About Great Escapes
Great Escapes is a digital social enterprise that sifts through the greenwash and volume of generic hotel booking sites to showcase amazing places to stay that are also kind to people and planet, with a strong focus on empowering smaller, impactful initiatives.
We carefully handpick stays and experiences that put people and the environment first. Think low-carbon hideaways that are just as cosy as they are conscious, and fun, locally-led tours that ensure your money directly supports the communities you visit. We do not take bookings. Instead, we connect you directly to the host to ensure more money stays in the local community.
One of our core aims is to champion and increase visibility to smaller, community- and conservation-led projects and unique places to stay that truly put people and planet ahead of profit. We aim to ensure these hidden gems, often lacking large marketing budgets, gain the recognition they deserve alongside high-end luxury brands committed to genuine sustainability.
The magazine
Responsible travel stories.
As well as curating hotels and holidays, Great Escapes is an independent travel publication dedicated to responsible tourism, and we want this platform to be a place for diverse voices to share authentic stories of community, culture and conservation.
Our content, spanning deep-dive features, news, and curated guides, is designed for travellers who seek more than just a destination. We focus on:
- —Exploring the lesser-known spots away from tourist crowds and telling stories of how tourism is affecting places, both for better and worse.
- —Highlighting the movers and shakers who are defining (and redefining) responsible hospitality.
- —Offering practical, responsible travel tips and destination guides that prioritise local communities and sustainable journeys.
Our standards
How are escapes chosen?
Responsible tourism is at the foundation of everything we do. Each escape has been researched and reviewed against criteria, ensuring that your holiday contributes to protecting our planet rather than exploiting it.
Social enterprise
We give back.
Great Escapes is a social enterprise, which means that we will reinvest profits back into tangible and impactful conservation and community projects.
When you book through us, you also help by:
- —supporting accommodations with strong environmental practices
- —empowering local communities through fair wages and community-led experiences
- —contributing to the protection of fragile ecosystems and wildlife.
Say hello
Meet Kate.
Kate Lewis is the founder and editor of Great Escapes. She worked in international development and sustainable tourism communications for over 15 years and has an MA in Tourism, Environment and Development. Now she writes about positive stories of change in tourism, with a particular focus on (and love for) community-led and wildlife tourism in Asia and Africa.
Coming soon
Need some travel planning help?
Beyond discovery, we can help provide expert, bespoke trip planning too. We can craft personalised itineraries that align with your interests and budget.
