Today sees the addition of a new eco camp to the ecobookers site, the Nomad Eco Camp in Villanueva de Tapia, Andalucia, Spain.
Set on 10km of land at 650m altitude, Nomad Eco Camp is surrounded by wonderful landscape of fields and mountains. The biggest lake in Andalucia, Iznajar, is just 15 minutes away and has a beach that is ideal for children.
The camp offers a range of accommodation including a studio apartment, yurts and camping.
Showing posts with label family holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family holidays. Show all posts
Monday, 4 August 2008
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Going eco in the USA!
Over 30 years ago, Bill Castle and his family began a project to build a log cabin. They now run Pollywogg Holler – a unique eco lodge set in 56,000 acres of New York State forest land in the USA. Here Bill tells us how it all began:
“Back in 1976 my wife and I, along with our three small children, embarked on a project to enter the forest with hand tools and build a log cabin. This was a weekend project and primarily a family project. We wanted to experience the true pioneer experience, at least on weekends. In no time at all we became very sympathetic with nature and started to strive to live in harmony with our new natural neighbours.
While travelling in Costa Rica back in 1987 we kept hearing about Eco-tourism. We started going to meetings and looking at what other people were doing. It was around this period that we decided that if they could run an eco lodge there, why couldn't we do it back in New York State.
As owners of an eco-resort we are all about Eco-Friendly. If you are running an Eco-Resort you are under the magnifying glass, so just being casual Eco friendly isn’t enough - you have to walk the walk and talk the talk. We have felt for a long time that we are setting the standards for Eco-Tourism and we will continue to improve on what we already have in place.
Since opening the Eco Lodge, we have had countless people come to Pollywogg Holler with the purpose of seeing how we do it. We have also consulted with many people who have been here and attempted to do their own thing, in various parts of the world.
If you’re looking to become more eco-friendly yourself, probably the best way is to start by camping. Then, when you are comfortable with this, try living in a tent in a wilderness setting for an extended period of time. I am a firm believer in research, what ever your interest is, research, research and research some more. Read about it every day, subscribe to back-to-the-land magazines and read up on every faze of living next to/with nature.”
Read more about this unique eco-friendly resort here!
“Back in 1976 my wife and I, along with our three small children, embarked on a project to enter the forest with hand tools and build a log cabin. This was a weekend project and primarily a family project. We wanted to experience the true pioneer experience, at least on weekends. In no time at all we became very sympathetic with nature and started to strive to live in harmony with our new natural neighbours.
While travelling in Costa Rica back in 1987 we kept hearing about Eco-tourism. We started going to meetings and looking at what other people were doing. It was around this period that we decided that if they could run an eco lodge there, why couldn't we do it back in New York State.
As owners of an eco-resort we are all about Eco-Friendly. If you are running an Eco-Resort you are under the magnifying glass, so just being casual Eco friendly isn’t enough - you have to walk the walk and talk the talk. We have felt for a long time that we are setting the standards for Eco-Tourism and we will continue to improve on what we already have in place.
Since opening the Eco Lodge, we have had countless people come to Pollywogg Holler with the purpose of seeing how we do it. We have also consulted with many people who have been here and attempted to do their own thing, in various parts of the world.
If you’re looking to become more eco-friendly yourself, probably the best way is to start by camping. Then, when you are comfortable with this, try living in a tent in a wilderness setting for an extended period of time. I am a firm believer in research, what ever your interest is, research, research and research some more. Read about it every day, subscribe to back-to-the-land magazines and read up on every faze of living next to/with nature.”
Read more about this unique eco-friendly resort here!
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Inspiration for your eco-friendly Summer break!
Now that Christmas has come and gone and the winter blues have set in, there’s no better time to start thinking about your Summer holiday! Whether you’re looking for a luxury break or travelling on a shoestring, planning a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s an eco-friendly hotel or eco-lodge to suit you! Below you’ll find some great ideas for different types of eco-friendly breaks:
Eco on a Budget
There is a huge variety of eco-friendly accommodation out there and there is plenty of choice even if you are on a tight budget. On the ecobookers site you will find a wide range of fabulous eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges with rooms available for less than £20 per person per night (usually based on 2 people sharing and can be dependent on the time of year of your visit). Examples include Bintang Bolong Lodge, Gambia, where the main attraction is the River Restaurant with its large terrace from which you can experience incomparable sunsets, Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort, India, offering traditional Bhungas (circular mud huts with sloping grass roofs) as accommodation or La Laguna del Lagarto, Costa Rica, a secluded and cozy lodge with a balcony that’s great for viewing the many forest edge birds. Find more eco-budget details and ideas here.
Eco Luxury
Although the phrase 'back-to-basics' is often associated with eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges, this isn't necessarily the case. Yes, it is possible to stay in a mud-hut and use a composting toilet, but if this isn't quite your cup of tea, that doesn't have to mean that eco-friendly travel isn't for you!
There are a number of eco-hotels and eco-lodges out there which use sustainable energy sources, take measures to reduce their consumption of natural resources, recycle much of their waste and take an active role in conservation and the community, yet will still provide you with all the creature comforts you might expect of a luxury establishment.
For example, Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island is the epitome of shabby-chic. Stay in a spacious room suite with breath-taking views of the ocean and swim in a beautiful infinity pool. At Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia you will find guestrooms with chic interiors and contemporary furnishings whilst at Daintree EcoLodge & Spa, Australia, you could choose to stay in a Spa villa with your own private Jacuzzi on the balcony. Find more eco-luxury details and ideas here.
Eco for couples:
Just because your hosts are committed to recycling water and use worm farms to compost organic waste, doesn’t mean that romance has to go out the window! Whether you’re on your honeymoon, looking for some cozy couple time or simply want a place to stay where you won’t be surrounded by children, we have plenty of suggestions for you!
Take Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique, for example, where raised bedrooms, with King-size beds, sit under an expansive palm-thatched roof, opening upwards and outwards to make the most of the stunning sea views and cooling sea breeze. Or how about the comfortable luxury of Bartholomeus Klip, South Africa, where you can enjoy specially made pure cotton bedding, luxurious toiletries and towelling robes and where children under the age of 16 are not allowed at the Main House. Find more eco-couples details and ideas here.
Eco for families:
If you're looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, it can sometimes be hard to find an accommodation that's family-friendly - so here we've done all the hard work for you!
As most eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges are set in rural areas, it's always going to be necessary to control children, watch out for their safety and ensure that they respect the environment. However, a number of hotels and lodges have pricing policies and/or facilities which make eco-friendly family holidays that little bit easier. For example, at the Puri Lumbung Cottages, Indonesia, family cottages are available for groups of 4 or more, babysitting is available, there is a doctor on call and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults.
At the Villas Ecotucan, Mexico, the nearby Laguna de Bacalar is perfect for swimming or kayaking, mountain bikes are available to rent and leisure equipment is provided, such as bocci, badminton, croquet and volleyball if you’d like to play some games. Up to 2 children under 10 can stay in a cabin with 2 adults at no additional cost. Find more eco-family details and ideas here.
Eco on a Budget
There is a huge variety of eco-friendly accommodation out there and there is plenty of choice even if you are on a tight budget. On the ecobookers site you will find a wide range of fabulous eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges with rooms available for less than £20 per person per night (usually based on 2 people sharing and can be dependent on the time of year of your visit). Examples include Bintang Bolong Lodge, Gambia, where the main attraction is the River Restaurant with its large terrace from which you can experience incomparable sunsets, Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort, India, offering traditional Bhungas (circular mud huts with sloping grass roofs) as accommodation or La Laguna del Lagarto, Costa Rica, a secluded and cozy lodge with a balcony that’s great for viewing the many forest edge birds. Find more eco-budget details and ideas here.
Eco Luxury
Although the phrase 'back-to-basics' is often associated with eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges, this isn't necessarily the case. Yes, it is possible to stay in a mud-hut and use a composting toilet, but if this isn't quite your cup of tea, that doesn't have to mean that eco-friendly travel isn't for you!
There are a number of eco-hotels and eco-lodges out there which use sustainable energy sources, take measures to reduce their consumption of natural resources, recycle much of their waste and take an active role in conservation and the community, yet will still provide you with all the creature comforts you might expect of a luxury establishment.
For example, Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island is the epitome of shabby-chic. Stay in a spacious room suite with breath-taking views of the ocean and swim in a beautiful infinity pool. At Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia you will find guestrooms with chic interiors and contemporary furnishings whilst at Daintree EcoLodge & Spa, Australia, you could choose to stay in a Spa villa with your own private Jacuzzi on the balcony. Find more eco-luxury details and ideas here.
Eco for couples:
Just because your hosts are committed to recycling water and use worm farms to compost organic waste, doesn’t mean that romance has to go out the window! Whether you’re on your honeymoon, looking for some cozy couple time or simply want a place to stay where you won’t be surrounded by children, we have plenty of suggestions for you!
Take Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique, for example, where raised bedrooms, with King-size beds, sit under an expansive palm-thatched roof, opening upwards and outwards to make the most of the stunning sea views and cooling sea breeze. Or how about the comfortable luxury of Bartholomeus Klip, South Africa, where you can enjoy specially made pure cotton bedding, luxurious toiletries and towelling robes and where children under the age of 16 are not allowed at the Main House. Find more eco-couples details and ideas here.
Eco for families:
If you're looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, it can sometimes be hard to find an accommodation that's family-friendly - so here we've done all the hard work for you!
As most eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges are set in rural areas, it's always going to be necessary to control children, watch out for their safety and ensure that they respect the environment. However, a number of hotels and lodges have pricing policies and/or facilities which make eco-friendly family holidays that little bit easier. For example, at the Puri Lumbung Cottages, Indonesia, family cottages are available for groups of 4 or more, babysitting is available, there is a doctor on call and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults.
At the Villas Ecotucan, Mexico, the nearby Laguna de Bacalar is perfect for swimming or kayaking, mountain bikes are available to rent and leisure equipment is provided, such as bocci, badminton, croquet and volleyball if you’d like to play some games. Up to 2 children under 10 can stay in a cabin with 2 adults at no additional cost. Find more eco-family details and ideas here.
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Hickatee Cottages, Belize
Today sees the addition of another fabulous eco-friendly property to the ecobookers site.
Hickatee Cottages offers family-run, Caribbea-style cottage accommodation set in the jungle but still only one mile from Punta Gorda Town in Toledo. This is an ideal base for an adventure holiday, with great access to the World Heritage Site Sapodilla Cayes, Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Toledo's many inland attractions.
Service is friendly and personal, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, and plentiful home-cooked meals are available on-site at Charlie's Bar, prepared with ingredients grown on the Cottages’ farm and seasonal produce from the local market.
Hickatee Cottages offers family-run, Caribbea-style cottage accommodation set in the jungle but still only one mile from Punta Gorda Town in Toledo. This is an ideal base for an adventure holiday, with great access to the World Heritage Site Sapodilla Cayes, Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Toledo's many inland attractions.
Service is friendly and personal, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, and plentiful home-cooked meals are available on-site at Charlie's Bar, prepared with ingredients grown on the Cottages’ farm and seasonal produce from the local market.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
ecobookers in India and Indonesia!
Today sees the addition of 2 new eco-lodges in Asia on the ecobookers site.
The first is Sarinbuana Eco Lodge in Bali, Indonesia - Here you will stay in a cosy bungalow, situated at 700m, on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in central Bali and surrounded by a lush tropical “food forest” of organically grown cacao, coffee, vanilla and jungle fruits. This eco lodge is also family friendly - children are warmly welcomed and valued in this family oriented community. Children are able to reconnect with nature - walking in the rainforest and swimming in the clean mountain streams.
The second is Chambal Safari Lodge in India - Here you will stay in an en-suite cottage 15km from the National Chambal Sanctuary. Along with a number of eco-policies to reduce their impact on the natural surroundings, the hosts at Chambal Safari Lodge also run the Chambal Conservation Foundation with their own funds and are committed to protecting the pristine environment of the Chambal valley.
The first is Sarinbuana Eco Lodge in Bali, Indonesia - Here you will stay in a cosy bungalow, situated at 700m, on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in central Bali and surrounded by a lush tropical “food forest” of organically grown cacao, coffee, vanilla and jungle fruits. This eco lodge is also family friendly - children are warmly welcomed and valued in this family oriented community. Children are able to reconnect with nature - walking in the rainforest and swimming in the clean mountain streams.
The second is Chambal Safari Lodge in India - Here you will stay in an en-suite cottage 15km from the National Chambal Sanctuary. Along with a number of eco-policies to reduce their impact on the natural surroundings, the hosts at Chambal Safari Lodge also run the Chambal Conservation Foundation with their own funds and are committed to protecting the pristine environment of the Chambal valley.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Three new eco-hotels on the ecobookers site!
Today sees the launch of another 3 hand-selected, eco-friendly accommodations on the ecobookers site, 2 of which are in the USA and 1 which is located in the Caribbean on the beautiful green island of Dominica.
WildSpring Guest Habitat, USA – This small boutique eco-resort combines luxury, amenities and service with the privacy and conveniences of a vacation rental. The five cabin suites are stylish and comfortable, made of native cedar and built like small homes filled with artwork, plush, overstuffed loveseats and antique and vintage furniture. The minimum age at WildSpring is 13.
Artha Bed & Breakfast, USA – This budget eco-friendly B&B in Amherst, Wisconsin, sits on a lush 90-acre plot with rolling hills of wooded land and open fields. Here you can experience green living, powered by the sun, in a 100 year-old farmhouse. Guests stay in private rooms and can enjoy the public spacious kitchen and living room, both with wood stoves.
The Tamarind Tree Hotel, Dominica – This hotel is good for families with family rooms available, consisting of 2 interconnecting double bedrooms, are available at a set fee and take up to 2 adults and 4 children under 16. The premises are safe and child-proofed and a small playground and water toys are provided. There is also a shallow part of the pool for small children. It's also good for anyone else, ideally located in the centre of Dominica’s west coast on top of a 100-foot cliff, offering beautiful views over the Caribbean Sea, the Bay of Salisbury and Morne Diablotin.
WildSpring Guest Habitat, USA – This small boutique eco-resort combines luxury, amenities and service with the privacy and conveniences of a vacation rental. The five cabin suites are stylish and comfortable, made of native cedar and built like small homes filled with artwork, plush, overstuffed loveseats and antique and vintage furniture. The minimum age at WildSpring is 13.
Artha Bed & Breakfast, USA – This budget eco-friendly B&B in Amherst, Wisconsin, sits on a lush 90-acre plot with rolling hills of wooded land and open fields. Here you can experience green living, powered by the sun, in a 100 year-old farmhouse. Guests stay in private rooms and can enjoy the public spacious kitchen and living room, both with wood stoves.
The Tamarind Tree Hotel, Dominica – This hotel is good for families with family rooms available, consisting of 2 interconnecting double bedrooms, are available at a set fee and take up to 2 adults and 4 children under 16. The premises are safe and child-proofed and a small playground and water toys are provided. There is also a shallow part of the pool for small children. It's also good for anyone else, ideally located in the centre of Dominica’s west coast on top of a 100-foot cliff, offering beautiful views over the Caribbean Sea, the Bay of Salisbury and Morne Diablotin.
Monday, 24 September 2007
eco lodge in Malawi
Today we have a new listing on the site - an ecolodge in Malawi.
Njaya Lodge is situated on a hillside just outside the popular town of Nkhata Bay on the northern shores of Lake Malawi. The lodge grounds stretch down to the beautiful Chikale Beach, which is safe, clean and ideal for children.
Eco-policies include compensation of carbon emmissions through the planting of trees - to date over 4,000 indigenous trees have been planted in the local countryside - and policies to develop local industry and support the community.
Njaya Lodge is situated on a hillside just outside the popular town of Nkhata Bay on the northern shores of Lake Malawi. The lodge grounds stretch down to the beautiful Chikale Beach, which is safe, clean and ideal for children.
Eco-policies include compensation of carbon emmissions through the planting of trees - to date over 4,000 indigenous trees have been planted in the local countryside - and policies to develop local industry and support the community.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
new look eco-travel site!
Today sees a bit of a new look for ecobookers, as the home page has been revamped to link to features on Eco Luxury, Eco Couples, Eco Families, Eco on a budget and Eco in the city. This should make it easier for visitors to the site to find their way around if they are looking for one of these property types.
Friday, 7 September 2007
family friendly eco holidays!
Picking back up from where I left off a couple of days ago, I've now looked at budget eco-accommodations and luxury eco-accommodations. Next, another one that causes problems - family-friendly... Of course, most eco-accommodations are set in rural areas and it's always going to be necessary to control children and ensure they are respecting the environment. However, a number of hotels have pricing policies and/or facilities which make eco-friendly family holidays that little bit easier:-
Puri Lumbung, Indonesia - Family cottages are available for groups of 4 or more, babysitting is available and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults.
3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica - Cabins and Tree Houses sleep 3 and, as the prices are per room, there is no additional cost to bring a child. The Lodge also has a large children's play area where the kids (big or small) can have fun, allowing the parents to "free up" and relax.
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica - Babysitting is available and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults. Interconnecting rooms are also available if you would prefer to book 2 rooms.
Villas Ecotucan, Mexico - A short walk down the hill will take you to the magical Laguna de Bacalar, perfect for swimming or kayaking, mountain bikes are available to rent and leisure equipment is provided, such as bocci, badminton, croquet, and volleyball if you’d like to play some games. Up to 2 children under 10 can stay in a cabin with 2 adults at no additional cost. The price per additional child aged 10-12 is US$5 per night.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Canada - Rates include use of the biking / hiking trail system (over 60km), free use of canoes on Moffat Pond, use of water toys (inflatable raft etc.), bonfire and wolf howl seminars on request. The first child aged 0-12 and sharing in a room with 2 adults goes free. The second child aged 0 –12 and sharing in a room with 2 adults pays 50% of the adult price.
Hotel Oberland, Bolivia - Beach volley, beach soccer, ping-pong and a children's playground are available with quad hire, horse riding and bike hire available closeby to the hotel. Up to 2 children aged 0 – 11 years old go free when sharing a room with 2 adults.
Puri Lumbung, Indonesia - Family cottages are available for groups of 4 or more, babysitting is available and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults.
3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica - Cabins and Tree Houses sleep 3 and, as the prices are per room, there is no additional cost to bring a child. The Lodge also has a large children's play area where the kids (big or small) can have fun, allowing the parents to "free up" and relax.
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica - Babysitting is available and children aged 0-11 go free when sharing with 2 adults. Interconnecting rooms are also available if you would prefer to book 2 rooms.
Villas Ecotucan, Mexico - A short walk down the hill will take you to the magical Laguna de Bacalar, perfect for swimming or kayaking, mountain bikes are available to rent and leisure equipment is provided, such as bocci, badminton, croquet, and volleyball if you’d like to play some games. Up to 2 children under 10 can stay in a cabin with 2 adults at no additional cost. The price per additional child aged 10-12 is US$5 per night.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Canada - Rates include use of the biking / hiking trail system (over 60km), free use of canoes on Moffat Pond, use of water toys (inflatable raft etc.), bonfire and wolf howl seminars on request. The first child aged 0-12 and sharing in a room with 2 adults goes free. The second child aged 0 –12 and sharing in a room with 2 adults pays 50% of the adult price.
Hotel Oberland, Bolivia - Beach volley, beach soccer, ping-pong and a children's playground are available with quad hire, horse riding and bike hire available closeby to the hotel. Up to 2 children aged 0 – 11 years old go free when sharing a room with 2 adults.
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