Eco-travel in 2010
Eco-travel in 2010
We carry canvas bags to Whole Foods and drink organic wine, but there's more to going green - especially if you travel. My travel resolution in 2010 is to travel mindfully, eat joyfully and explore consciously. In other words, celebrating life and nature, rather than screwing it up.
Lux Eco-Friendly TravelGG's travel wishlist is focused on sustainability with an eco-luxury twist. We can rough it with the best of them (well, sort of) but being a pampered camper doesn't mean compromising our carbon footprints. Don't believe me? Read on for how you can get lost without losing your ecological way.
Tree Houses in Hawaii
I loved my tree house as a kid, but my grown up self prefers French linen over peanut butter and jelly contraband. The website does these gems no justice though. Dreamed up by urban designer, David Greenburg, the waiting list and prices tell the full story.
"...It's not only a magical, but also a spiritual and sensual experience," says Greenburg. "Tree houses are an international fantasy. People of all ages, but women in particular, are lured by their feelings of being embraced by the limbs of a big tree."
For more information, visit Treehouses in Paradise
Eco-luxury in San Francisco
I'll admit that I don't immediately associate a leopard print rug with ecological intelligence, but in San Francisco, anything goes. The Palamar Hotel is one of the greenest hotels in this tree-hugging town - and it's earned its street cred.
It's certified by the California Green Lodging program and is a recipient of Travel & Leisure Hotels and Resorts of the Year (2005). What's more it's pet friendly and yoga friendly - call the night before for a yoga basket and video to start your day.
For more information, visit Palomar, San Francisco.
Intelligent Luxury in Maldives
Ever wanted to be on Survivor, just without all the fighting and starving? Cast yourself away to the Soneva Fushi Resort puts the fantasy back in the island getaway. No surprise our favorite suite is the spa suite, complete with yoga mats, a treatment room and a view that would make Aphrodite green with envy.
Of course, it's a regular award winner on Travel &
Eco-Luxury in Maldives Leisure but we're in love with their commitement to the environment. Soneva Fushi received the President of Maldives' Green Resort Award in 2000, 2005 and 2007 as well as Virtuoso's Most Environmentally Friendly Resort Award in 2007 and PATA's Gold Award in 2007.
They even have an official policy outlining their commitment to social and environmental sustainability. And for that, I'll happy unstrap my stilettos...
Lodging it in Nova Scotia
Feel like fresh fish for dinner? At Trout Point Lodge, you can catch your fish in the afternoon and master chefs will serve it for dinner. And if you want to learn how to replicate the magic at home (with store bought fish, of course) cooking classes will teach you how.
Trout Lodge doesn't play fast and loose with their eco-toursim though. In 2009, National Geographic Society announced they placed in the top 10 of their Geotourism Challenge. According to the Hotel Association of Canada they "exemplify the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The hotel employs cutting edge technologies, policies, and programs that set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations."
I would be willing to give "roughing it" another go-round at Trout Lodge. You?
Visit Trout Point Lodge for more info.
Do you have eco-logical travel plans for 2010?
