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.
Friday, 7 September 2007
Thursday, 6 September 2007
New product announcement - Eco Lodge in Costa Rica!
Today sees the launch of another great eco lodge on www.ecobookers.com, the first of a few to come in Costa Rica!
As home to many protected national parks and reserves, and an array of exotic plant and animal life, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for eco-tourists over the years. In addition to its pristine rainforests and wildlife reserves, Costa Rica is home to volcanoes and hot springs along with golden beaches (Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’) where endangered sea turtles nest. Eco-tourism began in Costa Rica in the 1980’s as a way of improving the economy and of stopping deforestation, and a national conservation system was put in to place.
Lake Coter Eco Lodge Resort & Hotel is a rain forest ecotourism resort situated along Costa Rica's beautiful Northern Pacific Mountains, an exclusive location with breathtaking panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and the famous Coter and Arenal Lakes.
Although the Lodge does not have policies to reduce energy consumption, it does have policies to conserve water and recycle in addition to providing an important source of income to the local Maleku Indians - the Maleku community of approximately 600 indigenous people is located about 30 kilometers away from the hotel and has built 2 Communal Huts or “Palenques” on the Eco Lodge’s reserve to provide an opportunity for guests to interact with them and to learn about their traditions, food and culture.
The hotel also has a private reserve of 250 hectares of primary forest along with 50 hectares of secondary forest and pasture land. Guests can take educational environmental tours in the reserve.
As home to many protected national parks and reserves, and an array of exotic plant and animal life, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for eco-tourists over the years. In addition to its pristine rainforests and wildlife reserves, Costa Rica is home to volcanoes and hot springs along with golden beaches (Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’) where endangered sea turtles nest. Eco-tourism began in Costa Rica in the 1980’s as a way of improving the economy and of stopping deforestation, and a national conservation system was put in to place.
Lake Coter Eco Lodge Resort & Hotel is a rain forest ecotourism resort situated along Costa Rica's beautiful Northern Pacific Mountains, an exclusive location with breathtaking panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and the famous Coter and Arenal Lakes.
Although the Lodge does not have policies to reduce energy consumption, it does have policies to conserve water and recycle in addition to providing an important source of income to the local Maleku Indians - the Maleku community of approximately 600 indigenous people is located about 30 kilometers away from the hotel and has built 2 Communal Huts or “Palenques” on the Eco Lodge’s reserve to provide an opportunity for guests to interact with them and to learn about their traditions, food and culture.
The hotel also has a private reserve of 250 hectares of primary forest along with 50 hectares of secondary forest and pasture land. Guests can take educational environmental tours in the reserve.
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Eco-friendly on a budget
Yesterday I took a look at luxury Eco hotels and lodges, but as I have already mentioned, there is a huge variety of eco-accommodation out there, and there is plenty of choice even if you are on a tight budget.
You can book a room at one of the following fabulous eco-accommodations for less than £20 per person (usually based on 2 people sharing a room):-
Bintang Bolong Lodge, Gambia - Located near the small, authentic African Village of Bintang, this lodge features buildings on stilts, keeping them out of harm's way when the water rises and integrating them into surrounding mangrove forests! The main attraction of this eco hotel is the River Restaurant with its large terrace from which you can experience incomparable sunsets.
Gunjur Beach Lodge, Gambia - Set about 50 steps away from the sandy beach of the small Gambian village of Gunjur, this is the perfect place to relax! Make yourself comfortable on the thick mattresses of the beach beds, treat yourself to a massage or join in an African drumming or wood carving workshop, all withouth leaving the Lodge!
Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort, India - This resort offers the traditional Bhunga (circular mud huts with sloping grass roofs) as accommodation. The rooms are designed to showcase local style and are decorated with a collection of crafts from the area, creating an authentic atmosphere. There are a myriad of tours available to really get to know the region.
Udayana Eco Lodge, Idonesia - This Green Globe Certified eco lodge is set high up in the Jimbaran hills in a conservation area for birds and butterflies with a beautiful view over Bali. The lodge is famous for its secluded swimming pool, its lovely gardens and its birds (over 50 species) and butterflies (over 80 species) and is convenient to all of southern Bali's attractions.
3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica - Set on this lush, green, mountainous, rain-forested island, 3 Rivers is set in a valley, surrounded by nature and rivers. Guests can bathe in one of the natural river pools, wander amongst the organic gardens and picnic areas, or walk up into the rainforest.
Villas Ecotucan, Mexico - This Ecological Resort is surrounded by jungle and located on the shores of the beautiful Laguna Bacalar, one of Mexico’s largest freshwater lakes. Your accommodation will be in one of five comfortable and spacious stone cabins with thatch roofs, surrounded by tropical gardens and reminiscent of a Mayan settlement offering guests a tranquil base for relaxing with nature.
Hotel Oberland, Bolivia - Situated at the south end of La Paz in Rio Abajo, considered the warmest part of the city, Hotel Oberland has beautiful views of the mountains and valley. Located in the Moon Valley, just 12km from the city centre, Hotel Oberland has the reputation of being quiet and calm. Its environment and its sunny garden make it a real Oasis near La Paz.
As you can see, there's a great range of budget eco-accommodation to choose from in Latin America, Africa and Asia, and there's plenty more out there!
You can book a room at one of the following fabulous eco-accommodations for less than £20 per person (usually based on 2 people sharing a room):-
Bintang Bolong Lodge, Gambia - Located near the small, authentic African Village of Bintang, this lodge features buildings on stilts, keeping them out of harm's way when the water rises and integrating them into surrounding mangrove forests! The main attraction of this eco hotel is the River Restaurant with its large terrace from which you can experience incomparable sunsets.
Gunjur Beach Lodge, Gambia - Set about 50 steps away from the sandy beach of the small Gambian village of Gunjur, this is the perfect place to relax! Make yourself comfortable on the thick mattresses of the beach beds, treat yourself to a massage or join in an African drumming or wood carving workshop, all withouth leaving the Lodge!
Shaam-e-Sarhad Rural Resort, India - This resort offers the traditional Bhunga (circular mud huts with sloping grass roofs) as accommodation. The rooms are designed to showcase local style and are decorated with a collection of crafts from the area, creating an authentic atmosphere. There are a myriad of tours available to really get to know the region.
Udayana Eco Lodge, Idonesia - This Green Globe Certified eco lodge is set high up in the Jimbaran hills in a conservation area for birds and butterflies with a beautiful view over Bali. The lodge is famous for its secluded swimming pool, its lovely gardens and its birds (over 50 species) and butterflies (over 80 species) and is convenient to all of southern Bali's attractions.
3 Rivers Eco Lodge, Dominica - Set on this lush, green, mountainous, rain-forested island, 3 Rivers is set in a valley, surrounded by nature and rivers. Guests can bathe in one of the natural river pools, wander amongst the organic gardens and picnic areas, or walk up into the rainforest.
Villas Ecotucan, Mexico - This Ecological Resort is surrounded by jungle and located on the shores of the beautiful Laguna Bacalar, one of Mexico’s largest freshwater lakes. Your accommodation will be in one of five comfortable and spacious stone cabins with thatch roofs, surrounded by tropical gardens and reminiscent of a Mayan settlement offering guests a tranquil base for relaxing with nature.
Hotel Oberland, Bolivia - Situated at the south end of La Paz in Rio Abajo, considered the warmest part of the city, Hotel Oberland has beautiful views of the mountains and valley. Located in the Moon Valley, just 12km from the city centre, Hotel Oberland has the reputation of being quiet and calm. Its environment and its sunny garden make it a real Oasis near La Paz.
As you can see, there's a great range of budget eco-accommodation to choose from in Latin America, Africa and Asia, and there's plenty more out there!
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Eco Luxury!
Reading through some comments on a travel forum today it became clear that there are lots of different preconceptions about what eco-friendly accommodation actually entails. For example, I read a comment which said ‘I can’t afford anything like an eco-camp, so it will have to be a budget hostel’. On the other hand, some people think that budget and eco go hand in hand and the only image they seem to muster is that of composting toilets!
In reality, there is as great a range of eco-accommodation as any other holiday accommodation , ranging from budget to luxury, from jungle to city and from family-friendly to romantic-getaway. To prove it, over the next few days I plan to feature different eco-hotels and lodges which fall into these different categories, starting today with Eco Luxury!
Eco Luxury: Who says you can’t enjoy the finer things in life and be eco-friendly at the same time!
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya – At this luxury camp you will find yourself sleeping in a linen-sheeted king-size bed, in a tented cottage which also features an elegant bathroom and a wide verandah for superb views of either Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills, and the Chyulu Hills. In the evenings you will dine by candlelight on Italian cuisine, from fine table settings and crystal glasses.
Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique – Here you will stay in a spacious tented banda with a raised bedroom, with king-size bed, set under an expansive palm-thatched roof, opening upwards and outwards to make the most of the stunning sea views and cooling sea breeze. Here you will find European fine dining with an exotic local twist and world class fresh seafood.
Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia – As one of Siem Reap's most stylish hotels, this deluxe boutique property offers guests outstanding levels of luxury along with world-class dining and spa facilities. In the guestrooms, chic interiors and contemporary furnishings, including handcrafted lamps and intricate wall mountings, achieve a harmonious balance between modern design and traditional detailing.
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica – This luxury boutique hotel is romantic, peaceful and comfortable. The ten select accommodations have been lovingly appointed with hand crafted bamboo furniture, locally printed fabrics and decorated with original art. Guests are greeted with warm hospitality and can enjoy fine cuisine in the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant Mille Fleurs.
So there's just a few to get started with - spanning the Caribbean, Asia and Africa - but there are plenty more out there!
In reality, there is as great a range of eco-accommodation as any other holiday accommodation , ranging from budget to luxury, from jungle to city and from family-friendly to romantic-getaway. To prove it, over the next few days I plan to feature different eco-hotels and lodges which fall into these different categories, starting today with Eco Luxury!
Eco Luxury: Who says you can’t enjoy the finer things in life and be eco-friendly at the same time!
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya – At this luxury camp you will find yourself sleeping in a linen-sheeted king-size bed, in a tented cottage which also features an elegant bathroom and a wide verandah for superb views of either Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills, and the Chyulu Hills. In the evenings you will dine by candlelight on Italian cuisine, from fine table settings and crystal glasses.
Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique – Here you will stay in a spacious tented banda with a raised bedroom, with king-size bed, set under an expansive palm-thatched roof, opening upwards and outwards to make the most of the stunning sea views and cooling sea breeze. Here you will find European fine dining with an exotic local twist and world class fresh seafood.
Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia – As one of Siem Reap's most stylish hotels, this deluxe boutique property offers guests outstanding levels of luxury along with world-class dining and spa facilities. In the guestrooms, chic interiors and contemporary furnishings, including handcrafted lamps and intricate wall mountings, achieve a harmonious balance between modern design and traditional detailing.
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica – This luxury boutique hotel is romantic, peaceful and comfortable. The ten select accommodations have been lovingly appointed with hand crafted bamboo furniture, locally printed fabrics and decorated with original art. Guests are greeted with warm hospitality and can enjoy fine cuisine in the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant Mille Fleurs.
So there's just a few to get started with - spanning the Caribbean, Asia and Africa - but there are plenty more out there!
Friday, 24 August 2007
Travel tips - how to respect the environment
Following on from my blog yesterday when I talked about how to be socially and culturally respectful, I'd also like to post a few tips on how to respect the environment when travelling abroad.
If you're staying in an eco-accommodation, the majority of them will already have processes in place to recycle, conserve energy and water and to limit damaging waste. However, you shouldn't expect them to do all the work! You can help them along by using water and energy as efficiently as possible e.g. don’t leave taps running or lights on unnecessarily, by taking shampoos etc. with you that are bio-degradable, by never littering and by recycling anything you can (if there are no facilities for recycling certain products e.g. plastic bottles, where you are, take these home with you to recycle).
So that you don’t upset the natural balance or cause erosion, stick to marked trails (both when walking and driving), don't disturb the local wildlife with excessive noise and don’t take any souvenirs from along the way.
Also, please don't buy anything that has come from an endangered animal species, or a protected species of plant and don’t support shows where animals are used for entertainment.
I'm sure there are other ways of protecting the environment while you're travelling - any other tips please drop me a line!
If you're staying in an eco-accommodation, the majority of them will already have processes in place to recycle, conserve energy and water and to limit damaging waste. However, you shouldn't expect them to do all the work! You can help them along by using water and energy as efficiently as possible e.g. don’t leave taps running or lights on unnecessarily, by taking shampoos etc. with you that are bio-degradable, by never littering and by recycling anything you can (if there are no facilities for recycling certain products e.g. plastic bottles, where you are, take these home with you to recycle).
So that you don’t upset the natural balance or cause erosion, stick to marked trails (both when walking and driving), don't disturb the local wildlife with excessive noise and don’t take any souvenirs from along the way.
Also, please don't buy anything that has come from an endangered animal species, or a protected species of plant and don’t support shows where animals are used for entertainment.
I'm sure there are other ways of protecting the environment while you're travelling - any other tips please drop me a line!
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Travel tips - how to travel responsibly
Of course, staying in an eco accommodation in itself doesn't mean that you are travelling responsibly - staying somewhere eco friendly but then going out and offending the local community, littering the landscape or collecting natural elements to take home as a souvenir would be easy ways to counteract any good you are doing!
So here are a few eco travel tips to consider when you actually arrive in-country. First off - cultural considerations:
You could find yourself in a very different situation to that which you are used to back home, but you must remember that this is normal life to the people who live it, so be open-minded.
Traditions, culture, religious beliefs, clothing and food may all be very different to what you are used to but be respectful.
Respect people’s wishes and ask before you take photographs.
Try getting to know people - you may learn something about their way of life and they may be able to give you insider info on where to go and what to do that you won’t find in the guidebooks!
When you are buying goods, using services such as tour guides or eating in restaurants, try to spend money that will benefit the local communities.
Giving money to people begging is not usually encouraged as it does not promote self-sufficiency, although this is down to your own ethical beliefs. However, if you do want to give something back in a more sustainable way, a number of eco-accommodations (including someo f those featured on www.ecobookers.com) are involved in projects where you can volunteer, and others will be able to give you advice on how you can help the local community in a sustainable way.
Any other ideas are welcome. Tomorrow - environmental considerations.
So here are a few eco travel tips to consider when you actually arrive in-country. First off - cultural considerations:
You could find yourself in a very different situation to that which you are used to back home, but you must remember that this is normal life to the people who live it, so be open-minded.
Traditions, culture, religious beliefs, clothing and food may all be very different to what you are used to but be respectful.
Respect people’s wishes and ask before you take photographs.
Try getting to know people - you may learn something about their way of life and they may be able to give you insider info on where to go and what to do that you won’t find in the guidebooks!
When you are buying goods, using services such as tour guides or eating in restaurants, try to spend money that will benefit the local communities.
Giving money to people begging is not usually encouraged as it does not promote self-sufficiency, although this is down to your own ethical beliefs. However, if you do want to give something back in a more sustainable way, a number of eco-accommodations (including someo f those featured on www.ecobookers.com) are involved in projects where you can volunteer, and others will be able to give you advice on how you can help the local community in a sustainable way.
Any other ideas are welcome. Tomorrow - environmental considerations.
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
eco travel tips - before you go
The other day I posted some tips for eco travel with regards to transportation, but this isn't the only thing you can think about before you go.
Once you’ve decided on your destination and sorted out your flights, there are a few things you can think about and prepare for before you arrive.
Firstly, you can research the cultural does and don’ts of the local population. For example, in some countries it is rude to point at things with your feet, to touch people on the head or to drink alcohol. By researching things like this before you go, you can be respectful of people and their culture when you arrive.
Dress code is also an important factor – if you are travelling to a country where it is disrespectful to show certain parts of the body, it’s best to know this before you go so that you can pack accordingly.
Learning a few words of the local language before you go also shows respect and will help you to interact with the local people.
You may also want to look into local methods of transportation so that you can transfer to your accommodation and travel around the country both conveniently and responsibly e.g. take public transport instead of a private taxi to reduce carbon emmissions.
If you plan on taking tours during your holiday you could research local companies who use local guides and try to protect the environment, rather than booking trips with companies who give nothing back to the local communities.
And of course, you can use www.ecobookers.com to find an eco-friendly accommodation and review its policies, ensuring it meets your criteria.
If anyone else has any eco travel tips I'd love to hear them!
Once you’ve decided on your destination and sorted out your flights, there are a few things you can think about and prepare for before you arrive.
Firstly, you can research the cultural does and don’ts of the local population. For example, in some countries it is rude to point at things with your feet, to touch people on the head or to drink alcohol. By researching things like this before you go, you can be respectful of people and their culture when you arrive.
Dress code is also an important factor – if you are travelling to a country where it is disrespectful to show certain parts of the body, it’s best to know this before you go so that you can pack accordingly.
Learning a few words of the local language before you go also shows respect and will help you to interact with the local people.
You may also want to look into local methods of transportation so that you can transfer to your accommodation and travel around the country both conveniently and responsibly e.g. take public transport instead of a private taxi to reduce carbon emmissions.
If you plan on taking tours during your holiday you could research local companies who use local guides and try to protect the environment, rather than booking trips with companies who give nothing back to the local communities.
And of course, you can use www.ecobookers.com to find an eco-friendly accommodation and review its policies, ensuring it meets your criteria.
If anyone else has any eco travel tips I'd love to hear them!
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