What You Will Learn

• The core principles of eco-tourism: conservation, education, community involvement, and responsible travel.
• How eco-tourism supports sustainable travel by reducing carbon footprints and funding conservation efforts.
• The positive impact of eco-tourism on local economies, cultural heritage, and biodiversity.
• Essential tips for creating your eco-travel checklist to prepare for sustainable adventures.
• Ways to engage with local communities and learn about traditional ecological knowledge during your travels.
• How to be a responsible traveler by minimizing your environmental impact and supporting local businesses.
• Opportunities to participate in eco-tourism conferences and community initiatives to deepen your understanding and impact.

We Want to Hear From You!

What has been your most memorable eco-tourism experience? Share your thoughts below:

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Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

• Eco-tourism Principles: Emphasizes conservation, education, community involvement, and responsible travel.
• Sustainable Practices: Reduces carbon footprint, supports local economies, and funds conservation efforts.
• Community Benefits: Creates jobs, preserves cultural heritage, and protects wildlife through eco-tourism initiatives.
• Eco-Travel Checklist: Include reusable items, eco-friendly toiletries, and nature-friendly gadgets for a sustainable journey.
• Engagement with Local Culture: Participate in workshops and connect with indigenous communities to enrich your travel experience.
• Being a Responsible Traveler: Leave no trace, support local businesses, and respect wildlife during your travels.

I’ve just finished hiking western Ireland’s Sliabh Liag (pronounced as Slieve League), a nearly seven-mile coastal path that hugs the tips of sea cliffs that soar 1,972 feet in the air. It’s chilly, the wind feels like it’s trying to punish my very existence, and my knees are aching after a three-hour climb. But as I approach the seaside village of Rossnowlagh, located 50 minutes south in County Donegal, I can feel myself beginning to relax.

Its crescent-shaped beach (a popular surfing location with Blue Flag status, a certification that means the water is clean and healthy) stretches for over two miles and is powdered with sand so fine it feels like touching silk. Undulating mountains and cliffs, including those that form the Sliabh Liag, hug the horizon so that it feels like you’re standing on the inside of a massive bowl. And, camouflaged among the hills that gently roll down towards the shore, are the Bee Pods, a group of five luxury, adults-only glamping pods and my home for the next two nights. 

Founded in 2019 by Siobhan and William McGuckin, who also live on the property, the pods are completely ensconced in 3.5 acres of dense growth. The vegetation is not only very minimally landscaped but also actively planted in efforts to maintain and promote relaxation within the Irish wilderness—during my stay, William was in the process of planting 200 Golden Willows. The Bee Pods operate with sustainable principles in mind—the McGuckins shy away from weedkillers, continuously plant trees, plants, and bushes, and make their own fertilizers from plants such as seaweed, nettle, and comfrey.

“[We were] inspired by a need to recreate that deep connection to the natural world and share it with others,” Siobhan McGuckin told Travel + Leisure. She and her husband have been living in the area for some 30 years. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do here.”

Here, guests will find a pizza pod, spa, a family of pygmy goats, and several beehives from which more than 400 pounds of honey are harvested each year.

The pods are also in a prime location. The Sliab Liag is roughly 50 minutes north, while the medieval town of Donegal is only a 15-minute drive away. During my time at the Bee Pods, I visited a craft village to purchase a souvenir from a local artisan, explored the 551-year-old Donegal Castle, and munched on fish tacos at local haunt Blas. Above all, I took time to decompress in my pod after more than a week of some pretty taxing sea cliff hiking, enjoying the views of Rossnowlagh Beach from my king-sized bed and luxuriating in a hot seaweed bath, one of Ireland’s only Indigenous wellness therapies, that left my skin feeling baby-soft. 

The Bee Pods is a luxurious retreat to relax and recharge in the peacefulness of the outdoors, and the experience is only enhanced by the property’s hosts, who exude a warm, classic Irish charm.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at the Bee Pods in Donegal, Ireland.

The Rooms

With only five pods, staying at the Bee Pods is a quiet, intimate experience.

All pods are designed to blend into the hillside and come equipped with a kitchenette (peppered with small luxe touches like Nespresso machines and Smeg kettles), waffle bathrobes, and an outdoor seating area. I stayed in The Hive, the largest and most private of the five. The room came outfitted with a king-sized bed, a dining room area with sea views, and a bathroom that had a rainfall shower, Voya organic products, and underfloor heating. The Hive also had an expensive patio with a fire pit, a Big Green Egg barbecue put, and a clawfoot tub tucked beneath a heated overhang. There were also tables and chairs with stunning views of Rossnowlagh Beach—the perfect spot to listen to the waves and watch the sunset with a crisp Irish craft cider. 

Each pod also has at least one piece of upcycled furniture. The couch in The Hive, for example, belonged to Siobhan’s great-grandmother, while a wooden side table in the spa area was William’s grandmother’s, and a beautifully-wrought wooden chessboard in The Queen B pod has been owned by the McGurkins for over 30 years.

Food and Drink

Every pod receives a welcome basket upon arrival. In mine, I found a small glass jug of milk, two eggs snuggled in knitted beanies, homemade marshmallows for roasting over the fire pit, homemade granola, and a small jar of honey from the property’s very own bees. Every morning, the hosts stop by with a wooden box holding some breakfast treats that Siobhan herself prepares. Offerings rotate every day, but guests can expect food and drink like freshly-squeezed orange juice, overnight oats topped with berries, and parfaits, as well as croissants, ham and cheese toasties, or eggs. In the evenings, Siobhan will leave cheese or dessert platters to snack on. 

The Bee Pods also have their own dedicated pizza pod with an Ooni pizza oven. For a small fee, you can request prerolled dough and pizza sauce, which Siobhan purchases in person from an Italian restaurant in Dublin, to make your own pies—all you need is to bring the toppings of your choice. For those who may not want pizza or to drive to Donegal for dinner, the pods come equipped with kitchenettes, and the grounds feature a greenhouse with vegetables and herbs that guests can freely pick for their meals.

The Spa

The spa area is small but cozy, and has two clawfoot tubs that overlook an enclosed sandy garden area with lounge chairs. For roughly $40, guests can book a hot seaweed bath. You will need to fill out a quick health consent form beforehand, and bookings can be made in advance or once you arrive at the property. When I took mine, the spa was lit with sweet-smelling candles, and Siobhan left out some water and fruit snacks for me to munch on.

The bath may smell a bit briny at first, but the seaweed releases many minerals, like magnesium and zinc, into the water that are great for moisturizing the skin and hair. Don’t be shy about rubbing the seaweed all over your body and face, and it’s recommended not to shower for a few hours after your bath so that your skin can really absorb the seaweed’s oils. I left my first Irish spa experience feeling rejuvenated and with incredibly soft skin. For guests who stay in The Hive pod, seaweed baths can also be arranged for the outdoor clawfoot tub. 

Family-friendly Offerings

The Bee Pods is an adults-only property, so this hotel isn’t the best choice for a getaway with the kiddos.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Bee Pods do not have any rooms that are specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Additionally, wheelchair users may find parts of the property difficult to navigate.

Sustainability is top of mind at the Bee Pods. For example, seaweed is only used once per guest. Once a bath is finished, Siobhan collects the seaweed, dries it, and then uses it as fertilizer, alongside nettle and comfrey, around the grounds. The property uses timber from their own trees for firewood, and plants at least 200 trees, plants, hedgerows, and wildflowers every year. “This is for the bees, birds, and wildlife, [to provide] shelter for our pygmy goats, wild foxes, and other animals,” says Siobhan. There are also plans to install solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and electric charging facilities in the coming months.  

Location

The Bee Pods are located in southern County Donegal and are within an hour’s drive from many popular locations, both in County Donegal and in County Sligo. The nearest major airport, Donegal Airport (CFN), is about 55 miles away, or an hour and a half drive.

The property is five minutes away on foot from Rossnowlagh Beach, a popular surfing location and one of Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches. There’s a surf school nearby for those who are interested in learning how to ride the waves. Roughly an hour north lies the Sliabh Liag and the fishing village of Killybegs, while the town of Donegal, Ireland, and its many restaurants and shops can be reached within 15 minutes.

For those who are interested in venturing further, Northern Ireland is only an hour away, while attractions like Irish poet W.B Yates’ grave, the six-mile Gleniff Horseshoe loop, and the surfing beach of Strandhill can all be reached in nearby County Sligo.

Book Now

Since the Bee Pods are independently owned, they’re not a part of any hotel loyalty programs. They don’t participate in any travel credit card programs, either. Guests should also keep in mind that the Bee Pods require a two-night minimum. It’s recommended to book directly with the property for the best rates.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.

Ecotourism is about doing more when you’re traveling than simply visiting natural attractions or ecologically diverse places. It’s about exploring a destination responsibly and sustainably with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal of ecotourism groups, tours, and companies is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature. Here are the components of ecotourism, the pros and cons, and how to travel responsibly.

Ecotourism Definition and Principles

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape to ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

Pros and Cons of Ecotourism

As one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is researching to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by employing local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel, highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild-habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It’s not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism allows travelers to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face. 

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers who could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints.

Popular Locations for Ecotourism

Tanzania

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees, and several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands.

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country. Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities. 

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within them create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

A leopard relaxing in the Jawai wilderness in Rajasthan

Tanveer Badal Photography

“Conservation in India is a very new concept,” Larry told me as we drove out of the park, the sun casting a golden glow over the ebony trees. Hunting wasn’t banned until 1972. After its abolition, wildlife tourism skyrocketed, but not without problems. Receding forests and accelerating development led to greater rates of human-wildlife conflict. And many operators were more focused on making a quick buck off big cat trips than helping preserve the animals’ habitat or investing in the increasing numbers of people living nearby. This is something Larry hopes to change. He has pledged 20 percent of his profits to conservation organizations and works only with hospitality brands that share his values. “Dollars that come from tiger safaris must go into the surrounding communities,” he said.

Larry has also relished the opportunity to connect travelers with a place he knows deeply. “I’m finally using all of my connections, which were of no use to me operating in the very north of the country,” he explained when he collected me at Delhi‘s Indira Gandhi International Airport on a muggy night a few days before our first tiger sighting. What he meant became clear to me over the next few days: Larry has access to the best gates, zones, permits, guides, and forest department officials, all of which are essential to a successful tiger safari. One night, sitting around a campfire at Suján Sher Bagh, we overheard a couple complaining about a foreign tour operator that had booked them at a gate a 45-minute drive away. I kept my head down. By then we had already seen four tigers, and we had early-morning access to the park through a much closer gate.

Suján Sher Bagh is a throwback camp on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park where the tents, set under peepal trees, have director’s chairs, canvas-covered patios, and giant brass bathtubs. Its owners, Anjali and Jaisal Singh, have developed their own reputation as pioneers in the Indian luxury-meets-conservation space. On the first leg of our trip, we stayed at another of their properties, Suján Jawai, a tented camp about three hours south of Jodhpur that is surrounded by reforested farmland. Big cats, including active wild leopards, as well as antelopes and wild boars, have returned to the area. “Suján’s anti-poaching success and push toward sustainability are exactly the kinds of initiatives we want to support,” Larry said.

A tented suite at Suján Sher Bagh, a throwback camp on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park

Hajra Ahmad

The decor at Suján Sher Bagh takes inspiration from the region’s big cats.

Hajra Ahmad

For our final two nights, we traveled to Madhya Pradesh, where we checked in to Jamtara, a pared-down wilderness camp in the buffer zone—a government-mandated eco-sensitive borderland meant to mitigate human-wildlife conflict—around Pench National Park, a forested tiger reserve credited with inspiring The Jungle Book. The camp is low-key, with 10 simple tented rooms on a dry riverbed. Its founder is Amit Sankhala, the grandson of Kailash Sankhala, who was known as the Tiger Man of India and whose work as the first director of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation program that began in 1973 to help increase the animals’ population and restore their habitat, laid the foundation for tiger conservation in the country. Pench is dense with thick bush and towering teaks, making tiger spotting especially tricky. We had the reserve almost to ourselves and spent hours careening along the rutted roads, passing wispy foxtail-like grass and tall trees crawling with rhesus monkeys. We didn’t see a tiger that day, but I’d been told one had visited Jamtara. Prints had been found pressed into the muddy path. Even though I didn’t see a tiger this time, I had the sudden feeling one was watching me. It was enough of a thrill to know it was out there somewhere.

This article appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

Imagine leaving the office for your next trip… the emails have been sent, the out-of-office is on and you’re ready for whatever adventures lie ahead. Travel nowadays is very different to how it was a a few decades ago – flights are faster and cities seemingly closer. But as the world seems to accelerate with ever-increasing speed, Horizn Studios‘ Coastal Blue line demonstrates one thing that endures – and that’s style.

This is luggage that’s been reimagined with style in mind. A sleek, ocean-hued celebration of freedom and purpose that will get you from A to B with finesse.

Nothing quite sets the tone like the luggage you carry and the subtle hues of the Coastal Blue range exude a mood that evokes wind-chilled mornings on Baltic shores and Mediterranean skies fading into dusk. It’s understated but unmistakably sophisticated at the same time and will help your luggage stand out in a terminal full of muted black and industrial grey. The Coastal Blue catches the eye with confidence rather than clamour – the kind of style that is noticed without you having to shout.

This visual breath of fresh air has been designed in Berlin and engineered with precision, with every piece reflecting Horizn Studios’ signature philosophy of “smart travel for the forward-thinking”. Made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, the cases are surprisingly light, without compromising on their toughness, with each piece sitting on 360° spinner wheels.

Whether it’s the carry-on-ready M5 Cabin Luggage or the large spacious Check-In, each piece glides so smoothly over the ground. And keep an eye out for the various smart design features such as the premium recycled lining, zipped mesh dividers, compression pads, and a laundry bag to keep chaos at bay. And let’s not forget the essential accessory for the digital nomad: an integrated, removable smart charger that ensures you’ll never arrive at your destination with a dead phone.

In an era when we sadly see everything as disposable, Horizn Studios luggage is built to last. And the Coastal Blue line is no exception – in fact, it carries with it a broader commitment for sustainability and ethics since every item is made in a climate-neutral process, with recycled materials and circular design thinking at the company’s core. A repair-first philosophy and transparent supply chains are also integral to the brand’s foundations.

Once upon a time, luxury was often synonymous with excess. Nowadays, it’s more about excellence and Horizn Studios has recognised that the most meaningful choices aren’t always the loudest. Instead, clean lines, tactile finishes and minimalist silhouettes make the Coastal Blue line stand out as a masterclass in restraint. This is luggage for those who value experience over excess, and design over display.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Horizn Studios.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.