From an urban bolt-hole in Hong Kong to secluded hideaways in Vietnam and Thailand, these greener stays by Small Luxury Hotels of the World lead by example.

Traditional basket boat rides are offered to guests at Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam. (All photos courtesy of SLH)

As the effects of climate change grow ever more pronounced with each passing year, discerning travelers are turning to hotels that give back to their local communities, protect the environment, and act as agents of positive change. But where does one find them?

Small Luxury Hotels of the World has made that easier through its Considerate Collection, which gathers the most actively sustainable and regenerative luxury hotels in the brand’s portfolio under a single umbrella. First launched in 2021 with 25 hotels and resorts, the collection now encompasses 82 properties representing 41 countries. Each one has been vetted against SLH’s strict criteria and minimum standards in areas from responsible menus and ethical procurement to supporting local culture and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment for all.

Of the 24 Considerate Collection member hotels added over the past year, six are in Asia, with each one offering tangible proof that high-end hospitality, if done right, can benefit local people and the planet we call home.

Nhat Yen restaurant at Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat occupies a repurposed traditional house.

Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat, Hoa Lu, Vietnam
Ringed by karst pinnacles within Ninh Binh province’s UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat combines temple-like tranquility with a custodial approach to its surrounds. Its centerpiece is a quartet of antique houses, rescued and relocated from elsewhere in northern Vietnam to serve as reception, dining, and tea spaces. Guests connect with the area’s heritage through village embroidery tours or visits to Thai Vi Temple, whose upkeep is directly supported by such visits. Community lies at the heart of the operation: training and empowering local employees, working with artisans and tea masters, and curating activities—from fishing to cooking classes—that channel income back into village life.

Looking out at the Quanzhou cityscape from a Belfry Studio room at Kaipuu Belfry.

Kaipuu Belfry, Quanzhou, China
This stylish conversion of a 1970s department store in the Fujian port city of Quanzhou features 43 bright, inviting rooms along with a locally inspired restaurant and rooftop bar. An ethos of sustainability and social responsibility runs throughout the property, from a design that integrates regional artistry and craftsmanship—including paper weaving inspired by the traditional women’s clothing of nearby Xunpu village—to the use of solar power and recycling systems. Staffed almost entirely by Quanzhou residents, Kaipuu Belfry supports small local suppliers wherever possible and helps fund reforestation projects in the region. Curated walking maps and a buggy shuttle service encourage eco-friendly exploration of a city whose numerous archaeological sites recall its role as a major maritime hub during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

Kaipuu on the Reef takes advantage of its seaside location with large balconies and an infinity pool. — Kaipuu on the Reef takes advantage of its seaside location with sizable balconies and an infinity pool.

Kaipuu on the Reef, Quanzhou, China
Less than 90 minutes’ drive from downtown Quanzhou, Kaipuu on the Reef sits on a natural rock outcrop at the end of a golden-sand beach beside the fishing village of Weitou. The property showcases both traditional craftsmanship and works by Chinese contemporary artists, and is powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels. Kitchen chefs use local ingredients—think freshly caught seafood and seasonal produce from nearby farms—as much as they can. Staff members regularly volunteer for beach clean-ups, and the hotel doubles as the setting for community events and festivals. Craft workshops and demonstrations led by Quanzhou creatives offer guests a meaningful way to connect with Fujian’s culture.

Inside a Studio Residence at Lanson Place Causeway Bay.

Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Recently renovated to a blueprint by French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Lanson Place Causeway Bay champions sustainable living amid one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping and entertainment districts. High-tech controls automatically adjust lighting, curtains, and temperature when rooms are unoccupied to reduce energy use. An on-site filtration system supplies bottled drinking water to guest quarters as well as the all-day restaurant Salon Lanson, where menus prioritize MSC-certified seafood and fair-trade produce. Heritage-inspired signature cocktails at the same venue tell the story of Causeway Bay and nearby areas in each sip. The hotel also hosts regular collaborations with local makers while providing hands-on activities for long-stay guests.

The bedroom of a Nipa Pool Villa at Namia River Retreat.

Namia River Retreat, Hoi An, Vietnam
Situated on a lush riverine islet downstream from Hoi An Ancient Town—one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations—this all-villa wellness resort immerses guests in the area’s natural beauty. Its bioclimatic design with a neutral palette contributes to the rustic-luxe appeal; so too does a riverside sauna and a spa whose treatments take their cues from local herbology. Restaurants serve Vietnamese cuisine made with produce grown or harvested from the surrounding region. Guests can explore beyond the property through a range of guided tours, such as visits to the workshops of local craftspeople.

Overlooking the main pool of The Retreat Koh Chang.

The Retreat Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand
An oceanfront haven of just 38 rooms and suites on the Gulf of Thailand, The Retreat Koh Chang ticks all the boxes for a socially responsible stay. Its design incorporates acres of reclaimed teakwood from houses in northern Thailand and showcases handmade fittings and artwork by island-based artisans. On pesticide-free grounds planted with native flora, an in-house organic farm doubles as a learning center where local farmers can adopt sustainable practices. Electric buggies transport guests around the property, while mountain bikes are freely available for rent. Off-site, the resort is involved in marine conservation and the restoration of Koh Chang National Park’s population of protected Tien Thale trees; guided boat tours give travelers the chance to experience a slice of local life and buy handicrafts and fruit from small-scale village suppliers.

Here are the Newest Asian Hotels in SLH’s Considerate Collection

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters