Some of the most sophisticated escapes are also the most thoughtful, places where landscapes and local communities are honoured as much as the guests who wander them. Whether you’re seeking a secluded island, a wild adventure, or a whimsical countryside estate, these five destinations combine culture, nature, and sustainability in their own beautiful ways.

Luxury and purpose intertwine in a delightful twist, and you’ll discover that where sustainability leads, bespoke experiences naturally follow—proof that eco-conscious travel opens doors to new adventures rather than closing them.

The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Inspired by none other than Marlon Brando, The Brando is a luxury retreat on the Tetiaroa atoll, just a 20-minute flight from Tahiti. Brando first discovered the island in the 1960s and was captivated by its untouched beauty and Polynesian culture, envisioning a secluded escape rooted in harmony with nature. Today, the resort carries that vision forward with a mission to minimize its carbon footprint through renewable energy systems, resource repurposing, and a deep commitment to preserving the atoll’s delicate environment. Guests can immerse themselves in Polynesian culture, take guided excursions, or relax on the serene white-sand beaches. As best expressed by Marlon Brando himself:“You can’t bring culture here, you have to adapt to theirs.”

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton, England

A true English countryside escape, The Newt in Somerset sits quietly amid whimsical woodlands, lakes, and 300-year-old orchards, where thoughtful design meets the landscape’s natural rhythm. Once a noble family estate, guests today choose between Hadspen House—a 17th-century Georgian-designed home at the center of the property—and the Farmyard, a refined retreat shaped from restored agricultural buildings. As a working farm, the estate champions a deep farm-to-table philosophy: productive gardens, orchards, and a cyder press feed its kitchens, while regenerative practices—wildflower meadows, pollinator strips, managed woodlands—foster biodiversity across the grounds. Enchanting and deeply rooted in place, it’s a stay that leaves you calmer, connected, and quietly renewed.

Il Borro Toscana, San Giustino Valdarno, Italy

Tucked in the rolling Tuscan hills, Il Borro feels like stepping into a living Renaissance painting. Owned by the Ferragamo family, the medieval hamlet dates back to 1254, and was carefully restored to its former glory by Ferruccio Ferragamo in 1993—bringing new life to its stone pathways, vineyards, and enduring traditions. At the intersection of art and culture, the estate is a sustainable fairytale—with an organic farm producing its own wine and olive oil, solar-powered energy supporting a fully electric fleet, and craftspeople keeping centuries-old artistry alive. Guests can go horseback riding, join cooking classes, and take part in traditional Tuscan artisan workshops—from belt and shoe-making to working alongside goldsmiths and art restorers. Part romance, part reverie, Il Borro invites you to slow down and savor Tuscany as it once was.

Playa Viva, Zihuatanejo, Mexico

A one-of-a-kind luxury sustainable destination, Playa Viva is a B Corp–certified, fully off-the-grid resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast, about 20 minutes from Petatlán. Powered entirely by on-site solar panels and water sourced from its own well, the property champions regenerative farming, farm-to-table dining, and deep community engagement. Here, luxury unfolds harmoniously with the wild—mornings begin with the sound of waves, days drift between wellness programs and untouched beaches, and nights settle into starlit stillness. The resort hosts transformative retreats while also serving as the perfect romantic escape. For a truly unforgettable stay, choose their award-winning oceanfront treehouses.

L’Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, Cernay-la-ville, France

Just outside Paris, L’Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay offers a dreamlike escape within the walls of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. Once owned by the Rothschild family, the property was restored in 2023 with a light, respectful hand—preserving its surrounding forest ecosystem and the timeless grandeur of its historic architecture. Today, the property blends romance and rustic elegance beneath its enchanting cloisters and grand salons. Guests can unwind in its world-class spa, enjoy seasonal cuisine that directly supports local producers, and participate in a rotation of seasonal activities. Child-friendly and a sought-after setting to celebrate life’s special milestones, it’s a countryside escape that can be as calm or as decadent as you make it.

Feature image by Andrew Kearns.