There is something oh-so-rewarding about falling for a boutique hotel that does its bit to save the world. That’s why I’ve made it my North Star to signpost travellers to greener getaways that pay it forward. Luckily, SLH’s Considerate Collection pulls this off with considerable aplomb, with a star lineup of independently run escapes led by passionate hosts modelling a better way to travel. What’s more, you’ll be dreaming about their unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views — not to mention the best organic breakfasts — long after check-out, whichever destination you choose.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Bhutan
Soulful healing in the Himalayan peaks
As the world’s first carbon-negative country, Bhutan has famously elevated sustainability to an art form. The very act of stepping over the threshold of this lofty wellness resort — perched high in the Himalayas within the remote, rural Neyphug Valley — feels immediately restorative. Crafted in the traditional Bhutanese style using intricate woodwork, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary features a tranquil spa showcasing soothing treatments rooted in ancient herbal wisdom. Traditional medicine doctors, or dungtsho, carry out personal assessments before guiding you to aromatic hot stone baths or a treatment room for a serene Ku Nye massage. Elsewhere, mindful moments aplenty await, from morning yoga and pottery sessions to trying your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.
Dar Ahlam, Morocco
Sustaining people and place on the Sahara’s fringes
Long beloved of Hollywood film directors, the city of Ouarzazate forms an arresting backdrop for this magical kasbah — as do the stark Saharan sand dunes beyond. Thanks to the enduring commitment of visionary hotelier, Thierry Teyssier, Dar Ahlam helps to support cultural conservation while encouraging much-needed regeneration within the local economy. Beyond its terracotta walls, guests are encouraged to partake in authentic Moroccan adventures that benefit the Berber people, from historical home visits to locally led treks through the Valley of Roses. Dar Ahlam’s landmark Memory Road project — made in partnership with the Global Heritage Fund — renovates abandoned villages for new inhabitants in southern Morocco, helping to preserve the Berber heritage for new generations.
Pimalai Resort and Spa, Thailand
Nurturing island life, from reef to rainforest
Pimalai Resort and Spa isn’t just a dreamy escape on Koh Lanta — it’s also deeply committed to protecting the island it calls home. Sustainability is woven into daily life here, from refillable ceramic bottles, sugarcane straws, and electric golf carts, to organic gardens you can wander through on a guided nature walk. The resort has long partnered with the Thai Fishery Department to release baby clownfish at nearby Koh Haa, helping preserve marine life for future generations, and runs a coral propagation programme too. Proceeds from its ‘Say No to Plastic’ bags support eco-education in local schools, while beach clean-ups, mangrove forest tours, and support for community artisans keep guests connected to island culture. It’s thoughtful, hands-on hospitality that lets you relax knowing your stay has a positive impact.
Grove of Narberth, Wales
A woodland idyll with authentic Welsh warmth
A passion for provenance becomes abundantly clear within minutes of checking into this biomass-powered hotel and cottages in Pembrokeshire’s countryside. The region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and wholesome bounty are brought to the fore in all you touch, see, and taste. The freshest of ingredients are sourced on a hyperlocal level, having travelled mere miles — or in some cases, minutes — to the kitchens, in turn benefitting Welsh farmers and growers. Carbon is cut, flavour is maximised, and farm-to-fork eating can be savoured — as low-key or high-end as you like it, thanks to a choice of restaurants. Artfully balancing style with substance, Grove of Narberth encapsulates rustic elegance at its finest. Martin Hulbert-designed interiors create richness throughout the hand-loomed upholstery, wool cushions and original artwork, while dramatic photography captures the texture and terroir of the Preseli Hills. Whether you’re staying in the hotel itself or one of its cottages, accommodation strikes a comforting note with artisanal Welsh blankets and dressed-up armchairs hand-picked from local antique shops. If only all hotels sourced their furnishings so sensitively.
Rio Perdido, Costa Rica
Sustainable forest dwelling under a tropical canopy
As one of the most biodiverse nations on the globe, Costa Rica is the place to be for transformative experiences with a wild side. Enter Rio Perdido, a 38-bungalow retreat wrapped up within 1,500 tropical reforested acres in the leafy heart of Guanacaste. This is a hotel where nature leads the way, from wildlife conservation and community development to clever hydrology innovations. As founder Gabriel Saragovia puts it: “We as human beings are making a huge effort to dominate nature, instead of it being the other way around.” Though the understatedly chic lodgings, curated with wow-factor views, may grab your camera’s attention, the lasting impression is one of deep respect for the vital ecology of the national park surrounds. A family of architects, biologists and artists created Rio Perdido after falling in love with its spectacular thermal river setting — and their collective passion is evident throughout every inch of this canyon-skimming destination.
Valsana Hotel Arosa, Switzerland
Energy ingenuity with a side of Swiss sophistication
Savvy design infused with mountain conservation initiatives make this timeless, high-altitude hideaway particularly compelling. Championing a carbon-neutral mindset, this family-friendly eco-hotel, featuring 49 rooms, makes canny use of geothermal heating and solar panels, while an ice-battery system stores energy in frozen form — all of which makes for the perfect temperature, whatever the season. Those keen to know more about the nifty renewable engineering should make time for the Valsana Green Tour, where they’ll discover sustainability secrets straight out of a sci-fi film set, all shiny silver tubes and flashing lights. Bonus green points for accessing this elevated spot via the charming train that winds its way 1,000 metres upwards from Chur to Arosa.
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