"We aim to transform the future of sustainable and responsible travel by supporting sustainability-driven properties."
We sat down with Amanda Ho for International Women’s Day, co-founder of Regenerative Resorts
March 8, 2019
Q: What inspired you to start a platform for sustainable living and travel?
A: I was previously the founder of Electrify Magazine, a New York-based multi-media publication documenting the creative pursuits of today’s global generation. Through Electrify, we embodied a socially and sustainably responsible ethos throughout our digital content and brand experience. By using fashion, culture and arts as a vehicle to spark conversation, our goal was to invoke a social responsibility within our readers to take action in day-to-day life. When I met my co-founder of Regenerative Resorts, David Leventhal through a collaboration with his boutique hotel Playa Viva and Electrify in 2016, we realized we shared the mutual aim to create a lifestyle brand that inspired people to travel in a way that supported positive environmental and social impact in the destinations they would travel to.
Q: Out of all your travels, which one left a lasting impact on you and why?
A: In the beginning of 2018, I embarked on a 28 expedition cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica with Silversea Cruises. One of the most outstanding moments on the entire trip when our zodiac boat made our first landing on South Georgia after being at sea for three days and we pulled up to dozens of baby Antarctic fur seals and King Penguins who started to make their way over to visit us. Being able to see wildlife as so inquisitive and curious, completely unafraid of humans was incredible and left a profound effect on how I view humans playing a role in changing habitats and natural environments. Whenever I find myself in remote lands that still remain seemingly untouched and pristine, it is always a reminder of how it is our responsibility to continue to take action in preserving these places for future generations.
“Whenever I find myself in remote lands that still remain seemingly untouched and pristine, it is always a reminder of how it is our responsibility to continue to take action in preserving these places for future generations. ”
Q: What are your go-to sustainable lifestyle brands?
A: I am frequently on-the-go and often living between hotel rooms so beauty and wellness for me go hand in hand. I find it critical with how much travel I do to still take time for myself to meditate, do yoga, exercise and eat healthy. An ideal morning wherever I am would be me waking up early, shower, meditate and do yoga, breakfast and then go about my day. It’s so easy to be “too busy” to take time for self-care, but I find it essential to prevent burnout and taking care of your body so you don’t become rundown. Some of my favorite essentials that I have been carrying on trips with me lately include a lavender travel candle, Fire Cider for immune support, a reusable water bottle, Dr. Jart Suncreen, and Samudra Skin & Sea Body Butter.
Q: Tell us more about Regenerative Resorts and your new role as #girlboss!
A: Regenerative Resorts is a global collection of independently owned eco-luxury lodges & hotels who inspire transformative experiences and are dedicated to social and environmental impact. We aim to transform the future of sustainable and responsible travel by giving sustainability-driven properties the resources to elevate their businesses through sharing of best practice and economies of scale. Each member of our community is selected for their strength in representing the standards of Regenerative Resorts. My role is now to find these hidden gems throughout the world so that we can bring them and their stories to the forefront for our clients. We are also about to launch our new editorial platform called Regenerative Travel as a philosophy and a lifestyle for people to connect with as a more purposeful way to travel. Through an annual print issue and digital platform, Regenerative Travel is both a resource and inspiration for how one can live more consciously while traveling and in daily life.
Follow Amanda on Instagram @misselectrify & Regenerative Resorts @regenerativeresorts