Sustainability and community
At Le Petit Monde, we are dedicated to more than just luxury travel; we are committed to making a positive impact on the world. Embracing the global shift towards sustainable tourism, we partner with properties and operators who not only promise unforgettable experiences but also actively contribute to the well-being of their communities and the environment. From revitalizing local economies to preserving natural landscapes, our partners are at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices that enhance the luxury travel experience while ensuring a healthier planet. Join us as we explore how each unique destination we represent is pioneering efforts to marry luxury with responsibility.
Authenticities, Sri Lanka DMC
Authenticities was founded on the principle that travel is ultimately about connection, and at the heart of what they do is the belief that they have the power – and the responsibility – to help tackle climate change and support communities, especially as they have seen first hand the destruction irresponsible tourism has had on some parts of the island. Therefore, their travel itineraries aren’t just about forging unforgettable moments, but also about weaving in philanthropic experiences and sustainable practices.
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There are many tangible ways they achieve this, from making sure that money spent stays in the places they’re visiting and employing local guides, to providing stainless steel vessels and water dispensers on tours (saving an estimated 420,000 single-use bottles since 2017). They also work with non-profits to plan fossil fuel-free tours, prioritise hotels that advocate the same green initiatives and slow travel values, and are working towards making their offices 100% powered by solar energy.
Sri Lanka would not be what it is without its incredible countryside and diverse wildlife, so the company places importance on sustainable wildlife tourism, such as visiting lesser-known parts of the island to avoid overcrowding. And then there’s the difference the Sri Lanka destination management company is making to society. Their Connect initiative focuses on providing support to rural schools in the country (whether that’s building classrooms or supplying sports equipment), offering paid volunteer days to their staff, and encouraging visitors to sponsor a child’s primary education for an academic year.
Their programmes are funded through profits, and have so far helped several schools across the country. It’s also a discerning way for visitors to get actively involved in local projects, and leave feeling they have made a difference.
For more information on Authenticities’s sustainable endeavours, see authenticitiessrilanka.com/sustainability
Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, PAPHOS, Cyprus
The Asimina Suites Hotel is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Paphos, and has the Travelife Gold certification to prove it. Their sustainable practices go beyond simply reducing and managing waste (which they do through a comprehensive environmental management system) to actually looking after the people around them, both on site and in the local community.
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They believe that by improving both the economic and social prospects for these communities, safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity, and upholding high standards in human rights and labour, they can help build a more sustainable future for the destination and contribute to the progression of the hospitality industry and culture as a whole.
Particularly in terms of the latter, the all-suite property focuses on stamping out discrimination in the workplace, investing in its employees’ development, and nurturing a kind and supportive working environment, where everyone feels part of the team. This in turn works hand in organic-cotton-glove with the hotel’s wider role in the sustainable development of tourism, and has a direct impact on guests’ positive experience.
For more information on Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel’s sustainable endeavours, see asimina-cbh.com/sustainability
Eagles Resort, HALKIDIKI, Greece
Eagles Resort (where both Eagles Villas and Eagles Palace rub shoulders) has been awarded the Blue Flag certification for 31 years in a row – an outstanding achievement that should be shouted about from every one of their sea-facing balconies (which have all been positioned perfectly for gazing out over said Blue Flag beach).
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Taking into consideration the water quality, health and safety standards, and environmental practices like beach-cleaning programmes and educational workshops on protecting local birds (all efforts that the teams take immense pride in as they strive to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the beach), the award’s longevity shows that this eco-friendly haven takes its green ethos seriously.
The two properties have also been awarded Green Key certification by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature for their efforts surrounding energy conservation, waste management, community engagement and biodiversity preservation, among other things. Accolades aside, sustainability runs through the properties’ veins, with hyper-local suppliers used where possible, and meals and drinks flavoured with herbs plucked from the gardens.
For more information on Eagle Resort’s sustainable endeavours, see eaglesresort.gr/news/green-key-2024
GoldenEYE Villa, Jamaica
With sustainable tourism playing a key role in Jamaica’s Vision 2030 plan, the island is gearing up to hit some serious green goals, and with that are hotels looking to contribute to the visitor economy in a sustainable way that benefits the local people. Already an established player in this field is GoldenEye, a beautiful resort in Oracabessa where Ian Fleming lived and penned his James Bond novels.
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In 1976 it was bought by Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, who built a collection of villas, lagoon cottages and beach huts among the tropical gardens and coves. His philanthropic visions would go on to make a big difference in the bay; and the three-bedroom Fleming Villa is where it all started, with the creation of the GoldenEye Foundation (more on this further below).
Ian Fleming’s eponymous three-bedroom villa, which he designed and lived in, might be part of GoldenEye but it’s completely secluded and surrounded by the most incredible gardens. Guests staying at Fleming Villa (and indeed any of the on-site accommodations) can enjoy the resort’s fabulous facilities, wholesome dining, and bush-to-beauty-treatment experiences, should they wish to tear themselves away from the private pool, butler service and private sandy beach.
In the Field Spa, for instance, they use plants like aloe vera from the garden in some of their body wraps, and baths are made with pimento and wild ginger harvested from the Pantrepant farm. The ethos extends beyond the spa, too, with grilled fish straight from the sea served at Bamboo Bar’s Jamaican Jerk BBQ. And, if guests want to make a lasting mark on the estate, they can plant a tree for a donation of USD$1,000 to the Oracabessa Foundation – Michael Caine, Kate Moss, Quincy Jones and Johnny Depp have all done it.
For more information on Fleming Villa, see theflemingvilla.com
GoldenEye, Jamaica
In 1995, GoldenEye’s owner, Chris Blackwell, set up a philanthropic foundation to support the people of Oracabessa and the wider bay area. The mission was simple: to implement programmes that positively impact the people’s quality of life and support the community to thrive in a healthy environment that is future-proof for generations to come. To achieve this, they focused on two elements: the people and the planet.
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People. In 2009 they set up the Jacks River Skills Training Center in partnership with the Heart Trust and Jamaica’s National Service Training Agency to teach the Oracabessa youth vocational skills in construction, housekeeping and hospitality, so as to increase employability. Their aim for 2020-2030 is to certify 1,500 people – so far they have passed over 900.
A few years later, they built the Caribbean’s first BMX track and set up The Two Wheels One Love programme to develop young people’s skills in mechanics, teamwork and responsibility, as well as experiencing the joy of being part of something bigger. Following that, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Growing Together agricultural programme was created to encourage locals to set up farming work. The foundation provided participants with supplies, support, and a nine-month training programme in agri-business development.
Planet. Together with the Oracabessa Fishers Association and local fishermen, they set up a marine sanctuary to boost the local fish population and protect the bay reefs. A marine sciences education tour is currently being developed for 2025, along with the planting of 80,000 corals in the sanctuary as part of the reef rehabilitation plan (2020-2030). Turtles are part of the Big Plan, too; working with Mel "The Turtle Man", over 250,000 sea turtles have been released, and they are currently working on building a solar-powered hatchery. Separately, one of the most recent Planet projects has been the launch of Jamaica's first Dive Center in 2019, with all profits helping to fund the marine conservation programme.
For more information on GoldenEye’s sustainable endeavours, see goldeneyefoundation.org
Green Inspirations, Tanzania, KENYA, ZANZIBAR DMC
As its name implies, Green Inspirations is committed to finding new ways of avoiding negative impacts on the environment that come with travel. With the idea that what’s good for the environment is good for the livelihoods of local communities and businesses, they strive to find new ways of making their own practices more sustainable – along with the clients they work with.
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Their conscientious efforts begin in the office with the three Rs: Reuse, Recycle, Reduce. They make a point of giving away any working but unused equipment like computers and printers, avoid printing and using paper where necessary – reusing any waste paper if they do, and choosing digital communications where possible – and purchase products such as paper towels and printer paper that is made of recycled paper. Low-energy light bulbs have been installed, and electronic gadgets and appliances are shut down after work or when not in use. Even the soaps and detergents are thoughtfully considered.
Beyond the office, the three Rs make an impact on the ground and in the field. The company makes a point of working with Green-rated tours and excursions, and the hotels, lodges, camps, event venues are expected to uphold high standards when it comes to environmental policy, right down to providing the right kind of recycling bins in accessible places (for guests and staff). Outdoor events such as picnics in the savannah or private dining on the beach undergo an evaluation by an environmental specialist to make sure they’re in line with Green Inspirations’ standards, and utensils are reusable.
Lastly, the company’s fleet of jeeps, vans and minibuses are kitted out with vacuum flasks to keep teas and coffees hot throughout the tours, as well as energy-saving fridges to ensure drinks are nice and cool (and – importantly – keeping that special-occasion bottle of champagne lovely and chilled).
For more information on Solis 360’s sustainable endeavours, see greeninspirationsdmc.com
INCENT TOURS DMC- InDiA, BHUTAN & NEPAL
Sustainable travel can be challenging in India, Bhutan and Nepal due to their vast size, accessibility and spread of places to visit; cars and planes are common ways to get around and with the roads in this part of the world, it’s very important to have a good driver. A good driver can be something that really makes a holiday memorable and repeat guests will often book their holiday around a specific chauffeur’s availability.
For Incent Tours, ultimately it’s the small things that make a difference rather than grand green claims, like providing a single sheet of paper for essential itinerary details and all other documents electronically, and using glass bottles for guests that are replaced every day instead of plastic.
When dealing with luxury hotels, Incent advises staff to check ahead with their guests about planning extra touches like pre-run baths so they can reduce wastage in case the customer doesn’t want or use it. They believe that when you’re covering miles and promoting a destination, it's the little adjustments that can make a big difference overall.
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For more information on Incent Tours sustainable endeavours, see https://www.incent-tours.com
Nana Princess,Crete, Greece
In the world of hotels, a “Green Key certificate” can be loosely translated as “a guilt-free stay for guests”, and that’s exactly what you get at Nana Princess. With its spectacular spa, pristine private beach, rooms with pools, fantastic sports facilities and romantic dining venues, it certainly doesn’t mean a compromise on luxury.
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Rather, the international certification has been awarded to the wellness-minded Crete resort for its effective environmental responsibility and operational practices, which it has managed to balance with unwavering standards of hospitality. They’ve done this by introducing recycling programmes and water conservation initiatives right down to the eco-friendly cleaning products they use.
Keeping the sea and beach – exclusive to guests – as free as possible from pollution is a big mission for the hotel, which is committed to preserving the natural beauty of its surrounds and beyond. Therefore, achieving Blue Flag Status, which measures aspects like water quality and environmental management, is not something they take lightly. Elsewhere, living roofs add to the holistic green appeal – a pleasing (and attractive) reminder of the hotel’s prestigious awards when quaffing sundowners on sea-facing balconies.
For more information on Nana Princess’s sustainable endeavours, see nanaprincess.gr/pages/awards-timeline
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
Nestled on the side of a hill in the Blue Mountains, there are few lovelier settings than Strawberry Hill in Jamaica. Part of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost group (along with GoldenEye, Fleming Villa and The Caves), this secluded bolthole shares its peak with four acres of legendary gardens and the Blue Mountain coffee plantations.
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Strawberry Hill’s ongoing mission is to help encourage and facilitate commercial production in a sustainable way that supports the preservation of the surrounding tropical flora and fauna, including marine, bird, and wildlife, while enabling guests to experience the beauty of the property and its environs. It’s a strategy that’s been in place since the site’s former life as one of the first Blue Mountains coffee farms in 1890.
Guests can wander the historical gardens in the company of 350 endemic and exotic plant species including avocado, banana, mango, juniper and eucalyptus trees, all cultivated and catalogued at Strawberry Hill and sometimes used in spa treatments and cooking. For adventures further afield, the hotel offers a series of exclusive guided trekking experiences, from exploring the rare eco systems of the mountains to eating at a local family restaurant during the Settlement Hiking Trail.
Situated on the banks of Martha Brae River in the western part of the island (also known as Cockpit Country due to the sinkholes), Pantrepant, Blackwell’s organic farm, supplies all the Island Outpost hotels with produce, including Strawberry Hill. This farm-to-fork ethos makes dining a special experience indeed, with guests tucking into the likes of warm bread pudding tickled with a splash of Blackwell’s Rum, omelettes garnished with just-picked thyme, cups of Blue Mountain coffee, and mimosas made with their very own oranges.
For more information on Strawberry Hill’s sustainable endeavours, see strawberryhillhotel.com/sustainable-tourism
The Caves, Jamaica
As one of Negril’s most revered hotels, eyes are on The Caves to lead the way in the field of sustainable stays, especially as Negril has become the focus of environmental regeneration. There is a big movement to protect the coasts and reefs around that area, and this stunning cliff-side property is at the heart of it, particularly because its founder, Chris Blackwell, has such a strong standing in the world of responsible tourism (and a vested interest in the community’s welfare).
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The adults-only, all-inclusive hotel’s approach to sustainability is holistic. As it stands, its 12 exclusive cabins feature lots of organic material – straw, palm, wood – and nearly all the fresh produce used in its home cooking is bought from local sellers and farms who have grown and delivered the goods. There is an agreement that the farmers use minimal pesticides and favour environmentally friendly products where possible – an action that helps preserve the island's natural eco systems and aligns with Island Outpost’s sustainable philosophies.
The pool is saltwater – no dipping into chlorine here – there are complimentary yoga classes on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and some spa treatments like body scrubs are performed using locally sourced elements like Caribbean brown sugar and Blue Mountain Coffee beans. Even the minibars are stocked with local drinks and snacks. To complete the well-rounded experience, guests can partake in regular clean-ups along Negril’s famous seven-mile beach and tree-planting initiatives enacted by local groups and individuals.
For more information on The Cave’s sustainable endeavours, see https://www.islandoutpost.com/community/local-agriculture
