Sponsored by Polestar
Travel has the power to change us. This category champions those creating journeys that safeguard biodiversity, empower local communities and set a new bar for regenerative hospitality.
The Datai Pledge is the environmental and social impact programme of The Datai Langkawi, built around four pillars: Pure for the Future, Wildlife for the Future, Fish for the Future and Youth for the Future. Rooted in Langkawi’s rainforest and coastal ecosystems, the initiative combines biodiversity conservation, marine protection, circular waste solutions and local community empowerment – from coral restoration and reforestation to environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. Guests are invited to connect meaningfully with nature through immersive experiences and transparent reporting on the resort’s progress and challenges.
‘Strong on data and good combination of five-star luxury with sustainable practices.’ – Francisca Kellett
‘The Datai Pledge is clearly articulated – giving a sense of a clear framework for social and environmental progress, which in turn represents a powerful platform from which to also educate guests.’ – Jacqueline Gunn
Founded in 1986 and still family-owned, Naturetrek has become one of the world’s leading specialist wildlife tour operators – reinvesting profits from almost 40 years of nature-based travel into protecting critical habitats. Rather than offsetting, the business purchases and restores land in biodiversity hotspots, creating long-term reserves in Ecuador, Italy and Scotland in partnership with local conservation organisations. To date, Naturetrek has contributed over £4.3m to conservation, safeguarded 2,100 acres in Ecuador, 120 acres in Italy and 3,609 acres in Scotland, and helped protect threatened species including the Marsican Brown Bear and rare cloudforest amphibians newly named in the company’s honour. It is one of the only tour operators globally to directly acquire land for ecological protection.
‘I was initially sceptical about their carbon retention project, but they back it up with detail on their critical wildlife corridor (backed by WWF and World Land Trust)… I can’t think of another tour operator that has done this.’ – Francisca Kellett
Founded in 1990 by social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures is the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company, operating more than 1,000 trips across 100+ countries. A pioneer of community-led tourism, its model places local people at the heart of every journey, supported by industry-first tools and initiatives including the Ripple Score™ (showing how much traveller spending stays local), Planeterra (supporting 117 community tourism enterprises), Trees for Days (4.3m trees planted), and GX, the world’s first community-tourism summit. Certified B Corp and a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration and Future of Tourism Coalition, G Adventures demonstrates how scaling global adventure travel can deliver measurable benefits for people and planet.
‘Really fascinating to learn about the Ripple Score measurement tool. How could this be shared across the industry?.’ – Jacqueline Gunn
‘The Ripple Score has long been something of a beacon in the industry – a transparent tool that shows how much money is actually going into local communities. That’s backed up by its B Corp certification and the launch of Planeterra.’ – Francisca Kellett
Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest certified B Corp adventure travel company, founded in 1989 and operating more than 1,000 small-group trips across 118 countries. With over 30 global offices and 287,000+ travellers welcomed in 2024, the business leads with community engagement, gender equality and transparent climate action. Initiatives include the Intrepid Foundation, which has raised £9.8m+ for 160 community partners; industry-first carbon labels across 800 itineraries; female-led expeditions expanding employment for women worldwide; and open-source industry tools to accelerate climate action and DEI policies. Re-certified as a B Corp in 2025 with its highest-ever score (102.5), Intrepid continues to push responsible travel forward.
‘Concrete commitment to sustainability: B-Corp, the development of the TIF, DEI performance, including the work with women in the supply chain.’ – Jonathan Hall
‘Impressive long term commitment to sustainable innovation. Intrepid’s leadership in the travel industry is recognised and admirable.’ – Jacqueline Gunn
Cempedak is a 17-hectare private island retreat in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago, operating under The Long Run’s 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce) and on track for Global Ecosphere Retreats® certification. Launched in 2017 by the founders of sister property Nikoi, it is built almost entirely from bamboo and run on regenerative principles. A zero-waste system with 17 waste streams, Black Soldier Fly composting, and large-scale reuse keeps landfill below 10 percent; an organic farm on nearby Bintan produces eggs and vegetables while a seed-sovereignty programme strengthens food security. Community partnerships through The Island Foundation support 13 learning centres and 15,000+ villagers, while women’s leadership groups, local micro-enterprise development and a writers’ residency deepen cultural impact.
‘A genuinely regenerative and community-rooted operation, showing leadership far beyond its scale.’ – Mirjam Peternek McCartney
‘As a member of the Long Run it lives up to its commitment for conservation, community, culture and commerce in spades with no stone left uncovered when it comes to seeking ways to support and be a part of its ecological and cultural environment. My winner!’ – Annabel Heseltine
The Datai Langkawi is a nature-led luxury resort set within a 10-million-year-old rainforest in Malaysia’s Langkawi archipelago. Guided by The Datai Pledge, the hotel integrates regenerative thinking across four pillars – Pure for the Future, Wildlife for the Future, Fish for the Future and Youth for the Future – embedding biodiversity conservation, circularity, community empowerment and environmental education into its operations. Achievements include processing 96 percent of waste on-site, pioneering oil-to-biofuel and food-to-feed systems, diverting 147 tonnes of food waste, planting mangroves and rainforest saplings, and installing artificial hornbill nests to protect endangered species. With globally recognised benchmarks including EarthCheck Gold and ASEAN Green Hotel certification, The Datai shows luxury hospitality can be a restoration engine for people and planet.
‘An outstanding brand and exemplar for Malaysia, and Asia.’ – Duncan Grossart
‘Was wowed by the strength of the Datai Pledge. Loved their commitment to the four pillars of the Pure for the Future and all the conservation work. Very embedded in the local culture and ecology.’ – Annabel Heseltine
Set in the Himalayan foothills, Six Senses Vana stands as a sanctuary where wellness and sustainability are truly intertwined. The retreat champions regenerative living through organic food systems, circular waste practices, and deep-rooted community partnerships – from upcycling initiatives with women-led artisan groups to educational Earth Lab workshops for local children. With LEED Platinum and GSTC certification, alongside on-site solar generation and zero single-use plastic since inception, Vana demonstrates what holistic, systems-level wellness looks like in practice.
‘Really strong commitment to social impact, particularly at the local community level and I love the Earth Lab concept.’ – Thomas Bourne
‘Intentional, impressive, 360-degree approach to sustainable operations and community impact.’ – Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk
Nestled in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti raises the bar for regenerative luxury with a deeply integrated approach to wellness, circularity and community impact. From self-producing 89 percent of its energy and introducing ozone-washing technology that has cut laundry energy use by 40 percent, to pioneering plastic-free amenities and FSC-certified materials, the resort shows what a truly systems-led sustainability vision looks like. Its BeLefay programme – including above-standard wages, two guaranteed rest days for staff in key departments, and over 17,000 hours of training – demonstrates meaningful social investment, while 66 percent local sourcing and rigorous supplier requirements further root the property in its Alpine community.
‘Sustainability obviously runs strongly through this business. There are some strong certifications and interesting innovations in respect of environmental impact.’ – Thomas Bourne
‘They are punching above their weight from a mindset perspective. Looking forward to seeing their evolution.’ – Diana Verde Nieto
PHĀEA Cretan Malia champions regenerative family travel rooted in Cretan culture, local ecosystems and community connection. Nature-based play, edible gardens, organic certification and circular food systems reflect a deep commitment to soil, biodiversity and wellbeing. The resort invests in capacity building for local farmers and suppliers, and embeds heritage crafts and intergenerational learning, creating an experience where families reconnect with nature and local culture through hands-on programmes and thoughtful ritual. Quantifiable progress across local sourcing, biodiversity initiatives, gender equity and staff development underpins an ambitious mission to lead sustainable hospitality across Crete.
‘A really strong application. This organisation is clearly deeply committed to showing sector leadership in impact and is putting its money where its mouth is.’ – Thomas Bourne
‘Truly phenomenal work in such a location. Well done.’ – Diana Verde Nieto
Nikoi Private Island is a regenerative, family-focused island retreat in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago. Built from natural materials and powered by circular systems, the resort prioritises biodiversity protection, sustainable sourcing and community-centred hospitality. Its sister charity, The Island Foundation, delivers long-term education and livelihood programmes across nearby coastal villages, while the resort’s seed-sovereignty and permaculture initiatives strengthen food resilience and preserve indigenous agricultural knowledge. A women’s empowerment forum and the employment of an on-island biologist underscore Nikoi’s commitment to inclusive development and ecosystem stewardship.
‘Excellent to see lobbying included in their activities alongside supporting NGOs. Investment in their own biologist is a real signal of intent. This is a venue operating at the front line of the climate and biodiversity crises: they are literally unfolding in front of their eyes.’ – Thomas Bourne
‘Great environmental focus and initiatives, as well as involving, supporting and listening to the local community… Creative, mindful initiatives all round.’ – Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk
Montcalm Collection is an independent, family-owned group of characterful London hotels rooted in neighbourhood spirit and united by an ethos of sustainability, inclusion and exceptional hospitality. Its portfolio ranges from the Georgian elegance of Montcalm Mayfair to the mindful, B Corp-certified Inhabit Hotels. Across the group, Montcalm prioritises circular design, zero-waste operations, 100 percent renewable electricity, sustainable procurement, and community engagement – from Goldfinger upcycled furniture to mental-health partnerships and social-employment programmes. With Green Key certifications already secured and EarthCheck benchmarks underway, Montcalm is proving that independent hospitality can lead with creativity, responsibility and cultural connection.
‘Clearly designed with sustainability in mind. Highly coherent and impressively executed sustainability strategy – an inspiration.’ – Jonathan Hall
‘The approach to circularity reflects a true end-to-end view of operations, with considerations across all areas of the business. This application reads as a clearly thought out and systematic approach to “joyful responsibility”.’ – Jacqueline Gunn
Founded in 1989, Empiria Group is a family-owned hospitality company shaping the future of Greek luxury through a philosophy of ‘creating space for joy’. With eight hotels and villas across Santorini, Paros and the Peloponnese, the group blends Cycladic heritage, design elegance and deep community connection. Recent initiatives building onsite filtration systems, scaling local sourcing so that nine in ten food supplies come from island producers, and supporting regenerative agriculture, women entrepreneurs and marine conservation via partners such as the Cyclades Preservation Fund and Mexoxo. ISO 14001-certified at key properties, Empiria champions thoughtful expansion, circularity and social impact.
‘I appreciated the lens of industry level change for some of the initiatives – highlighting a collaborative approach setting & then sharing best practice.’ – Jacqueline Gunn
For more than four decades, Wilderness has been redefining conservation-led travel across Africa. Founded in 1983 and operating in eight countries, the independent hospitality company protects over 2.3 million hectares of wilderness – with an ambition to double this by 2030. Its impact model centres on three pillars – Educate, Empower, Protect – placing local people at the heart of wildlife-first tourism. At the Desert Rhino Camp in Namibia, guests join community rangers to track critically endangered black rhino on foot, supporting a pioneering partnership with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and local conservancies. Over 95 percent of rangers are recruited locally, former poachers have become conservation champions, and rhino poaching has dropped by around 80 per cent in the Palmwag area. With solar-powered camps and measurable ecosystem and community benefits, Wilderness demonstrates how large-scale tourism can safeguard some of the planet’s most precious wild places.
‘A solid, credible entry that clearly puts wildlife first – exactly as it should. The long-term partnership with Save the Rhino Trust and the community-based ranger model are genuine strengths, backed by evidence of real conservation success.’ – Mirjam Peternek McCartney
‘Success, at scale – congratulations.’ – Duncan Grossart
Founded in 1991, &Beyond pioneered a now-proven model of conservation-led luxury travel. Its Phinda Impact Journey – a seven-day, small-group experience at Phinda Private Game Reserve – immerses guests in live conservation and community projects, from telemetry tracking and bird-ringing to observing rhino and pangolin interventions. Phinda’s partnership-led model with the Makhasa and Mnqobokazi communities sits at the heart of its long-term success, with 9,085 hectares returned under conservation stewardship and ongoing community development through Wild Impact. Over three decades, the reserve has become a critical source population for threatened species, supporting the translocation of more than 200 white rhino, 63 cheetah and 18 black rhino across Africa, alongside significant investments in education, enterprise and conservation careers.
‘A powerful and credible submission showcasing real conservation leadership.’ – Mirjam Peternek McCartney
‘Great work, over the long term and with a lasting vision.’ – Duncan Grossart
Six Senses Crans-Montana brings the brand’s celebrated regenerative luxury philosophy to the Swiss Alps, setting a new benchmark for low-impact mountain hospitality. Perched above the ski lifts with ski-in/ski-out access, the resort blends biophilic design, energy-efficient systems, and a deep commitment to preserving the fragile alpine ecosystem. Waste-to-resource initiatives, local and organic sourcing, in-house filtering and bottling, and renewable energy adoption sit alongside nature-based wellbeing, educational programming and community partnerships.
‘Six Senses Crans-Montana sets a new standard for how wellbeing, luxury, and sustainability can thrive together. Their dedication to community impact initiatives, from Hotel School apprenticeships to collaborations with Regenerative Canv, demonstrates meaningful action towards making travel more responsible and regenerative.’ – Jenn McGarrigle
&Beyond is a global leader in luxury regenerative travel. Operating lodges, camps and expedition experiences across Africa, Asia and Latin America, the brand’s model is built on its Care of Land, Wildlife and People ethos – ensuring every guest stay directly contributes to conservation and community development. At Mnemba Island in Zanzibar, this commitment is brought to life through 24 years of continuous turtle monitoring resulting in over 60,000 hatchlings, one of East Africa’s longest-running coral restoration programmes, and a pioneering public-private co-management model to protect surrounding marine ecosystems. Marine rangers, often recruited locally and trained from scratch, act as stewards of both the reef and the community, while partnerships with Wild Impact support schools and healthcare facilities across the region.
‘Strong partnership approach, including third and public sector stakeholder working, and impact clearly baked into the strategy and governance of the business.
They clearly go above and beyond.’ – Thomas Bourne
Six Senses Vana is a dedicated wellness retreat set within a preserved forest in Dehradun, India, founded in 2014 by Veer Singh and now part of the Six Senses portfolio. Built without removing a single tree and with over 70 percent of land left untouched, the retreat blends wellness traditions – from Ayurveda and yoga to Tibetan healing – with deep ecological stewardship. With LEED Platinum and GSTC certification, Vana operates as a zero single-use plastic retreat from day one, runs an in-house water bottling system, composts and recycles waste into regenerative garden systems, sources locally and directly from farmers and artisans, and welcomes guests into a mindful, low-impact stay. A signature ‘light travel’ philosophy replaces fashion with retreat-provided organic attire, reframing consumption and helping guests reconnect with place.
‘Being plastic-free from day 1 is a blueprint for modern hospitality operations.
Liked the concept of emotional hospitality, as emotional security is the foundation for how we live and make decisions, and the impact we as travellers can drive in the world.’ – Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk
‘I really like the travel light, fashion detox idea – that’s unusual and it would be interesting to see how it has helped change guests’ attitudes over time.’ – Thomas Bourne
Cornish Gems is setting a new sustainability benchmark in UK luxury hospitality through its thoughtful approach to interior design, holiday homes and community impact in Cornwall. The brand’s interior division, Gems Interiors, collaborates closely with its ESG team to embed circular design and low-impact principles into every project. From retaining and refurbishing 65sq/m of flooring and repurposing cabinetry to installing low-flow fixtures and prioritising British-made sofas designed for longevity, the emphasis is on intelligent reuse and durability rather than aesthetic churn. The company has invested in electric vehicles, transparent carbon reporting, and comprehensive Scope 1–3 measurement, with its latest data showing emissions per mile reduced by 75 percent when switching to electric. As a Real Living Wage employer, B Corp and contributor to Cornwall’s Real Living Wage Place status, Cornish Gems champions fair work and social equity alongside regenerative design.
‘A highly impressive and transparent submission, backed by one of the most detailed impact reports in the field. Cornish Gems demonstrates genuine maturity in sustainability reporting,’ – Mirjam Peternek McCartney
‘Congratulations on independent and determined leadership to enhance sustainable local communities, design and environmental wellbeing.’ – Duncan Grossart
Daylesford Stays offers thoughtfully restored historic pubs and cottages that celebrate local craft, natural materials and regenerative farming principles in the Cotswolds countryside. Guided by the values of its founder Carole Bamford and aligned with its sister businesses Daylesford Organic and Bamford, the collection prioritises conscious living and low-impact luxury. Menus are shaped by organic, seasonal ingredients grown metres from the kitchen; cottages are designed with reclaimed stone, timber and natural insulation; and an on-site biomass-powered laundry significantly reduces carbon emissions. Daylesford Stays aims to set a benchmark for sustainable rural hospitality..
‘Daylesford have been a trailblazer in sustainable tourism with their commitment to environmental and ecological integrity. I was impressed by their commitment to reducing environmental impact… There is a clear commitment to re-use and recycle. I wish them the best in achieving B-Corp.’ – Annabel Heseltine
Journeys With Purpose is redefining high-end travel through mission-driven expeditions that immerse guests directly in conservation projects and ecological restoration initiatives worldwide. Founded on the belief that travel should be a force for planetary regeneration, the company creates experiences led by scientists, Indigenous leaders, rewilding pioneers and environmental innovators – from safeguarding keystone species and restoring wilderness landscapes to advancing community-based conservation models. Each journey is designed to create reciprocal value: funding long-term habitat protection, supporting local livelihoods and equipping travellers with knowledge, purpose and practical pathways to continue their impact long after returning home.
‘Journeys With Purpose raises the bar for what luxury travel can be – genuinely transformative for both people and planet. Conservation and community empowerment sit at the heart of the model and by placing guests shoulder-to-shoulder with world-leading environmental pioneers and Indigenous custodians, curiosity is transformed into long-term commitment.’ – Lucy Cleland
‘Intrepid wins the Editor’s Choice for proving that scale and sustainability can go hand in hand. A long-time leader in responsible travel, it backs up big promises with real action – from carbon-labelling trips and publishing open-source emissions tools, to supporting local communities and empowering women across its supply chain. With B Corp recertification and millions raised for grassroots projects, Intrepid is a benchmark for purpose-driven travel.’ – Lucy Cleland
We are delighted to be partnering with POLESTAR for this year's Future Icons Awards and Power People from Country & Town House.
