Leading the World of Responsible Travel

Below the turquoise waters of the Maldives and the sparkling blue waves of the Mediterranean is the planet’s largest ecosystem. The conservation of the natural world below water is deeply important for Leading’s waterfront destinations, which comprise over half of the properties in the collection. Ensuring beauty abounds above and below the water’s surface is paramount for Sereno Hotels, which invites guests in its Caribbean locale to partake in coral reel restoration. Across the Pacific, Halekulani Hotels from Okinawa to Honolulu are furthering efforts to educate on sustainable fishing practices and prevent illegal fishing through their Emmy Award-winning Halekulani TV Series. And overwater and island destinations, such as Thanda Island, foster the nesting havens of endangered sea species, including sea turtles and whale sharks, as cornerstones of the guest experience.

Immersed in the remarkable wonders of nature, Leading properties around the world – from the rainforests of Central America to the plains of South Africa – are at the forefront of combining environmentally conscious design with the protection of native flora and fauna. The innovative team at Nayara Resorts tapped the expertise of reforestation experts, biologists, and renowned architects to create guest spaces that go beyond sustainability, fully integrating with and restoring their surrounding plant ecosystem. At Shambala Private Game Reserve, the hotel’s guardianship of 10,000 hectares of the precious river valley creates a sanctuary for endangered species while inspiring travelers to forge profound connections with the land and its wildlife. And in the skies, high above the rainforest canopies of The Datai Langkawi, the Malaysian birds known as “Nature’s Gardeners” are returning home thanks to the efforts of the resort’s For the Future habitat development initiative.

As a constellation of Michelin Green-starred restaurants and the most prestigious vineyards in the world, Leading Hotels are committed to the responsible use of the earth’s precious resources from cultivation to consumption. Stewardship of the land is at the root of the Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine experience, where environmentally conscious farming practices are essential on the estate vineyard and organic farm. At Le Negresco's renowned Le Chantecler, Michelin-star chef Virginie Basselot takes sustainable dining to new heights with a menu of the region’s local ingredients. And the product lifecycle comes full circle at The Dolder Grand, where leftover packaging and other unused product is upcycled to create goods donated to those in need.

To ensure that future generations of curious travelers can continue to experience the world’s snow-capped mountains and teeming coral reefs, Leading Hotels are making strides to combat climate change holistically. Hotels such as the Arosa’s Tschuggen Grand Hotel collaborate with climate experts to ensure that the highest standards in hospitality are met with the lowest possible CO2 footprint. On the Spanish paradise of Menorca, the innovative and energy-efficient design of Villa Le Blanc, is leading the industry as the island’s first carbon-neutral resort. And amidst the living desert of Sedona, Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel has restored an ancient waterway that runs through the property to simultaneously restore the land and nourish its protected forest.

Leading Hotels are not only leaders in hospitality but also pillars of their communities. Beyond driving the economic well-being of a destination through the employment of local staff, many Leading Hotels play an indispensable role in furthering their communities with cultural investments in the arts, education, and more. At São Lourenço do Barrocal, an estate that's been held by the same family for over 200 years, local traditions are preserved through rejuvenation of its buildings and the hotel supports the local economy by tapping local artisans – from bakers to ceramicist – for its décor and shops. In North Africa, the Royal Mansour Marrakech partners with The Center Fiers & Forts to create a safe refuge for orphaned and disadvantaged children. And in the Caribbean, Tortuga Bay offers primary medical care for thousands of local patience through a partnership with Fundación Grupo Puntacana.