To celebrate the return of travel, we're excited to team up with OROKO Travel and release a limited edition version of our Eco Essentials Pouch. OROKO is Ireland's only dedicated luxury tailored travel business, experts in taking clients across the world in luxury. Pioneers in experiential holidays, OROKO partner with the finest properties and guides, curating holidays designed to truly immerse you in a country and its vast wildernesses.
If you're like us and looking ahead with ambitious travel plans, we asked the team at OROKO to share their thoughts and celebrate remote luxury ecotourism. Here's their five favourite eco-lodges from across the world, for you to visit in 2023.
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
An ecotourism resort in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, The Datai Langkawi is one of our favourite properties to witness the makings of world-class sustainability initiatives in action. After a significant refurbishment in 2017 and 2018, The Datai Langkawi took the opportunity to embark on a total rebirth, where they collectively made a promise to grow and progress their sustainability initiatives into a long-term programme, and so, The Datai Pledge was born. Made up of four pillars; Fish for the Future, Wildlife for the Future, Youth for the Future and Pure for the Future, they are now trailblazing the path for sustainable eco-tourism. Proof of its efforts and hard-work, it is the first organisation in the world to be awarded the EarthCheck ECO Certification for terrestrial (land-based) tourism projects.
Guests can take part in various projects involved within the pillars of The Datai Pledge. From nature walks with former banker turned resident naturalist, Irshad Mobarak to upcycling workshops, be immersed into the marvellous sustainability initiative within the rainforest. Of course, luxury and relaxation is still to be enjoyed, and celebrated. With three swimming pools, a woodland spa and a beautiful stretch of secluded beach offering ultimate relaxation, The Datai Langkawi boasts one of the most magnificent luxury eco-stays in Southeast Asia.
Tierra Patagonia, Chile
Without a doubt, Tierra Patagonia is a top contender for the finest ecolodge in Chile. Set right on the cusp of Torres del Paine National Park, it offers one of the most sensational views through its impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. In fact, it has won prestigious awards for its sustainable architecture, a masterpiece crafted solely from native lenga wood, with entire walls covered in glass windows to bring the outside in.
Exclusivity at the ends of the world, Tierra Patagonia are masters in experiential accommodation, inviting guests to take part in an astonishing number of complimentary activities. Alongside passionate guides, in the company of Chilean gauchos and in the surrounding silence of the wilderness, Tierra Patagonia promises a true appreciation of the natural world. Your company will be the wildlife, with opportunities to spot puma, llamas and condor to name but a few. The luxury factor? Apart from tailored, exclusive hospitality, Tierra Patagonia hosts magnificent spa and pool facilities as well as a modern Patagonian dining experiences.
Pousada Trijunção, Brazil
One of Brazil’s best-kept secrets, the sustainable property of Pousada Trijunção offers an exhilarating wildlife experience in the Cerrado. One of the most overlooked wildlife destinations in the world, it is on-par with African safari destinations and holds that special bonus of being more or less, undiscovered. Pousada Trijunção is set amid the biodiverse region, and with only seven exclusive suites, it promises a high-end safari adventure. From tracking maned wolfs at dusk to night kayaking in search of dwarf caiman, discover the brilliance of the Cerrado. A stay here also majorly contributes to the sustainable operation, a marvellous privilege.
Despite its beauty, the Cerrado is under appreciated and under protected. The most biodiverse savannah in the world, 50% has already been lost and 150 species of animal are subsequently at risk of extinction including jaguar, anteater, and maned wolf. In partnership with the NGO Onçafari, Trijunção conducts a research project dedicated to the preservation of the Cerrado and its wildlife. As well as dedicating their existence to the preservation of nature, the lodge hires locally and supports the sustainable culture of fruit production in the area, further contributing to local employment for over 2,000 families.
Little Mombo, Botswana
Little Mombo is a luxury solar-powered safari camp belonging to Wilderness Safaris, a leading provider in sensational luxury safari experiences in Eastern and Southern Africa. Conservation by definition means the careful preservation and protection of something, and Wilderness dedicates its life to preserving the world that inspired its existence. From the black rhino move of 2014 to the Wild Dog Dispersal Project, Conservation Heroes Covid Relief Project to the Children in the Wilderness Program, Wilderness is simply put; one of the finest providers of sustainable safari experiences across sub-Saharan Africa.
Not only a favourite camp due to its marvellous conservation efforts – though it helps - Little Mombo lies within a magical setting in the rich plains of Moremi Game Reserve. With just four suites hidden under the trees and overlooking the floodplain, it offers a more exclusive and intimate version of its larger sister camp, Mombo. The surrounding wildlife area is fondly known as “Place of Plenty”, where guests can witness wild dog, leopard, cheetah, lion, spotted hyena, elephant and blue wildebeest. After game viewings and trips to the photo hub, unwind at the luxury spa or in your private plunge pool.
Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
A pioneer of eco-lodges in Latin America, Pacuare Lodge is set deep within the rainforest-covered mountains of Talamanca. Named by National Geographic as one of the Unique Lodges of the World, the remote eco-property offers an exclusive experience from start to finish, and a huge part of its adventure is the arrival: a journey by white water rafting. Upon reaching the lodge, witness its astonishing beauty and opulence with spring-fed pools, expansive living quarters, alfresco bathtubs and an impressive saltwater infinity pool. In fact, with such a selection of luxury facilities, it’s difficult to believe that Pacuare lives in harmony with nature, boasting 100% renewable energy and one of the finest sustainability ethos’ in the tourism industry.
At the heart of any jungle lodge is its adventure offering. One cannot be prepared for the fantastic and immersive experiences that guests can enjoy alongside local guides. Meet indigenous Cabécar people, hike to hidden waterfalls, raft on white water rivers and observe wildlife in the hopes to spot the elusive jaguar. Return to luxury at the lodge, to indulge in spa treatments, afternoons by the pool and magnificent farm-to-table dining.
If you've been tempted and want to plan your own getaway, OROKO will tailor-make your holiday from start to finish. Experts in experiential travel, OROKO can take you to the ends of the earth, promising to offer you the most sustainable option possible. To learn more about remote luxury or to start planning your holiday, click here.
