Sustainable travel is about making thoughtful choices, considering the environment and helping local economies to thrive. Many of the hotels in our Sun and Safari collection employ and uplift local communities, utilize solar power, cook with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients or offer unique nature experiences.
CRADLE OF HUMANKIND
FARMHOUSE58
Farmhouse 58, located in the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg, is designed as a sustainable, eco-conscious retreat focused on regeneration, local sourcing, and environmental stewardship.
Repurposed Architecture: The retreat is built within refurbished and repurposed farm buildings, prioritizing the reuse of existing structures over new construction. Where possible, they use rammed earth building techniques and locally produced furniture.
Regenerative Agriculture & Food: Farmhouse 58 operates "FARMintheVELD," a regenerative farming initiative focused on restoring soil health, planting cover crops, and avoiding synthetic pesticides. The restaurant menus are seasonal and locally sourced, with the goal of providing for the property's restaurants and the surrounding community. They also harvest award winning honey from their organic hives.
Water Management: The property utilizes an extensive system of water bodies, including streams, natural springs, and reservoirs, to manage water resources within the Kromdraai Valley.
Sustainable Apiary: The retreat hosts 20 active hives, part of an environmental collaboration to support the local ecosystem.
Energy & Waste Reduction: Solar energy is used to manage power outages, mitigating the reliance on conventional electricity. The project supports a "0-waste" approach, including offering curated vegetable boxes to reduce food waste.
Community and Social Impact: The majority of staff are from the local community. Furthermore, the 58 Agri-Hub partner with local NGOs (Real Life, U Can Grow) to develop agri-entrepreneurs in the Kromdraai Valley, having distributed over 300 starter packs for sustainable, local food production.
Environmental Philosophy: The retreat promotes "Wabi-Sabi" principles – finding beauty in the imperfect and temporary – to encourage a "slow" lifestyle that reduces the impact of excessive consumerism.
The retreat integrates wellness activities – such as hiking, running, and yoga – that connect guests with the surrounding natural environment
KWAZULU NATAL
Summerhill Guest Estate
Summerhill Guest Estate, home of The LivingRoom, is a pioneer in sustainable hospitality.
The Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Chef of the Year award went to Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in Pinetown. The judges said: “This chef’s culinary approach transcends mere cooking; he is deeply conceptual, crafting edible narratives. With a modern, innovative flair, he masterfully blends the richness of local ingredients, showcasing a profound respect for South Africa and his region’s culinary heritage. His menus, brought to life through masterful techniques, are a testament to this. Beyond the kitchen, he is a true champion of sustainable practices, building strong relationships with local farmers and producers, thus enriching the local food ecosystem. Each plate leaving his kitchen is a masterclass in passion and precision."
The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate was the recipient of another special award: the Eat Out Woolworths Green Star Award (previously called the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award). The judges said: “The restaurant’s unwavering commitment to showcasing local ingredients sets it apart, working with farms within a 100km radius that follow organic practices and promote indigenous food crops. It keeps a close watch on single-use plastic, reducing and removing it from supply chains wherever possible. Foraging is done thoughtfully, always mindful of nature’s delicate balance. And when it comes to non-South African ingredients, they make up a staggeringly low 0.1% of the total. Energy efficiency is just as important to this winner as serving exceptional food. Solar power has cut its electricity consumption by a third, while invasive species wood is used for cooking, grilling and baking. This restaurant is more than a place to eat; it is proof that sustainability is not just possible, but essential.”
PAARL
Adara Palmiet Valley
Adara Palmiet Valley, a boutique hotel near Paarl, is designed for high sustainability, featuring a near-total off-grid photovoltaic solar energy system with battery storage. The estate ensures environmental harmony through independent water supply, including boreholes and dam irrigation, alongside sustainable, locally sourced dining, electric shuttle services, and a partnership with Go Sustainable Tourism.
Energy: The property uses a photovoltaic system, allowing it to bypass South African load shedding and maintain operations, including heating and cooling, 24/7.
Water Management: The estate has an independent water supply, using groundwater from a 30-meter-deep borehole for potable water and dam water for irrigation.
Ecology & Biodiversity: The "Green Concept" focuses on preserving the surrounding natural scenery, including local flora and fauna.
Waste Management: On-site sewage treatment is implemented.
Sustainable Sourcing: The restaurant provides seasonal products from sustainable agriculture and local farmers.
Transportation: A fully electric hotel shuttle service is available and powered by the solar array.
The hotel, a 300-year-old Cape Dutch farm, was renovated to include these green technologies.
LIMPOPO
Naka Luxury Safari Lodge
Naka Luxury Safari Lodge in Limpopo operates on a semi-off-grid, eco-conscious model designed to protect the surrounding bushveld.
Energy & Environment: Uses solar power, water treatment for purification, and operates a largely fenceless, eco-friendly environment to support wildlife.
Waste Management: Focuses on recycling non-biodegradable materials to minimize their ecological footprint.
Locally Sourced Dining: Sustainable food sourcing includes local, neighbouring farms, alongside their own produced honey, fruit, and vegetables.
Community & Conservation: Naka engages in wildlife conservation programs, educational opportunities around sustainable living, and supports local community members with job opportunities.
Conservation Management: They aim to balance luxury travel with a "duty to preserve and protect" the environment for future generations.
SOUTHERN AFRICA (Multiple Destinations)
Private Places
Welgevonden Game Reserve villas prioritize high-end sustainability through low-impact eco-tourism, strict biodiversity conservation, and strict ecological management. Located within the Waterberg Biosphere, villas operate with strict regulations to prevent environmental damage, protect rhino populations, and support local community upliftment, often utilizing eco-friendly technologies and limiting guest numbers to enhance sustainability.
Low Impact Tourism: The reserve limits the number of guests to ensure low ecological impact, with 26 luxury lodges providing intimate, eco-conscious experiences.
Conservation Initiatives: Lodges are deeply involved in conservation, including supporting anti-poaching units (APUs), sanctuary initiatives for rhino, and habitat rehabilitation.
Eco-friendly Practices: Many villas adopt sustainable practices such as sustainable waste management, energy efficiency, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. All the lodges have solar power and gas operated showers. There is also no air conditioning at the lodges, which lowers electricity consumption considerably.
Community Upliftment: Sustainability efforts extend to the local community, creating employment and empowerment opportunities, which helps reduce threats to biodiversity.
Environmental Education: Programmes like the Welgevonden Environmental Awareness Programme (WEAP) promote conservation awareness among local schools.
Water: Most of the lodges have a borehole and water is safe to drink, with the exception of Ntwane Lodge and Emfuleni Lodge.
The management vision ensures the long-term viability of the reserve by balancing ecological management with tourism.
PLETTENBERG BAY
Lairds Lodge Country Estate
Lairds Lodge Country Estate, located near Plettenberg Bay on South Africa's Garden Route, incorporates sustainability primarily through community involvement, local sourcing, and environmental conservation on its 24-acre estate.
Community Support: Laird’s embraces a deep sense of social responsibility within the local community. Through ongoing involvement with Muddy Pooches, a non-profit dedicated to feeding and caring for township dogs, weekly sterilisation clinics are supported every Saturday. Local children are encouraged to bring their pets, fostering both responsibility and compassion from a young age. Through this network, more than a ton of ePap has been donated over the years, helping to nourish and sustain many families in the surrounding communities. Guided by the philosophy “Travel with a Purpose,” many past guests have contributed to this meaningful initiative, becoming part of a story that extends far beyond their stay.
Environmental Stewardship: The Lodge is thoughtfully designed to work in harmony with its surroundings, harvesting rainwater and drawing from a deep borehole beneath the rock. This precious resource is stored in a covered 144,000-litre underground reservoir, reducing evaporation and preserving every drop. It is then gently purified using energy-efficient pumps and UV filtration, ensuring clean, safe drinking water without the need for harsh chemicals. Regularly tested in Cape Town, our water reflects both exceptional quality and a commitment to responsible, sustainable living.
Everything possible is recycled, with food waste thoughtfully repurposed – collected by a local pig farmer or transformed into nutrient-rich compost for use in the gardens. Plastics and glass are uplifted by a small township-based company, creating valuable income from materials that would otherwise go to waste. Through these practices, The Lodge supports both the environment and the surrounding community, ensuring that nothing is wasted and everything has purpose.
Local Sourcing and Operations: The lodge emphasizes local, fresh produce for its dining, including seafood and game, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Conservation Initiatives: The property features a natural "forest pool" and maintains manicured, landscaped areas that coexist with the natural environment, encouraging biodiversity. During the quieter months, ongoing alien vegetation removal across the 24 acres allows the land to regenerate naturally. By clearing invasive species, the indigenous fynbos is given space to flourish, restoring the balance of this unique ecosystem and preserving its beauty for generations to come
Long-term Staff Employment: Many staff members have been part of the Lairds Lodge family for over 25 years, indicating a commitment to sustainable, fair labour practices and local employment stability.
FRANSCHHOEK
Terre Paisible Medical Spa
Terre Paisible Medical Rejuvenation and Spa, located in the Franschhoek Valley, integrates sustainability into its core operations by balancing luxury wellness with environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The estate has earned the global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) mark.
Sustainable Agriculture & Land Management: The estate focuses on regenerative practices, including hand-picking and cold-pressing olives for artisanal oils, free from preservatives and additives. The land features cultivated orchards and vineyards designed to work in harmony with nature, emphasizing soil health and conservation.
Eco-Friendly Product Choices: The spa utilizes premium, ethically conscious skincare brands, such as Esse Probiotic Skincare, which is certified organic by ECOCERT, vegan, plastic-neutral, and carbon-neutral. They also feature Colorescience®, which offers mineral-based, non-toxic sun protection.
Design and Environment: The spa's infrastructure, designed by Tristan du Plessis, was created to blend with the natural surroundings rather than compete with them, featuring a neutral palette and natural materials that minimize visual disruption to the landscape.
Ethical and Sustainable Focus: The overarching philosophy of the spa emphasizes longevity, both for the body and the environment, ensuring that operations contribute to the future of the community.
Terre Paisible aims to provide a sustainable luxury experience that extends beyond mere indulgence to focus on long-term health and ecological care.
CAPE TOWN
Nova Constantia Boutique Residence
Luxury, Thoughtfully Reimagined
At Nova Constantia Boutique Residence, sustainability is not an add-on, it is an integral part of how we operate. Set within the natural beauty of the Constantia Valley, we are committed to preserving our environment while delivering a refined, five-star guest experience.
We believe true luxury is not only about comfort and design, but about responsibility, ensuring that every stay is as mindful as it is memorable.
Our Approach
Our sustainability philosophy is centred around efficiency, conservation, and conscious hospitality. Through ongoing investment in energy systems and operational practices, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining the high standards our guests expect.
Energy & Environmental Impact
Through the implementation of energy-efficient systems and solar integration, our operation has already made measurable progress in reducing its environmental impact over the 3 years measured since inception of our state of the art system:
- 68.3 tons of CO₂ emissions reduced
- 1,802 kg of sulphur dioxide emissions prevented
- Equivalent of planting 38.4 trees
- 22.5 tons of standard coal saved
These figures reflect our commitment to operating more responsibly, while ensuring uninterrupted comfort for our guests.
KNYSNA
Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
Environmental Impact: Amanzi Boutique Hotel practices rainwater harvesting and uses borehole Water for gardening & outdoor cleaning. They have water serving signs for all their guests rooms and have installed low flow taps, showerheads & dual flush toilets.
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives: The hotel appoints the services of a local entrepreneurs to collect recyclable products and separate them accordingly at their depot. They support reduced paper usage by implementing digital or email versions of guide documents.
Eco-friendly cleaning products: Amanzi uses a supplier who offers environmentally friendly products.
Socio-economic impact: The Amanzi Island Beach Hotel creates direct and indirect employment opportunities for the locals. They also prioritise purchasing locally. The hotel also donates old linen to a local retirement homes e.g Vermont Centre.
STELLENBOSCH
Lanzerac
Lanzerac in Stellenbosch is passionate about sustainability and has many incredible initiatives which aim to preserve the historic 1692 estate, while operating a luxurious, modern 5-star hotel and wine estate.
The estate is in the process of publishing a comprehensive document on their sustainability approach, which will be made available soon.
JOHANNESBURG/ KRUGER/ CAPE TOWN
Bastion Aviation Group
Bastion Aviation, a private charter service based in Southern Africa, integrates sustainability into its operations primarily through environmental conservation efforts and, conceptually, through the operational efficiencies typical of modern business aviation.
Environmental & Social Initiatives
• Biodiversity Conservation: Bastion Aviation actively supports environmental protection, specifically within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, focusing on restoring ecosystems and clearing invasive alien plants.
• Wildlife Protection: The company is involved in local conservation, including supporting snare-removal projects to protect wildlife in the Roodepoort area.
• Community & Environmental Advocacy: Bastion engages with initiatives such as the Catchment Investment Programme to improve water security.
Operational Sustainability (Industry Context)
• Modern Fleet: Bastion operates a versatile, modern fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for charters, bush safaris, and aerial work. Modern aircraft generally offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to older models.
• Tailored Efficiency: By providing specialized, direct air travel solutions rather than relying on high-volume hub-and-spoke models, private charters can offer more direct routes.
CAPE TOWN
The Mirage Catamaran
The Mirage Catamaran in Cape Town offers eco-marine daily sails, focusing on responsible tourism and reducing plastic. It offers a high-end, environmentally conscious yacht charter experience for exploring the Atlantic Seaboard.
Eco-Marine Focus: We believe that experiencing nature firsthand fosters a deeper appreciation for its protection. Our guests have the opportunity to observe marine wildlife in a respectful and low-impact way, encouraging awareness and support for conservation efforts.
Through responsible tourism, we strive to balance unforgettable experiences with the preservation of the ecosystems that make them possible.
Design and environment. Our catamaran is designed with environmental responsibility in mind, using minimal fuel to reduce emissions and lessen our impact on the ocean. By prioritising efficiency and thoughtful operation, we are able to offer a more sustainable way to explore the marine environment.
Plastic Reduction: The Mirage has a focus on reducing plastic usage on board, promoting a "less plastic" initiative.