Unique Experiences
Mexico - Visit a Cenote in Tulum
or Volunteer at a Hatchling Release in Todos Santos
Turtle Conservation
Mexico in general has a strong commitment to preserving the local environment and promoting sustainable tourism.
Tulum is located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, a region known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, and is home to many protected areas such as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and the Tulum National Park. Try visiting one of the local Cenotes to do some snorkelling, explore the caverns and if you’re feeling brave try some cliff jumping!
In Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, travellers can join the Tortugueros Las Playitas conservation group to help protect endangered sea turtles like Olive Ridley, Black, and Leatherback species. Volunteers assist by patrolling beaches, relocating nests to a protected incubation greenhouse, caring for hatchlings, and releasing them at sunset during the season from December to April. These moving sunset releases are open to the public and supported by a small donation; together, the group helps return thousands of baby turtles safely to the Pacific Ocean each year. Support conservation by adopting a hatchling with a modest donation – get a personal photo and aid vital population recovery.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Making at
Project Chocolat in St Lucia
Bean-to-bar
Discover the art of bean-to-bar chocolate crafting at Project Chocolat, Hotel Chocolat’s immersive cacao estate in Saint Lucia’s lush Rabot Estate, Soufriere. Nestled amid UNESCO-listed rainforest, this hands-on workshop traces the journey from fresh cacao pods to roasting beans, grinding nibs, and tempering liquid chocolate on a marble slab. Guided by passionate local chocolatiers, participants learn the history and science of Saint Lucian cocoa while creating custom bars infused with island flavours like rum or spices, blending education with sensory delight.
Take home your handmade chocolate bars, a sweet souvenir of sustainable farming that supports local growers and biodiversity. The 2-hour experience suits all ages (from 6+), runs daily with small groups for personalised attention, and pairs perfectly with eco-lodging stays – ideal for foodies seeking authentic, farm-to-table adventures near the Pitons. Reviews rave about the rich, unparalleled taste and warm St Lucian hospitality, making it a must for ethical travellers.
Epic Dinner at Treetop Restaurant and Bar in St. Lucia
Picture this: you’re dining in a dreamy open-air restaurant literally built around two massive, ancient mango trees in Soufrière! Perched high at Treetop Restaurant and Bar, where you can experience insane panoramic views of the iconic Petit Piton.
It is one of the most breathtaking dining settings in Saint Lucia. As the sun dips below the horizon, sip on a handcrafted cocktail and watch the sky turn gold and pink – it’s the kind of moment that feels straight out of a movie.
Tobogganing in Tirol, Austria
Tobogganing Adventure at Jausenstation Bacheralm
Experience classic Austrian winter fun on the 2km natural toboggan run starting right at Jausenstation Bacheralm in Gasteig, near Kirchdorf in Tirol. Families and thrill-seekers hike or take the tractor up from Hotel Gut Kramerhof to the cozy alpine hut, offering panoramic views of the Kitzbühel Alps and Wilder Kaiser mountains. Rent wooden sleds on-site and glide down well-groomed slopes with gentle curves, perfect for all skill levels during the snowy season from December to March.
Nighttime runs under floodlights add magic on select evenings. Toboggan rental costs €7 daily, or €11-13 per person including transport (kids under 12 discounted), making it an affordable, authentic outing. Pair with eco hotel ‘Hotel Post & Wirtshaus’ for a sustainable alpine getaway blending adrenaline and mountain hospitality.
Japan
Hokkaido Farmstay Rice Harvest
Discover authentic rural Japan at family-run farm stays like Ezura Farm & Farmstay in Engaru, Hokkaido, nestled amid endless rice fields and serene countryside. Guests immerse in seasonal farm life by joining local rice farmers for hands-on planting or harvest activities, followed by traditional mochi pounding to craft sticky rice cakes enjoyed fresh with kinako powder or sweet fillings. Low-impact e-bikes – provided by the stay or rented nearby – let you pedal through patchwork paddies and coastal paths, blending physical adventure with cultural connection in this remote northern paradise.
Kyoto Bamboo Crafts in Arashiyama
In Kyoto’s enchanting Arashiyama district, master sustainable bamboo weaving with artisans at small workshops like those near the famous bamboo grove. Participants learn to craft traditional items such as elegant tea strainers or sturdy baskets from renewable moso bamboo, guided by techniques passed down generations amid the district’s misty hills. This intimate, half-day experience highlights Japan’s wabi-sabi aesthetic, try an eco-hotel too – offering a mindful contrast to urban sightseeing- ideal for travellers seeking low-impact cultural immersion.
Feast Over Fire in Buckinghamshire, UK
Forest Feast
Escape to Nomadic Dinners’ immersive “restaurant without walls” in a hidden Chiltern Hills woodland near Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire – just an hour from London. Guests share long tables for multi-course feasts cooked over open flames using foraged wild ingredients like garlic mustard and seaweeds, paired with welcome cocktails, live acoustic music, and marshmallow toasting. Special events feature MasterChef finalists crafting gazpacho, and elegant desserts amid twinkling lights, blending foraging walks with communal dining for a magical, nature-reconnected evening (£150-£250pp).
This low-impact experience emphasises sustainability in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, fostering connections through shared plates and stories- perfect for couples or groups seeking unique UK escapes. Reviews praise the flavourful, innovative cuisine and enchanting setting, despite occasional weather challenges (umbrellas provided). Book themed nights via experiencenomadic.com for an unforgettable feast that highlights wild British flavours. Vegetarian options available on request.
Lokrum Island, Croatia
Exploring Lokrum Island Nature Reserve
A quick 15-minute ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Port whisks you to car-free Lokrum Island, Croatia’s lush UNESCO-protected nature reserve teeming with free-roaming peacocks, rabbits, and rare plants in its 19th-century botanical gardens. Wander shaded paths through Benedictine monastery ruins (cursed since 1023!), hike the Path of Paradise to Fort Royal for panoramic Adriatic views, and float effortlessly in the salty “Dead Sea” lake – a natural saltwater pool connected by underground caves. Game of Thrones fans can claim the Iron Throne replica amid this timeless, otherworldly escape.
Swim from rocky ladders into crystal-clear coves, picnic in olive groves, or relax at cliffside cafes – perfect for low-impact day trips blending history, wildlife, and serenity. Entry €27 (includes ferry return, valid 9am-7pm summer); peacocks often photobomb, adding whimsy. Ideal for eco-travellers near sustainable island stays, offering respite from Dubrovnik crowds with sustainable foot-powered exploration.
Bali, Indonesia
Mangrove Canoeing in Bali
Paddle serenely through Bali’s pristine mangrove forests on eco-tours from North Bali or Nusa Dua, gliding narrow channels alive with birdlife amid tangled roots that shield coastlines from erosion. Guided by locals, plant saplings tagged with your name during conservation stops, clearing plastic while learning mangroves’ vital role.
Relaxing Flower Baths at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
Indulge in a traditional Balinese flower bath at the certified Green Globe Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, perched above Bali’s sacred Ayung River. Relax in petal-strewn stone tubs filled with frangipani, jasmine, and healing herbs during spa rituals like the Riverside Special, surrounded by jungle symphony and river views.
This sensory wellness experience celebrates Bali’s floral heritage while supporting a property committed to sustainable practices – from organic gardens to cultural preservation. Perfect for eco-travellers seeking luxury rejuvenation after mangrove paddles (£200+/night).
Bali in general also has an array of plant-based cuisine.
Nyepi
Respecting local traditions is so important when travelling: Nyepi, also known as the “Day of Silence”, is a Hindu holiday in Bali that marks the beginning of the Balinese New Year. The celebration does not fall on the same date each year but is based on the Balinese Saka lunar calendar, meaning that the date changes, however typically it happens late March / early April.
