Chez Sven is located on beautiful Cape Cod, in one of Wellfleet’s oldest houses, which Sandy’s parents purchased in 1970. Sandy and Sven turned it into a bed & breakfast five years ago when they moved from Europe to care for her elderly mom.
Sven, a retired Lyceé International history teacher, found a 1798 Liberty Coin under the floor during renovation. A little more digging and they discovered that in around 1750, their old Cape Codder was moved to its present location on Old King’s Highway, a scenic dirt road used by George III’s tax collectors. It is still possible to imagine what the area looked like before the American Revolution.
Guests can book rooms in the main house or in Seagull Cottage (with its own kitchen), set back in the woods. The main house dates to a similar period as the Atwood-Higgins house, a top attraction in the Cape Cod National Seashore nearby.
In renovating the northern wing of Chez Sven last winter, the innkeepers paid particular attention to detail, making the new space as authentic and as green as possible. Old 12-inch wide pine boards were recycled in the kitchen, as were most of the doors and hardware. One exception is the lovely private bath, hard to imagine back in the 1700s when the owners used a two-seater outhouse.
Guests at Chez Sven can count on eco-friendly towels and 100% organic cotton sheets, washed in a low-energy front-loader and air-dried in spring, summer and fall. Sandy and Sven offer natural amenities and use only green cleaning products. The couple love to share books and magazines from the environmental shelf in their international library. They serve as much organic food as possible, including homemade granola and yogurt, and provide water that has passed through 3-stage PUR filters. No plastic bottles here, although the innkeepers recycle any that turn up in the trash.
62% of Wellfleet is within the boundaries of a national park created by President Kennedy in 1963. This unique situation means there are miles of pristine forest to discover and many deserted beaches to explore. Wellfleet’s ponds and marshes are perfect for kayaking. From Chez Sven, it is possible to hike or bike to the beach or into town. It is a short walk to the popular Wicked Oyster restaurant, open year-round.
“Consider the capacity of the destination,” Ayako Ezaki, director of communication at the International Ecotourism Society, said recently when discussing choices available to eco-tourists. The town of Wellfleet has actually been far too successful in promoting itself over the years. The winter population of 3000 swells to 25000 in July and August. Sandy and Sven encourage ecotourists to come in fall, after the summer rush is over. The town’s folk are so much friendlier without the crowds!
Like oysters? The other main industry here is shellfishing, and Wellfleet celebrates Oysterfest in October. It is possible to go out on the flats, along side locals, and bring home a bucket of shellfish. Sandy recently volunteered to edit a book on the history of shellfishing, which will be sold at Oysterfest to benefit the local historical society.
For more information on Chez Sven and details of the special offer for September 2008, visit: http://ecobookers.com/hotel/North_America/USA/Chez_Sven_Bed_%26_Breakfast/105.php
Showing posts with label sustainable tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sustainable tourism. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Eco-luxury villas in Costa Rica!
The eco-luxury suites and villas of Cascadas Farallas Waterfall Villas have been designed using green hotel practices and Feng Shui. The Balinese style village is made up of 3 villas, each of which can be split into 2 suites.
The villas are secluded by rainforest - dense, lush and exotic with a wealth of rare plants and animals that are unique to a waterfall environment.
Cascadas Farallas is 3 miles on paved road from Dominical’s famous surf beach, secluded by rainforest, but close to shops and a wide variety restaurants. The exotic southern pacific beaches extend all the way to the Osa peninsula and are within easy reach by paved highway.
The villas are secluded by rainforest - dense, lush and exotic with a wealth of rare plants and animals that are unique to a waterfall environment.
Cascadas Farallas is 3 miles on paved road from Dominical’s famous surf beach, secluded by rainforest, but close to shops and a wide variety restaurants. The exotic southern pacific beaches extend all the way to the Osa peninsula and are within easy reach by paved highway.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
ecobookers 1st birthday!!
This month marks the one year anniversary of ecobookers.com. It's been a busy first year, and a fun one, so we’d like to take a little time to reflect on the past 12 months and ask you what you’d like to see in the coming year!
August 2007 – ecobookers.com officially launches with approximately 50 eco-friendly accommodations around the world, including eco-friendly hotels, ecolodges and treehouses. Each accommodation has been hand-picked for its eco-policies.
September 2007 – The ecobookers homepage is revamped to include pages with ideas for eco-couples, eco-luxury, eco-city, eco on a budget and eco-family travel.
October 2007 – ecobookers forms partnerships with ecotricity, Nigel’s eco store and Earth & Wear so that our lovely customers can get discounts from these great eco-friendly companies!
November and December 2007 – ecobookers’ Nikki Ashton is invited to write articles for eco-friendly blogs such as Amaze Magazine and Green Girls Global and lots of new eco-friendly additions are made to the ecobookers site.
January 2008 – With more accommodation being added all the time, ecobookers now has 100 eco-friendly hotels and ecolodges, all hand-selected for their wide range of eco-policies.
February – April 2008 – The ecobookers site continues to grow and we start work preparing for an exciting new show called UK Aware, which aims to show how easy it is to make your life more eco-friendly.
May 2008 – ecobookers exhibit at their first ever show – UK Aware – giving us the chance to meet lots of you lovely eco-friendly types! ecobookers is also featured as ‘Cream of Green’ in the Guardian!
June and July 2008 – We start work on a makeover for ecobookers.com, whilst continuing our search for eco-friendly gems.
August 2008 – ecobookers.com turns 1 year old and our sparkly new re-design is launched with improved functionality.
As you can see it’s been a busy, and fun, first year and we have more than doubled in size over that time. We plan to keep growing over the next year, so if you have any ideas of what you’d like to see on the ecobookers site, please drop us a line to let us know! Your feedback is always welcome!
August 2007 – ecobookers.com officially launches with approximately 50 eco-friendly accommodations around the world, including eco-friendly hotels, ecolodges and treehouses. Each accommodation has been hand-picked for its eco-policies.
September 2007 – The ecobookers homepage is revamped to include pages with ideas for eco-couples, eco-luxury, eco-city, eco on a budget and eco-family travel.
October 2007 – ecobookers forms partnerships with ecotricity, Nigel’s eco store and Earth & Wear so that our lovely customers can get discounts from these great eco-friendly companies!
November and December 2007 – ecobookers’ Nikki Ashton is invited to write articles for eco-friendly blogs such as Amaze Magazine and Green Girls Global and lots of new eco-friendly additions are made to the ecobookers site.
January 2008 – With more accommodation being added all the time, ecobookers now has 100 eco-friendly hotels and ecolodges, all hand-selected for their wide range of eco-policies.
February – April 2008 – The ecobookers site continues to grow and we start work preparing for an exciting new show called UK Aware, which aims to show how easy it is to make your life more eco-friendly.
May 2008 – ecobookers exhibit at their first ever show – UK Aware – giving us the chance to meet lots of you lovely eco-friendly types! ecobookers is also featured as ‘Cream of Green’ in the Guardian!
June and July 2008 – We start work on a makeover for ecobookers.com, whilst continuing our search for eco-friendly gems.
August 2008 – ecobookers.com turns 1 year old and our sparkly new re-design is launched with improved functionality.
As you can see it’s been a busy, and fun, first year and we have more than doubled in size over that time. We plan to keep growing over the next year, so if you have any ideas of what you’d like to see on the ecobookers site, please drop us a line to let us know! Your feedback is always welcome!
Monday, 25 August 2008
Eco-friendly hotel in Italy
Today sees the addition of Hotel Jolie in Riccione, Italy, to the ecobookers site. This small, family-run hotel, which has been awarded the EU Eco Label, is set in a lively tourist resort. Located on Avenue Dante - one of the busiest streets of the area - shops and night spots are close at hand and the beach, one of the main draws of the area, is just 100 metres away. Riccione is also surrounded by a large hinterland made up of open green spaces, stunning scenery and fascinating castles.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Eco resorts in the Philippines
If you’d like to be based in the midst of a beautiful natural environment without foregoing some holiday pampering, then look no further than these 2 resorts in the Philippines – Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort – both in El Nido.
Both resorts are set in coves against a backdrop of limestone cliffs. The area provides a wealth of opportunities for wildlife observation and sightings and there are plenty of activities on offer such as rock climbing, snorkelling, diving, trekking and kayaking. There are a range of accommodation styles to choose from and both resorts have an impressive range of eco-policies. In particular, the resorts are focused on conservation of the spectacular natural environment and improving the standard of life of people of the local area.
Both resorts are set in coves against a backdrop of limestone cliffs. The area provides a wealth of opportunities for wildlife observation and sightings and there are plenty of activities on offer such as rock climbing, snorkelling, diving, trekking and kayaking. There are a range of accommodation styles to choose from and both resorts have an impressive range of eco-policies. In particular, the resorts are focused on conservation of the spectacular natural environment and improving the standard of life of people of the local area.
Monday, 4 August 2008
New Eco Camp in Andalucia, Spain
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.
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.
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Site re-design
It's been a while since I last wrote and the reason for that is I've been fully caught up getting the ecobookers re-design ready. The re-design is now live on the site and we hope you'll agree that it's a great improvement on the old site.
If you get a chance please do take a look - www.ecobookers.com - and tell us what you think! After looking at the new pages every day for days now, feedback from people seeing the site for the first time would be most welcome!
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you get a chance please do take a look - www.ecobookers.com - and tell us what you think! After looking at the new pages every day for days now, feedback from people seeing the site for the first time would be most welcome!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Eco tips for your Summer getaway
If you’re reading this blog it is highly likely that you enjoy travelling to new destinations, experiencing the local culture and marvelling at the natural beauty, but that you want to do all of these things in a way that doesn’t have an adverse affect on the local environment or culture.
Booking your holiday at an eco-friendly accommodation is a great way to start, but they can’t do all the work for you! Here we look at a few measures you can take before you set-off on your travels, and during your time at your destination, to make your holiday as eco-friendly as possible:
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 go.
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 such as 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 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 emissions.
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 ecobookers.com to find an eco-friendly accommodation and review its policies, ensuring it meets your criteria!
While you’re there
When you arrive at your destination, the important thing is to make a positive rather than a negative impact by being culturally and environmentally aware.
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, some of the accommodations featured on the ecobookers website are involved in projects where you can volunteer and others will be able to give you advice on how you can help.
Environmental considerations
The majority of eco-accommodations have processes in place to recycle, conserve energy and water and to limit damaging waste. 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) and don’t take any souvenirs from along the way.
Also, 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.
These are just a few ideas to help you to be a responsible traveller, which will not only benefit the area you are visiting, but which will also help you to get the most out of your experience. Enjoy your trip!
Booking your holiday at an eco-friendly accommodation is a great way to start, but they can’t do all the work for you! Here we look at a few measures you can take before you set-off on your travels, and during your time at your destination, to make your holiday as eco-friendly as possible:
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 go.
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 such as 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 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 emissions.
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 ecobookers.com to find an eco-friendly accommodation and review its policies, ensuring it meets your criteria!
While you’re there
When you arrive at your destination, the important thing is to make a positive rather than a negative impact by being culturally and environmentally aware.
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, some of the accommodations featured on the ecobookers website are involved in projects where you can volunteer and others will be able to give you advice on how you can help.
Environmental considerations
The majority of eco-accommodations have processes in place to recycle, conserve energy and water and to limit damaging waste. 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) and don’t take any souvenirs from along the way.
Also, 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.
These are just a few ideas to help you to be a responsible traveller, which will not only benefit the area you are visiting, but which will also help you to get the most out of your experience. Enjoy your trip!
Monday, 30 June 2008
eco-friendly hostel in Barcelona
Our latest addition to the ecobookers site is vibrant eco-friendly hostel Barcelona Urbany. Set in a central location in Barcelona, the hostel is within easy reach of the main tourist attractions of this popular city.
Located in a modern, eco-friendly building, the hostel boasts facilities you would expect in a hotel including free internet access in the lobby, WiFi in the rooms, free use of the hostel's partner fitness club facilities (with swimming pool), a bar restaurant and a terrace.
Beds in dorms of four to eight are available, in addition to single and twin rooms.
Located in a modern, eco-friendly building, the hostel boasts facilities you would expect in a hotel including free internet access in the lobby, WiFi in the rooms, free use of the hostel's partner fitness club facilities (with swimming pool), a bar restaurant and a terrace.
Beds in dorms of four to eight are available, in addition to single and twin rooms.
Saturday, 21 June 2008
eco lodges in India
Today sees the addition of 2 sister hotels to the ecobookers, both located in India.
The first, Elephant Valley Eco Farm hotel, is located in an area of the Western Ghats which one of the 25 bio-diversity hotspots of the planet, making this a great place to spot elephants, bison, leopards and a host of other wildlife. You can also enjoy the river and its natural pools which lead to spectacular waterfalls.
Accommodation consists of tent houses, offering homely comfort in the midst of the wilderness, and cottages, equipped with colonial and art deco furniture and each with its own garden overlooking the Gangavaar River and the coffee plantation.
Sister hotel, Dune Eco Beach Hotel, is located 15kms from the heart of Pondicherry. At this eco-friendly village you will find individually decorated houses and bungalows discreetly hidden over 30 acres and 700m of beach front.
From here you can explore Pondicherry (15km), an ex-French colony with quaint colonial houses and numerous restaurants, Auroville (8km), an experimental township sustaining a unique community and Gingee, an ancient fort set amongst a landscape of granite chaos.
The first, Elephant Valley Eco Farm hotel, is located in an area of the Western Ghats which one of the 25 bio-diversity hotspots of the planet, making this a great place to spot elephants, bison, leopards and a host of other wildlife. You can also enjoy the river and its natural pools which lead to spectacular waterfalls.
Accommodation consists of tent houses, offering homely comfort in the midst of the wilderness, and cottages, equipped with colonial and art deco furniture and each with its own garden overlooking the Gangavaar River and the coffee plantation.
Sister hotel, Dune Eco Beach Hotel, is located 15kms from the heart of Pondicherry. At this eco-friendly village you will find individually decorated houses and bungalows discreetly hidden over 30 acres and 700m of beach front.
From here you can explore Pondicherry (15km), an ex-French colony with quaint colonial houses and numerous restaurants, Auroville (8km), an experimental township sustaining a unique community and Gingee, an ancient fort set amongst a landscape of granite chaos.
Monday, 9 June 2008
Surf ecolodge in Nicaragua!
Today sees the addition of a fab new ecolodge in Nicaragua, which, as the name suggests, is great for surfing, but which is also great for families and anyone else who wants to relax and explore in great surroundings! Los Cardones Surf Lodge, on the Pacific Coast, has 6 beachside bungalows spread out along with coast, each with a bathroom, terrace, hammock and lounge chairs. A spacious beach restaurant offers delicious food and plenty of hammocks for relaxing under typical ranchos!
Friday, 6 June 2008
eco-friendly hotel in Italy
Today we have added another eco-friendly hotel in Europe to the ecobookers range - the Elda Eco Ambient Hotel in the Ledro Valley.
Situated in a green and peaceful oasis, this is the ideal place to spend your holiday far from the stress of the daily life and immersed in total relaxation. The Ledro Valley is stunning with its crystalline lake set against a panoramic backdrop of mountains. Many people visit here for beautiful mountain bike excursions and evocative beaches with sailing, fishing and walking.
Rooms are elegant and equipped with modern comforts, the wine bar is stocked with choice wines and there is a Beauty Centre where you can relax and regenerate.
Situated in a green and peaceful oasis, this is the ideal place to spend your holiday far from the stress of the daily life and immersed in total relaxation. The Ledro Valley is stunning with its crystalline lake set against a panoramic backdrop of mountains. Many people visit here for beautiful mountain bike excursions and evocative beaches with sailing, fishing and walking.
Rooms are elegant and equipped with modern comforts, the wine bar is stocked with choice wines and there is a Beauty Centre where you can relax and regenerate.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
If you’re looking for a truly cultural experience, we've just added a new ecolodge in Morocco – the Roses Camp. Located at the heart of the South Atlas mountain range, the Roses Camp is a real escape into the Berber culture, set in the heart of Taberkhachte village gardens and surrounded by old earth Kasbahs. Its caïdal tents, traditionally used by ancient tribal leaders, have been adapted to modern needs. Run by local staff and a French supervisor, inhabitants will help you in discovering the richness of this region, the diversity of its nature and the hospitality of its people.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
eco-chic Inn in Bangkok!
Today sees the addition of our first eco-friendly accommodation in Bangkok, Thailand, the boutique Old Bangkok Inn.
Situated on Rajadamnern Avenue in the heart of Bangkok’s old quarters, the hotel's entrance is at the starting line of Bangkok’s most historical thoroughfare.
Family run and operated, the property where the Old Bangkok Inn sits was originally a palace bestowed by King Chulalongkom (Rama V) and has been in the family's care for seven generations.
Furnished with Thai golden teak, each bedroom in this historic building has been individually restored to create its own special atmosphere, combining traditional elegance with modern amenities. The four guest rooms, four loft rooms and two suites (ten rooms in total) are named and decorated with Thai floral themes: Rice, Lemon Grass, Jasmine, Orchid, Rose and Lotus. Each room is individually and tastefully appointed with heirloom furniture and many are decorated with porcelain hand-painted by the inn's owner herself.
Situated on Rajadamnern Avenue in the heart of Bangkok’s old quarters, the hotel's entrance is at the starting line of Bangkok’s most historical thoroughfare.
Family run and operated, the property where the Old Bangkok Inn sits was originally a palace bestowed by King Chulalongkom (Rama V) and has been in the family's care for seven generations.
Furnished with Thai golden teak, each bedroom in this historic building has been individually restored to create its own special atmosphere, combining traditional elegance with modern amenities. The four guest rooms, four loft rooms and two suites (ten rooms in total) are named and decorated with Thai floral themes: Rice, Lemon Grass, Jasmine, Orchid, Rose and Lotus. Each room is individually and tastefully appointed with heirloom furniture and many are decorated with porcelain hand-painted by the inn's owner herself.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
eco-lodge in Costa Rica and eco-friendly gites in France!
Today sees the addition of two new accommodations to the ecobookers site.
First up is the Danta Corcovado Lodge in Costa Rica. This ecolodge is a local family business that aspires to be a leader and set an example of ecological design, creativity, conservation and sustainability.
Located on the Osa Peninsula, 8km from the Los Patos section of the Corcovado National Park, the Lodge is also the closest place to the Guayami Indigenous Reserve.
With its warm and creative accommodation this lodge is sure to please all types of travellers and is an ideal location from which to explore the attractions of the area.
Next we have Artemis en Provence in Roussillon, France. This accommodation consists of 2 eco-friendly gites, offering a setting from which to explore many chapters of provencal heritage.
When you're not out exploring the area, there is a 12x5m pool for your enjoyment or you could sit out on your terrace for breakfast or drinks or read or snooze under the shade of 100-year old oak trees.
First up is the Danta Corcovado Lodge in Costa Rica. This ecolodge is a local family business that aspires to be a leader and set an example of ecological design, creativity, conservation and sustainability.
Located on the Osa Peninsula, 8km from the Los Patos section of the Corcovado National Park, the Lodge is also the closest place to the Guayami Indigenous Reserve.
With its warm and creative accommodation this lodge is sure to please all types of travellers and is an ideal location from which to explore the attractions of the area.
Next we have Artemis en Provence in Roussillon, France. This accommodation consists of 2 eco-friendly gites, offering a setting from which to explore many chapters of provencal heritage.
When you're not out exploring the area, there is a 12x5m pool for your enjoyment or you could sit out on your terrace for breakfast or drinks or read or snooze under the shade of 100-year old oak trees.
Monday, 12 May 2008
UK Aware and ecobookers in the press!
The end of the weekend saw the end of ecobookers first show - UK Aware.
After months of planning (and a bit of fear I have to admit!) we spent the weekend in London at the Barbican and had a great time meeting all sorts of eco-aware people visiting the show. We had some fantastic images of beautiful eco-friendly hotels and ecolodges on display which seemed to grab lots of people's imaginations.
All in all it was a great success, thanks in main to my wonderful team of volunteers spent the days getting the ecobookers message out there.
Coinciding with the show we also had a mention in the Guardian on Saturday morning - you can check it out here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/may/10/buenosaires.argentina
Now the show's over we'll be back to getting lots more eco-friendly hotels and lodges onto the site!
After months of planning (and a bit of fear I have to admit!) we spent the weekend in London at the Barbican and had a great time meeting all sorts of eco-aware people visiting the show. We had some fantastic images of beautiful eco-friendly hotels and ecolodges on display which seemed to grab lots of people's imaginations.
All in all it was a great success, thanks in main to my wonderful team of volunteers spent the days getting the ecobookers message out there.
Coinciding with the show we also had a mention in the Guardian on Saturday morning - you can check it out here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/may/10/buenosaires.argentina
Now the show's over we'll be back to getting lots more eco-friendly hotels and lodges onto the site!
Monday, 5 May 2008
eco-friendly holiday cottage in Hungary
Today sees the first accommodation in Hungary to be featured on the ecobookers site.
Juniper Cottage, Tornaszentandrás, is located on the edge of the Aggtelek National Park in the hills of north-east Hungary.
This eco-friendly cottage is a traditional Hungarian country dwelling situated on the edge of the national park. The guesthouse is your very own place in the country, ideal for self-catering breaks with two bedrooms sleeping a maximum of six people.
This eco-friendly holiday cottage aims to have the smallest impact possible on the environment by using home-grown vegetables, organic products and alternative energy sources.
The park itself is a protected area of 20,000 hectares characterised by rolling hills of up to 600-metre altitudes, more than three-quarters of which are forested. It is renowned for its network of caves, which stretch over the border into Slovakia and give the surrounding landscape its diversity, with rolling hills, springs, sinkholes and broad valleys. There is an abundance of wildlife to discover here, from indigenous wildflowers to butterflies and bird life. In recent decades, small populations of wolf and lynx have re-emerged, yet remain rarer still than the region’s elusive wild boars.
For its unique topography and biodiversity, the area is both a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
Juniper Cottage, Tornaszentandrás, is located on the edge of the Aggtelek National Park in the hills of north-east Hungary.
This eco-friendly cottage is a traditional Hungarian country dwelling situated on the edge of the national park. The guesthouse is your very own place in the country, ideal for self-catering breaks with two bedrooms sleeping a maximum of six people.
This eco-friendly holiday cottage aims to have the smallest impact possible on the environment by using home-grown vegetables, organic products and alternative energy sources.
The park itself is a protected area of 20,000 hectares characterised by rolling hills of up to 600-metre altitudes, more than three-quarters of which are forested. It is renowned for its network of caves, which stretch over the border into Slovakia and give the surrounding landscape its diversity, with rolling hills, springs, sinkholes and broad valleys. There is an abundance of wildlife to discover here, from indigenous wildflowers to butterflies and bird life. In recent decades, small populations of wolf and lynx have re-emerged, yet remain rarer still than the region’s elusive wild boars.
For its unique topography and biodiversity, the area is both a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
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!
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Eco-friendly hotel in Scotland
Today sees the launch of our first eco-friendly hotel in Scotland on the ecobookers site - the Lovat Arms Hotel, Loch Ness. This landmark Victorian hotel overlooks the loch side village of Fort Augustus, in the center of the Scottish Highlands, and is surrounded by stunning scenery as it sits at the southern tip of the mysterious deep waters of Loch Ness.
Lovat Arms is an environmentally-friendly hotel with a character and class of its own. Its grace and charm is complimented by natural décor, modernism and a genuine, warm hospitality offered by a devoted and passionate team.
Lovat Arms is an environmentally-friendly hotel with a character and class of its own. Its grace and charm is complimented by natural décor, modernism and a genuine, warm hospitality offered by a devoted and passionate team.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
ecobookers at UK Aware plus FREE Tickets!!!
On the 10th and 11th May 2008 London will see the very first UK AWARE – a new event which aims to inspire us with ideas on how to live an eco-friendly life. ecobookers will be there and because we’d love to see you there too, we have some free tickets on offer!
UK AWARE is a social enterprise with a conscience and a mission. The founders of this new eco-friendly event are not scientists, activists or radicals, just normal people wanting to help everyone to make a real and necessary difference.
Realising that to really fight climate change we need to make the right choices the easiest ones, the aim of this show is to help everyone to live and work more sustainably, without needing to sacrifice lifestyle or comfort. The products and services being showcased help to do that.
There will be a wide range of exhibits to visit, including food and drink, clothing, house and home, leisure and transport.
As an eco-friendly accommodation service, we at ecobookers are very excited to be exhibiting at UK AWARE and we’d love to see you there! So, if you’re free on the 10th or 11th May and would like to pop in and see us, drop us an email to ukaware@ecobookers.com – the first 10 emails will receive a free ticket for 2 to the show!
UK AWARE is a social enterprise with a conscience and a mission. The founders of this new eco-friendly event are not scientists, activists or radicals, just normal people wanting to help everyone to make a real and necessary difference.
Realising that to really fight climate change we need to make the right choices the easiest ones, the aim of this show is to help everyone to live and work more sustainably, without needing to sacrifice lifestyle or comfort. The products and services being showcased help to do that.
There will be a wide range of exhibits to visit, including food and drink, clothing, house and home, leisure and transport.
As an eco-friendly accommodation service, we at ecobookers are very excited to be exhibiting at UK AWARE and we’d love to see you there! So, if you’re free on the 10th or 11th May and would like to pop in and see us, drop us an email to ukaware@ecobookers.com – the first 10 emails will receive a free ticket for 2 to the show!
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