The end of summer can be a depressing time. The weather cools down, the holidays end, and life goes back to reality. But one of the best ways to pull yourself out of that undoubtedly bad mood is to create something to look forward to in the form of a winter trip. And, if you can be eco-conscious while you’re planning that trip, all the better.
From Amsterdam to Mauritius to Cambodia, there are so many luxurious vacations you can take that have minimal impact on the planet and leave your host communities better than they were before. Positive Luxury has rounded up six holiday ideas that will help you do both, thanks to hospitality companies who bear the Butterfly Mark.
Read on to learn more about each of these special trips. And for even more information on these destinations and the companies who take you to them, follow along with their digital activations for Positive Week starting on October 14th.
Vietnam with Ansova Travel
Let Ansova Travel show you Vietnam’s most popular locations so you can really get immersed in the country’s cultural diversity and history. On this 11-day, 10-night trip, you’ll go from the cosmopolitan south through the ancient capital of the Centre to the cultural capital in the North of Vietnam. You’ll be shown all the sights by a local guide, and you’ll stay in some of the country’s most beautiful hotels and resorts.
The Galapagos with Aracari
From December to May, it’s the warm season in the Galapagos, and the perfect time to visit this stunning equatorial location teeming with wildlife. Aracari can guide you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site on a luxury cruise, of which there are several to choose from. Each one is a carried out with a deep respect for the environment and the animals that inhabit it, and they celebrate the history of the local people you interact with.
Amsterdam at the Conservatorium
Amsterdam is one of the most unique European cities, and you can take advantage of its museums, shopping and vibrant culture from the Conservatorium Hotel. Right in the Museum Square district, this heritage landmark is an excellent home base for exploring the city – you won’t have to walk far to see all the sights if it gets a bit chilly.
Mauritius at the Salt of Palmar
Mauritius calls to mind scenic beaches, lush rainforests and waterfalls, so it’s easy to see why this would make the ideal winter holiday. But, at the Salt of Palmar, you get a little more from the island. Beyond access to all of their five-star amenities, they also offer skill-swapping programs where you can both learn from and teach a local, they use local ingredients grown on their own pesticide-free farm, and they support Island Bio, a non-profit that empowers Mauritian communities.
Verbier, Switzerland with Lagom
Hit the slopes at the peak of ski season when you visit the mountainside town of Verbier. Lagom has five beautiful properties in this quaint Swiss town, and each one can help you take full advantage of all it has to offer. Feast on the local cuisine, enjoy the incomparable views and, of course, ski, all while having minimal impact on the environment.
Cambodia with Song Saa
This paradise is an intimate escape that combines luxury, retreat and a connection with the surroundings. Song Saa was built to reflect the beauty of the Cambodian coastline with local materials by local people. It’s a new-age tropical getaway, with untouched private beaches, plush villas, an otherworldly spa and a preserved coral reef.
