ECO travel: be an earth-friendly jetsetter
When planning your next holiday, opt for a resort which respects its environment and its surrounding local communities through green policies that go further than merely reducing a laundry bill.
- Cultural Tourism Interacting with and observing other cultures.
- Ecotourism Responsible travel to natural areas which conserve the environment and improve the welfare of the local people.
- Green Tourism Any activity or facility operating in an environmentally-friendly fashion.
- Nature-based Tourism Any activity or travel experience which focuses on nature.
- Responsible Tourism Steps to minimise negative impact on the environment.
- Sustainable Tourism Any form of tourism which doesn't reduce the availability of resources or inhibit other travellers from enjoying the same experience in the future.
Both Alila Manggis and Alila Ubud in Bali have received the highly-coveted ASEAN Green Hotel Award, which honours a commitment to responsible tourism judged on 11 environmental and energy conservation criteria including:
● Environmental policies and action for hotel operations
● Use of green and locally-sourced products
● Collaboration with local communities with regards to environmental protection
● Green training initiatives for staff
● Efficient management of water, energy, waste, air quality and noise pollution
Alila also goes one step further by creating opportunities for guests to become involved and contribute to environment and community causes adopted by the hotel group. www.alilahotels.com
Mr & Mrs Smith luxury eco resorts
Book your next green getaway online at www.MrandMrsSmith.com which has recommended the following tried and tested enviro-conscious boutique hotels for your peace of mind.
Wilson Island is situated within a tiny tropical islet of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef and features just six modern and luxurious "tents", each with their own private deck featuring armchairs, hammocks and binoculars. Expect solar-powered showers and one of the world's most stunning marine parks within snorkelling distance of the beach.
Nihiwatu, on the largely unexplored island of Sumba, Indonesia, makes and uses its own bio-diesel, has developed a tree planting programme and started a local foundation to preserve the environment and alleviate poverty in surrounding communities.
URBN Hotels Shanghai is China's first carbon-neutral hotel. Housed in an old post office building, this property was constructed entirely from reclaimed materials and endeavours to offset its carbon footprint in any way possible. Support one of the hotel's multiple green projects, or offset your stay with carbon credits. Tel: 800 321 1098, www.mrandmrssmith.com
Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat, one hour south of Broome, Western Australia, has a strong focus on ecologically sustainable tourism and was designed with minimal impact to the resort's breathtaking natural surrounds. Arrive by 4WD, sailing boat, helicopter or light aircraft and expect lazy days on the beach spotting whales (July to October), dolphins and turtles (October to December). At night, you'll sleep in a solar-powered Eco Villa or luxurious safari-style Eco Tent, carefully designed to ensure both privacy and ventilation. Rates start from A$225 per night. www.ecobeach.com.au
Agoda.com's TOP 10 Asian eco resorts
Online hotel reservations service Agoda.com reviewed hundreds of properties on its books to come up with this list of Top 10 Eco-Friendly Asian Resorts.
- The Tongsai Bay, Koh Samui Pioneer of sustainable policies long before the global trend caught on.
- Alila Ubud and Alila Manggis, Bali Lauded for their eco-friendly design and earth-friendly activities for guests.
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Cambodia The only hotel in Cambodia to win an ASEAN Energy Award - awarded in 2005, 2007 and 2009.
- El Nido Resorts, Miniloc Island, Philippines Surrounded by forests and mangroves this resort is widely recognised for its nature conservation activities, including waste management, coastal clean-ups and an intensive five-day "green" training course for staff.
- The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Malaysia has developed daily operations programmes designed to minimise ongoing impact. These include cleaning waste water through surrounding wetlands - a natural biological filter.
- Banyan Tree, Bintan During its development, architects designed the resort around the existing landscape, minimising the number of trees felled and taking special care to preserve trees aged 50 to 100 years - including rare species.
- Hotel de la Paix, Cambodia has a strong focus on supporting its surrounding communities. Skills training, such as sewing courses, are provided to disadvantaged Khmer women and an award-winning capacity building programme has been created to support young Cambodians from high-risk areas. Guests can sponsor students or donate bikes, wells and pigs to local families.
- The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai, India, Asia's first property to receive ECOTEL certification, has won 61 environmental awards. An on-site Environment Officer leads green teams that have developed initiatives such as worm farms and an onsite water treatment facility. Upon check-in you're briefed on environmentally-friendly practices you can adopt in your room.
- Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives follows a Slow Life policy, reminding us to readjust our pace to the steady rhythm of nature. Tree planting projects, a stance against shark fishing, a carbon offset programme, which works towards the purchase of a wind turbine in India, and an in-house marine biologist are evidence of this resort "walking the talk".
- Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Fraser Island, Australia Winner of the inaugural Steve Irwin Ecotourism Award, this resort runs a research and education centre in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast monitoring the island's ecology. Attend one of several eco tours offered and learn about the surrounding mangrove ecosystems or Aboriginal culture.
For current offers and rates visit www.agoda.com
Posted Aug 2010
