Top 9 Ecotourism Trips To Take This Summer
Ecotourism, a form of responsible travel to natural areas that focuses on environmental conservation, is growing by leaps and bounds. The global ecotourism market is expected to reach $823.4 billion by 2033. Also, an estimated 33% of travelers chose sustainable accommodations over the past year.
Ecotourism benefits local communities and fosters environmental and cultural awareness. It prioritizes minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities while offering educational and enriching experiences for visitors
For many within the tourist industry, sustainability is a top priority. Whether it's cruising through Norway's Northern Lights with zero emissions and sustainable ship technologies, participating in a hands-on mangrove restoration project or staying at the country's first carbon positive hotel, travelers can immerse themselves in meaningful, eco-friendly experiences.
Guests can explore Norway's historic routes in a sustainable way.
Havila Voyages, a premier eco-focused cruise line, invites travelers from around the globe to explore Norway's historic routes in a sustainable way. With regular departures throughout the year, the voyage line now offers four modern and sustainable ships with a goal to eliminate carbon emissions completely by 2030. Havila Voyages' fleet are loaded with the largest battery packs ever installed on a passenger ship, allowing the vessels to sail for four hours straight with zero emissions. The battery packs allow Havila to visit vulnerable fjords, such as the world heritage Geirangerfjord, without worrying about environmental issues.
The resort is assisting with the rehabilitation of sea turtles.
At the newly opened Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa guests enjoy comforts and amenities surrounded by modern Polynesian style. The luxurious resort places conservation as core part of the experience. At the heart of its sustainability efforts is the on-property Eco Center Bora Bora, originally founded in 2000 in partnership with the Direction of the Environment of French Polynesia. Now fully restored and expanded, the Center is once again rehabilitating sea turtles and educating guests on marine conservation. Throughout the year guests can join the Eco Center's marine biologists to feed sea turtles, assist with habitat upkeep and learn about long-term reef preservation.
Mayakoba's developers positioned the resort off the beach.
Mayakoba goes to great lengths to protect the surrounding nature, mangroves and wildlife habitats through careful land planning and the preservation of open space through a nature-forward, low-density design. Instead of situating the resorts directly on the water, which would increase water pollution and endanger many species of flora and fauna, Mayakoba's developers positioned the resorts off the beach to minimize environmental impact. Rather than driving between properties, guests travel between resorts via Mayakoba's intricate lagoon system and picturesque canals, where the destination even provides daily ecotours through the pristine waterways to teach guests about the endemic species that call this region home.
The resort offers a secluded, naturally beautiful island landscape.
Ambergris Cay, an exclusive, private year-round island resort, boasts 1,100 acres of mostly untouched land, offering a secluded, naturally beautiful island landscape. The private island includes more than 150 plant species such as cacti, mangroves and native grass and shrubs, barrier dunes, freshwater sinkholes and coastal trails for guests to explore and enjoy. Weaving sustainability into the private island resort's exclusive features and services, Ambergris Cay is home to an onsite solar farm used as an eco-friendly power source.
The hotel remains deeply rooted in sustainability efforts.
Recognized as the world's first vertical destination, lebua at State Tower in Bangkok not only offers the height of luxury travel, but also remains deeply rooted in sustainability efforts. This five-star hotel integrates cutting-edge carbon and energy efficiency technologies, prioritizing local, environmentally certified and fair-trade suppliers to minimize its ecological footprint. In its waste management practices, the hotel has adopted a circular economy model, focusing on recycling, reusing and composting to reduce waste. These efforts combine luxury and responsibility, allowing guests to experience the future of luxury travel.
Efforts are underway to preserve the yellow necked parrot.
Bordering a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 363,000 acres of protected land and sea, Costa Elena works to preserve and protect its local environment. Costa Elena invests in the regeneration of the Tropical Dry Forest ecosystems, for which only 2% are estimated to remain, preventing illegal logging, hunting and man-made wildfires and bringing endangered species like jaguars and the yellow necked parrot from the verge of extinction back to healthy numbers. They also invest in the protection of local beaches (earning a 'Blue Flag' for five beaches) and the construction and maintenance of a community recycling center that is now managed by a group of locals.
Isla Bella has initiated a mangrove restoration project.
Isla Bella Beach Resort, a luxurious, eco-driven beachfront destination, is changing the future of the local Florida Keys ecosystem. The resort has eliminated single-use plastics by installing water stations, providing reusable aluminum bottles and using sustainable takeout service ware. In partnership with the Conch Republic Marine Army, Isla Bella regularly organizes beach cleanups as part of Mangrove Restoration and has donated $85K for a boat to aid in local restoration efforts. The resort maintains beehives to support pollination, provide fresh honey for its dining outlets, and offer guests an educational experience.
The Farm's greenscape is committed to sustainable practices.
The Weston, a luxury boutique hotel concept, meaningful connections are at the center of everything they do. Set on 50 acres of land, The Farm's greenscape and hotel are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. The team's year-round seeding plan uses ecologically restorative farming techniques, resulting in all produce being free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. Vermont is home to environmentally-friendly outdoor adventures and also to world-class artists, collectors, makers and purveyors of myriad remarkable goods.
The Populus is the country's first carbon positive hotel.
Considered to be the country's first carbon positive hotel, Populus sets an entirely new standard in the world of sustainable travel. Carbon emissions were significantly reduced in Populus' development stage, thanks to sustainable construction techniques including the use of low-carbon concrete, an insulated façade system and GFRC rainscreen, intentionally not having onsite parking. All aspects of the hotel – from its innovative architecture and construction features to its upcycled and consciously-sourced interiors – are designed to drastically lower and offset its carbon footprint. Thanks to Populus' One Night, One Tree program in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, the hotel plants one tree for every night's stay – locally in Colorado – inviting guests to play a role in bettering forests.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's a Chic, All-inclusive Resort Hiding in a Charming Swiss Alps Town—With Mountain Views and a Heated Pool
The residential-inspired interiors add an effortlessly cool vibe and make The Brecon feel like a home away from home. The team at The Brecon can arrange transportation to pick up guests from Frutigen train station, the nearest one to the hotel, which is just 25 minutes away. The hotel's spa features a steam room, sauna, and ice bath, all neatly tucked away for maximum relaxation. The outdoor pool is kept year-round to 93°F and offers panoramic views of the Adelboden Massif. I arrived in the Swiss village of Adelboden during a particularly good weather spell. The sun was shining on its traditional Alpine chalets, with their red geranium-filled window boxes in full bloom. It was here, in the Bernese Oberland region, that the British originally helped popularize skiing as a leisure activity in the late 19th century. And Adelboden is just one of three communities that have been hosting World Cup ski races every year since 1967. Winter activities aside, though, warmer months bring postcard-perfect scenery around the village: wildflowers, winding roads, the faint sound of cowbells, and timber chalets punctuating the lush green mountainsides. So it's easy to see why this historic Alpine village is a treasured spot for Grant Maunder and his brother Craig, who hail from Wales and now own The Brecon Hotel in Adelboden—their family has been visiting for over 40 years. In 2009, the brothers, having once admired the exterior of an old Belle Epoque hotel at the end of the village, bought it and transformed it into The Cambrian, a family-friendly hotel with 72 rooms and a large, decked terrace. Then, last year, they opened the adults-only The Brecon, just a short ten-minute walk up the street from The Cambrian. The hotel's elegant entrance—a locally made revolving timber door—provides a hint of the experience, as discretion and luxury craftsmanship abound here. The welcome desk is directly in front of an open kitchen, with the breakfast room to the left and a beautiful living room to the right. The wall of windows that runs the length of the front of the building is a reminder that the views here are always the main attraction. A guest common area at The Brecon. Michael Sinclair/The Brecon Maunder tasked hip Amsterdam-based studio Nicemakers with the design. He wanted the hotel to evoke cool, mid-century clubhouses: laidback, stylish, and a world away from the grandeur of traditional Swiss five-star luxury. And Nicemakers nailed it: the hotel is warm and inviting, relaxing, comfortable, and effortlessly cool. Often, I prefer the privacy of downtime in my own room when I travel, but I found it easy to spend time with my travel companions lounging on the plush sofas beneath the coffered timber ceilings of the common lounge area with soft, shaggy rugs underfoot. I quickly found my favourite spot too—a little hidden nook with a leather banquette handily adjacent to the small bar. It was the best place to enjoy the great selection of culture-focused books and magazines artfully placed around vintage coffee tables, the waft of scented candles to boot. The artwork throughout, curated by Amsterdam's Bisou Gallery, was a visual feast, while the crazy-paved natural slate floor, which covers the ground floor common spaces and outdoor pool area, was laid by an artisan Maunder brought over from his native Wales. And his artist wife, Andrea Anderson, crafted in her studio each of the 950 ceramic plates, bowls, and cups used in the hotel. The Brecon is a hideaway for those seeking a more discreet version of luxury. It feels like the antidote to the glitz and high-octane glamour of the star-studded resorts of St. Moritz and Gstaad. Keep reading for a full review of The Brecon in the Swiss Alpine village of Adelboden. The first thing I noticed was that all 18 guest rooms and four suites at the hotel are pleasingly television-free. The rooms vary in size, ranging from just under 200 square feet for the Village Cosy to 775 square feet for the gorgeous two-story Mountain Loft with a bedroom and a living room on the lower level and another bedroom in the eaves on the upper level. I slept very well in my Mountain Cosy room, which, although one of the smallest, felt spacious and had a sumptuous bed and Melin Tregwynt wool blankets, custom-woven for the hotel. The decor is subtle: warm tones on the walls, rich textiles as drapes and rugs to absorb sound, and tiled bathrooms, stocked with a generous selection of Aesop products. Accommodations at the front of the hotel have balconies, too; mine was a corner wrap-around room so I could admire both the bubbling, heated pool below and panoramic views of the Engstligen waterfalls ahead in the distance. I spent golden hour with a cup of tea and a book, sitting out and staring at the mountains—the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are all in the area. From left: Dinner at The Brecon; the chef at work in the hotel's kitchen. Michael Sinclair/The Brecon The hotel's all-inclusive policy really reinforces the feeling of staying with generous friends. My travel companions and I gathered around the living room sofas before dinner and enjoyed the self-service bar for drinks. If doing it yourself isn't your jam, then a server will happily prepare excellent cocktails or pour you a glass of wine. The award-winning Welsh chef Bryn Williams, who leads the kitchen at The Cambrian, created the culinary homestyle concept at The Brecon, too. There's an open kitchen focused on seasonal, locally sourced produce, but it steers clear of the traditional Alpine fare. For breakfast, there are locally cured meats, fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs, and muesli to set you up for a day of walks and exploring. Afternoon tea, served daily, offers freshly prepared baked treats and little sandwiches after a day out. For evening meals, all guests are encouraged to congregate for a 7 p.m. sitting to enjoy the chef's four-course menu (with vegetarian options) with wine pairings. Maunder explained that guests are asked to leave their phones and laptops behind, which, he hopes, would lead to more in-person interaction. The Brecon's pool has views of the Adelboden Massif. Michael Sinclair/The Brecon Winter offers an excellent variety of skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-inspired activities. Summer is prime time for hiking and biking. I'm not sporty, but I managed (and loved) the short trek to the beautiful Engstligen waterfalls, followed by a rustic mountain-top lunch of local cheeses and charcuterie. While the hotel's pool is more in the dipping range, each morning I swam at Adelboden's open-air 164-foot pool, just a five-minute walk from The Brecon. Our group also made it to Lake Oeschinen, which is about a 30-minute drive from Adelboden and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. With its perfectly turquoise waters, it resembles a movie set, complete with the gentle jangle of cow bells. There's a charming café for lunch and a cute ice cream parlour, too. We enjoyed a picnic, arranged by The Brecon, before going for a dip in the lake's cold waters. If you're looking for further outdoor thrills, the hotel can help organize paragliding and bungee jumping adventures in the area. From left: The Brecon's heated pool is kept at 34°C; the hotel's sauna. Michael Sinclair/The Brecon The hotel has a small spa with a steam room, sauna, ice bath, and a relaxation room with extraordinary views of the mountains. The outdoor pool is heated to a comforting 93°F year-round. One afternoon, I had an excellent 50-minute full-body massage that left me incredibly relaxed. I loved the sauna's one-way glass window, enabling guests inside to look out and see what was going on at the pool deck and the mountains beyond. The Brecon has a second entrance to the left of the building, providing wheelchair access. There is one accessible room on the first floor, and the spa's treatment room, sauna, and steam room are all accessible from the elevator. The hotel is part of Adelboden's communal green energy and heating system that supplies power to the village. The providing company guarantees that electricity purchased from the two local hydropower plants is entirely from renewable and ecologically produced sources. The hotel is also part of the village's biomass heating system, burning woodchips to heat most buildings. The wooden exterior of The Brecon in Adelboden, Switzerland. Michael Sinclair/The Brecon The Brecon is 42 miles away from Bern, and approximately two hours from both Zurich and Geneva. Swiss roads are excellent, and so are the trains. Buying the Swiss train pass is often a better way to travel, and some options include a selection of ski lifts and boat rides. For this trip, my party flew to Zurich, took a two-hour train ride from inside the airport to the small town of Frutigen, the closest train station to Adelboden. There, we were collected in the hotel's Land Rover Defender, and whizzed straight to The Brecon, 25 minutes away. The Brecon is not part of any hotel or credit card loyalty program. Nightly, all-inclusive rates at The Brecon start from $880. All guests must be 18 or older to stay. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt's Secrets resort opens in Miches, D.R.; Dreams to follow
Hyatt Hotels Corp. has opened the Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic's Miches region. The 500-room, adults-only property is home to seven bars and eleven dining venues, including Dona Altagracia, a restaurant focused on elevated Dominican cuisine. Other highlights include a spa with hydrotherapy facilities and over 15,000 square feet of event space, including a main ballroom able to accommodate up to 1,440 guests. A portion of the resort's accommodations are part of the brand's Preferred Club program, which offers enhanced amenities like butler service, upgraded minibars and exclusive pool access. The property will also connect to the family-friendly Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa via its shared Public Square area, which features dining, shopping and entertainment venues. The Dreams Playa Esmeralda is scheduled to open Sept. 1. Guests at both resorts will have access to amenities at either property. Hyatt's Inclusive Collection now has around 20 all-inclusives in the D.R.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
5 Florida Hotel Spas For A Rejuvenating Getaway
Amrit Ocean Spa has plunge pools, chill fountains and other cool features. Amrit Ocean Spa Florida is usually celebrated for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and family-friendly theme parks. But beyond flip-flops and fireworks lies a more serene side of the Sunshine State — one filled with world-class spas. For those seeking a luxurious wellness escape, Florida offers an unexpected sanctuary. Whether you're in search of soothing stillness, cutting-edge treatments or simply a beautiful setting to clear your mind, these standout spas take wellness to the next level. With a name borrowed from Sanskrit meaning 'elixir of life,' Amrit Ocean Spa lives up to its moniker. On Singer Island in Palm Beach County, this property spans seven beachfront acres and centers around Florida's largest hotel spa: a four-story, 103,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary. One of the resort's signature features is a 1,200-square-foot hammam, inspired by Moroccan bathing rituals but refined with a contemporary touch. Most remarkable, however, is the Aayush Hydrothermal Experience, a 40,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy journey — the only one of its kind in Florida. Visitors move through a curated series of hot and cold plunge pools, an ultra-filtered lap pool, steam and sauna chambers, arctic chill fountains, a salt inhalation room and an effusion shower. Amrit also offers a broad menu of integrative therapies — everything from acupuncture and chakra balancing to redlight therapy and Ayurvedic treatments like abhyanga, shirodhara and udvartana massages. The spa features a sleek fitness center offering group classes and state-of-the-art equipment as well. And for guests in hope of a speedy recovery, onsite IV infusions are available in collaboration with Dr. Ara Suppiah, a respected sports medicine specialist. This fall, choose from immersive options like the holistic Wellness and Longevity Retreat, a curated, multi-day experience designed to reset your body and mind in an immersive setting. From sleep optimization and Ayurvedic therapies to chef-led workshops and hydrotherapy rituals, every element is crafted to promote renewal and lasting transformation. Vibroacoustic therapy is just one of The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach's offerings. The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach Set along the sands of North Miami Beach, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach is home to one of the largest spas on the East Coast — a 70,000-square-foot facility dedicated to well-being. While guests can certainly unwind with classic massages and facials, it's the resort's cutting-edge therapies that set it apart. The sanctuary specializes in high-tech healing, providing a suite of advanced treatments that includes infrared sauna sessions, vibroacoustic and electromagnetic therapies, full-body cryotherapy and Himalayan salt chambers designed to detoxify and energize. Wellness-seeking travelers can also opt into multi-day programs like the Serenity & Renewal Retreat or the Sleep Well Retreat, both customized to encourage healing and personal balance. Overnight guests will enjoy suite-style accommodations with sweeping ocean views and private balconies, along with fresh, seasonal dining at The Strand, Carillon Miami Beach's signature restaurant known for its focus on locally sourced, nutrient-rich cuisine. New for 2025, The Spa at Carillon Miami will debut Inner Glow, a first-of-its-kind retreat tailored to women navigating menopause and perimenopause. This immersive five-day program blends cutting-edge diagnostics, personalized wellness plans and restorative therapies — all set against the resort's tranquil beachfront backdrop. It's a long-overdue luxury experience designed to support women through a powerful new chapter. Ritual baths and waterfall whirlpools set a tranquil scene at Spa Palmera. The Boca Raton Spa Palmera Set within The Boca Raton, the Five-Star Spa Palmera channels the romance and refinement of Spain's Alhambra, with grand arches, mosaic-tiled fountains and a palm-lined courtyard that immediately transports you to somewhere that feels more like a Mediterranean estate than a hotel spa. Waterfall whirlpools, placid gardens and a private pool reserved exclusively for spa guests help complete this transformative outing. The extensive treatment menu blends timeless techniques with modern indulgence, from Ayurvedic rituals and body polishes to bespoke facials and therapeutic massages. Afterward, guests can linger beneath the trees or retreat to the quiet of the spa's soaking tubs and steam rooms. It's a place where opulence meets stillness, offering a subdued session that's as visually stunning as it is soothing. Among the standout offerings is the Gemstone Awakening Massage. Known for its unique blend of physical relief and energetic rebalancing, it's one of the spa's most requested services. The treatment uses warm basalt and Himalayan stones paired with cool lapis lazuli to relieve deep tension while aligning the body's energy. SPA by JW's massage suites are marvelous. SPA by JW at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street SPA by JW at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Nestled along Tampa's bustling Riverwalk, SPA by JW at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street offers a peaceful escape from the city's growing buzz. With interiors bathed in natural light, subtle mid-century-modern touches and a palette of calming neutrals and coastal blues, it blends Florida chic with laid-back luxury. While the setting alone invites relaxation, the treatment menu will impress even the most seasoned spa-goer. A standout is the JetPeel facial, an innovative, non-invasive service that uses pressurized oxygen to deliver micro-droplets deep into the skin. Each session includes lymphatic drainage, exfoliation and a customized infusion tailored to your needs. The result is an immediate glow without any downtime. It's high-tech skincare with no needles and zero irritation — ideal for even sensitive skin. Guests can also unwind with a Riverwalk Foot Ritual, an aromatic experience using rosemary and arnica to revive tired legs that have been walking around the city. Spa guests enjoy exclusive access to a private terrace with loungers and a mineral whirlpool. As hotel occupancy allows, midweek visitors can also relax on the expansive rooftop pool deck dotted with palm trees and hanging chairs, and weekend spa-goers can purchase day passes as an add-on. For those who prefer their self-care with a view, patrons can greet the day with morning yoga on the sixth-floor rooftop lawn. Whether you're seeking skin rejuvenation, a moment of mindfulness or simply a luxe lounge spot with a view, SPA by JW delivers elevated calm in the heart of downtown Tampa. The Spa at The Breakers Palm Beach's Mediterranean-inspired vibe invites guests to slow down. The Spa at The Breakers Palm Beach The Spa at The Breakers Palm Beach A crown jewel of waterfront opulence, Four-Star The Breakers Palm Beach is known for its timeless glamour. But tucked within the resort's ocean-facing estate lies a sanctuary of calm: Four-Star The Spa at The Breakers Palm Beach. The oasis' Mediterranean-inspired courtyard invites guests to slow down and fully exhale before their treatment even begins. Inside, the space blends coastal elegance with modern serenity through mosaic accents, creamy tones and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect the surrounding palms and sea. The treatment rooms, including a private spa suite with a chromotherapy tub and garden terrace, are personalized escapes ideal for couples or solo relaxation seekers. The service menu combines tradition and innovation with a curated selection of facials, massages and body rituals using top-tier skincare lines like Guerlain and Tata Harper. Among the most coveted is The Spa's signature treatment, the 80-minute Guerlain Black Orchid Facial, which blends science and nature to visibly reduce signs of aging. Another standout is the Tata Harper Body Wrap, an 80-minute pampering that envelops the body in a cocoon with nourishing botanicals while you enjoy a soothing foot or scalp massage. The treatment concludes with a hydrating layer of Tata Harper's luxe balm or oil, leaving skin thoroughly replenished. Post-treatment, guests can linger in the coed courtyard — The Breakers' modern take on a classic Medici concept — or stroll along the beachfront property. From glamorous treatments to sweet touches like the Ice Cream Manicure and Pedicure for younger guests, this spa delivers rejuvenation as both an art and an everyday ritual. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's 6 Best Palm Beach Hotels By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes 27 Hotels With Luxury Car Collaborations By Melinda Sheckells Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide
