Pikaia Lodge
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Located in one of the most ecologically diverse hotspots—Galapagos Islands—Pikaia Lodge offers an exclusive boutique experience in its 29 rooms. A Relais & Chateaux property, this contemporary luxury eco-lodge blends perfectly with the unique crater topography and was built using the lowest possible quantity of concrete. Instead, steel and natural Galapagos lava stone and tiles have been used on most floors and walls. As for most furniture, doors, and decor, sustainable, agro-cultivated teak and bamboo wood from the Ecuadorian mainland have been used. The property also tackles the problem of deforestation seriously. Not only were the endemic trees retained during the construction, but many were replanted to offset any carbon emissions. Pikaia Lodge’s commitment to reforesting with native and endemic species has led to creating a favourable environment for the return of wild tortoises and birds to their natural habitat. pikaialodge.com
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Offering guests an immersive experience of the local way of life, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is designed like a mountain fortress from a bygone era and is an ideal retreat to sign up for a bespoke wellbeing programme. Located high up in the Neyphu Valley, it is built in traditional architectural style with all the rooms offering floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views of the valley. Following ‘The Restful Mind’ philosophy, the Sanctuary aims to create a lasting positive change in its guests’ daily lives while living in harmony with the surrounding forests and farmland on the remote mountainside. The in-house traditional medicine doctors design a tailor-made programme for you following ancient techniques in meditation, mindfulness, and movement. During the course of your stay, you’re also encouraged to meet the monks from Eutok Goenpa Monastery opposite the Sanctuary and share a meal with local farming families.
