New Properties Join National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World has added 14 new lodges to its prestigious collection of boutique hotels in remarkable destinations around the world. These new properties have each demonstrated their commitment to authenticity, excellence and sustainability, while offering outstanding guest experiences that support the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

From a historic hacienda in Mexico to beautiful log cabins at the mouth of an Alaskan fjord to a stunning safari camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta region, the new additions exemplify the diverse offerings of National Geographic's distinctive hotel collection and appeal to a broad spectrum of today's travelers.

The addition of these 14 new lodges brings the Unique Lodges portfolio to a total of 38 distinguished properties on six continents. Launched in January 2015 with 24 charter members, the properties in the Unique Lodges collection offer a host of authentic and responsible travel experiences.

The 14 new National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World members are:

Every lodge is evaluated through a comprehensive vetting process in which they are judged on property, guest experience, quality of service and sustainable tourism practices. The process includes an onsite inspection by an expert to assess hotel operations, to meet staff and to evaluate the lodge's sustainable tourism practices.

"Our growing collection of Unique Lodges of the World offers a wide range of meaningful travel experiences to all kinds of explorers," said Lynn Cutter, National Geographic's executive vice president for Travel and Licensing. "We are thrilled to bring on these extraordinary new members, as they embody the values National Geographic and our travelers hold close."

Each lodge in the collection offers a special "National Geographic Exclusive" experience to guests who book their stay through National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. This complimentary offering provides guests with the opportunity to further immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.

The "National Geographic Exclusive" experiences range from cooking classes in the Australian Outback to a behind-the-scenes architectural tour in Newfoundland to visiting with marine scientists in Tahiti— truly something for everyone.

 National Geographic Unique Lodges offer travelers a full-service experience from booking to checkout. Travelers can browse all of the properties on the Unique Lodges website and request a reservation at a lodge. They can join a National Geographic Expedition that features a Unique Lodge or book one of National Geographic's new Private Expeditions, offered in partnership with Virtuoso®, the leading international luxury travel network. Lodge owners may apply to join the collection at http://www.nglodgesapplication.com.

For more information about National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, visit www.nationalgeographiclodges.com.

National Geographic Travel

National Geographic Travel is the travel arm of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, founded in 1888. National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine; National Geographic Expeditions; National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World; travel books; maps; digital travel content; and travel photography programs.

National Geographic Traveler (eight issues per year) is the world's most widely read travel magazine and has 17 international editions. National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the Society, offers a variety of unique travel experiences led by top experts to more than 60 destinations across all seven continents. Travel opportunities include family and student expeditions, active adventures, private jet trips and voyages on the six expedition ships in the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet, as well as photography workshops, expeditions and seminars.

The National Geographic Travel digital group, shares its inspiring and authoritative digital content such as trip ideas, photo galleries, blogs and apps with its @NatGeoTravel community of 6.5 million. National Geographic Travel books bring readers curated travel advice, photography and insider tips. Follow National Geographic Travel @NatGeoTravel on TwitterFacebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+.

Images courtesy of Nation Geographic and used by permission.

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