The owners of the 1,750-hectare Grootbos nature reserve and spa in the Cape Region of South Africa intend each visitor to make a real and effective contribution to the surrounding area and its people.

Guests are encouraged to participate in guided tours to experience the region's biodiversity as well as the many conservation and social development projects - seeing firsthand what they can give back to the wellbeing of both the region, and its people. One project is called Green Futures. Each year, 12 unemployed young people from nearby townships are selected as students to participate in this horticulture and life-skills course on Groobos.

A total of 5 per cent of the guest rate is fed back into the initiatives and guests often get involved by making additional donations while at Grootbos - by sponsoring individual students, planting trees or helping in the various projects. Details: grootbosfoundation.org