The Datai: Malaysia
Wander Woman
Lauren's Journey to Cross the Globe, One Amazing Experience at a Time by Lauren Raps
Conscious Travel: It’s not just Trendy, It's Necessary Sustainable travel is nothing new, it’s been here since I can remember, and the travel industry has responded to the need in many ways and measures. But now, with the call to act louder than ever; many hotels, tour operators and airlines are making their sustainability mission a part of every decision they make, and choosing to spoil guests rather than the environment. And while companies are making great strides, there are a distinguished few that have excelled and are truly making a difference right here in Southeast Asia, at destinations we should be able to visit soon. I took the opportunity to talk with the President of Big Five Tours and Expeditions, Ashish Sanghrajka for this piece. Sanghrajka’s family-owned company is one of the most charitable and mindful tour operators out there. Sustainable travel has been part of Big Five’s DNA since its founding nearly 50 years ago, in 1973, when his father started the company. His father said, "We come into this world with nothing, we leave with nothing. It's what we do in between that matters." Could it be as simple as that? 6
AWA Magazine March/April 2022
Sustainable travel does have some fallacies attached to it; many travelers equate it with ecolodges, and expect more rustic lodging. Can a hotel or a resort be good for the environment but still be luxurious? Can it include all the bells and whistles we have come to expect from the beautiful resorts scattered through the region? “Most definitely. I would even argue that a sustainable hotel is more luxurious than one expects in many cases. It's actually the driving force behind the redefinition of the word luxury in every industry from hotels to automobile to handbags,” says Sanghrajka. Wander Woman’s picks for who are doing sustainable travel right: Shinta Mani: Siem Reap, Cambodia Sanghrajka points me to the Shinta Mani Hotels in Cambodia. Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Villas Shinta Mani Angkor are upscale boutique properties created by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley in a tranquil and leafy setting within the French Quarter of Siem Reap, near Angkor Wat. “Every activity, experience and meal is benefiting a local community. Whether it's procuring local organic ingredients or hiring staff, this hotel is connected to the community while offering a luxurious experience for guests,” said Sanghrajka.
