This month Shireen and Barbara, Innkeepers at Hotel Mocking Bird Hill in Jamaica, explain their motivation to set up an eco-friendly hotel and talk about their future plans:
Since opening almost 14 years ago, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill has gained credibility as a leader in sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean. Twice Green Globe certified we are often asked why observing sustainable practices is important to us and what do we undertake to claim we are environmentally friendly.
One of the motivating reasons is that we have grown up in developing and then, later, in first world countries and seen the disparities between the two, as well as the negative impacts of so called “development”. This has influenced us a great deal. We have seen how communities were without water while the water available was directed to the large luxury resorts. We also lived in Germany for a long time and were very active in the “Green” movement in the late 70’s and early 80’s. We actively separated our waste, discarded unnecessary packaging at the supermarket counters, joined a group of friends who would collectively buy local seasonal food from the farmer and take it in turns to drive out there and pick it up for the group.
People living in abject poverty usually do not have the luxury to care about natural resources, as they worry instead about their next meal and obtaining their most basic needs. In the worst cases, their destitution leads to destruction of their environment. At the same time, however, our ability to create wealth and the economic resources that might enable those people to escape poverty will require that we use our natural resources as wisely as possible. Hence we have the doubly challenging task of making prudent use of land, air, water, forests and oceans while trying to meet the demands of an increasing number of impoverished people. We recognise the critical role that tourism can play in addressing these demands and set out to therefore operate our business along sustainable guidelines and demonstrate that even small business can make a positive contribution.
We started toying with the idea of developing an intimate inn / boutique hotel along sustainable guidelines and started by touring the country to select our location. We therefore consciously sought out Port Antonio, the least developed tourist region of Jamaica and set out from the start to plan and develop our business along responsible and sustainable principles. In doing so we sought to identify actions, resources and partners necessary to encourage the provision of products and services, which enhance rather than destroy the environment and culture.
Size is an important aspect that affects operations and costs. Much of what we do is possible because the hotel is small. It would not be feasible for a large resort to dry their clothes in the sun, to do their baking in sun ovens and so on. So in such instances the smaller scale of operations is an asset. It’s like nature, which is not mass-produced. Hence, environmentally friendly operations are ideal for small hotels as it does not require enormous capital outlays and it keeps operating costs under control.
We are constantly working to increase the efficiency of our systems as this is the main area of improving our performance. We install an awning to provide shade and keep our storerooms cooler which in turn lowers the demand on the cooling units (freezers and fridges).
Rather than trying to find solutions to our problems, such as recycling the plastic, we focus on avoiding the issue from the start so that we do not have to worry about the recycling. When considering how to invest money and effort and time for the sake of environmental benefits, choosing the most effective actions, though not terribly difficult, requires a bit of thought and homework.
Our future plans include adding more solar panels and using renewable energy to operate pool and water pumps as well as for outside lighting and guttering the roof of a building which has not been guttered as yet and increasing our storage capacities for harvesting rain water.
Our best moments are when staff who left our services return saying they realise how much they appreciated working with us after they left and that they are so used to our standards that they are not happy working elsewhere and above all they recognise how much they have learnt working with us. This acknowledgement makes our work worthwhile and brings home the fact that our work is not in vain and that we are achieving our goals gradually. Of course positive guest feedback brings moments of quiet satisfaction and a motivation to continue and keep improving.
Showing posts with label luxury hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luxury hotels. Show all posts
Sunday, 30 March 2008
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.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Eco awards!
Sarinbuana Eco Lodge situated in Mt Batukaru, Bali, Indonesia has come away with the Wild Asia Best Eco Lodge award for their commitment to Responsible Tourism.
Hotel operators are assessed in a total of 40 different criteria covering the following principals: Commitment to local employment; respecting local cultures and supporting local development; protection of natural areas; efficient use of resources; responsible waste management and commitment to continual improvement. Award nominees are then site assessed by Wild Asia to establish the level of commitment.
The owners of Sarinbuana Eco lodge have instigated the protection of 800 hectares of rainforest on Mt Batukaru - the largest and most diverse rainforest in Bali. The lodge has been developed following sustainable management principals in harmony with the local community. The owners of Sarinbauna Eco Lodge recognise that the emerging “Eco Tourist“ is interested in experiencing the local culture, exploring the natural features and learning from the local communities of those they visit.
For the second year in a row, Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique has been highly commended in the Responsible Tourism awards in the ‘Best for Poverty Reduction’ category.
The Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards were presented at the World Travel Market on November 14th, 2007. The awards aim to recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Guludo Beach Lodge acts as a vehicle for the associated charity NEMA which receives 5% of accommodation revenue, an invaluable logistical base and generous donations from guests. NEMA works alongside Bespoke to relieve poverty and protect their fragile environments. Fundamentally, Guludo Beach Lodge covers all NEMA admin costs resulting in 100% of donations going straight into projects.
Hotel operators are assessed in a total of 40 different criteria covering the following principals: Commitment to local employment; respecting local cultures and supporting local development; protection of natural areas; efficient use of resources; responsible waste management and commitment to continual improvement. Award nominees are then site assessed by Wild Asia to establish the level of commitment.
The owners of Sarinbuana Eco lodge have instigated the protection of 800 hectares of rainforest on Mt Batukaru - the largest and most diverse rainforest in Bali. The lodge has been developed following sustainable management principals in harmony with the local community. The owners of Sarinbauna Eco Lodge recognise that the emerging “Eco Tourist“ is interested in experiencing the local culture, exploring the natural features and learning from the local communities of those they visit.
For the second year in a row, Guludo Beach Lodge, Mozambique has been highly commended in the Responsible Tourism awards in the ‘Best for Poverty Reduction’ category.
The Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards were presented at the World Travel Market on November 14th, 2007. The awards aim to recognise individuals, companies and organisations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation.
Guludo Beach Lodge acts as a vehicle for the associated charity NEMA which receives 5% of accommodation revenue, an invaluable logistical base and generous donations from guests. NEMA works alongside Bespoke to relieve poverty and protect their fragile environments. Fundamentally, Guludo Beach Lodge covers all NEMA admin costs resulting in 100% of donations going straight into projects.
Monday, 14 January 2008
exclusive special offer - Jamaica
Our competition has now been drawn and the winner notified, but for those of you not lucky enough to win a 7-night stay at the Eco-Chic Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, ecobookers has teamed up with this luxury hotel in Jamaica to give you an exclusive special offer.
This eco-chic hotel is offering you the chance to discover Port Antonio with the below very special offer, available exclusively to ecobookers guests for stays completed between 1st May and 30th October 2008. Book by 31st March 2008 to receive the following special prices and complimentary offers (to make a booking request, reply to this email of use the 'Make an Enquiry' button on the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill page).
Pay just US$1,140 (a saving of US$15) for 7 nights in a garden view room (for two persons) or US$1,470 (a saving of US$245) for 7 nights in a superior room (for two persons) and also enjoy complimentary tropical Continental breakfast with fresh juice, tropical fruit plate, famous Blue Mountain Coffee and a bread basket with home-made breads – Banana Bread, Coconut Bread, scones, muffins; a complimentary welcome cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea; free shuttle and entrance to Frenchman’s Cove – Jamaica’s most famous beach – just 5 minutes drive from the hotel and an introductory cookery session after which you can enjoy what you have prepared for lunch and take home the recipes and a Mocking Bird apron to treat friends and family at home with a Jamaican evening!
This eco-chic hotel is offering you the chance to discover Port Antonio with the below very special offer, available exclusively to ecobookers guests for stays completed between 1st May and 30th October 2008. Book by 31st March 2008 to receive the following special prices and complimentary offers (to make a booking request, reply to this email of use the 'Make an Enquiry' button on the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill page).
Pay just US$1,140 (a saving of US$15) for 7 nights in a garden view room (for two persons) or US$1,470 (a saving of US$245) for 7 nights in a superior room (for two persons) and also enjoy complimentary tropical Continental breakfast with fresh juice, tropical fruit plate, famous Blue Mountain Coffee and a bread basket with home-made breads – Banana Bread, Coconut Bread, scones, muffins; a complimentary welcome cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea; free shuttle and entrance to Frenchman’s Cove – Jamaica’s most famous beach – just 5 minutes drive from the hotel and an introductory cookery session after which you can enjoy what you have prepared for lunch and take home the recipes and a Mocking Bird apron to treat friends and family at home with a Jamaican evening!
Sunday, 13 January 2008
New eco-lodges and eco-friendly hotels in the Caribbean and Africa
Since last writing we have added new eco-friendly accommodations in a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean and Pemba Island. Here’s a taster:
In Tobago, surround yourself with nature at the Adventure Eco Villas. Nestled amongst the tropical flora and fauna of a twelve-acre nature reserve and organic farm, the Villas are also only minutes away from palm-fringed beaches and excellent snorkelling.
At our first eco-hotel featured in Grenada, on the other hand, you could pamper yourself with beach massages and therapy treatments at the Paradise Bay Villa Resort, followed by gourmet cuisine at one of the Resort’s speciality restaurants.
For a remote and peaceful eco-resort, look no further than Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island. Run with a love for the natural environment that surrounds it, Fundu Lagoon is the epitome of shabby chic. Wooden walkways and sandy paths lead to sixteen Makuti thatched-tent room suites, all spacious with breath-taking views of the ocean.
More ecolodges to come very soon!
In Tobago, surround yourself with nature at the Adventure Eco Villas. Nestled amongst the tropical flora and fauna of a twelve-acre nature reserve and organic farm, the Villas are also only minutes away from palm-fringed beaches and excellent snorkelling.
At our first eco-hotel featured in Grenada, on the other hand, you could pamper yourself with beach massages and therapy treatments at the Paradise Bay Villa Resort, followed by gourmet cuisine at one of the Resort’s speciality restaurants.
For a remote and peaceful eco-resort, look no further than Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island. Run with a love for the natural environment that surrounds it, Fundu Lagoon is the epitome of shabby chic. Wooden walkways and sandy paths lead to sixteen Makuti thatched-tent room suites, all spacious with breath-taking views of the ocean.
More ecolodges to come very soon!
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Win a 7 night stay in Jamaica!
In addition to lots of new acccommodations and destinations, plus special offers through our eco-friendly partners, ecobookers are now running a competition in which you could win a 7 night stay in a luxury eco-friendly hotel in Jamaica!
For a chance to win, simply register your details here to receive regular news and exclusive offers by email from ecobookers. All entries must be in by 9th January 2008.
The eco-chic Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a romantic, peaceful and comfortable hideaway, nestled between the majesty of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The ten select accommodations are lovingly decorated with hand crafted bamboo furniture, locally printed fabrics and original art. Guests are greeted with warm hospitality and can discover creative Caribbean cuisine in the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant, Mille Fleurs, which offers terrace dining with spectacular views overlooking the harbour of Port Antonio.
The lucky winner will receive a free 7 night stay at the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, for 2 people in a double room, worth a minimum of US$1155 (approximately £560). The prize does not include flights or transfers.
For a chance to win, simply register your details here to receive regular news and exclusive offers by email from ecobookers. All entries must be in by 9th January 2008.
The eco-chic Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a romantic, peaceful and comfortable hideaway, nestled between the majesty of the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The ten select accommodations are lovingly decorated with hand crafted bamboo furniture, locally printed fabrics and original art. Guests are greeted with warm hospitality and can discover creative Caribbean cuisine in the hotel’s highly acclaimed restaurant, Mille Fleurs, which offers terrace dining with spectacular views overlooking the harbour of Port Antonio.
The lucky winner will receive a free 7 night stay at the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, for 2 people in a double room, worth a minimum of US$1155 (approximately £560). The prize does not include flights or transfers.
Monday, 8 October 2007
New eco-accommodations!
It's a busy time on the ecobookers site today with lots of new eco-friendly accommodations being added, including our first in England!
Natural Retreats, England are set amongst 54 acres of pristine countryside in Swaledale, just a mile from the historic market town of Richmond. While offering a break from urban life, with exposed beams, wood burning stoves and breathtaking countryside, the Residences also offer the latest in contemporary design and luxury. Located in a large open area on the outskirts of a wood they are ideal for couples, groups of friends and families who want to escape to the country and enjoy some quality time together.
We also have not one, but two new properties featured in Costa Rica!
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula, is the closest to Corcovado National Park, the last remaining pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. Carefully designed and built by an American naturalist with thirty years of local experience, this unique lodge offers accommodations constructed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape and the environment. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge provides the ideal base for your in-depth rainforest experience.
Golfo Dulce Lodge is situated on a remote beach in the quiet bay of Playa San Josecito on the Golfo Dulce in the Southern part of Costa Rica. The little complex of buildings is informally grouped together as a tiny village in a large landscaped garden right on the edge of the tropical rainforest and is less than 300 yards (250m) away from the rocky beach.
Today also sees the addition of a luxury eco-lodge in Australia - Daintree EcoLodge & Spa - only 45km north of Port Douglas, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, just 15 tranquil rainforest villas occupy secluded positions amongst the world's oldest living rainforest... reinforcing the impression of being 'at one with nature', yet still providing all the creature comforts of a boutique retreat.
Natural Retreats, England are set amongst 54 acres of pristine countryside in Swaledale, just a mile from the historic market town of Richmond. While offering a break from urban life, with exposed beams, wood burning stoves and breathtaking countryside, the Residences also offer the latest in contemporary design and luxury. Located in a large open area on the outskirts of a wood they are ideal for couples, groups of friends and families who want to escape to the country and enjoy some quality time together.
We also have not one, but two new properties featured in Costa Rica!
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula, is the closest to Corcovado National Park, the last remaining pacific lowland rainforest of sustainable size in Central America. Carefully designed and built by an American naturalist with thirty years of local experience, this unique lodge offers accommodations constructed with the highest concern for conservation in harmony with the landscape and the environment. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge provides the ideal base for your in-depth rainforest experience.
Golfo Dulce Lodge is situated on a remote beach in the quiet bay of Playa San Josecito on the Golfo Dulce in the Southern part of Costa Rica. The little complex of buildings is informally grouped together as a tiny village in a large landscaped garden right on the edge of the tropical rainforest and is less than 300 yards (250m) away from the rocky beach.
Today also sees the addition of a luxury eco-lodge in Australia - Daintree EcoLodge & Spa - only 45km north of Port Douglas, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, just 15 tranquil rainforest villas occupy secluded positions amongst the world's oldest living rainforest... reinforcing the impression of being 'at one with nature', yet still providing all the creature comforts of a boutique retreat.
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.
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!
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