From a rewarding experience with nature in the Australian bush to lending a hand to one of the largest coral regeneration programmes in the Indian Ocean, add these trips to your travel bucket list if you’re searching for escapes that allow conscious travellers to give back to the community (and the planet)
Matetesi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
More than just one of Africa’s most stylish luxury lodges, located on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River within its own 55,000-hectare private wildlife conservation area, Matetesi Victoria Falls positively impacts Zimbabwe’s community welfare and environment through a partnership with Pack for a Purpose. From solar lantern lights, toothpaste and vitamins to toys, netballs and first aid kits, book a stay and you’ll be encouraged to allow space in your luggage for much-needed supplies. A number of local projects are already seeing the benefits including Greenline Africa Trust which provides ‘Gogo Packs’ to support grandmothers looking after orphaned children in rural communities, Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit which is dedicated to the conservation of local wildlife and natural resources, and Mummy’s Angels Zimbabwe, which helps mothers and babies in need. Book now
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Home to the Maldives’s only Troon golf course, air-conditioned tennis courts and 18 plush over-water villas, Velaa Private Island also happens to run one of the largest coral regeneration projects in the Indian Ocean with its in-house marine team. Not only can you snorkel or scuba with the resident marine biologist who will share expertise and knowledge of daily marine conservation responsibilities of the foundation, you’ll also have the opportunity to adopt an individual coral line to add to Velaa’s reef rainforest and take home a coral adoption certificate along with biannual updates of its development as a thank you for all your hard work. Book now
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Australia
Get up-close and personal with the Australian bush at this ultra-luxury conservation resort — and the first One&Only resort in Australia — located between the Wollemi and Gardens of Stone National Parks in the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region. Occupying just one per cent of a 7,000-acre wilderness reserve, and a world-leading example of carbon-neutral conservation and sustainable design, care for the natural environment guides every guest touchpoint, from the planting of trees and the collection of seeds to the introduction of environmentally sustainable products and processes into all aspects of the experience. Book now
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- Words by Naomi Chadderton
