National Geographic Adds Second Greek Resort to “Unique Lodges of the World” Collection

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas

One more Greek hotel has been included in National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World”, a collection of boutique hotels in extraordinary places around the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence.

The Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas is the second resort in Greece and second in Europe to be included in this global collection of hotels and lodges since its launch in January 2015. The first Greek hotel to join the “Unique Lodges of the World” collection was the Kapari Natural Resort on Santorini.

Located above the town of Aristi, the Greek resort’s traditional stone exteriors reflect the character of the Zagori region.

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas

National Geographic notes on its website: “Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas was designed to celebrate Zagori’s timeless culture and intriguing history, providing a truly authentic experience that reflects the region’s multilayered past. In order to preserve the character of the area, Aristi has been instrumental in establishing a network of local businesses to encourage sustainable development. Its efforts are also helped along by regional building regulations that restrict commercial development and maintain traditional stone architecture.”

According to National Geographic’s executive vice president for Travel, Lynn Cutter, the “Unique Lodges of the World” collection was launched to serve as a shining example of sustainable tourism around the world.

The Kapari Natural Resort on Santorini is the first Greek resort to have been included in National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World” collection.

Since its launch in January 2015, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World has nearly doubled the number of properties in its impressive collection, increasing its geographic breadth to the Canadian High Arctic, Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the Seychelles, the mountains of northern Greece and beyond.

“We are thrilled to see the remarkable growth of the collection this past year. By providing such fantastic guest experiences while demonstrating how travel can be a force for good, we hope to elevate sustainable tourism and inspire others to join us,” she said in a recent announcement.

The collection began with 24 charter members and accepted 14 in June and seven over the past few months, bringing it to 45 lodges -— and counting.

The properties were selected for the outstanding guest service and experiences they offer, and for their leadership in sustainable tourism and commitment to protecting cultural and natural heritage. They must undergo a rigorous vetting process and a site audit to become part of the collection.

Along with the Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas in Greece, lodges that recently joined the collection include: Fregate Island Private, Seychelles; Churchill Wild – Seal River Heritage Lodge, Canada; Tiamo Resort, Bahamas; Reserva do Ibitipoca, Brazil; Banyan Tree Ringha, China; and Lone Mountain Ranch, Montana, U.S.

“We look forward to providing travelers with even broader array of unique opportunities around the world as we continue to expand our collection in the years to come”, Ms Cutter added.