Hit the Road While Hugging the World
Photo: Richard Waite / Courtesy of Soneva Fushi
Travel, a luxurious break from our everyday reality, can feel overly indulgent at times. Turndown service, concierge-directed itineraries, glasses that appear to refill themselves—it’s easy to indulge oneself while on the road. If you’re looking to return home with more than just a souvenir, look no further than these hotels, which offer you the chance to get involved in a local cause through education and activity. Each of these experiences will give you a hands-on opportunity to do some good.
Soneva Fushi & Kiri
Located in Thailand and the Maldives respectively, guests of these two Soneva properties can participate in the brand’s “Stay for Good” program. By joining in activities such as turtle identification, beekeeping, crop sustainability and more, participants are rewarded with more than just a feeling of goodwill: Soneva will match these contributions with a gift of additional nights’ stay on the property.
Six Senses Douro Valley
Set in Portugal’s Douro Valley, this Six Senses property is built around sustainability. Its location in Douro Valley, a named UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives credence to the hotel’s commitment to both monitor and improve their carbon footprint. Stay at this location and not only do your vacation dollars help preserve this natural gem, but you also have the chance to educate yourself on Portugal's local vegetation. Direct contributions can also be made in the form of the hotel’s donkey mascot, a toy sold on property with 50% of sales going directly toward protecting endangered animals.
Inkaterra Guides Field Station
Travelers to the Peruvian Amazon will have a new option to stay and learn about conservation activities in the area. The Inkaterra Guides Field Station will have private cabanas, communal dining, and an eco center for guests to learn about local flora and fauna and how to preserve them. From sustainable farming practices to nighttime rainforest explorations, excursions and education are seamlessly mixed here.
Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
Ritz-Carlton’s participating hotels offer a wide range of activities and causes for guests to volunteer for during their stay. This season at the brand’s Battery Park location, guests can make their mark on the neighborhood by joining the Beautifying Battery Park program. With a range of options from painting benches and urban farming, to a newly launched partnership with Repeat Roses (a charity that recycles florals used at weddings), it’s easier than ever to add some generosity to your next city escape.