The winds have blown quite fair to land us at this spot. It’s the Isle of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands today. We find our choice of dwellings here. Shall it be the solar-powered eco-tents at Maho Bay, or the studio apartments at Estate Concordia? It’s the popularity you see, they’ve had to grow!

Located within the US Virgin Islands National Park, surrounded by lush tropical forest, the properties have their own secluded white sand beach. Maho Bay was opened in 1976 by Stanley Selengut, who wanted to make comfortable and low cost lodging available for environmentally sensitive travelers. He gets an auditorium full of greatgreen ThumbsUP! So well done.

For full Booking Information, CLICK: http://www.maho.org/

If you’re on St. Lucia, have been working yourself to the bone and need a break from it all, click the link below.

The Balenbouche Estate, a family owned property and St. Lucia Heritage Site, is a former sugar cane plantation. Under the care and management of the Lawaetz family since 1965, it has been constantly developing into a desirable tourism destination for the island.

Through the use of low tech (fans rather than a/c, mosquito nets instead of screens), solar water heating, re-directed rainwater, and conservation a very natural level of comfort is achieved. They have worked to enhance their environmental, conservation, and alternative energy programs with the goal of becoming largely self-sufficient in the near future.

The community involvement and educational projects sponsored and or supported by Balenbouche are a very strong part of what makes this a special place to be (see their “activities” page at link below). They’re working hard for responsible tourism and we give them our green thumbs up!

For Information and Booking, CLICK: http://www.balenbouche.com

I love this already! Is it because of the location on the Lizard Peninsula? Perhaps. Many acres of the peninsula are owned and maintained by The National Trust and English Nature.

The Hen House is located only one mile from the magnificently beautiful coast. You’ve already guessed from its name this retreat has been lovingly restored from its former life. Attention to detail on all levels pertaining to sustainability have been rigorously adhered to, however, comfort and convenience have not suffered in the least. This couple literally bring you the best in our greatgreentravel world.

King size beds, in room TV & WI-FI. Fresh organic foods are served for your breakfast.

Lots to do on the peninsula, and your hosts are happy to acquaint you with the local culture. Should you need added relaxation, Reiki, and t’ai chi are available.

For Full Booking Information
CLICK: http://www.thehenhouse-cornwall.co.uk

let’s check out a couple of different features in England. This first is Higher Lank Farm in Cornwall, where you must have at least one child under 5 to stay. Heaven on earth for green mums and dads. Hit the homepage, they’re booking for the fall now!
For full Booking Information, CLICK: http://www.higherlankfarm.co.uk/

We’ll pack up our woolies, just in case, and head off for a seven day tour of North East Scotland. The itinerary will be flexible, just the way we like it. It will provide for lots of exploration including Findhorn Bay, with a stop at The Findhorn Foundation spiritual and environmental community.

Also a visit to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Moray Firth from both land and sea, a workshop lead by a local artisan, and a ride to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain (after ample treks, of course). These are just a few of the highlights of this tour. Brought to us from our friends at ecoscape.org who put out a truly fine and informative publication.

For full Booking Information, CLICK: http://www.ecoescape.org/tours/wild-places-in-northeast-Scotland.php

Delphi Mountain Resort
I’ll just say this, if you’re a greatgreentraveler in Ireland and you can’t find what you’re looking for here, you have simply got to rethink your needs!

In a beautiful setting within 400 acres of the Connemara forest, sheltered between Killary Harbour and the Bundorragha River, the location is ideal for all types of mountain, forest, and surf activities. Alternatively, the spa in the resort is available for an organic seaweed wrap if what you’re looking for is to just lay back and relax.

Meals are prepared with organic ingredients locally sourced; variety of room types and suites available. Educational resources furnished to the community and visitors.

For Full Booking Information, CLICK: http://delphimountainresort.com

Thanks to Catherine Mack and a suggestion that if you’re traveling through Ireland an excellent resource is her book, Ecoescape Ireland: The handbook to responsible escapism: A travel Guide to the greenest places in Ireland

A quick tip of our fins to our friends at oceana.org/north-america for all of their hard work.

We at GreatGreenTravel.com are very grateful for their help in making this day a reality.

Now that we’ve spent the weekend cleaning up our respective shorelines, we’ll start visiting some destinations known for extensive coasts. That is to say we’re going island hopping, and we’re starting off today in the United Kingdom.

This is perhaps the first ever “ecolodge.” Bathhurst Inlet Lodge, located on the Central Arctic Coast in Nunavut is the perfect place for greatgreentravelers to immerse themselves in the virtually untouched beauty of our land while supporting the people who live there.

During the brief summer season the area is rich with life. Over 80 species of birds are present, with more migratory sightings. An abundance of mammals like muskox, caribou, and barrenground grizzlies roam. Wildflowers come out by the thousands to celebrate the sun! The arctic land is host to vast geological wonders and awe inspiring views of waterfalls, gorges, canyons, and eskers.

The lodge is co-owned by the Warner family and the Kingaunmuit people, the indigenous Inuit residents of Bathurst Inlet. The history of this lodge is long and exciting, culminating in its present state of partnership. After your long and eventful day on the tundra you’ll be treated to a great meal and to story sharing.

Departures are out of Yellowknife. There are five 1-week programs scheduled beginning June 26-July 02 through July 20-26. Reservations are still being accepted, I just checked.

For reservations and full booking information, CLICK: www.bathurstinletlodge.com/

Greatgreentravel.com is compiling healthy ways to celebrate the beautiful island people of this world and their fragile cultures, wherever they may be.

At the same time we look toward June 8, 2009, formally recognized as World Oceans Day by the United Nations; this just 16 years after it was first proposed during The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro back in 1992 by the Government of Canada. We applaud Canada for the foresight.

Since that time, Oceana, the world’s largest organization focused fully on ocean conservation, joined by hundreds of museums, conservation organizations, agencies, and supporters have worked tirelessly for this day. “Making World Oceans Day official will help us and other ocean groups to engage more people and to increase public support for efforts to reverse the declining health of marine ecosystems.” From a statement by Dan Sharpless, C.E.O. of Oceana. The full statement and more on this article appears at this CLICK: http://oceana.org/north-america

They’ve provided us with this morning’s fine short film, Vanishing Species, available here: http://bit.ly/BwpC0