4 days ago
The real flex is going on a vacay that gives back
Forget basic beach breaks, the new status holiday is all about giving back (to the animals, obvs). From feeding orphaned elephants in Thailand to safaris in solar-powered Land Cruisers, these getaways are your chance to reconnect with nature, while still living that luxe life. Here's where to book for your next guilt-free vacay.
Tatvani, Chiang Rai – Thailand
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Imagine booking an entire 29-acre estate just for you and your crew (yes, really). Tatvani in Chiang Rai is what you get when five-star luxury and ethical travel have a baby. With six dreamy villas, koi-filled swimming ponds, and an award-winning spa, you'll be in your softest era yet.
The real star of the show? The Tatvani Elephant Sanctuary. You'll get to spend quality time (as in, unlimited) with their small herd of orphaned elephants, no chains, no riding, just genuine connection. Add in rice planting, buffalo cuddles, and treks with local tribes, and this is your Eat Pray Love moment with a conservationist twist.
Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand – South Africa
What if your safari could be totally silent and totally sustainable? Cheetah Plains is South Africa's first carbon-negative lodge (yep, NEGATIVE), running entirely off solar energy and using electric Land Cruisers that glide through the bush like a dream. It's peak eco-luxury.
Set in the legendary Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, this place is all about preserving the wild, while giving you front-row seats to lions, elephants, leopards and more. There are only 12 guest suites, so it's all ultra-private, and every stay directly supports conservation, local communities, and grassroots education. Oh, and the beanies in the boutique? Made by local women trained through Cheetah's own knitting project. Cute and conscious.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Tsavo & Nairobi – Kenya
What if your safari could help orphaned elephants heal and head back to the wild? The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Kenya's most iconic conservation organisations, best known for rescuing baby elephants and raising them with round-the-clock care until they're strong enough to return to the wild. It's heartwarming, hopeful, and seriously unforgettable.
Based between Nairobi National Park and Tsavo, the Trust offers intimate experiences where you can witness the magic up close—think feeding time at the Nursery or seeing reintegrated elephants roam free in the wilderness. Every visit, donation, and symbolic adoption goes directly towards wildlife protection, anti-poaching patrols, and habitat conservation across Kenya.
Oh, and the baby ellies in red blankets? Adorable doesn't even begin to cover it.
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