The National Geographic Society has announced a brand new hotel collection of boutique properties that emphasize sustainability and world-class experiences around the globe, several of which also have space for meetings and events.
The National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World are said to be "selected through a rigorous evaluation process" that verifies each hotel offers an outstanding guest experience while supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage, in addition to embracing sustainable tourism practices.
The initial collection—featuring 24 properties on six continents—builds upon National Geographic's existing travel portfolio, which includes National Geographic Expeditions, Traveler magazine, travel books, photography courses and the @NatGeoTravel digital and photography community.
National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World charter members include:
- Fogo Island Inn, Canada
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
- Kapari Natural Resort, Greece
- Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco
- Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Costa Rica
- Lizard Island, Australia
- Longitude 131°, Australia
- Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
- Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada
- Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
- Rosalie Bay Lodge, Dominica
- Rubondo Island Camp, Tanzania
- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa
- Sayari Camp, Tanzania
- Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
- Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysian Borneo
- The Brando, French Polynesia
- The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana, United States
- Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
- Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, Chile
- Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Chile
- Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
- Zhiwa Ling Hotel, Bhutan
"The National Geographic brand is universally recognized for its commitment to exploring and protecting the planet, so we are uniquely positioned to unite and promote these exceptional properties and to set a new standard for tourism," said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic's executive vice president for Travel and Licensing. "These lodges share the Society's vision of preserving the planet for future generations and they demonstrate that sustainability and a world-class guest experience can go hand-in-hand."
To help raise the profile of these properties, National Geographic is implementing a broad promotional campaign, including advertising, digital marketing, publicity and social media. In addition, National Geographic will assemble an advisory group of charter lodge members in order to help facilitate the sharing of best practices and to provide input on direction and strategy as the program develops. Lodge owners may apply to join the collection at http://www.nglodgesapplication.com.
The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana, is currently the sole U.S. property on the list. The luxury ranch resort offers a wide range of group teambuilding activities from fly fishing to competitive paintball. The hotel's newest addition is the Buckle Barn event space, which can support up to 160 seated and up to 250 for receptions.