Wander Woman

Conscious Travel: It’s not just Trendy, It's Necessary

by Lauren Raps

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?

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

Shinta Mani Pool Villa: 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.

Bensley, who has designed more than 200 hotels in his 30 years in the business is deeply passionate about conservation, sustainability and philanthropy, in 2020 he presented his “Sensible Sustainability Solutions” white paper for the Global Hotel Industry, stating “I am done with designing lavish hotels just to put heads on beds. Every hospitality project that we have on the drawing boards right now has a purpose and a candle to light. Those of us in hospitality – be it designers, owners or operators – have the power of reaching thousands of people through our hotels and spreading this message of purpose. We should shoulder more responsibility concerning issues such as education, clean accessible water, alternative energy, energy consumption, food waste, wildlife protection and conservation.”

Pimalai Resort & Spa: Krabi, Thailand

Pimalai Resort and Spa

One hundred acres of tropical vegetation with direct access to 900 meters of pristine sandy beaches, away from crowds and reality - Pimalai’s commitment to its environment is also an investment in its future as this resort is truly as close to nature as you can get. Since the birth of the resort in 1999, every decision from construction, to caring for its local community, to recycling takes into consideration their responsibility to the land and the people who live there. With loads of activities and luxurious accommodations — its mission doesn’t sacrifice anything one is looking for in a beach resort.

The Datai: Langkawi, Malaysia

The Datai

With five stars and a four-pillar pledge to social responsibility, The Datai Langkawi has sustainability at its core and its guests are the lucky recipients of a luxurious experience that not only doesn’t hurt, but significantly helps the environment and its local community. Commitments like a zero waste-to-landfill project, no single-use plastic, water management and energy saving programs make it a leader in the industry for sustainability while being recognized as one of Malaysia’s most popular destination resorts.

Lauren Raps is AWA's Bar Night Chair. She moved to Singapore in January 2021 with her husband and three boys. She is the President and Founder of Travel Prospect, a full service leisure travel planning company.