Lumira Stays: The world’s best eco-luxury resorts
At LUMIRA, we firmly believe that true luxury comes from treating both ourselves and our planet with the utmost respect. Happily, we’re not alone. Some of the world’s most exciting and indulgent resorts and spas have also embraced a sustainable ethos , making them even more appealing as a holiday destination.
Here are three of the new crop of eco-luxury resorts that have captured our attention – and soon, our passports.
Svart, Norway
Somewhere above the Arctic Circle, a futuristic-looking circular building appears to hover above the waters of the Hollandsfjorden fjord. But Svart doesn’t only look impressive: the destination, which opened in 2021, is working towards being the world’s first self-sustainable resort, a goal it plans to achieve within five years.
What to explore: Nestled at the base of the Svartisen Glacier, this is an outdoor paradise. In summer, there’s 24 hours of sunlight in which to hike or mountain bike in the mountains, go sailing on the clear waters, or explore the glacier ice tunnels. In winter, it becomes a frozen wonderland for cross-country skiing (or apres-skiing, if you prefer your fun indoors).
Eco credentials: Solar power saves around 85% of the resort’s electricity use, and on-site dining follows a farm-to-table approach. But Svart has even bigger goals in mind: it’s aiming to go completely off the grid, generating its own electricity, water and waste management by 2026.
Vana Wellness Retreat, India
Vana sets a new benchmark for holistic wellbeing. The business is inspired by local and traditional principles of working with the land, while the on-site program of yoga, Ayurveda and Sowa Rigpa are designed to nurture and reset the mind and body.
What to explore: Enjoy a yoga class in one of the four dedicated pavilions, visit the on-site library, or simply take time out in the 21 acres of orchards and forests surrounding the property. Wellness treatments are based on traditional Chinese, Tibetan or Ayurvedic principles.
Eco credentials: Vana was the first resort in India to be awarded a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The stunning resort was built using sustainably sourced materials, and low-impact energy consumption, rainwater harvesting and solar heating is used throughout.
Daintree Ecolodge, Australia
Located in the middle of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the Ecolodge is made up of 15 bayans or treehouses, allowing you to literally sleep among the treetops.
What to explore: Some resorts have a private beach or marina; Daintree Ecolodge boasts its own private waterfall that is truly a must-see. The Ecolodge is also the perfect base from which to explore the incredible Daintree, the world’s oldest tropical lowland rainforest.
Eco credentials: The Daintree Ecolodge is a carbon-neutral resort, which is partially powered by solar panels. Water, waste and other materials are recycled. It also has partnerships with the Reef Keepers Fund, to support Great Barrier Reef research, and Rainforest Rescue, to assist with reforestation of the Daintree.
Written by Michelle Bateman
