Luxury and poverty, face-to-face—embarrassment or opportunity? These four pioneering high-end travel companies see a chance to make a difference. Instead of ignoring the problem, they are finding ways to train and employ local people—and pamper guests, too

Jungle Bay Resort & Spa
Power To The People
Sam Raphael has been an activist since he was a student in the 1980s, so it's not surprising that Jungle Bay, the resort he founded on Dominica, is all about giving back to the community. "The Caribbean people are caught in a vicious circle," says Raphael. Few jobs means few trained workers, leading luxury resorts to import managers and even staff, perpetuating the problem. Despite the training challenges, his hotel employs the neighbors as carpenters, maids, guides, spa therapists, and office staff. "Our chef had never even eaten at a decent restaurant," he says. All but 4 of Jungle Bay's 59 employees come from the area, and Dominicans manage several departments. Jungle Bay is now spreading the wealth—last year, it launched a fund that lends up to $12,000 to underprivileged youth and farmers to start businesses that work with the resort. The giving spirit is contagious: Employees, too, have chosen to donate a portion of their gratuities to local causes (junglebaydominica.com).

The Blue Yonder
The Real India
Trips to Kerala's backwaters and Sikkim's mountains employ locals almost exclusively—sand miners now work as oarsmen and rafting- and wildlife-safari guides, and travelers visit folk artists, lower-caste musicians, and farmers (theblueyonder.com).

Madikwe Game Reserve
Partners In Africa
Run as a partnership between the government, private business, and locals, the reserve's accommodations include two community-owned lodges, a first in South Africa (madikwecollection.com).

Spier
Fair Traders
This hotel and winemaking estate is one of the first companies to receive the Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa trademark, indicating profit sharing, democratic decision-making, fair working conditions, transparent accounting, and sustainability (spier.co.za).