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.

Giving roughing it a new meaning, without sacrificing the luxury in this eco-friendly island resort encircled in white sandy beaches, azure blue waters and coral reefs. A setting made perfect with a rainforest teeming with birds and little critters that provide all the background music you need.

Located just off Bintan Island in the Riau Archipelago, one degree North of the equator, about 53 miles (85 km) southeast of Singapore. Nikoi Island’s 37 acres (15 hectares) of rainforest setting is so untouched, you’ll feel like you have the entire private island to yourself.

Far from pretentious, the resort has 2 pools sculpted among granite boulders, affable staff and eco-friendly principles (solar powered hot water, sustainable buildings. Nikoi attracts honeymooners, young couples or families, with activities that include nature trails, snorkeling, island hopping, fishing, sailing, rock-climbing, wildlife spotting – or just reclining on a daybed on the beach, cocktail in hand.

The 6 two-story thatched beach-front beach villas (nine more are due to open in mid-2009) were built using driftwood. Double-vaulted roofs draw hot air up, so there’s no need for air-conditioners. Guests will have to forego TVs, but there are iPod speakers, stone-floored open bathrooms, a pavilion for massages and direct access to the beach. Meals are served on a dining-room table carved from a 30-ft. (9 m) slab of driftwood.

The development on Nikoi island has deliberately been limited to a small area to minimize impact on the environment and maintain a high level of seclusion and privacy for guests. The design of the private villas on Nikoi Island reflects both traditional Indonesian architecture and contemporary form. The airy layout welcomes warm ocean breezes and natural ventilation.

Source: Unique Travel Destinations

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.

Comfort and spaciousness reign inside the hotel’s superior and deluxe bungalows, each equipped with modern amenities. Bungalows have balconies from which you can gaze at a quiet garden; some even feature a private sauna and hydromassage Jacuzzi that allow you to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’re a pleasure seeker or vacation traveler, there are plenty of leisure activities to choose from.

If you’re interested in staying fit, you’ll surely fancy the fully equipped fitness room; thereafter, enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool, which features various interesting curves. Kids will enjoy the reading and games room, which is splashed in solid bright colors. The hotel also features a restaurant, pool bar, and convention center.

Pestana Hotel is a small, elegant and exclusive resort offering 27 bungalows decorated with comfort and including a variety of up to date facilities.

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.

Definitely it is a place for those that love nature adventure and mountain hiking. The Kasbah du Toubkal isn’t accessible by car. You must park your car in the village of Ismlil and walk through the town past a long strip of stalls and onto a dirt trail that leads up the hillside to the Kasbah. Your luggage is carried up by donkeys.

The hotel is a product of a Berber and European partnership. The pleasant en-suite rooms – newly built in the gardens – are decorated with lots of rugs and Berber crafts, giving them a traditional ambiance. The food served is traditional, with many tagine and coucous dishes.

With exceptional views, The Kasbah du Toubkal is not a hotel in the traditional sense. The Berbers make it less of a hotel, and more an extension of the hospitality they would offer in their own private homes.

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.

Giant Seychelles tortoise

Your own private haven of tranquility

Sumptuous luxury to complement the lush natural surroundings

When the Seychelles was colonized, much of the natural forestation was destroyed and coconut trees were planted in their place. Frégate Island Private has boldly led a campaign to replenish their island’s supply of natural trees and is well on its way to becoming the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. The 100,000th tree planted was an endemic Ficus tree, a genus that prospers in the rocky underground of the Seychelles islands. The Ficus grows at a remarkable rate and can reach heights up to 50 – 65 feet. Reforestation is but one of the many conservation practices executed at Frégate Island Private. With buildings and infrastructure occupying only 5% of the island, the remaining 95% is in a restored natural state which has allowed for several endemic species of wildlife and flora to avoid extinction.

Exclusivity in every respect is the maxim of Frégate Island and the preservation and protection of the island’s unique flora and fauna is one of its proudest achievements. With 16 villas, only a selected number of guests have the prestige to fulfill their dream of a stay in paradise. The island remains private to Frégate guests only, making it an ideal refuge for the discerning traveler, ensuring the rare feeling of a truly tropical island paradise.

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.

The Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, North Thailand now offers tourists Mahout Course to learn more about elephants through direct one-on-one interaction. This unique experience ranges from 1 to 3 day course.

A sort of Mowgli (of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book fame) experience, where you get a chance to hang out with animals in the wild (well… pretty close).

The Mahout course aims to educate participants about interesting facts such as:

• Learn how to ride, bath and give basic command to elephants
• Knowledge of elephant biology and basic elephants’ health care
• Elephant art creation
• Thai cooking classes
• Mahout certificate

Nursing a baby elephant, all in a day's work

Taking blood sample for elephant's medical check up

Elephants absolutely adore bathing time, getting it twice daily

Elephants' glorious bathing waters

Elephants' glorious bathing waters

Elephants love fun play time, especially involving water. Just like us humans!

Brushing a baby elephant clean

Brushing a baby elephant clean

Time for a respite. Ecotourism at its best

Rise and shine! Time for the elephants' breakfast

Source: Unique Travel Destinations

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)!

Orang Utans by riverside in Bukit Lawang. Notice how they use their hands to drink.

Mother and baby in the jungle. Photo: Chris Bannister

Orang Utans are amongst the most endangered species in the world. Their habitats can only be found in the rainforest of Indonesia’s Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo, the part Indonesia shares with Malaysian). If you’ve always been intrigued to get close and personal with the Orang Utan, you could choose to volunteer at an Orang Utan Rescue center in Indonesia. Organized through Eco Volunteer, that works with the Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in North Sumatra. The project is located near Gunung Leuser National Park, the orang utans natural habitat.

Orang utan in the wild. Photo: Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center

Orang Utan with baby at Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Rehabilitation center

Bukit Lawang ranks as the best place to see these unique primates, with one of the largest strongholds of orang utan communities. Bukit Lawang situated at the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park, by the Bohorok river. It is estimated that there re over 5,000 orang utans in the jungles of this national park.

River crossing during jungle hike. Photo: Ivona Foitova

Mother orang utan and her baby at the Bukit Lawang Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, North Sumatra

Although Eco Volunteer works with a different Orang Utan rehab center, it’s interesting to mention the Bohorok Orang Utan Centre at Bukit Lawang, as the pioneer center for Orang Utans. Established in 1973 by two Swiss Zoologists with funding from Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The centre’s mission is to safeguard the decreasing number of orang utans from hunting, orang utan trading, habitat destruction due to forest fires and deforestation caused by palm oil plantations and illegal logging. The rehabilitation center helps orang utans re-gain their natural habits through training and rehabilitation before being released to the wild. Once orang utans are back in the wild, the center monitors their whereabout, providing them with regular medical check-ups.

Rice field, view from the volunteer accommodation. Photo: Ivona Foitova

Volunteer accommodation. Photo: Ivona Foitova

Project accommodation is in the rice fields in the Timbang Lawan village, in a tranquil setting that sees volunteers from around the world. The center works closely with the community of this village. And in the nearby Bohorok river is Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the richest expanses of protected tropical rainforest ecosystems in Southeast Asia and where the center’s research is focused.

Boat river crossing in boat to Gunung Leuser National Park. Photo: Chris Bannister

Mother and baby in the jungle. Photo: Chris Bannister

While working with orang utans, volunteers can also help fellow-humans, through the Bukit Lawang Community Charitable Trust to help support the local Bukit Lawang community that was hit by disastrous floods in 2003, wiping out the whole of the village and killing 300 people. The Trust provides immediate aid, and set up a health clinic in the village. The Trust now helps other villages like Bukit Lawang throughout Indonesia that have been affected by natural disaster such as the tsunami and earthquakes by helping the communities to rehabilitate through water, health and education projects. 100% of funds raised go directly to projects.

Conducting reserach work in the office. Photo: Ivona Foitova

Another Mother and baby photo in the rainforest. Photo: Chris Bannister

Conducting research work on jungle floor. Photo: Chris Bannister

Trekking through the thick rainforest jungle. Photo: Chris Bannister

Source: Endangered Eden

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.

Here’s how it works exactly (taken from Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation website):

Through the “Tree of the Year” contest we want to draw attention to the value of trees for the environment. Through a simple and easy to understand symbol we try to lead people to pay more attention to the environment they live in.

Anybody (individual, school or municipality) could nominate their favorite tree.

A jury composed of experts and celebrities then choose 12 finalists from all the proposals. The public determines further order of finalists from 1st August to 11th October by donation SMS messages, whose yield goes to tree planting

Every year on “Tree Day” which falls on October 20, the winner is announced and an award is presented at the annual “Concert for the Trees.” The winning tree also gets expert treatment from professional tree specialist.

And back to the first point about the role of trees in different cultures. In most countries across Asia, and in parts of Africa and South America, the tree is inseparable from the culture, folklore and customs. In Western Cultures, trees play a significant role and symbolize many things as well, however they seldom take on a mystical role.

A large banyan tree near Mendut Hindu temple, Central Java

Banyan tree vines overtaking Angkor Wat Temple wall, Cambodia

In Central Java, the banyan tree is directly linked to the Kraton (Royal Palace) of the Sultan, playing a protective role and referred to as “the revered wise man” that is believed to dwell in the tree. And there’s one particular large banyan tree in the Kraton’s courtyard that is not to be disturbed, members of the Kraton are accustomed to giving regular offerings to this banyan tree.

Bali: a temple set into a banyan tree for offerings

Bali: banyan tree wrapped in checkerboard cloth, and small Hindu shrine in foreground

There is a similar tradition in Bali, trees are considered living beings and should be respected. And the banyan tree ranks high as the most “senior” of all trees with divine powers. Daily offerings are placed at the foot of the tree to appease the spirits who dwell in them. It’s interesting to note that the predominantly-Moslem Javanese have not waned from such practice to this day, as for the Hindu Balinese it’s a daily rite. This custom of course derives from ancient times when Hindu and Buddhist Kingdoms ruled much of Indonesia, an influence that stems from India.

As with everything, there are those wanting to analyze logically, arguing that a banyan tree is a hardy species, with a very long life-span and they generally outgrow other types of tropical trees, except those deep in the rainforest. Hence banyan trees have been around longer than other trees. But mere logic does not explain the customs passed down generations that revolve around the tree.

In Hinduism, the banyan tree is considered sacred and is called “Ashwath Vriksha“. God Shiva as Dakshinamurthy is almost always depicted sitting in solitude under the banyan tree. It is thought of as perfectly symbolizing eternal life due to its seemingly unending expansion. The tree is also called kalpavriksha meaning “wish fulfilling divine tree”.

And Buddism is no different, as Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya in India while meditating under a banyan tree of the species Sacred Fig, more popularly known as the Bodhi Tree.

A Buddhist monk watching over the Buddha Head overgrown by trees. Angkor Wat

Buddha head statue wrapped by banyan tree vines. Angkor Wat, Camodia

In both the Philippines and Guam, the Visayan and Chomoros tribes, respectively, believe that Banyan Trees are the abodes of spirits of past generations that protect the people. Therefore a Banyan Tree seldom felled, and is always the last tree to go. If indeed such fate is unavoidable, then the local tribes would hold a special ceremony to “ask for permission” in disturbing the tree’s “slumber”. In Cambodia it’s no different. You’ll see banyan tree vines “swallowing” buddha statues in Angkor Wat complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whereas in some cultures in the Amazon Rainforest, trees are both respected – as source of food – and feared, for being the natural habitat for various wildlife, ie. pumas, snakes, and other “less friendly” creatures.

Large banyan tree commonly found in any Balinese Village

There are even books written about this very subject, such as “Tree Cultures: The Place of Trees and Trees in Their Place”, by Paul Cloke & Owain Jones

Whatever the case may be, we all recognize the value of trees on our planet, and the sense of urgency needed to take better care of them. Morava has one bright ‘tree-loving” idea indeed. Worthy of an Oscar for the government environment agency that created this commendable program.

Source: Endangered Eden

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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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.

Peponi is simple, fresh, friendly and cheerful, distinguished with a reputation for delicious cuisine. Accommodation is in 24 rooms, a mix of standard and superior rooms all with a sea view. Optional activities include windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving & snorkelling, dhow trips & deep sea fishing.

Peponi is not only proud of its heritage as a long-standing quality lodging, but also for its pioneering efforts in conservation, long before it was fashionable. The hotel started Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LAMCOT) in 1992. The project began with the translocation of a turtle nest to the hotel grounds for protection. Since then the project has been growing every year and has now become an established trust. It has been managed by Carol Korschen of Peponi Hotel from the start. See the their LAMCOT Website and LAMCOT Blog.

Lamu Island has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to relax and make the most of the stunning scenery, sweeping beaches, rolling sand dunes and warm Indian Ocean. The ocean continues to play a vital role in the life and livelihood of Lamu, and traditional sailing dhows abound. A trip on one of these wooden boats offers a highly relaxing way to explore the area, travelling to neighbouring islands and fishing villages.

Snorkeling is excellent in the waters off Lamu and the surrounding archipelago, which teem with vibrant marine life. Diving is becoming increasingly popular here, and many superb sites remain relatively unexplored.

Over a thousand years of East African, Omani, Yemeni, Indian, Portuguese and Victorian British influences have all left their mark on Lamu Island, in the architecture, the language and the very essence of the place. In bustling Lamu, winding alleys lead past the intricate carved doorways of white stone houses –some of which are truly majestic and still home to the very wealthy. And, because the alleys are too narrow to be negotiated by cars, the modern world has had little visible impact on this historic town.

Life appears little changed since Lamu was a busy port town in the 14th century, donkeys remain the preferred local mode of transport, and the streets are lit by lanterns after nightfall. Spices and the smell of grilled food scent the air around the markets, mosques, museums, fort and ancient houses, and exploring Lamu on foot –or donkey –is a treat for all the sense Sitting at an open-air restaurant by the water and watching the world go by is an irresistible past-time. Fishermen haul their catches ashore, locals walk or ride by, donkeys carry their cargo. Shopping for local woodcarvings and batik is another ‘must’

Source: Unique Travel Destinations

Casa Quetzal

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.

This beautiful retreat is located along side the XVI Century Convent of Fray Bernardina de Siena.

Here you can enjoy a quiet and leisurely vacation in luxurious rooms surrounding a garden and swimming pool with large terraces.

All rooms feature AC, Cable TV, large bathrooms, and Wireless Internet. There is also parking available in case you are traveling through the Mayan World with your own car. Furthermore, Casa Quetzal offers Yoga and Chi Kung classes, Acupuncture, Oriental massages, Tuina, Shiatsu and Reflexology.
Casa Quetzal combines the tranquility of Valladolid, the Mayan handcraft details, and the charm of an intimate place to arrive.

Source: Mayan Eternity & Unique Travel Destinations