I’ll never forget booking a massage at a remote “eco-resort” in Indonesia, only to hear a diesel generator rumbling outside for the duration of the treatment. After years of writing about sustainable travel, I’ve learned that not all green claims are created equal. Too often, “eco” is used to convey proximity to nature, not the protection of it. Yet, as the late, great Jane Goodall said, “Every single one of us makes an impact on this planet every single day, and we get to choose what kind of difference we make.”
Enter: Regenerative hospitality. This new era of luxury funds marine protection and education initiatives, sources its ingredients from closed-loop farms, and empowers staff members to be stewards of their own communities — all while maintaining elevated standards like private villas and world-class culinary offerings. Here are five properties that set the bar for this travel genre, making for places where indulgence feels fulfilling, restoring not only you but also the world outside your window.
Photography provided by Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
When morning breaks over Nepal’s mighty Annapurna range, the peaks ignite in shades of gold. The awe-inspiring sight reminds globetrotters how small and connected we are in this vast world. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge embodies that same feeling of humility. Built from hand-cut stone and local timber, it employs nearly all staff from neighboring villages and channels profits into schools, clean water taps and forest restoration projects. The grounds remain wild for Himalayan birds and butterflies, while researchers log data that informs conservation efforts across the country. Guests are invited to walk with naturalists, meet community partners or simply sip a steaming cup of Nepali chiya tea on the terrace, embracing stillness as mists drift through the valley below. Gold certified for accommodation sustainability by Travelife, Tiger Mountain goes above and beyond to nurture ecosystems and local livelihoods. For travelers seeking reflection and purpose, this ridge-top retreat offers both perspective and genuine reciprocity.
Photography provided by Song Saa
Song Saa Private Island
Arriving by boat to this private island may feel like a scene straight out of The White Lotus, but these two emerald islets offer more than just sunset cocktails and beach selfie photo ops. Named after the local Khmer word for “sweethearts,” Song Saa feels every bit the tropical fantasy, but with very real impact. Founded by Melita Koulmandas after she came across the once-degraded islands in 2006, the resort was built to heal the land and eventually became the first in Cambodia to earn B Corp certification. Today, its thatched villas float above restored reefs, and travelers are encouraged to turn their senses on and their Wi-Fi off as they rediscover connection through restorative wellness programs and nature itself — be it a Buddhist blessing in the jungle spa, a meditation in the salt room or an afternoon planting mangroves with marine biologists. Each guest’s stay helps fund Cambodia’s first Marine Protected Area and community healthcare programs across the archipelago.
Photography provided by Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve
Vermejo, A Ted Turner Reserve
Spanning more than half a million acres across northern New Mexico, Vermejo feels more like a conservation project (with opulent accommodations) than a traditional resort. What was once overgrazed ranchland is now home to genetically pure bison herds, reintroduced Rio Grande cutthroat trout and beavers reclaiming restored wetlands. Staying at Vermejo feels like stepping back into the storied West. Mornings begin on horseback, while afternoons are spent casting lines in clear mountain streams. Here, silence stretches for miles. Solar-powered lodges built from local wood and stone minimize energy use, and insights gained from land restoration efforts are shared to improve environmental policy elsewhere in the United States. At Vermejo, luxury is the chance to witness firsthand the miracles of an ecosystem that’s steadily coming back to life.
Photography provided by Stanglwirt
Bio- and Wellnessresort Stanglwirt
At Stanglwirt, the balance between organic farm and five-star spa feels effortless. Snuggled at the base of the Wilder Kaiser peaks with an ever-present scent of pine, this family-run retreat has been powered by its own biomass plant and hydroelectric station for nearly half a century, drawing warmth and water from the surrounding landscape. As guests move from the sauna to the mineral pool, sounds of cows — who supply the resort’s milk and cheeses — can be heard echoing across the verdant pastures. In fact, most ingredients come from its 100-hectare organic farm, while guest rooms are completely adorned in natural wools and linens. Proceeds from Stanglwirt’s bottled spring water have funded wells and a school in Ethiopia. What began as a Tyrolean inn in 1722 has matured into a model for enduring, regenerative hospitality in the Alps.
Photography provided by Borgo Pignano
Borgo Pignano
In the Tuscan hills between Volterra and San Gimignano, Borgo Pignano revives the art of living sustainably and beautifully. The 750-acre estate functions as a closed-loop ecosystem: Solar energy and a biomass plant power the restored villas, reed beds purify gray water, and organic waste feeds the fields. Gardens and orchards yield most of the ingredients served in its kitchen, while resident bees, horses and hens help complete the cycle. Guests can join the herbalist to craft tonics or perfumes from wildflowers, connecting ancient healing traditions with modern well-being. Every element, from natural lime plasters to reclaimed slate roofs, honors local craftsmanship and biodiversity. The result is a place where centuries-old soil and thoughtful design sustain both land and traveler in equal measure.
