National Geographic on Tuesday expanded its global brand presence by launching Unique Lodges of the World with 24 hotels selected as founding members located in extraordinary places around the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence.
Unique Lodges includes a tie-in to the brand’s new Private Expeditions product that allows individual users, as opposed to its traditional group tours, to book custom itineraries through an agreement with Virtuoso travel agents. Private Expeditions will launch with 13 itineraries that include stays in some Unique Lodges properties and National Geographic’s network of guides and experts.
The Unique Lodges website states: “Through our website, you can independently peruse our whole collection and reserve your space at the lodge of your choice. Or we can help you get there: you can travel with companions of your choice on a Private Expedition, visit our lodges on a National Geographic Expedition, or we can customize a trip for you based on your own interests.
“This growing collection represents tourism as it should be. Our lodges offer a rare kind of experience where protecting the planet’s treasures is an integral and inspirational component of top-notch service and accommodations. They are destinations in their own right—and they set the standard for authentic and responsible travel.”
Founding members
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada, announced on Tuesday it was among the founding members of Unique Lodges. The 29-suite property was conceived and created in a manner that fortifies local culture and articulates and reinforces the identity and well being of the place. A press release stated that being responsible to the ecological integrity and social sustainability of Fogo Island, through building an economy of care, craft and culture, is core to its inclusion as a founding member of Unique Lodges of the World.
“It is an honor to be chosen for inclusion in such highly regarded company. Our membership is certain to drive interest in our social enterprise and further support our groundbreaking arrival to the world of high-end sustainable travel,” said Zita Cobb, the president of Shorefast Foundation and innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn. “We are excited by the interest in our approach to community revitalization through community-owned tourism initiatives and look forward to seeing this model replicated in other rural communities. It is gratifying that others see our small island as a good proxy for our small planet and our shared future.”
As part of a comprehensive vetting process, Fogo Island representatives said every lodge in the collection was judged on the following criteria:
The property. The design and character are unique and authentic and the property provides guests with a true sense of place by celebrating the surrounding landscape and cultural heritage.
Guest experience and quality of service. Guests are offered top-quality service and exceptional and inspiring experiences — from activities that enable them to engage with local people to wildlife encounters with seasoned naturalists.
Sustainable tourism best practices. The property demonstrates a commitment to conservation and green operations; it actively supports the protection of cultural heritage; and it provides tangible benefits to local communities.
National Geographic deployed experts to each site to evaluate operations, meet staff at all levels, scrutinize the lodge’s impact on the local environment and community and ensure that these criteria were met.
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World charter members are:
- Fogo Island Inn, Canada
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
- Kapari Natural Resort, Greece
- Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco
- Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Costa Rica
- Lizard Island, Australia
- Longitude 131°, Australia
- Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
- Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada
- Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
- Rosalie Bay Resort, Dominica
- Rubondo Island Camp, Tanzania
- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa
- Sayari Camp, Tanzania
- Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
- Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysian Borneo
- The Brando, French Polynesia
- The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana, United States
- Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
- Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, Chile
- Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Chile
- Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
- Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Bhutan