7 of the Best Responsible Luxury Experiences in Asia
by Kate G
Treating yourself to a little luxury along the way can be one of travel’s greatest pleasures, but is it possible to enjoy Asia’s finest creature comforts without compromising on sustainability? 100%, yes. Finding a balance between high-end experience and responsible practice on your Asia travels doesn’t have to be hard work, as there are plenty of properties and experiences combining the highest standards in both, meaning you can have your luxury cake and eat it with a clear conscience.
Our Asia specialists have compiled a selection of the best responsible luxury experiences in Asia to take your travels to the next level.
Luxury lodges in Bhutan
A visit to Bhutan, the world’s only carbon-negative country, is a rare experience, and the kingdom carefully caps visitor numbers to ensure it stays that way. The high sustainability standards across Bhutan’s pristine hills and valleys are government guaranteed, and each hotel has a high bar to hit. Properties here fall into two distinct categories: simple, cosy and frill-free, and ‘bells and whistles’ luxe. The latter comes in the form of a scattering of premium lodges nestling gently within the landscape and offering peaceful, nurturing places to hunker down, including a suite of sumptuous Six Senses offerings from Paro to Punakha.
Two of our favorites independent lodges are the stylish Gangtey Lodge, above the Phobjikha Valley, with its panoramic views, spacious suites and cosy corners, and the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary outside Paro, offering crisp panoramas, sheltered terraces, personalised dining, and relaxation. Visit in the spring to wander beneath clouds of pink cherry blossom, soothe tired muscles in hot-stone baths and warm up each evening around a glowing fire with sweeping views over the valley below.
Gaya Island, Borneo
Gaya Island, off Borneo’s north-west coast, is a protected wilderness of dense forest cascading down onto soft shores. In the heart of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park, its rocks, reefs and offshore depths offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in Borneo, with famously clear waters that are perfect for exploring this impressive underwater world. Kayak out around the coast and snorkel over the coral reefs, looking out for marine life including sea turtles, giant groupers and trigger fish.
As one of only a handful of resorts on the island, the Bungaraya Island Resort takes the concept of responsible luxury to heart. Their focus isn’t just on sustainable hospitality, but on being fierce custodians of the whole island, and embedding practices that ensure its wellbeing and continued thriving. Wooden lodges rise between the trees for enhanced privacy and immersive views over the jungle surroundings, with plunge pools and broad terraces where you can relax and take it all in. Dive beneath the waves with expert PADI instructors, trek into the island’s interior on wildlife-spotting wanders, and return to the resort for sublime massage treatments and fine dining. The perfect combination.
Kudadoo Maldives
Staying on an island paradise theme, no one does desert-island bliss quite like the Maldives, where the sand and sea are often so completely perfect that it’s hard to believe the pictures are real! Keeping the Maldives pristine is at the top of everyone’s priority list, and resorts are having to pull their socks up in terms of demonstrating that being accountably sustainable doesn’t have to mean compromising on the luxury experience.
One resort leading the way is the sublime Kudadoo Maldives boutique, with just 15 overwater villas and the highest levels of traditional luxury (think sumptuous, spacious rooms, unlimited spa experiences and personal butlers!) which is the first resort in the Maldives to generate all its own power from solar. All inclusive really means it, and the staff pull out all the stops to create personalised, memorable stays for everyone, whilst keeping the wellbeing of the ecosystems front and centre.
Chena Huts, Yala, Sri Lanka
Combining a true sense of traditional luxury with a remote location at the edge of Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s prime National Parks, whilst keeping sustainability top of the bill, might seem like a tall order, but Chena Huts have found the balance. ‘Huts’ is a little over-modest to say the least, with the resort offering a scattering of generously-sized thatched villas dotted between dense trees leading to a wild, sandy beach. Each has a wide sheltered terrace with a private pool, and feels cocooned in its own little pocket of forest, providing privacy.
Think expert-guided safaris into the National Park, exquisite dining, spa treatments under the stars and the highest service standards. They take their sustainability responsibilities seriously, with location-sensitive design, on-site water treatment, dedicated conservation involvement, and community at the fore. It’s honestly impressive, and a premium experience in every way.
Shinta Mani - Mustang & Wild
The Shinta Mani name has become synonymous with innovative design that combines opulence with forward-looking sustainability, setting the standard for others to follow, and two of their properties in Asia are always at the top of our luxury list.
Deep in the jungles of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia, extending out over the rushing river below, Shinta Mani Wild offers a unique take on sustainable luxury, emphasising the resort’s remote nature with an unusual arrival via zipwire! Don’t worry, you’re not sent careering off into the distant trees hoping for the best as standard - you can choose to arrive by road - but it’s certainly a thrilling way to start. Once there, the tented lodges offer a sublime, all-in experience, with everything from organic spa treatments to the signature Bensley Butlers on hand to see to your every wish. The resort’s location is no lucky coincidence, as it was built to proactively protect the region of forest it sits within, and they take their responsibilities as custodians of the land fully to heart.
Far away in the less-visited central-northern region of Nepal, the Shinta Mani Mustang performs a similar magic with totally different ingredients, creating a serene oasis that sits gently within the imposing Himalayan landscape. Sip classy cocktails in the cosy lounge, looking out over the extraordinary surroundings, and learn more about how the resort supports education and training for local women through the Pasang Lhamu Foundation.
Misool Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat’s remote beauty speaks for itself, and its rugged coasts and wild landscapes are the absolute definition of Indonesia unspoilt. The Misool Resort is an exclusive property tucked away on a private island in an uninhabited corner of the archipelago, which feels a million miles from anywhere.
The marine ecology in this area is out of this world - a rare spot where biodiversity is actually improving - and the resort focuses on dedicated marine conservation and activism to keep it this way, currently protecting an area twice the size of Singapore! Snorkel and dive beneath the waves with expert instructors, and head above water for a taste of proper indulgence with spacious suites, wellness treatments, nature watching and fresh locally-sourced dining that’s a step beyond. A rare and special experience all round.
Avana Retreat, Vietnam
When the founders of the Avana Retreat came across the waterfall in a secluded glade in Vietnam’s stunning Mai Chau region, they knew they’d found a really special spot, and were determined to keep it so. Translating as ‘beautiful flower’, the Avana’s mission focuses on protecting, regenerating and nurturing their land, and using local skills and materials to build a gorgeous property that will offer guests the very highest quality and service. 98% of the staff are from the local area, and the resort supports them with dedicated training to help them progress in the hospitality industry and beyond. It’s the perfect formula.
Watch the hills burst into white plumes during plum blossom season, see emerald rice fields sway in the breeze, and settle into a gentle rhythm. Unwind in the cloud pool overlooking the terraces, sooth your soul with singing bowl meditations, and snuggle down in spacious suites away from the rush of the world.
Get in touch with our Asia specialists for more eco-luxury inspiration.
by Kate G on 20th February 2026