Ocean Conservation & Luxury: Finding Balance
The ocean always casts a certain spell. It soothes, resets, and reminds us of something bigger. Whether it’s the rhythm of the tides, the salt in the air, or the quiet awe of watching a reef swirl with colour, time near the sea has a way of softening our edges. Perhaps that’s why coastal escapes remain among the most sought-after forms of travel. But the very allure that draws us to the ocean is also under pressure: from warming waters, coral bleaching, overfishing, and the unchecked sprawl of global tourism.
Fortunately, a new wave of coastal resorts is rising to meet that challenge, showing that indulgence and environmental integrity don’t have to be at odds. In fact, when done with intention, luxury travel can actively support the regeneration of the ocean ecosystems that sustain it.
At SLOJOURN, we spotlight the places doing just that, not greenwashing their image, but genuinely restoring the world around them. Here are three standout stays that are leading the way in marine conservation, all while offering guests a deeply beautiful, deeply purposeful escape.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
A private island escape with protected waters and a powerful mission.
Located in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa Private Island has been quietly redefining eco-luxury for over a decade. Long before sustainable travel became mainstream, founder Melita Koulmandas established the country’s first marine protected area - a 50-hectare sanctuary that safeguards coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. What was once a zone of illegal fishing is now home to rebounding coral, vibrant marine life, and a community of locals who’ve been brought into the conservation fold through the work of the Song Saa Foundation.
The guest experience here is intimate and immersive, but always underpinned by purpose. You can snorkel with marine biologists, visit nearby island villages supported by the foundation, or join in on reef monitoring and beach clean-ups. Even staying put makes an impact. A portion of every room night directly funds environmental initiatives. Song Saa doesn’t just operate beside the sea, it has built its entire ethos around protecting it.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Barefoot luxury, backed by rigorous marine science.
Soneva Fushi has long been one of the Maldives’ most iconic private island resorts, but it’s what lies beneath the surface - literally - that truly sets it apart. From its dedicated Marine Biology Centre to its Coral Nursery and waste-to-wealth innovations, Soneva approaches sustainability with the same creativity it brings to its design and service.
Through partnerships with organisations like Sustainable Ocean Alliance and the Manta Trust, Soneva Fushi has positioned itself as a hub for progressive marine conservation. Ghost nets are recovered and recycled into furniture. Coral is grown and transplanted onto damaged reefs. Guests can join manta ray research expeditions, learn about reef health, or simply snorkel the house reef with a trained guide who explains what’s happening below the waves. The message is clear: conservation can be hands-on, informative, AND luxurious.
Zannier Bãi San Hô, Vietnam
A low-impact resort with a thriving reef right off its beach.
Tucked into a hidden bay on Vietnam’s south-central coast, Zannier Bãi San Hô offers a rare blend of still-wild landscape, cultural authenticity, and refined hospitality. The resort is located adjacent to a healthy coral reef, which it has made a mission to protect through community partnerships and low-intervention design. Rather than building over the reef or clearing land, the team worked with local conservationists to ensure that the resort’s presence would do no harm, and over time, ideally support regeneration.
Guests are encouraged to explore the reef with conservation guides or join sustainable fishing excursions run by nearby villagers. There’s a growing focus on education and awareness too, with plans for an on-site conservation hub that shares local marine knowledge. At Bãi San Hô, preservation isn’t a marketing tactic, it’s part of the DNA of the experience, quietly shaping the way guests interact with the land and sea.
Redefining what a coastal escape can be
Across these properties, and others in the SLOJOURN collection, the idea of luxury is being reimagined. It’s no longer just about exclusivity or aesthetics. It’s about values, impact, and connection. These resorts are showing that protecting the ocean doesn’t require sacrificing comfort or beauty. In many cases, it enhances it, giving depth and meaning to the time guests spend by the water.
Ocean conservation doesn’t need to feel like a sacrifice. It can be a story you’re part of. A snorkelling trip that funds reef restoration. A dinner made from sustainably sourced seafood. A villa stay that supports local marine rangers. These are the kinds of experiences our platform is built to celebrate - where the ocean is not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing part of your journey.
