‘With me, it’s about a different kind of luxury’, explains Alicia, to whom ‘the luxury lies in the experience’. Instead of attentive butlers or über-modern properties, the director of Luxeco Holidays values the creation of lasting memories over anything else. Whether this be through an exhilarating safari adventure or simply learning about local customs, transformative experiences can be equally as gratifying as soaking in a state-of-the-art infinity pool. Beau Monde Traveler catches up with Alicia Sharpe to hear about her top five sustainable hotels.

Alicia’s professional background lies in teaching, but she also worked for an independent tour operator, which went some way to satisfying her wanderlust. However, ‘I’d always loved to travel because I lived abroad and that’s my passion’, she says and was searching for a career that would allow her to continue her global explorations. She was teaching in China before Covid-19 hit, at which point she lost most of her freelance work. ‘I couldn’t do tutoring because exams were cancelled, but in the back of my mind, I’d always wanted to start up my own company. It was really the best time to start because I got time to do the research.’

In 2021, Alicia decided to take the leap and founded Luxeco Holidays – a luxury and sustainable travel agency. She created her website, took on various training courses, and began to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Just a few years later, ‘my official title is director, but I do everything: social media, marketing, booking’. Alicia designs bespoke itineraries and offers inside knowledge so her clients can ‘safely explore hidden corners and make meaningful connections’. As she explains, ‘my expert advice and inside knowledge will unlock gateways for you to participate in unique experiences that will surprise and delight’.

Alicia’s business is growing as she hoped it would and she is now in the process of hiring new staff to help with the welcome demand for travel advice that is increasing as the idea of sustainable luxury comes to the fore. ‘What I really want to do is try to not get people to stop travelling, but travel in a different way.’ She notes that ‘I know no matter how you travel, you’re going to have an impact on the environment, but at the same time if everyone stopped travelling, a lot of countries would suffer.’ To guide you towards a more sustainable holiday, Alicia has recommended five sustainable stays for travellers seeking to limit their environmental impact without sacrificing comfort.

PACUARE LODGE, COSTA RICA

Pacuare Lodge is an exclusive eco-hotel in Costa Rica that offers a limited 20 suites. The property is located on the banks of the tumbling Pacuare River from which guests access the lodge on rafts in what must be one of the most unique hotel transfers around. ‘What I like about [Pacuare Lodge] is they aim to coexist with not only the environment but local communities’, Alicia explains. The structure itself centres around indigenous Cabécar-inspired architecture and boasts the authentic sustainable feel sought after by more and more travellers. ‘This one – and a lot of the luxury lodges in Costa Rica – can be deconstructed within a day and there will be no trace of them, which I think is amazing’, she says.

Pacuare Lodge’s accommodation is spellbinding. From the Linda Vista Villas, which provide captivating views of the surrounding rainforest, to the Jaguar Villa complete with a private, spring-fed stone pool, guests can marvel at the awe-inspiring natural scenery from the comfort of luxurious yet sustainable amenities. The property’s culinary scene is equally inviting and ‘you’re not going to get anything that is artificial’, says Alicia, ‘it’s all fresh’. The kitchen team is made up of talented young people from the local community who bring a delightful mélange of culinary traditions and flavours that make a lasting impact on guests.

Many properties such as this offer a host of experiences that allow for immersion in the local culture and environment. With rafting, zip-lining and canyoning to bird watching, hiking and conservation tours, Pacuare Lodge is no different. For a chance to understand the lifestyle of the local Cabécar Indians – Costa Rica’s largest indigenous group – the lodge collaborated with its members to construct a Cabécar rancho close to the property where visitors can learn about the group’s culture and customs from the son of a local shaman without invading their privacy.

PIKAIA LODGE, GALAPAGOS

Pikaia Lodge is located on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago. Alicia explains that ‘they are very intent on preserving local wildlife and the local area’. The Galapagos is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and ‘there are so many endemic species of animals’ to protect, she says. The lodge is located on a former cattle ranch – that destroyed much of the existing vegetation and trees – and it is now carrying out an ambitious reforestation programme to encourage the resettlement of local flora and fauna. The property is constructed from ‘sustainable resources and they also have a social responsibility programme’, says Alicia.

Pikaia Lodge offers balcony and terrace rooms as well as garden and pool suites, each boasting show-stopping views of the local environment and luxury amenities. The pool suites, for example, feature panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to a private terrace from which guests can admire the ocean, islands, savannah and volcanic mountains; the plunge pool and private garden are simply bonuses. The property is home to the Evolution Restaurant, which has a menu that changes every two days. Guests can enjoy exquisite meals characterised by unique flavours, traditional cuisine, and splendid views.

Perhaps the most exciting element of Pikaia Lodge is its exploration packages. Alicia explains, ‘you can go on an expedition boat with a marine specialist who tells you all about what you’re seeing, and in my experience my clients really value that sort of expertise.’ The packages include accommodation, land excursions, marine navigation, as well as sports gear (for diving, snorkelling and biking). 

LEITLHOF, ITALY

Leitlhof in the Dolomites is ‘a really great option if you want some sustainability in Italy’, says Alicia. Located in one of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, the property revolves around the natural offerings of the local area; they note, ‘we use the best our region has to offer and enhance it with a fine note of luxury’. Elegance and simplicity are the keywords here. The hotel even generates its own power and heat – making it one of the few self-sustained hotels on the continent – and raises Angus cattle on their Mühlhof farm. ‘It’s not typical five-star luxury, but they have a farm from which they source their products and food’, Alicia notes.

Leitlhof’s rooms are the ultimate in comfort after a day outdoors. A blend of tradition and subtle luxury make for warm and bright spaces that don’t distract from the breathtaking scenery. Every room shares the same cosy atmosphere and Alpine feel, but some have extras including balconies and televisions. However, the property’s true treasure is its fresh and locally sourced cuisine. Leitlhof harvests its own rhubarb, lettuce, courgettes and various herbs, which are showcased in creative and innovative dishes, often inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

With such an energetic landscape comes a wonderful array of activities that enable guests to explore the outdoors. Leitlhof offers mountaineering and rock climbing, biking, skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing.

MAI CHAU ECOLODGE, VIETNAM

The focal point of Vietnam’s Mai Chau Ecolodge is ‘harmony in nature’, Alicia says. This certainly rings true in the property’s construction and placement within the landscape. ‘It is truly integrated into nature, and they follow environmental-protection initiatives and cultural preservation.’ Much of the building materials come from the local area and include wood, palm leaves and coconut husks. Equally, more than 90% of the lodge’s staff are employed from local villages and ethnic minority groups. Mai Chau Ecolodge celebrates this diversity through daily dances, meals, décor and the use of traditional ethnic dress as the uniform, showcasing the rich culture of its employees.

Mai Chau Ecolodge offers a wide range of room options that are homely and chic. ‘It’s all in greens and browns, and it’s very natural but also with the little touches of luxury’, says Alicia. The property’s superior room, for example, is characterised by warm bamboo furniture and woven motifs – even on the ceiling – that are reminiscent of the natural landscape outside that can be admired from the room’s expansive balcony. Earthy green hues are found on the walls and the bedspread. The traditional décor at Mai Chau Ecolodge is complemented with hints of luxury including rainfall showers (inside and outside), mini fridges, and air conditioning.

The lodge is home to the two-storey Orchid Restaurant, where guests will be captivated by a fusion of Vietnamese and Thai flavours. A meal at the highest point of the property means panoramic views over the paddy fields and mountains that surround them. Guests are also invited to enjoy a soak in the pool or a massage at the on-site spa facilities or, for something a little more energetic, activities including hiking and cycling.

MUNDUK MODING PLANTATION, BALI

‘This place is just like a dream’, says Alicia. Munduk Moding Plantation is a unique hideaway in northern Bali, in the middle of a working organic coffee plantation and next to the expansive jungle for which the country is famous. ‘Everything about [the property] is committed to sustainable tourism’, Alicia notes, and is run by a team exclusively from Bali. Munduk Moding Plantation was one of Green Globe’s first members and works with various organisations to ensure a sustainable operation with the goal of reaching carbon neutrality. The hotel harvests rainwater, sorts waste, uses solar electricity and all staff are trained in environmental management. Munduk Moding Plantation has been recognised for its success and luxury and has been awarded accolades including World’s Top Ten Infinity Pools, Traveller’s Choice 2022, and Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best 2023.

The property’s accommodation is truly remarkable – it is no wonder Munduk Moding Plantation has received such rave reviews. The Presidential Suite, for example, features an open fireplace, separate dining room and outdoor terraces that lead onto a private 12m heated pool and additional jacuzzi; ‘you’re looking over the edge and you can see the mountains in the background, the rainforest and the jungle.’ The interior of each room showcases traditional Balinese textiles and art, ‘it’s just beautiful, beautiful décor’ with elegant artisanal touches. Alicia explains that you can even ‘have a floating brunch in your plunge pool’. Warung Bongot is Munduk Moding Plantation’s traditional Balinese restaurant where guests can enjoy fresh ingredients often from the on-site vegetable and spice gardens. The hotel also offers a Sunset Bar and street food outlet.

‘It’s a nice place to just kind of recharge, relax and enjoy the activities’, says Alicia. ‘There are activities such as learning to make a balinese offering, learning local handicraft making, guided walks on the coffee plantation, candle making, healthy drink workshops, dance workshops, bird watching…’ The options seem infinite and ‘it’s very culturally immersive’. For guests seeking relaxation, the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities – including massages, saunas and yoga classes – are refreshing.

As the idea of sustainable luxury comes to the fore, there is an increasing number of hotels that are focusing on limiting their impact on the environment without sacrificing on comfort. Alicia has shared five that execute this strategy perfectly. From Cabécar-inspired architecture in Costa Rica to the exclusive employment of locals in Bali, it is clear that some properties are getting it right.