OUR TOP THREE ECO RESORTS SOUTH EAST ASIA

During this time of social distancing and home confinement, many people are spending some time planning their next holiday and travel destination. Some parts of the world are also starting to slowly open up again - as safety protocols are being put in place for people to be protected while at work. At VOYA, we enjoy choosing a resort that is eco- friendly, sustainable, and helps the local community. Here are a few of our favourite eco friendly resorts in South East Asia.

Song Saa Reserve - Cambodia

The Song Saa Resort is located on a Private Island in the beautiful Koh Rong Archipelago in Cambodia. Many activities, such as snorkeling, and swimming are possible, however, they are famous for their holistic well-being program. Guests can enjoy yoga, meditation, and ancient healing practices inspired by the Loving Kindness Meditation called Metta Bhavana.

The team at Song Saa Resort is also ambitious in terms of minimizing its environmental impact. They embrace corporate responsibility concerning the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: addressing climate action (SDG 13.); promoting good health, wellbeing and education (SDG 3 & 4); creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); and, promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). They aim to go 'Beyond Sustainability' through efforts to rebuild natural and social connections and by planting one million trees. The Song Saa Foundation extends well beyond the borders of the archipelago and includes a broad range of conservation and humanitarian initiatives. At Song Saa Resort you can feel the good energy of care and positive intention, which leaves you feeling rejuvenated throughout your stay.

Bawah Reserve - Indonesia

Located in Indonesia's remote Anambas Archipelago, Bawah Reserve is surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons, and coral reefs. There are trees on the islands that are at least 2000 years old and the sandy beaches provide nesting grounds for two species of endangered sea turtles: the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate). Recycled materials have been used as building materials for the resort and the coral reefs were considered during the construction of the jetty. Plans are underway to install solar power on-site.

The pristine, and previously uninhabited marine conservation area, caters to both outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence, as well as paradise seekers looking for pure relaxation. This nature-drenched escape will leave you feeling re- energised.

Sixth Senses - Vietnam

Sixth Senses in Vietnam are situated in the breath-taking and remote Ninh Van Bay. Sustainability is tracked, monitored, and updated daily for guests to see their ecological and carbon footprint from activities associated with the resort and spa operations. The Resort is empty of waste, toxins, and plastic, and full of spirituality, celebration, and joy. They grow a significant amount of their vegetables locally and organically, have not used plastic straws since 2016, and have avoided millions of plastic bottles every year due to the production and bottling of their drinking water in glass bottles. Among other sustainability initiatives, Sixth Senses also have an ambitious goal to be completely free of plastic by the year 2022.

Sixth Senses are also serious about protecting and preserving the endangered Black- Shanked Douc Langur Monkeys (Pygathrix nigripes) that are native to the area. They teamed up with NGO Green Viet to understand how to best protect the surrounding forests to ensure the Langur Monkeys are healthy and thriving well into the future.

These are just a few beautiful, sustainable, eco-resorts in South East Asia that we hope may inspire your next trip.

 

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