Eco-Luxury | Hands Up Holidays

Eco-Luxury

Luxury without
compromise

We believe the finest travel experiences are those that tread lightly on the world. Every property we recommend meets our rigorous eco-luxury standard — exceptional comfort, minimal environmental footprint.

Explore destinations
30+ Destinations worldwide

Our standard

What makes a property
truly eco-luxury?

The term "eco" is overused. We apply a strict set of criteria before recommending any property — sustainability must be built into the architecture and operation, not bolted on as an afterthought.

Every lodge, resort, and camp we recommend has been personally vetted. If it doesn't meet our standard, it doesn't make our list.

  • Designed and built using locally sourced, recycled, or natural materials — blended into their setting
  • Generates its own clean energy — solar, wind, or hydro — and uses LED lighting throughout
  • Full waste management: composting, recycling, and creative reuse of by-products
  • Actively employs and supports the local community and economy
  • Exceptional guest experience — because sustainable should never mean second-best

Hand-picked properties

The finest eco-luxury,
destination by destination

In our view, Costa Rica leads the world in eco-luxury. The country's commitment to sustainability is woven into its national identity — and reflected in its extraordinary portfolio of properties.

Nayara Tented Camp

Luxury safari-style tents in the Arenal rainforest. Voted one of the world's best hotels. Solar-powered, zero single-use plastic.

RainforestSolar

Pacuare Lodge

Accessible only by whitewater raft through pristine rainforest gorges. 20 luxury bungalows on the banks of one of National Geographic's top ten scenic rivers. Entirely off-grid.

Off-gridRiver

El Silencio Lodge

Cloud forest immersion in Bajos del Toro. 500 acres of private reserve, canopy trails, and farm-to-table dining.

Cloud ForestFarm-to-table

Lapa Rios

A pioneer of eco-luxury, protecting 1,000 acres of lowland rainforest in the Osa Peninsula. A National Geographic Unique Lodge.

ConservationNat Geo

Tabacon Resort

Natural hot springs fed by the Arenal volcano. Carbon-neutral certified, with on-site organic gardens supplying its restaurants.

Hot SpringsCarbon Neutral

Thailand has a growing and impressive eco-luxury offer — from private island resorts to jungle retreats. These are our favorites.

Kiri Private Reserve

A private island resort on Koh Kood. Individual villas with private pools, a glass-blowing studio, and an extraordinary commitment to sustainability.

Private IslandUltra-luxury

Six Senses Yao Noi

Set on a quiet island in Phang Nga Bay with dramatic limestone karst views. Organic gardens, wellness programs, and plastic-free operations.

WellnessPlastic-free

Aleenta Phuket

A boutique beachfront resort on a quiet stretch of Mai Khao. Solar energy, local sourcing, and a strong community engagement program.

BeachfrontSolar

Africa's finest safari operators have long led the way in conservation-focused luxury. These properties combine extraordinary wildlife access with genuine environmental stewardship.

Kenya — Masai Mara

Tented camps on private conservancies bordering the Mara. Zero-waste operations, Maasai community partnerships, and exclusive wildlife access.

SafariCommunity

Rwanda — Gorilla Lodges

Mountain lodges bordering Volcanoes National Park. Revenue directly funds gorilla conservation. Locally built using traditional materials.

ConservationWildlife

South Africa — Private Reserves

Sabi Sands and beyond. Private game reserves with Big Five access, solar-powered lodges, and deep roots in the local community.

Big FiveSolar

From the temples of Cambodia to the beaches of Sri Lanka, Asia offers some of our most characterful eco-luxury properties.

Cambodia — The Islands

Boutique eco properties just off the coast. Employing local artisans and chefs. Zero waste, supporting local Khmer communities.

HeritageCommunity

Sri Lanka — Coastal

Plastic free, locally sourced ingredients, free medical care for the local community.

WildlifeOrganic

Bali — and Beyond

Rice terrace retreats and jungle hideaways. Traditional Balinese architecture, local materials, and deep community integration.

CultureWellness

From the rainforests of Belize and Peru to the wilds of Guatemala, the Americas offer spectacular eco-luxury in some of the world's most biodiverse landscapes.

Belize — Jungle Lodges

Jungle reserves with Mayan ruin access. Solar and hydro power, rainforest conservation programs, and spectacular biodiversity.

JungleMayan Heritage

Peru — Sacred Valley

Andean eco-lodges combining Inca heritage with modern sustainability. Local Quechua community partnerships and organic Andean cuisine.

AndeanHeritage

Guatemala — Lake Atitlán

Boutique lakeside retreats surrounded by volcanoes. Locally owned, solar-powered, and deeply connected to indigenous Maya culture.

LakeIndigenous

Our commitment

What we look for in every
property we recommend

Clean Energy

Solar, wind, or hydro power — never reliant on diesel generators

Local Materials

Architecture using recycled or locally sourced materials, built to blend in

Zero Waste

Composting, recycling, and creative reuse — no single-use plastics

Community First

Local employment, fair wages, and investment in surrounding communities

Conservation

Active protection of surrounding ecosystems and wildlife habitats

"Luxury travel is best when it is also sustainable. The finest properties we've ever stayed in didn't just minimize their impact — they actively improved the world around them."
Christopher Hill — Founder, Hands Up Holidays

Ready to travel in
style and conscience?

Every itinerary we create includes hand-picked eco-luxury accommodation tailored to your family's preferences and your chosen destination.

luxury family adventure that counts Turkey