Stay Somewhere that Doesn’t Wreck the Place

In 1616, a Dutch sailor by the name of Dirk Hartog stumbled across an uninhabited island off the western edge of Australia.

More than 400 years on and very little has changed on what is now called Dirk Hartog Island; a 620-square-kilometre patch of rugged paradise inhabited by only one family.

Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge is a chance to escape the madness of the mainland for a few days of magical seclusion.

Untouched marine ecosystems make it possible to swim or paddle alongside turtles, whales, dolphins and more. Enjoy the luxury of uninterrupted access to majestic sand dunes and extraordinary wildlife, and skirt the edge of the island’s spectacular cliffs, where you’ll stand at Australia’s western-most point, taking in the sheer size of the Indian Ocean. At this point you’ll feel tiny, but you also may never feel closer to the planet you live on.

From AU$2,300 for 5 nights (minimum 5 nights)

Botánika Osa Pensinsula is like a homage to planet earth.

It’s a brand-new eco-resort in Costa Rica, situated where stunning rainforest meets an idyllic stretch of coastline that is more or less private except for the biota that also call this part of the world home.

Located right next to Corcovado National Park and Golfo Dulce, thriving reptile, marine and wildlife hubs respectively, the resort could not be better placed for animal lovers.

When you’re done watching those beasts roam around their habitats, you can roam the stunning expanses of the resort; be it the lagoon-style pool, world class restaurants or jungle-like luxury of your room or villa.

From AU$168 per night, minimum three nights.

A series of turtle-shaped villas located next to a truly idyllic pond is the start of it. Throw in some turtle-shaped buns, served at the Turtle Cafe, and you get the feeling the designers of the Turtle Bay Eco Luxe have a thing for turtles, or something.

The new, sustainably minded, relaxed luxury stay in south-west Thailand is the perfect place to switch off. It’s a short stroll to Sai Noi Beach, a quiet paradise where the only company will be the giant Buddha statue that overlooks the beach.

From AU$105 per night.

A geodesic dome at the heart of the Sacred Valley in Incan territory, Peru.

The dome is designed as a multi-purpose space for social connection, arts, stargazing and meditation, surrounded by lush hillsides, mountains and mystical ruins from centuries gone by. These are all everyday activities, significantly amplified by incredibly special surrounds.

We’re not breaking any exclusives when we reveal how magnificent this area of the world is, but we can tell you that this extraordinary locale is the ideal place to base yourself, before and after hikes in the area.

From AU$287 per night

Like that talented mate at high school—smart, attractive, a natural at sport, pop-culture reference expert and part-time DJ—some places on earth are just blessed.

Set on 200-acres of lush Dominican wilderness, 14 extraordinary suites overlook a mountainous ocean landscape to one side and the Sulfur Spring Valley to the other. Want to relax? Sulfuric mineral hot springs are just minutes away from your suite. Fancy an adventure? You can hike to either the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea in just a day.

The design of this complex is at the intersection of epic and mindful. The whole resort is off-grid, using sun as power and rain as water, and is completely genuine in its eco-credentials.

In fact, Coulibri Ridge took its creators 20 years to build—20 years well spent, in our humble opinion.

From AU$999 per night.