In an era where sustainability claims in the travel industry have often been met with scepticism, a new venture aims to redefine the meaning of responsible tourism. Discover Collection, an elite private members-only hotel community, is set to launch in 2026, promising a fresh approach rooted in regenerative travel. Founded by veteran hoteliers Bernhard Bohnenberger, whose 28-year tenure at Six Senses included serving as president, the collection seeks to restore faith in genuine, impact-driven hospitality.
At the heart of Discover Collection lies a commitment to positive environmental and social impact. The initiative is underpinned by the Discover Collection Foundation and a network of Local Impact Funds, which will be supported by membership fees, donations, and charity auctions. Revenues will be redistributed to local communities neighbouring the group’s properties, fostering sustainable development and societal uplift.
The first properties are scheduled to open in Oman this September and Kenya in December. Following these, the collection plans an expansive rollout across regions including Albania, Switzerland, Greece, Morocco, Ireland, and Norway , home to the iconic Svart hotel, a waterborne design that will soon be radically reimagined. Bohnenberger emphasises that while each destination presents unique needs, every location, regardless of affluence, has communities that benefit from support.
Joining the exclusive club involves a light screening process aimed at aligning members’ passions with the collection’s ethos. Grace Probyn, the director of membership, explains: “The questions focus on regional engagement, personal interests, and cultural preferences. It’s about ensuring members are genuinely committed to meaningful travel and impact.”
Membership fees are set at $3,600 [£2,743] annually for individuals and $5,800 [£4,420] for couples, alongside a one-off administrative charge of $650 [£495]. Beyond access to remarkable retreats, members will have the opportunity to bid on ‘spark events’, unique cultural journeys to remote or unexpected destinations, complemented by specialised programming.
One of Discover Collection’s most innovative concepts is ‘Post-Trip Integration’. This ensures that positive effects extend well beyond the hotel’s walls. Members will be connected with local practitioners and experts who help translate their holiday passions into ongoing lifestyle choices. For example, someone interested in wellness or sustainable living might have ongoing consultations with local specialists, transforming the hotel visit into a year-round journey.
On-site, expectations will revolve around understated, authentic luxury. Décor will feature locally-sourced crafts, antiques, and personalised touches, eschewing branding for a more human and culturally immersive experience. Similarly, the collection plans to prioritise quality over name-dropping, favouring rare artisanal champagnes and locally crafted furnishings rather than mainstream labels.
Bohnenberger highlights that the goal is to foster genuine cultural immersion: ‘We want guests to meet local people, savour regional cuisine, and truly feel connected to the destination , experiences that feel authentic and meaningful.’
[Picture Discover Collection]
