We are a collection of independent hotels regenerating people and place
Why we exist
We connect travelers with independent hotels that are rooted in community and actively advance local efforts that enable people, nature, and culture to thrive
Regenerative Travel is a community of independently-owned boutique hotels dedicated to creating positive social and environmental impact. By coming together, we increase the value we provide to guests, while restoring, repairing and regenerating the communities and ecosystems of which we are a part.
The Regenerative Travel Experience
Our focus is on deep, powerful experiences that are unique to time and place.
Mission-driven with independent spirit
Each of our hotels was founded by visionary changemakers on a mission to generate lasting positive social and environmental impact for local people and environments. They are hubs of creativity and innovation that are continually evolving, which means that no two hotels or experiences will ever be the same. And, we expertly curate and customize travel experiences so that your personal interests and expectations guide your exploration.
Honors sense of place
An ethos of service
Where your vacation meets your values
Our History
2014
It all started in 2014 when David Leventhal heard from guests who were staying at Playa Viva, his boutique hotel in Mexico, that it was difficult to find similar ethos-driven resorts around the world.
2015
A few years later, David met Amanda Ho, the founder of a travel magazine who was passionate about covering sustainable hospitality in her storytelling. They connected deeply on understanding the increased desire for values-driven experiences
2019
Amanda and David go on to partner and create Regenerative Travel, a membership collection of values-aligned independent hotels.
2020
During a global pandemic, Regenerative Travel raised consciousness around the regenerative travel movement and held its first Summit to support the paradigm shift within the industry.
Meet Our Team
Amanda Ho
Amanda is a New York-based brand strategist, travel expert and change-maker committed to help the travel, tourism and hospitality sector become a force for regeneration and healing. Before co-founding Regenerative Travel, Amanda was the founder of a multi-media lifestyle publication where she honed her craft as a storyteller for hospitality, real estate and lifestyle brands with a passion for sustainability.
Kerry Skinner
With an innately curious, creative nature and passion for ethos-driven regenerative tourism models, Kerry is the Marketing Manager of Regenerative Travel. Kerry previously worked within travel PR agencies representing trailblazing offerings such as Shinta Mani and Saira Hospitality, iconic brands like Chiva-Som, JW Marriott and Visit Berlin, and world-renowned architect Bill Bensley.
Melony van der Merwe
Melony van der Merwe is the Trade Director of Regenerative Travel and an independent Travel Trade Relations Specialist based in North America. With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, this South African has designed private travel to Africa and represents sought after boutique hotels and safari lodges to the travel trade.
Cami Diaz
Variety is Cami’s spice of life, which is reflected in her broad experience in creating and planning original concepts for unique experiences in luxury travel and event management. Now overseeing Sales & Client Relations at Regenerative Travel, Cami believes travel has the power of changing lives and shaping the future of more sustainable communities.
Our Hotel Advisors
Beks Ndlovu
Beks, a safari guide born in Zimbabwe founded the 100% owner-run and Africa based African Bush Camps in 2006. From the start of operations, Ndlovu’s mission has been to operate a portfolio of luxury tented camps and lodges across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. In founding African Bush Camps Ndlovu also created a nonprofit focused on conservation, education, and empowerment.
Dana Krauskopf
Dana and her husband, Dave, are founders and owners of the award-winning, Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, a boutique eco-resort in Belize and founding member of Regenerative Travel. As avid conservationists, they developed their 31 acres of coastal forest with the marine environment and local people in mind.
Marcus Cotton
Marcus is the owner of Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal. As a champion of social values, Marcus has a pragmatic approach putting staff happiness at the core of hospitality. The professional training and economic opportunities provided to the community are a testament to his commitment to the empowerment of the locals.
Portia Hart
Since 2015, Portia is the founder of two boutique hotels, three beach clubs, two bars and a not-for-profit foundation in Cartagena, Colombia. She believes in hospitality brands designed for young, affluent and modern travelers seeking luxury in a creative and culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible setting.
Renee Kimball
In 2004, Renee left her technology and transactions attorney career to pursue the opening of Tranquilo Bay, an eco-lodge in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Secluded from the rest of the world, Tranquilo Bay is designed to relieve the pressures of real life and focuses on rejuvenation and immersing guests in one of the most biologically diverse places in the world.
Zita Cobb
Zita is an eighth-generation Fogo Islander, Founder and CEO of Shorefast, and Innkeeper of the Fogo Island Inn. A registered Canadian charity, Shorefast uses business-minded means to help secure economic and cultural resilience for Fogo Island, Newfoundland: a centuries-old settler fishing community.
