By Real Leaders

Travel wildly and experience carbon-neutral excursions among the world’s most extraordinary sustainable luxury lodges.

Few and Far creates sustainable eco-hospitality experiences to protect, preserve, and impact green spaces around the world. These thoughtfully curated, culturally enriching itineraries keep mother nature at the forefront while putting you in some of the most incredible lodges around the world. 

Passionate advocates of the wild and avid travelers Sarah and Jacob Dusek founded Few and Far in 2024, 12 years after starting glamping company Under Canvas. 

“Travel has a powerful role to play in protecting and preserving our planet,” Sarah Dusek says. “We think long term about everything we do and know that by creating sustainable access to some of the world’s most incredible places, we can do our part to protect them.”

Here are five of their excursions in sustainable luxury lodges.

Rwandan National Parks (East-Central Africa)

Embark on a Rwandan adventure and experience the rich biodiversity of its national parks. On this 12-day excursion, explore Kigali’s charm, witness Akagera’s wildlife at Wilderness Magashi Camp, discover Nyungwe’s forests and its chimpanzees, and encounter the famed gorillas and golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park at Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Adventure (East Africa)

Experience a mindful safari with Chem Chem Safaris, where luxury meets purpose. Explore the natural splendors of the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and the Serengeti. Immerse in an 11-day journey that values conservation, leaving a positive impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

Summer in the Dolomites (Southern Europe)

Spend seven days of summer in northern Italy, an escape into nature. Immerse in luxury in the floating city of Venice and venture to the Dolomites, where alpine meadows bloom. Indulge in hiking, biking, and blissful moments by pristine lakes. Gourmet dining and relaxation await in this idyllic summer haven.

Iguazú Falls and Ibera Wetlands Adventure (South America)

Explore the captivating landscapes of Iguazú Falls and the serene beauty of the Iberá Wetlands. Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature before the thundering cascades of Iguazú, feeling the mist on your skin. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Ibera Wetlands, where wildlife thrives in lush marshes and lagoons. This nine-day excursion blends the exhilarating with the peaceful.

Lose yourself in these conscientious luxury hotels around the world while supporting local charities.

By Real Leaders

Kind Traveler partners with hotels across the globe that are transparently advancing positive impact within their community, environmental sustainability practices, and individual wellness. We’ve rounded up four luxurious destinations from the company’s Every Stay Gives Back community impact program, which funds local charities advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism principles regardless of where the booking happens. 

“Travelers are more aware than ever of the need for travel that goes beyond doing no harm and gives back to support local communities and the environment,” says Jessica Blotter, CEO and co-founder of Kind Traveler.

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Sublime Samana 

Tucked away on the unspoiled tropical paradise of the Samaná Peninsula on the northeast coast of the DR, this minimalist-modern, luxury resort’s style was conceived by one of the country’s most prestigious architects, Antonio Segundo Imbert. Indulge in organic spa treatments, fresh local cuisine, wild beaches, rainforests, and seasonal humpback whale watching. Every booking provides food for students impacted by poverty through the Dominican Joe Foundation.

Tuscany, Italy

Castello Di Vicarello 

Built over 900 years ago by the Republic of Siena, this restored castle-turned-hotel towers over 1,000 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Elegant guest suites feature original stone and brick walls and picturesque views. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural rhythms of Tuscan life with wine tastings, cooking classes, horseback riding, truffle hunting, leather workshops, organic grape and olive harvesting, and more. Every booking supports pediatric research with Meyer Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas 

With spectacular rainforests on one side and the glory of the Pacific on the other, this is the first hotel in the new coastal town of Las Catalinas on the Guanacaste Coast. It was built with sustainability as a core principle and offers immersive and authentic experiences that boast a myriad of outdoor adventures and relaxation endeavors. The adults-only boutique resort embodies classic Costa Rican values that are reflected in its architecture and design. Every booking sends school supplies to rural and underserved students for after-school programs through Abriendo Mentes.

San Ignacio, Belize

GAÏA Riverlodge

Atop the magnificent Five-Sisters Waterfalls in the famed secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, bask in private, spacious cabanas to nature’s soundtrack. Enjoy the rainforest’s intimacy with its native birds, butterflies, and remarkable flora. The Green Globe Award-certified hotel is sustainable by design, operating on hydropower and offering an electric tram from the lodge to the river. Most fruits and vegetables are farmed on-site by local staff in its Mayan organic garden. Every booking funds Cornerstone Foundation’s delivery of nutritious lunches to people facing food insecurity.

Tree-Mendous Aerial Adventures is helping people of all ages disconnect from their smartphones and connect with nature in playful ways.

By Real Leaders

Tree-Mendous designs and builds custom aerial attractions including adventure parks, tree houses, zip lines, canopy tours and walks, and netted attractions in a variety of spaces, from forests to skyscrapers, from the East Coast to the West Coast of the U.S. 

Gerhard Komenda combined his experience as a bio-dynamic forester and a social therapist to found the company in 2011. He notes that outdoor play and experiential learning in nature help nurture independence, self-confidence, creativity, coordination, resilience, improved cognitive function, and physical health. 

“My goal is to motivate people to be outdoors and enable them to have non-virtual experiences, safely leaving their comfort zone and fostering personal growth,” he says. “A return to nature is an instinctive need in our modern world, creating an increasing demand for healthy outdoor activities. Tree-Mendous is perfectly poised to feed this new market.”

One With Nature

The certified B Corporation utilizes low-impact building methods and environmentally sustainable materials such as locally harvested and naturally rot-resistant lumber, avoiding toxic pressure-treated wood. Its patented friction lock-and-wrap system avoids damaging the trees by forgoing screws or drills during installation.

On the Map

The company’s portfolio includes a canopy walk in the California Redwoods, indoor adventure trails in Oregon, an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible nature trek in New York City, and a 150-foot-long suspension bridge in the Berkshire Mountains. Tree-Mendous plans to break ground on several large projects this year, including elevated netted bridge structures at the Detroit Zoo and the U.S. National Arboretum.

Listen to our full conversation with Tree-Mendous Founder and CEO Gerhard Komenda on Episode 310 of the Real Leaders Podcast.

Participate in hands-on science while visiting some of the world’s most astounding places. 

By Real Leaders

Earthwatch is an international environmental nonprofit that invites travelers to be more than tourists. 

Founded in 1971, the organization connects volunteers with scientists worldwide to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Visitors conduct research and are empowered with knowledge to conserve the planet. Opportunities abound for teens and adults, and no prior experience is needed. Choose from more than 40 field research expeditions spanning six continents with varying accommodations and activity types and levels.

CUBA – Map Forest Biodiversity

Document birds and bats, survey forest trees, and connect with the rural and neighboring communities at Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve. It’s home to species only found in the Caribbean, including the vulnerable Cuban Parakeet and the near-threatened Cuban Amazon Parrot. While long-term political complexities stymied collaborative international research, international relations are improving, making this a critical moment to take stock of Cuba’s wildlife to inform management and conservation plans as the island becomes increasingly developed.

INDONESIA – Monitor Coral Reefs

PERU – Explore by Riverboat

Board a riverboat in the heart of Peru’s flooded Amazon region and disembark to hike the rainforest. Log sightings of pink dolphins, caimans, fish, wading birds, macaws, and fishing bats, and even record vocalizations. The wildlife in northeastern Peru’s Amazonian forests is declining due to recent intense climate fluctuations that have caused floods and droughts. You’ll gather information about the health of the ecosystem and the sustainability of traditional hunting and fishing to help researchers develop conservation strategies to protect wildlife and the needs of indigenous people.

SOUTH AFRICA – Protect Penguins

Help scientists monitor penguin nests, assess chick body conditions, assist injured birds, and reduce the impact of various threats to the fragile environment of Robben Island. This hotspot for seabird biodiversity includes endangered cape cormorants, bank cormorants, and 2,900 African penguins. About 90% of the island’s penguin population disappeared in the past century in part due to oil spills, as Robben Island is in the middle of major shipping lanes.

Explore popular adventures in the U.S. while supporting regenerative, equitable, and inclusive tourism. 

By Real Leaders

Legacy Vacation Resorts offers affordable, sustainable vacation experiences and is the first multi-state resort hospitality company in the U.S. to achieve B Corp Certification. It partners with environmental organizations to highlight important initiatives and encourages guests to support other B Corps. 

Green Getaways: Legacy Vacation Resorts Show How to Have Fun Sustainably

“We do this in a variety of approachable ways including an informational, yet comedic in-room video, signage across each property highlighting environmental impact projects like our renewable energy use and water reduction initiatives, as well as information in-room at different touch points to encourage things like recycling and avoidance of single-use items,” says Jared Meyers, CEO of Legacy Vacation Resorts. 

The company reached carbon neutrality by offsetting 100% of guest stays and activities. Here’s a look at four of its eco-focused properties across the U.S.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Just moments from the gondola and within walking distance of shops and restaurants, these suites are steps from world-class skiing in the winter and exhilarating mountain recreation the remainder of the year. Escape on a mountain biking trek, navigate whitewater rapids, fish for river trout, or explore the mountain trails on horseback. Return to the warmth of a dog-friendly condominium for Rocky Mountain-style rest in the hot tub or sauna, a barbecue at the grilling area, or more fun at nine-hole miniature golf onsite.

Indian Shores, Florida

Stunning Gulf Intracoastal Waterway views and the beauty of Florida’s West Coast beaches set a spectacular backdrop for an escape to this tranquil resort near Clearwater Beach and Tampa Bay. With fully equipped studio, one-, and two-bedrooms and elite units, its accommodations also include access to a swimming pool, hot tub, game room, grilling area, and an outdoor deck with magnificent views, beach access, a dock, and boat slips.

Reno, Nevada

A vibrant, diverse destination of sky’s-the-limit casino gaming, world-class outdoor recreation, and thrilling nightlife, Reno, Nevada, is an anything-goes town in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Explore whitewater rapids at the Truckee River, the Reno Aces baseball team, and annual events like the Reno River Festival and Great Balloon Race. Beautifully appointed hotel accommodations and amenities include an indoor pool, saunas, and a sundeck.

Brigantine Beach, New Jersey

Perhaps New Jersey’s best-kept secret, this timeless seaside town is a pristine hideaway from the larger New Jersey beaches. Directly on the white sandy shores of Brigantine Island, this historic beachfront resort is close to the action. Spend the day on the beach, cast a line into the surf, or book a deep-sea fishing charter. Stroll the boardwalk, tee off on a championship golf course, or take a short trip over to Atlantic City. Enjoy spacious, dog-friendly suites, along with a heated indoor pool and a seasonal ocean-view restaurant. The resort achieved 100% renewable electricity through Renewable Energy Certificates.

In psychology, there’s a term called “transfer of exaltation.” Roughly explained, it’s about a person’s ability to transform an experience of fear into an experience of love.

It’s ingrained in all of us to avoid feeling afraid; our brains sometimes change this emotion of fear into something more pleasant. Afterward, you can feel much more alive. We’ve chosen four destinations that might be hair-raising for some but will leave you exhilarated and with a renewed sense of respect for our natural world. Here are some places where you can experience nature as nature does. 

A Natural Adrenaline Boost

Have you ever wanted to sleep in a condor’s nest? Here is the next best thing! A transparent luxury capsule that hangs from the top of a mountain in the Sacred Valley of Peru. The exclusive Skylodge Adventure Suites offers you the chance to sleep inside a completely transparent hanging bedroom that allows you to appreciate the impressive view of this magic and mystic valley. If you want to experience nature like the protected and endangered Andean condor, then this experience will give you a new perspective on the importance of preserving our natural heritage. To sleep at Skylodge, you must climb 1,300 feet or hike a less daunting trail that includes zip lines. The hanging capsule suites offer 300-degree views of the majestic Sacred Valley. Hand crafted out of aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate, each suite comes complete with four beds, a dining area, and a private bathroom. Naturavive.com

Sleep with the Fishes

Utter Inn, or translated to English, Otter Inn, is an art project by Swedish artist and entrepreneur Mikael Genberg that offers underwater accommodation to the public in a lake near Stockholm. The unique lodging is entered through a small, traditionally looking Swedish house on the surface of the water, but below, you’ll find a single underwater room. Spend your nights 10 feet underwater with panoramic views of the fish and natural beauty in all directions. It’s the opposite of an aquarium — a place for fish to stare at you instead. VisitVasteras.se/hotell-utter-inn

Swing into the trees

Canadian company Free Spirit Spheres builds spherical tree houses as works of art — functional, tasteful, simple, and elegant — and invites people to spend a night at their unique and magical forest hotel. Much of the design and build is informed by the principle and practice of Biomimicry. According to the Biomimicry Institute: “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies — new ways of living — that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul.”

“We envision a truly world-class resort — one that allows people to experience nature in relative luxury while showcasing the majesty and true value of the west coast rainforest,” says Tom Chudleigh, a master craftsman and creative director of the project. “We hope to cultivate partnerships focused on extending this vision as a model for conserving forests and supporting healthy communities around the world.” FreeSpiritSpheres.com

Live in a Water Volcano in the Jungle

Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve in Chile is an area under private protection that encompasses 100,000 hectares of temperate rainforest. The area has great biological diversity, with one of the highest densities of unique fauna species in the world. It features glacier lakes and countless watercourses and eternal snow. One of the ten accommodations on the reserve is Montaña Magica, a mountain-shaped lodge that features nine fairytale-inspired rooms. The hotel is a gigantic man-made volcano that spews water over its rocky sides instead of lava. Windows peak from the sides like giant eyes with green, mossy eyelashes. The hotel and reserve is located within 232 square miles of living, breathing rainforest 400 miles South of Santiago.  HuiloHuilo.com

It can be easy to get caught up trying to cram as much as possible into a trip. After all, this may be the only time you visit the destination.

Though a packed itinerary may seem ideal on paper, you’ll likely spend most of your vacation rushing from one place to another. So while you may tick off many bucket-list sights, you’ll miss out on getting to know the destination. This fast-paced hit-and-run style of tourism is a surefire recipe for stress. Instead, give yourself more time to explore the destination. Instead of taking multiple shorter trips each year, opt for just one, longer vacation.

Life’s too Short to Stay at Home

If you’re looking for tourism that truly has a positive impact but unsure where to go, Earth Changers connects you to the most sustainable tourism worldwide, engaging with the people behind places to reveal their true passions and purpose. Instead of sending a check to charity in a far-flung destination, go there yourself and show your support. London-based Earth Changers’ unique destination and human stories demonstrate commitment to community and conservation for sustainable development through tourism. On the same day, her oldest friend’s partner was hospitalized with a terminal illness and another friend was in a car accident, left in a coma, founder Victoria Smith decided in her 20s that she had to have something serious on her resume. “Life is too short not to explore, pioneer, and follow your heart and adventure with passion,” she says. “We should experience the world, extraordinary people, and awe-inspiring places.” Many people think of tourism just as lovely holidays instead of a complex and extensive sector of an economy, but tourism supports 10% of the world’s jobs and GDP. Help plant trees at the Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica; work alongside communities in Madagascar on their sustainable solutions for health, conservation, education, and livelihoods; or see firsthand how high seas research, coastal conservation, education, and marine filming is done on a marine conservation yacht.
Earth-Changers.com

Your Childhood Treehouse in the City of London

Retreat into the reclaimed wood walls of Treehouse Hotel in London, a cloud-brushing escape where you’ll encounter a green paradise. Rooms are a portal back to childhood —silver birch tree trunks pierce through bathroom tiling, endearing sloth toys sit on organic bedding, and cushioned window nooks are perfect for sipping tea while gazing at views of cinematic city landmarks. Treehouse Hotel was founded on the ideas that inspire a child to build a treehouse. Adventure, independence, cozy spaces, and repurposing crafty things are what make a place warm and special. The hotel celebrates found objects, nostalgic tunes, handmade details, and locally sourced treats. The owners have minimized single-use plastics, committed to a recycling and composting scheme, and placed locally sourced products around the rooms. TreeHouseHotels.com

A Luxury Vacation that Gives Back

After setting up Cambodia’s first private marine sanctuary, Song Saa Private Island founded its own nonprofit organization, the Song Saa Foundation, which works to protect the natural habitats of the Koh Rong Archipelago and improve the welfare of people who live there. The resort has been pioneering luxury tourism in Cambodia for many years and has always done so with sustainability in mind. To date, the foundation has provided 3,000 locals with vital healthcare; distributed stationery, vitamins, and clothing to 6,000 schools; distributed water filters throughout the archipelago; and protected more than 10,000 hectares of mangrove forest. “We have a 700-foot marine reserve around Song Saa where the underwater wildlife is thriving like never before,” says general manager Donald Wong. The resort is proof that luxury can be done responsibly, bringing benefits to both visitors and locals. SongSaa-PrivateIsland.com

Traveling responsibly means healthy, safe and sustainable. With this in mind we found 4 destinations that are both breathtaking and practicing responsible tourism.

JORDAN 

Keeping a 2,000-Year-Old City Alive.
Petra Archaeological Park is an ancient city in the south of Jordan and one of the world’s largest and most complex archaeological sites. Nestled in rugged mountains and desert canyons, the guardians of this cultural site have managed to balance tourism with sustainable and equitable practices that support the local economy and preserve incredible biodiversity in what looks, at first glance, like a barren desert. Their conservation formula is possible through decades of collaboration with many organizations that represent conservation efforts at all levels — regional, national, and international. The city dates back to the first century AD and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. 
www.VisitPetra.jo

LONDON 

The Hotel Where Less Is More.
The One Aldwych hotel has been hailed as one of the most sustainable hotels in the United Kingdom thanks to its no-bleach policy, which bans the harsh chemical from the property. In the kitchen, chefs work with local, seasonal, and organic ingredients, and the swimming pool is chlorine-free, using a mineral-based cleaning system instead. They use LED lighting whenever possible, recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, most plastics, batteries, light bulbs, and cooking oil and even has a unique vacuum drainage system that uses 80 percent less water than most flushing systems.  www.OneAldwych.com

NAMIBIA 

Helping Nomads Establish Economic Roots. 
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote locations in all of Africa. The land is leased from the local Himba people, some of the last genuinely nomadic people on the continent. This venture into ecotourism gives the Himba a firm foothold in the modern world, without having to give up their cultural identity. 
www.MirusJourneys.com/Africa/Namibia

NORWAY 

Become One with the Ocean.
The Lindesnes region in Southern Norway is one of the country’s certified sustainable destinations — awarded to places that are working to reduce the negative impact of tourism. To become certified, a destination must preserve local nature and culture, strengthen social values, demonstrate political commitment, have effective management, and be economically viable. The semi-submerged restaurant Under is 18-feet below the surface of the ocean, exposing you to wonders beneath the sea while dining. The structure is designed to fully integrate into its marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell will function as an artificial reef. You’ll need to book early; the restaurant has received more than 7,000 reservations since opening in March 2019.   
www.Under.no

Visit these five unique places that have put social impact or the environment at the center of their business. Proof that you can have fun and be socially responsible at the same time.

1. Norway. The Most Fun South of The Arctic Circle.

There are more than 6,500 reasons to visit the Vega archipelago in Norway – the number of islands, islets and reefs waiting to be explored. The UNESCO-protected islands of Vega, just south of the Arctic Circle, is a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site and has Sustainable Tourism certification. Locals claim that spending time in Vega means “living your life slowly.” Replace the rat race with a dog sled race for something different.  www.visitnorway.com

 

2. Dublin. A River Runs Through it.

When designing The Iveagh Garden Hotel the owners set out to create the lowest carbon footprint possible when compared to other hotels in Europe. What they didn’t count on was the discovery of a massive energy reserve – an underground river – that has been harnessed for all their geothermal heating and cooling needs. Nature has become their greatest asset. www.iveaghgardenhotel.ie

 

3. Costa Rica. The World’s Best EcoCountry.

One of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations, Costa Rica is home to the largest percentage of protected areas in the world. Known for its array of wildlife, plants, pristine beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and incredible natural beauty – the Central American country is a fitting destination for one of the most sustainable on the planet. It hosts 5% of the world’s biodiversity with 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, 800 miles of beautiful coastline and an incredible 98% of its electricity generated from renewable sources. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the happiest countries in the world, and spends nothing on its military. Situated on the edge of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the Costa Verde Resort (pictured) features an incredible hotel suite set inside a 1965 Boeing 727. We can think of no better place to unwind after a long flight.  www.VisitCostaRica.com

 

4. Canada. Turn Dining Out in Helping Out.

The next time you notice a fork symbol alongside a menu item in Canada, you’ll know that a young person will get a meal. MealShare provides needy youth with a free meal every time a customer chooses that meal. They have partnered with restaurants across the country and have served 1.8 million free meals to date. www.mealshare.ca

 

5. United Kingdom. Prison Food Goes Upmarket.

The Clink is a restaurant in the U.K. entirely staffed by prisoners, offering an innovative approach to rehabilitation. It trains former offenders to get them back into the community. More than 800 prisoners have graduated from The Clink’s four training restaurants and the organization is now able to train up to 160 prisoners a day. Each prisoner works and trains for 40 hours a week, so by the time they graduate, they have all the skills needed to get back on their feet. www.TheClinkCharity.org