5 Conscious Luxury Escapes for World Environment Day

If you’ve been craving a break that feels both indulgent and meaningful, you’re not alone. The world of luxury travel is undergoing a quiet revolution, one that’s less about excess and more about experience. It’s about waking up to birdsong in the hills of Uttarakhand or walking barefoot through a tea estate in Sri Lanka, knowing your stay supports the land and the people who live on it.

With World Environment Day 2025 focusing on Ending Plastic Pollution, there’s never been a better time to choose escapes that respect the planet. Here are five extraordinary stays across India, the Middle East, and Sri Lanka where eco-luxury isn’t a trend, it’s the living standard.

Brij Bageecha, Jaipur, India

Located among organic orchards and farmlands near Jaipur, Brij Bageecha invites you into a world where Rajasthani elegance meets conscious living. Think minimal plastic use, open-air foraging, and a genuine farm-to-table dining ethos.

Explore sustainable farming with guided sessions, wander the estate gardens, or spot leopards on safari at nearby Jhalana Leopard Safari Park. It’s an experience that’s equal parts luxury and local soul.

The Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India

Perched in the serene hills of Kasar Devi, The Kumaon is a hideaway crafted from local stone, bamboo, and eco-friendly materials. From its open terraces, you can gaze out at the mighty Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.

Its commitment to sustainability runs deep, from rainwater harvesting, solar heating, and food made from regional produce, which are just the beginning. Don’t miss the chance to hike through Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where every step takes you deeper into ancient oak forests and wild rhododendron groves.

Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi

Set within a protected nature reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island, this African-style luxury stay offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the UAE. Spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, and giraffes from your private villa, no long-haul flight to the savannah needed.

Founded on the conservation legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the resort invites guests to join guided nature walks and learn about local ecology, all while enjoying full access to nearby sister properties.

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman

High in Oman’s dramatic Al Hajar Mountains lies Alila Jabal Akhdar, a remote sanctuary that balances rugged landscapes with serene sophistication. Certified by EarthCheck for its sustainability efforts, the resort is as green as it is gorgeous.

From energy-efficient architecture to its support of local artisans and growers, everything here has purpose. Discover the on-site hydroponic farm, then head out for a hike through the “Green Mountain”, where wild pomegranates and juniper trees flourish.

Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka

Tucked into the highland tea country, this Relais & Châteaux collection is more than just picturesque, it’s part of a mission to restore nature and empower local communities.

Join a tea-tasting session, walk historic trails through the plantations, or plant a native tree to contribute to reforestation efforts. The estate, part of the Dilmah Tea family’s conservation vision, runs nature walks, wildlife education programmes for children, and sustainable farming initiatives across the region.

More than ever, where you choose to stay says something about what you value. These five properties prove that luxury can coexist with sustainability, and that comfort doesn’t have to come at nature’s expense.