Travelling can change the world, especially when we do it with the utmost care. We show you the hotels that embrace responsible tourism, support local communities and preserve and protect the environment, all without compromising on luxury.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK
The iconic five-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has both the glamorous shopping of Knightsbridge and the leafy surroundings of Hyde Park on its doorstep. Behind the handcrafted finishes in each of the hotel’s rooms and suites lie the latest technology and a level of refined luxury. Blending sumptuous guestrooms with two award-winning restaurants, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Bar Boulud, an urban spa, 17-metre swimming pool, The Rosebery Afternoon Tea salon and a bustling bar, it is the definitive destination for a luxury escape in the capital. International designer, Joyce Wang transformed the Lobby Lounge and Reception area, using contemporary materials juxtaposed with more traditional finishes, to blend seamlessly with The Rosebery’s nature-inspired decor. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a centrepiece glass chandelier in the shape of a closed flower bud, which is further complemented by an open flower blossom chandelier suspended over the lounge area.
For more than 50 years Mandarin Oriental has been recognised as a leader in luxury hospitality and is dedicated to delivering service excellence and to operating its hotels and residences in a responsible and sustainable way. The Group has a framework of sustainability strategies and programmes in place to address topics such as decent work and economic growth as well as clean energy and water scarcity.
KARKLOOF SAFARI VILLAS
Karkloof Safari Villas is a luxury safari villa lodge 30 minutes from Pietermaritzburg, labelled as ‘Africa’s best-kept secret’. Karkloof is nestled in a place of spectacular beauty on a 3000-hectare reserve and surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and rivers. From the aroma of naturally hydrated greenery and gentle sounds of wildlife to culinary excellence and blissful spa relaxation, all senses are sure to be tantalised culminating in a truly memorable experience. Wooden walkways, paths and trails weave through thorn thickets over dolerite rocks, into the mist-belt forest or across the savannah. Novice biologists may decide to make tree bark their project and dreamers can wander aimlessly soaking up nature or pause for a moment of reflection.
The Hotel highly supports and guards the natural habitat of its surroundings and shares the cutting-edge technology developed by AxxonSoft to target poaching in Southern Africa. The ground-breaking technology, called Deep Learning, incorporates artificial intelligence to provide proactive surveillance in identifying poaching threats across Southern Africa. The technology we have pioneered can detect the difference between humans and animals, and as soon as there is a breach, the surveillance centre is immediately notified. This has proved very successful in terms of preserving wild animals and caring for our planet.
PALÁCIO TANGARÁ
Palácio Tangará is ideally located in the heart of São Paulo, surrounded by the lush greenery of Burle Marx Park and offering easy access to the main business, leisure and culture districts of the city. Guests are welcomed with a refined contemporary decor, a variety of culinary venues including a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the state of the art recreational and well-being facilities.
With interior design entrusted lo leading Brazilian interior design firms Bick Simonato and Anastassiadis, who have created a bespoke design concept for each space, Palácio Tangará has 141 spacious guest rooms – including 59 suites – all with beautiful views of the park.
Managed by the ethical hotel management company, Oetker Collection, Palácio Tangará is conscious of the fact that their guests are not only consumers but also citizens who are concerned about the future of our planet too. For this reason, hotel guests who are deeply committed to defending environmental and social causes choose to stay at Palácio Tangará.
The Oetker Collection reflects its internal values of protecting, respecting and developing sustainable solutions in their hotel offering, further demonstrating that Palácio Tangará is a very ethical hotel. Oetker Collection has chosen to use its expertise, savoir vivre and social skills to help develop and sustain future generations on a long term basis. The Oetker Collection family is guided by common values and goals, especially regarding social and environmental development. Their hotels follow and embrace the motto: ”Patrons for a safe and guaranteed future”.
KUDADOO MALDIVES
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is an exclusive, intimate private island comprising of just 15 expansive, overwater Ocean Residences, where everything is included. From fine dining and in, on and above the water adventures, to Luxury spa treatments, there are unique hotel experiences available that are available to all hotel guests. The AAA concept – Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. – encompasses all facets of your holiday. Personalised culinary creations, ocean exploration and wellness are available to hotel guests, all whilst enjoying the marvellous backdrop of the Maldives. Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, just 40 minutes by seaplane from Male International Airport, Kudadoo is designed with contemporary Japanese elegance by renowned architect Yuji Yamazaki. The resort is defined by air and light both in the design of the villas and a central tor storey main building on the island – The Retreat. As an essential part of their bold architectural statement, Kudadoo has incorporated 300kw of solar panels within the sloping roof of The Retreat. These solar panels are able to fully power the island, making Kudadoo the first sustainable luxury resort of its kind in the Maldives. There is also a water bottling plant available to substantially reduce the island’s plastic consumption, a food-recycling programme and a collection of local greenhouses producing fresh products for guests. Together these innovative elements ensure that protecting the natural environment is as high priority as the comfort Kudadoo provides.
For more information on how you can have a luxury holiday without having to compromise your clear conscience, please contact Berkeley Travel today.