Standing in crystal water, toes sinking into fine powdery sand, suspended in stillness (except for the swooshing palm trees) your best self tends to emerge. She’s motivated and mindful, a good global citizen and she’s not going to take waste and pollution lying down. As travellers moving through paradise, we have a choice: be a part of the overtourism problem, or the solution. We can tear through recklessly, leaving a floating plastic island in our wake, or tread nimbly into pristine environments, throwing our holiday budgets behind the destinations and experiences that put conservation front and centre.
ELYSIAN RETREAT, Long Island
Elysian Retreat on Long Island has two very impressive claims to fame: it’s the most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays and the first entirely solar-powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Relaxation has never been so exclusive and ethical!
The beach Elysian sits on is literally called Paradise Bay, and the team are whole-heartedly committed to protecting the beauty of the area with sustainable practices across the board; from water and wastage, to fuel and emissions.
This November, Elysian is launching the SoulScape Wellness Retreat – a five-day celebration of the best things in life: yoga, meditation, spa packages, paddle boarding, gourmet plant-based food, hammocks and a mineral pool.
From November 18 to 23, you can bask in the island’s glory and bliss out in the serenity of your private oceanfront villa (there are only 10 in the private cove). You’ll leave Elysian a new, more mindful and zen person. In Greek mythology, Elysian describes a blissful state – and the retreat is true to form.