20 | LUXlife Magazine La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat Best Sustainable Rainforest Lodge 2025 – Ecuador & LUXlife Responsible Tourism Excellence Award 2025 One of the most biodiverse regions of the world, the Amazon boasts a vast tropical rainforest and impressive rivers, standing as a dream destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. La Selva, part of Golden Experiences & Travel, specialises in providing beyond-the-ordinary experiences for travellers wishing to witness the wonders of the Amazon rainforest with their own eyes. As the company is named in the Travel and Tourism Awards 2025, we speak with Communication Strategist Fernanda Betancourt to learn more. Located deep within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, La Selva Ecolodge and Retreat is more than a mere ecolodge; it is an otherworldly retreat designed especially for travellers seeking wildlife encounters, transformative wellness experiences, holistic renewal, and cultural connections. The ecolodge is operated by Golden Experiences & Travel, a leader in sustainable luxury travel dedicated to curating experiences in Ecuador’s iconic destinations. La Selva stands as a signature property within the Amazon Rainforest blending comfort, wellness, and adventure. La Selva is the ideal destination for any traveller interested in witnessing firsthand the beauty of the surrounding reserve, catering to adventure seekers, retreat enthusiasts, families, honeymooners, and groups. Providing seamless logistics and tailored experiences in a remote yet accessible destination, it operates on a foundation of sustainability, conservation, premium hospitality, cultural connection, holistic wellness, and rewilding. Whilst its commitment to conservation has remained unwavering since its inception, La Selva has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of its market, incorporating holistic ceremonies, epicurean cuisine, and an elevated approach to luxury. At La Selva, luxury is not defined by comfort. Here, luxury entails an all-encompassing, harmonious experience that blends nature and wellness, steeped in both luxury and sustainability. Every detail, from curated wildlife excursions to wellness offerings and epicurean cuisine, has been expertly designed to provide a distinguished, yet intimate connection to the Amazon. Through continuous training, innovation, and a commitment to authenticity, La Selva ensures that every stay is the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and discovery – a true luxury experience rooted in the heart of the rainforest. “Premium hospitality is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that each guest receives oneon-one attention, curated activities, and the ‘at home’ feeling,” Fernanda tells us. “Our dualguided expeditions with natives and naturalists, private wellness retreats, and community visits offer meaningful, experiential moments while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.” Driving this excellence is La Selva’s exceptional team, who Fernanda tells us are the very heart of the experience. The team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Amazon. From its expert natural and native guides to its hospitality and culinary teams led by expert chefs, each member plays an instrumental role in delivering seamless, tailored attention that defines the premium hospitality synonymous with La Selva. When growing this remarkable workforce, the company prioritises individuals who are passionate, adaptable, and deeply connected to nature and culture. La Selva’s recruitment process focuses on those committed to sustainability, hospitality, and continuous learning, with the aim of cultivating an exceptionally strong team. To further this mission, La Selva invests in ongoing training, local empowerment, and a collaborative work environment that values growth and excellence. La Selva sources locally, trains the team in sustainable practices, and contributes with organisations to undertake projects such as Pack for a Purpose, UNICEF, The International Ecotourism Society, and continually improving its eco-friendly infrastructure. This itself presents the unique challenge of balancing evolving guest expectations with conservation efforts, but La Selva ensures that its activities, from wildlife excursions to holistic retreats, are both enriching and environmentally responsible. “Looking ahead,” Fernanda concludes, “evolving trends in wellness and rewilding presents new opportunities. The growing demand for holistic experiences aligns perfectly with our expanded wellness programs, holistic ceremonies, and nature-based healing. By embracing these changes and continuing to innovate, La Selva will remain at the forefront of sustainable luxury travel, offering meaningful journeys that benefit both guests and the environment.” Contact: Fernanda Betancourt Company: La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat Web Address: www.laselvajunglelodge.com
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