friendly destinations.
With a focus on health, fantastic food and bespoke adventures in luxurious surroundings, COMO’s collection of stunning resorts in the Maldives, Turks & Caicos, Indonesia and Thailand are second-to-none when it comes to getting away from it all to focus on your mental and physical wellbeing.
COMO also have a commitment to sustainable practices, sourcing local where possible to support local producers, entrepreneurs, social enterprises and non-profit organisations. They choose these vendors not only because they offer the best and freshest produce, but also because they are proud to be pioneers of sustainable economic development within their communities.
An exclusive cluster of five islands, enveloped by the South China Sea, the private-island resort of Bawah is shrouded in verdant greenery and lapped by turquoise waters. Offering the ultimate in sustainable luxury, the resort’s eco-friendly approach includes ocean-friendly sun cream, eco-friendly laundry detergent and no plastic bottles.
All of the island’s waste is recycled, water is heated by solar energy and wastewater is treated for the resort’s permaculturalist to use on the organic fruit and vegetable gardens, where pesticides are banned. The only land vehicles here are the resort’s electric buggies and there are even two solar powered boats.
Six Senses Zighy Bay's commitment to sustainable tourism includes activities such as giving support to several charities, including the local girl’s school in Dibba, Sharjah Charity International and the Sukarina bin Al Husain School.
The resort also has a very active environmental programme, with an inhouse marine biologist working on multiple projects around the region, including turtle rehabilitation and engaging with local communities to create a marine protected area. Diving hosts are also being trained to remove ghost nets left by fishermen in the Gulf of Oman, and to rescue sea creatures that may have been caught in them.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Japan masterfully blends cutting-edge technology with ancient traditions, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, from stunning beaches on quaint islands to bustling cities. Read on to discover Japan's must-see destinations and let us help you build your perfect itinerary.
Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Crete, the Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort offers an idyllic retreat for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Tapping into the rich tapestry of Cretan history, the resort's architecture is reminiscent of the grandeur of ancient Minoan palaces and the elegance of Venetian nobility, providing a backdrop that fascinates both adults and children alike.
