The Leadership & Vision Behind the World’s Most Sustainable Luxury Retreats

Sustainability in hospitality is no longer about certifications or token green initiatives. The true pioneers of eco-luxury have transcended traditional sustainability models to create properties that are living, breathing ecosystems of conservation, regeneration, and local empowerment.

At Satopia, we believe sustainability is not just about what a hotel does—it’s about who leads it, what values they embody, and the legacy they leave behind. The following are our handpicked selections of the world’s most sustainable low-impact properties, each driven by visionary leadership that is reshaping the future of hospitality.

1. Sosei – Sonu Shivdasani & Eva Malmström Shivdasani

“Luxury is not about excess—it’s about the experience of nature, wellbeing, and purpose.” – Sonu Shivdasani

Vision: Regenerative Luxury, Reimagined
After stepping back from Soneva’s day-to-day operations, Sonu and Eva have launched Sosei — a new venture that expands their philosophy of barefoot luxury beyond the Maldives. Designed as a global portfolio of regenerative properties, Sosei focuses on small-scale, low-impact destinations that blend sustainability, wellbeing, and cultural authenticity.

Ethos & Impact:

• Intimate retreats planned across the Arctic Circle, Japan, South Africa, and Europe — each designed to protect and regenerate its natural environment.
• Architecture inspired by local craftsmanship, using reclaimed and renewable materials.
• Circular systems prioritising energy independence, zero waste, and community-led conservation.
• A new blueprint for conscious luxury — proving that refinement and responsibility can evolve together.

2. The Brando, French Polynesia – Richard Bailey

“If we don’t take care of our home, who will?” – Richard Bailey, CEO of The Brando

Vision: The World’s First True Carbon-Neutral Private Island

Richard Bailey transformed Marlon Brando’s dream of a self-sustaining, carbon-neutral haven into a reality. The Brando isn’t just a resort—it’s a scientific model for sustainable island living.

Ethos & Impact:

• 100% Renewable Energy – The island runs on solar power, coconut biofuel, and deep seawater air-conditioning.
• Tetiaroa Society – A nonprofit leading coral reef restoration and sea turtle protection.
• Food Sustainability – A fully organic garden supplies all produce, eliminating imported food waste.
• LEED Platinum Certification – The highest standard in sustainable building practices.

3. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador – Roque Sevilla

“A luxury hotel can also be a research lab for biodiversity.” – Roque Sevilla, Conservationist & Founder of Mashpi Lodge

Vision: Rewilding the Rainforest Through Luxury Hospitality

Roque Sevilla, a former Mayor of Quito and a passionate environmentalist, took a deforested area in Ecuador’s Chocó Rainforest and turned it into a luxury lodge that funds scientific research and rewilding projects.

Ethos & Impact:

• Scientific Research Hub – Discovery of 12 new species, including frogs, butterflies, and orchids.
• Former Logging Site Turned Protected Reserve – Over 2,500 hectares of rainforest rewilded.
• Minimal Footprint – Built with local materials and designed to blend with the rainforest canopy.
• Conservation-Funded Operations – 80% of revenue goes into forest conservation efforts.

4. Ulusaba, South Africa – Sir Richard Branson

“When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us.” – Richard Branson, Founder of Ulusaba & Virgin Limited Edition

Vision: A Safari Lodge That Fights for Conservation & Community

Richard Branson’s Ulusaba is more than a private game reserve in the Sabi Sand—it’s a platform for wildlife conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and community empowerment.

Ethos & Impact:

• Rhino & Elephant Protection – Funding South Africa’s leading anti-poaching units.
• Solar-Powered Safari Lodge – 70% energy reduction using renewable sources.
• Pride ‘n Purpose Foundation – Uplifting local communities through education, healthcare, and clean water projects.
• Low-Impact, High-Value Safaris – Small-scale tourism to limit wildlife disturbance.

5. Islas Secas, Panama – Louis Bacon

“We must protect our oceans. This is not a choice—it’s a necessity.” – Louis Bacon, Conservationist & Founder of Islas Secas

Vision: The Private Archipelago That Funds Marine Conservation

Louis Bacon, an environmental philanthropist, developed Islas Secas as a model for off-grid, self-sufficient island living.

Ethos & Impact:

• 100% Solar Powered – The island operates entirely off renewable energy.
• Zero Waste & No Single-Use Plastics – Every material is repurposed or composted.
• Marine Conservation Funding – Supports research on manta rays and coral reef restoration.
• Low-Impact, Exclusive Travel – Capped at just 18 guests at a time to preserve the ecosystem.

6. Miavana, Madagascar – Thierry Dalais

“Luxury without conservation is meaningless.” – Thierry Dalais, Founder of Miavana

Vision: The Conservation-Driven Private Island in the Indian Ocean

Miavana is the first eco-luxury resort in Madagascar that directly funds lemur conservation, reforestation, and community-driven environmental education.

Ethos & Impact:

• Protecting Madagascar’s Endangered Wildlife – Home to the last 50 Crowned Lemurs.
• 100,000 Trees Planted – A land restoration project led by the local community.
• Self-Sustaining Fishing & Farming – Supporting local villages while preserving ocean health.
• No Single-Use Plastic Policy – Innovating with biodegradable materials for all packaging.

The Satopia Signature™

At Satopia, sustainability and luxury are inseparable — two sides of the same philosophy that values depth, connection, and beauty in equal measure. We curate private sustainable travel experiences to these visionary destinations and many more, where conscious design and natural wonder meet.

Our approach goes beyond travel planning. Through personal guest relationship management, private booking coordination, and our signature pre-journey curation process, we shape each experience around who you are — your rhythm, intentions, and ways of finding joy.

Every itinerary is a creative composition, refined through our experience design service, where each day unfolds with effortless precision and emotional resonance. From intimate celebrations to extraordinary journeys shared with loved ones, Satopia transforms travel into art — crafting moments that are as meaningful as they are unforgettable.