Bali, Azores, and Zanzibar Prioritize Eco-Tourism: How Indonesia, Portugal, and Tanzania Are Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel

As the travel industry continues to evolve in 2025, the conversation is no longer just about where to go – but how to go. With the impacts of mass tourism becoming harder to ignore, destinations like Bali, the Azores, and Zanzibar are leading a movement toward sustainable luxury. Ownia Collection’s independent hotels are redefining what it means to travel responsibly to these still unspoiled locations – offering a deeper and sustainable connection with nature, culture, and purpose.

Bali: From Overtourism to Conscious Travel

Bali’s stunning landscapes and spiritual heritage have long made it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. In 2023 alone, over 5.2 million international tourists arrived on the island. The island produces over 1,200 tons of waste each day, and plastic pollution threatens its beaches and marine life. Water scarcity has become critical in some areas, with agriculture and local communities competing with luxury resorts for dwindling resources. Sustainable tourism is not just a trend – it’s a lifeline for Bali’s future.

Two hotels, in particular, are championing a new future for Bali:

• Desa Hay, a boutique Net Zero-inspired hotel in Uluwatu, is quietly redefining eco-luxury. With 25% of its energy supplied by solar panels and an on-site water well, it minimizes its reliance on public utilities. The villas are built using eco-conscious materials, while 100% of the food is locally sourced, much of it organic, and thoughtfully crafted with vegetarian and vegan options. The resort’s waste management system repurposes 60% of food waste into compost or local initiatives, offering guests a truly circular experience in both design and dining.
• Soori Bali, EarthCheck-certified, is located between the serene Indian Ocean and lush rice paddies. The resort uses bioclimatic architecture to reduce energy consumption by maximizing airflow and natural light. Its water is sustainably managed through zero groundwater extraction, and the hotel deeply invests in its surrounding community by supporting local education, agriculture, and religious traditions. Every detail, from building orientation to sourcing artisan crafts, reflects a commitment to preserving Bali’s cultural and natural integrity.

The Azores: Europe’s Natural Wonder Worth Preserving

While much of Europe battles the consequences of mass tourism, the Azores – a remote archipelago in the Atlantic – remain one of the continent’s last true natural wonders. With over 60% of land protected and some of Europe’s cleanest air and waters, these islands are a living case study of conservation done right. But even here, climate change and careless tourism pose threats. Promoting low-impact, community-driven travel is essential to safeguard this rare haven.

On São Miguel Island, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort stands as a leader in green hospitality. Built using native materials like bamboo and cryptomeria wood, the resort minimizes its ecological footprint with thermal insulation, solar heating, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems. Their sustainability ethos extends to daily operations – running beach cleanups, zero-waste initiatives, and maintaining a permaculture-based organic garden to supply the resort’s restaurant.

Nearby, Hotel Verde Mar & Spa and Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa further elevate the standard. Both hotels employ 100% local staff, with 70% women and 65% in leadership positions. These properties run on 25% renewable energy through solar panels and utilize rainwater harvesting and on-site water wells to support their conservation goals. Their food philosophy focuses on local, organic ingredients – 70% of their produce comes from nearby suppliers – while also maintaining robust recycling and waste management systems. In a region where mass tourism could easily disrupt fragile ecosystems, these hotels are modeling resilience and responsibility.

Zanzibar: A Sustainable Vision for East Africa

Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and rich Swahili culture. But like many island destinations, it faces rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and overdevelopment. As tourism grows – up 40% in 2023 compared to 2019 – the challenge lies in balancing economic development with ecological preservation.

Enter Ycona Luxury Eco-Resort, a visionary project with a goal to become East Africa’s first fully carbon-neutral hotel by 2027. Set within a biodiverse botanical garden, Ycona has purposefully limited development to just 40 villas to protect its surrounding ecosystem. The resort is already powered in part by solar energy and integrates renewable cooling systems to reduce emissions. Its restaurant sources produce from Ycona’s own garden, ensuring a farm-to-table experience that reduces transport emissions and supports local food security. A minimum of 5% of every direct booking is funneled into the Ycona SDG Fund, which supports educational programs, sustainable farming, and gender equality in Zanzibar. This is a model for how East African tourism can grow responsibly – creating jobs and supporting communities while safeguarding its natural heritage.

The Best Kind of Travel: Powered by Ownia

Trust, Transparency, and Transformation
All of these hotels are proud members of Ownia Collection, a curated platform of sustainable hotels reshaping the hospitality industry. Every property undergoes a rigorous verification process across 12 impact pillars aligned with global sustainability standards. More than just a booking site, Ownia is a movement – committed to making sustainable travel the right way of traveling. Through innovation, integrity, and impactful storytelling, Ownia empowers travelers to make choices that truly matter – for the planet and for future generations.

Bali: Confronting Overtourism with Sustainable Solutions

In Bali, a popular tourist destination for years, the influx of visitors has contributed to a growing environmental crisis. With plastic pollution overwhelming its beaches and waste management systems struggling to keep up, the impact of mass tourism has become evident. Sustainable tourism initiatives are crucial for the future of Bali’s environment, its local communities, and its cultural heritage.

The innovative solutions being implemented at Desa Hay and Soori Bali show the power of mindful tourism. These properties not only minimize their carbon footprints but actively contribute to preserving the island’s lush natural beauty. Their sustainable practices range from solar-powered energy systems to water conservation initiatives that protect precious local resources. Eco-conscious travelers who seek to connect with nature and culture can now enjoy Bali in a way that leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

The Azores: A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism

The Azores represent a unique opportunity for tourism sustainability. With much of the archipelago protected by nature reserves, the islands are an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers. Hotels like Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort and Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa are raising the bar for what it means to be eco-friendly and responsible in a tourist hotspot.

These resorts are committed to not only reducing their environmental impact but also to improving the lives of local residents. By sourcing food from local farmers and empowering local communities with leadership opportunities, they demonstrate that tourism can be a force for good. With sustainable practices in place, visitors to the Azores can enjoy an unforgettable experience without leaving a detrimental mark on the landscape.

Zanzibar: Leading the Way in Responsible Tourism

With the looming threat of sea level rise and coral bleaching endangering its unique ecosystem, Zanzibar must strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. Ycona Luxury Eco-Resort is leading this charge by offering a model for responsible tourism that minimizes its ecological footprint while providing guests with luxurious and sustainable accommodations.

With an emphasis on locally sourced food, renewable energy, and community investment, Ycona is setting a standard for the East African tourism industry. Their innovative approach, including reinvesting profits into local education and sustainable farming initiatives, is a perfect example of how tourism can grow in a way that benefits both visitors and residents while safeguarding the destination’s natural beauty.

The Future of Travel: Sustainable and Impactful

The Ownia Collection is creating a platform for travelers who care about the environmental and social impact of their trips. Whether in Bali, the Azores, or Zanzibar, travelers can choose hotels that embody the principles of sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. By choosing destinations and accommodations that are committed to these values, travelers not only ensure their own enjoyment but also contribute to the protection and preservation of the places they visit.

As overtourism continues to take its toll on some of the world’s most precious destinations, it is increasingly important to think about the long-term sustainability of travel. By supporting hotels and resorts that prioritize eco-friendly practices, travelers can help create a future where tourism enriches both local communities and the planet. The future of luxury travel lies in sustainability, and destinations like Bali, the Azores, and Zanzibar are leading the way in creating a responsible and rewarding experience for all.