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Archive for the 'Vacation' Category

Maho Bay Camps & Concordia Estate

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

concordiaecotents 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/

Balenbouche Estate, St. Lucia

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Estatehouse 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

North East Scotland

Monday, June 8th, 2009

NEScotland 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, County Galway, Ireland

Monday, June 8th, 2009

Delphi 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

Bathhurst Inlet Lodge

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Bathurstinletaerial 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/

The Colony Hotel

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Colony Hotel Maine Built in 1914, this grand holiday resort sits spectacularly above the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, proudly owned and operated by the Broughton family since 1948. Thanks to some very forward thinking by Jestene Broughton, The Colony became Maine’s first environmentally responsible hotel in 1989. In 1994 the hotel turned its attention to conservation and initiated the Colony Hotel Ecology Group.

Their deep commitment to providing their guests with a quality experience while maintaining the policy of respect for Nature and their surroundings is shared throughout all levels of staff. Varying degrees of on-site educational information is readily available to guests. And, for a very pleasant change you will find your in room waste-bins are conveniently separated for your trash and recyclables. The consistent attention to conservation, waste reduction, and cultural stability have helped to qualify it as a U.S. Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Open from mid-May through late October. Situated on 112 acres, you’ll enjoy a heated outdoor saltwater pool, private safe surf beach, organic gardens, including flowers, roses, and herb. It’s an easy walk to Kennebunkport, with many area activities including golf, tennis, sea kayaking, nature trails, bicycling, boating, shopping and galleries.

For booking information, CLICK: http://www.thecolonyhotel.com/

Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Kapawi
Photo courtesy & ©: www.jaymsramirez.com

Your visit to Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve will transport you to a time and place so remarkable, so utterly unlike any other you have experienced. Deep, deep, in the Ecuadorian rainforest, accessible only by plane is this wonder of confluence where ancient life and tradition gently lights your evening path with solar power.

This is the home of the Achuar, the last indigenous people of the area, some 6,000 in population now living in 64 communities throughout their two million acres of nearly pristine land in the Amazon.

A partnership was formed in 1996 between Canodros, an Ecuadorian tourism operator and the Achuar with the shared goal of bringing economic stability and sustainability while conserving the natural state of the rainforest. The Kapawi project was planned and its successful execution over time has resulted in the full transference of management and ownership to the Achuar people as of January 1, 2008.

This trip helps support the Achuar people and helps to preserve their land.

For full information on the lodge, activities, and 20 available bungalows, CLICK: http://www.kapawi.com/index.htm

The Inn At Castle Hill

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Castle Hill This greatgreentraveler had the pleasure of spending the weekend at The Inn At Castle Hill, located on the 165 acre Crane Estate in Ipswich, Ma. A beautiful and elegant home with panoramic views of the marshes, fields, and ocean with almost every turn. Drop your bags and time just slips away.

You’re treated to amenities such as afternoon tea, a welcome respite after trekking the marked trails that run through the dunes, or walking the four miles of white-sand beach. With 2,100 acres of property to wander over and through, there is much to do between your tasty breakfast in the sun filled dining room and the time you decide to relax on the wide veranda with your ice tea and tasty and watch the light change over the salt marshes.

The Inn is one of the properties of The Trustees of The Reservations, a nonprofit conservation organization in Massachusetts that has been working to protect and keep the natural landscape for all to enjoy since 1891.

For full information on The Inn at Castle Hill and TTOR, CLICK: http://innatcastlehill.thetrustees.org/index.cfm

Locanda della Valle Nuova

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Locanda A charming small guest accommodation set on a 185 acre organically run farm in the northern Le Marche region of Central Italy. The house, originally built in the 1920s and restored in 1998 with energy conservation in mind; is fitted with solar collectors, the heating system is run with renewable energy, and the overall design provides for both thermic and acoustic insulation to provide all-around comfort.

There are six guest rooms located on the first floor, each with an en-suite bathroom with shower, small sitting area, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, telephone, color TV, a safe, and facilities to make tea and coffee. In addition there are two new separate guest houses, available for self-catering for two.

The farm has been organically certified since 1983 and animals are fed 100% natural feed. Greater than 70% of the food on the table is produced on the farm, the remainder is bought locally, often organic as well. You are assured a very peaceful, enjoyable, and comfortable stay here. Available activities include: dance, music, swimming, hiking, trekking, walking, horseback riding.

For complete details and booking, CLICK: http://www.vallenuova.it/

Dolphin Coast Trail – Portugal

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Horses On Beach Your ride takes you along the Costa Azul, encompassing the southern stretch of Portugal’s west coast. During your trip you’ll experience dolphins frolicking at the mouth of the Rio Sado, miles of deserted beaches dotted with an occasional fishing village or lagoon, the coastal mountains of Grandola, and the heart of the country. You’ll enjoy the history and culture of the local people you meet while traveling through these varied landscapes.
Unicorn Trails offers this exceptional vacation to riders who have the knowledge and ability to walk, trot, and canter. The duration is 8 days and 7 nights. Your trip begins at Lisbon Airport. Cost is dependent on the time of year you choose to travel.
CLICK: http://www.unicorntrails.com/europe/portugal/dolphincoasttrail/