Posts Tagged ‘Ecotourism’

By Dian Hasan | November 15, 2009

Good things come in small packages. If the Robinson Crusoe in you beckons to a getaway on a remote tropical isle, secluded yet close to modern civilization, Nikoi Island is just for you.

A private island with only 6 beach villas, off Bintan Island in the Riau Archipelago, eco-friendly luxury on a serene private island in Indonesia just 2 hours from urban Singapore. Read the rest of this entry »

Pestana Angra Beach Bungalows is located in Angra dos Reis, one of Brazil’s richest ecological areas along the coast.

Sitting on the edge of a forested area of 55.000 sqm, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean’s serene turquoise waters, Pestana Angra Beach Bungalows takes comfort, wellness, and hospitality to new heights. Conveniently located near Rio de Janeiro, the tropical-style property features 27 charming bungalows.

Outside, thatched roofs, terracotta tiles, and limestone walls blend nicely into the natural landscape. A warm ambiance greets you at the reception area, as does an affable staff ready to answer all your questions. Without question, this hotel was designed to provide the highest standard of comfort for even the most discerning of travelers. Read the rest of this entry »

A hotel doesn’t get recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s Top 50 Eco-Lodges for 2009, if it didn’t have proper eco-credentials, or wasn’t unique enough in making a difference in the environment or community it operates in. Kasbah du Toubkal fits the bill perfectly.

At 600 m high above sea level, the Kasbah du Toubkal Hotel looks out over surrounding villages and majestic mountains. It is located in the High Atlas Mountains, only 1.5 hours drive of Marrakech, Morocco. Originally built in the 1940’s it was totally rebuilt in the 1990’s. The hotel is combination of hostel and hotel which provides a comfortable mountain refuge in the stunning setting of the beautiful Toubkal National Park.

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Environmentalist Steve Hill (left) and Managing Director Marc Aeberhard (right)

Seychelles — October 14 2009 - Over the past 11 years, Frégate Island Private has proven itself to be one of the hotel industry’s foremost entities in ecological reform. This past September, Frégate Island Private crossed yet another milestone when it planted the 100,000th tree in its endemic hardwood program. This major step is yet another achievement for Frégate’s reforestation efforts. In addition to the endemic hardwood program, Frégate Island Private plants two trees for every guest who arrives at the resort. This is one of the many facets of a concerted effort to become a carbon neutral enterprise.

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By Dian Hasan | October 12, 2009

Mahout Training, excellent opportunity for tourists to get close and personal with elephants

We’ve all heard about dog whisperers. Cesar Millan’s probably the most famous one, with this own TV show. And there are whisperers for other animals too, such as horses and elephants. And while it takes special innate talent and years of training to connect animals’ minds, if you’ve always dreamt of working with animals albeit for a brief period, and you are wild about traveling to exotic locales, there’s an opportunity to do just that. In Thailand.

An elephant whisperer is called a Mahout, an elephant’s keeper and driver. Popular across Thailand, India and other parts of Asia where elephants are found. The word derives from the Hindi words mahaut and mahavat, which in Sanskrit loosely translates to “one having great measure”. Hence, elephant whisperer.

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By Dian Hasan | October 12, 2009

The animal world is more captivating than ever. With the explosion of media, especially TV programs dedicated to animals and wildlife, and with a big help from the internet, information about animals have become readily available like never before. The most intelligent of animals, apes, are of particularly interest, as they… well, remind us so much about ourselves.

With continued research we are learning about just how intelligent they are. Recent research indicate that Orang Utans have the ability to heal themselves with self-made medication when they are sick, making concoctions of herbs and leaves they find in the forest. An interesting find indeed, as research has demonstrated that Orang Utans in the wild are healthier than those in captivity, that are more prone to ailments. Germs passed from humans are one reason to blame. The fact that Orang Utans recognize which plants to use for medication is fascinating. You can get involved by becoming a volunteer to work with these fuzzy, cuddly & friendly Man of the Forest (Malay translation of Orang Utan)!

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By Dian Hasan | October 9, 2009

The annual "Tree of Life" award held in Morava, Czech Republic. Photo: Nadace Partnerství

Love thy tree.

The movement to better appreciate the environment around us is showing us innovative ways the world over how this new-found sense of nature’s importance is put into practice.

Take trees, for example, they play different roles in different cultures (curious? See below). In some they are revered, in others feared. They are also given names and prayed to, while in others they are bestowed with awards and named “Tree of the Year”. An Oscar of sorts for our green friend that without fail always provides us with shelter from the elements. Worthy of a recognition. And we’ll universally agree that any tree is a giver of life. That’s what they do in Czech Republic’s heartland, the rich agricultural land and wine country of the Czech Republic, Morava. The Czech Environment Partnership Foundation (Nadace Partnerství) holds an annual “Tree of Life” competition for communities to nominate their favorite tree.

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Pangkor Laut Resort is an ultra luxe resort that’s attracted the world’s celebrities and A-listers. The late Pavarrotti helped inaugurate it with an Operatic on its official opening day. Voted as best romantic hotel, best spa, best hotel in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Resort is the ideal romantic getaway.

This hotel on stilts was fashioned after Malay floating villages where fishermen live. For a truly outer-worldly experience, book yourself any treatment from the Spa.

The Spa is situated in one of the over-the-water Villas. Close your eyes, it will just be you and the ocean, and the aroma of frangipani, lavender and jasmine wafting through the air. Pure Bliss!

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By Dian Hasan | October 3, 2009

Peponi Hotel, a small family-run hotel on the unspoiled Swahili island of Lamu just off Kenya’s coast.

Sitting at the entrance of the Shela channel that runs between Manda and Lamu Islands, to the south of the hotel lies a 12km stretch of beach open to the full force of the Indian Ocean. Traditional Arab Dhow sail boats still ply the waters, as they have for hundreds of years. The sight of these boats leaving the harbor at dusk, with their sails’ silhouette against the sunset is simply magnificent. To the north is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits in a time warp, where the streets are just wide enough for a fully laden donkey to pass, the perfect place to explore Swahili culture and the town’s rich history as a spice trade hub.

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Casa Quetzal is located in the historical center of the Colonial City of Valladolid in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Valladolid is in the heart of the Mayan world. If you are interested in history or nature, this is the perfect place to discover endless Mayan archeological sites, colonial convents, and the amazing Cenote watering holes, which are typical from this magic Mayan region. Read the rest of this entry »