- Eco Lodges
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- United Kingdom
- Ireland
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- Europe:
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- Africa
- Asia
- Australasia
- North America
- Central America
- South America
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Eco-lodges:
- So, what is an eco-lodge + what
features should you look for in choosing one?
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- Eco-lodges are generally rural
based centres that offer an educational and participarory experience
that supports the local envirronment. They will not generally
offer the same levels of comfort to be found in an urban hotel,
although some we have found are pretty luxurious. Ideally they
will:
- Work with local community and
support the local economy
- Work towards conservation of
local environment and wildlife
- Offer activities that physical
wellbeing and spritual enrichment -yoga to tai'chi.
- Aid development of education
and skills -workshops in conservation, environment, alternative
technologies -spread the word.
- The list below is organised
by continent, but we start closer to home with UK and Ireland:
UK and Ireland
UK
Ecocabin, Shropshire, UK -http://www.ecocabin.co.uk
Purpose-built self-catering holiday cabins in a secluded valley,
constructed from locally sourced natural materials, with solar
powered hot water and heating from wood pellet fuelled stoves.
The entire ethos of the centre is based around ethical principles
from encouraging visitors to arrive by bike to support of the
local economy.
Fishing Hideaway, Cumbria -http://www.fishinghideaway.co.uk
Timber eco cabin set in 140 acres of picturesque
privately owned ancient woodland sited in the middle of a 2 mile
beat of the River Lyne.
Ireland
Gyreum
Ecolodge, County
Sligo -http://www.gyreum.com
Finalist of the
2007 LAMA awards for best ecological building, this retreat and
weekend workshop offers indoor tent capsules under a large domed
roof with open fire -looking for all the world like a prehistoric
UFO, an ideal spot for walking in the Bricklieve Mountains or
exploring the local archaeology.
Hagal Healing Farm, West Cork -http://www.hagalhealingfarm.com
Nestled on the south slope of the Maughnaclea mountains, with
breath-taking views over the Mealagh valley and Bantry Bay, in
a traditional farmhouse, renovated using natural materials. They
offer natural, relaxing therapies, with the aim of nourishing
the 'self', and also offer training in Holistic Health Therapies.
Europe
France
Ensarnaut -http://www.ensarnaut.com
Ecolodges
and gite
Finland
Kakslautten
-http://www.kakslauttanen.fi
A stunning hotel,
igloo village and cabins complex in Lapland. Especially notable
are their stunning glass igloos from which you can watch the
Aurora Borealis -they say they use specially insulated glass.
Snow restaurant, smoke saunas and wilderness exploration completes
the experience.
Greece
Milia
Cretan Settlement,
Crete -http://www.milia.gr
Mountain retreat and
community built on the side of a valley in the province of Kissamos.
They follow a traditional lifestyle and farm using traditional
methods. They offer thirteen simple guesthouses and a variety
of ways to enjoy the local environment -from walking to local
cookery and wine tasting sessions.
Italy
Bella
baita Bed and Breakfast
-http://www.bellabaita.com
Mountain House -unique
"off the beaten path", homestay accommodation, located
between Briancon, France and Turin, Italy, offering a balance
between complete independence and being a part of the family.
Easy access to walking, trekking, cycling, rock climbing, wildflower,
and wildlife spotting all in our tranquil setting. Spectacular
panoramic views. Specialise in offering cookery courses in association
with "TEM" (Ecologically Sustainable Mountain Tourism).
Norway
Ongajok
mountain Farm http://www.ongajok.no
This exclusive farm is host to only one set of guests at a time,
so you can be sure of exclusivity. It is located in the Lapland
wilderness, but still only 25 km from Alta Airport -the last
4km must be traversed by 4WD or sleigh in winter. The traditional
log cabins can accommodate up to 35 guests who will feast on
outstanding local produce. Activities include snowmobile safari,
outdoor heated tub and ice fishing.
Portugal
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
Yuva
-http://www.yuvaholidays.com
an eco-holiday retreat
secluded deep in natural surroundings, in the mountains, right
by the Aegean sea. Accommodation is in rustic traditional Anatolian
style houses, built of natural materials such as cedar wood,
stone, mud and straw. Bedding is of pure Turkish cotton. Hot
water is supplied by Solar Energy.
Africa
Malawi
Kaya
Mawa -http://www.kayamawa.com
Remote
lodge situated on 6 hectares of sunset facing beach on the south-west
corner of Likoma Island. The bar and restaurant are perched on
top of a rocky promontory with 360 degree views and surrounded
by water on three sides, Accommodation is scattered around in
ten iindividual cottages at varying distances from the central
area, and the honeymoon cottage boasts the longest suspension
bridge in Malawi. Do read the amazing history of the lodge and
take a look at the photos -they are stunning.
Tanzania
Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania -http://www.chumbeisland.com
Explore the Chumbe Island Nature Reserve with
their park rangers or snorkel in the pristine shallow water Reef
Sanctuary. Further afield you can scuba dive Alternatively relax
in one of their eco-bungalows watching dhows and outrigger boats
go by. They have their own complete eco-system -rainwater is
collected from the roofs and heated by solar power for the showers;
used water is filter through plant beds to avoid contaminating
the environment and toilets are of the composting type, along
with many other features forming part of their eco operation
to protect the local environment.
The Americas:
North America
Canada
Cree
Village Ecolodge,
-http://www.creevillage.com
The first Indigenous
owned Ecolodge in the northern hemisphere, the lodge is set in
a modern building designed and run by the MoCreebec people in
accordance with traditional value. It offers twenty guest rooms
constructed with natural materials. Toilets are of the composting
type and furnishings and cleaning materials are organically sourced.
The 66-seat pine and cedar restaurant is modeled on a traditional
Cree dwelling, the landmark Shabatwon or "long teepee with
doors at each end". Across the river from the lodge is
Tidewater Provincial Park, where there are hiking trails and
camp sites, or it is a short boat ride to James Bay where beluga
whales and seals can be seen at certain times of the year. There
is abundant wildlife including moose and caribou, pike and trout,
geese, eagles and many other species of migratory birds. Activities
include winter camping, cross-country skiing, star gazing,
bird watching, whale watching, nature tours, river tours, kayaking
and canoeing.
E'terra
Ecolodge, Ontario
-http://www.eterra.name
Stunning eco 'chic' hideaway
next to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. The aim was to create luxurious
accommodation that coexists in perfect harmony with the pristine
environment of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve.
Incorporating a whole range of environmental features, the building
offers six luxury suites furnished to an exceptional standard
with their own decks surrounded by lush forest. The centre offers
a huge range of activities from kayak to skiing according to
season. There is so much more we could write about this lodge,
but why not have a look for yourself.
Kw'o:kw'e:hala Eco
Retreat, Othello, British
Columbia -http://www.eco-retreat.com
Wilderness
retreat in the mountains of the Pacific North-West, one and a
half hours from Vancouver with accommodation in log cabins or
'soft-sided nests' Meals are provided from their own organic
garden. Breathtaking scenery on seven forested acres alongside
crystal emerald waters of the Coquihalla River.
USA
Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins -http://www.rockymountainlodge.com
rustic, elegant log lodge nestled on 2 twelve
treed acres in the Rocky Mountains, ten miles west of Colorado
Springs. The lodge is a Bed andBreakfast Inn and has five bedrooms
with private baths & cable TV/VCR's, some having sitting
areas and private balconies.
Tahoe Cabin rentals -http://www.tahoecabinrentals.com
Site
dedicated to renting mountain cabins on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Central America
Caribbean
Ecolodge Rendez-Vous, Saba -http://www.ecolodge-saba.com
A small family-operated eco resort on the island
of St Maartin surrounded by lush tropical vegetation -they have
eleven 'cottages' made from eco-friendly and recycled materials, individually
decorated by local artist Heleen Cornet; lighting and water heating
is from solar power, toilets are composting type and rainwater
is collected for re-use. They provide diving packages in association
with Sea Saba Advanced Dive Centre.
Costa Rica
Lake Cota Ecolodge, Neuvo Arenal -http://www.ecolodgecostarica.com
First established in 1990, this lodge was
created as a pilot for South America and was the first lodge
built in Latin America using an economic endowment from the World
Bank. Its mission is to preserve the environment and develop
a true ecotourism program with 218 hectares of primary forest
as a private reserve. It offers cabins with views of Lake Arenal
and the volcano, and activities include fishing and birdwatching
in the primary rainforest, and is a popular destination for honeymoon
packages.
Lapa
Rios Ecolodge -http://www.laparios.com
Award winning ecolodge built by John and Karen Lewis
on a private nature reserve at the point where the Golfo Dulce
meets the Pacific Ocean. The main lodge and bungalows are built
of local, natural materials along three ridges connected by walking
paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios
catches the cooling tropical breezes. Climb further to overlook
the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. A huge range
of activities are on offer including birding tours, overnight
jungle walks, yoga, fishing, sustainability talks or football
with the locals.
La
Paloma Lodge -http://www.lapalomalodge.com
Dominica
3 Rivers
http://www.3riversdominica.com
Small award winning,
eco lodge set in a lush rainforest valley, surrounded by pristine
rivers, in natural and unspoiled eastern Dominica. Activities
include trekking, diving and sustainable living & artist
workshops.
Mexico
Amansala, Tulum -http://www.amansala.com
Calls itself an eco chic resort offering six night
bikini boot camps limited to 25 men and women. The aim is to
get in shape -healthy diet and exercise in a beautiful setting.
Beachfront accomodation is simple, but elegant, with rooms made
from stone and wood, under thatched palapa roofs, in a village-like
atmosphere. They offer a natural lifestyle, sleeping in a beach
cabaña, eating fresh grilled fish, and drinking fresh
fruit juices.
Nicaragua
Los
Cardones -http://www.loscardones.com
Surf eco-lodge set in a, bungalows with hammocks,
terrace and loungers on a pacific beach, one and a
half hours from Managua. Their ecotourism project includes weekly
art classes and yoga retreats, and they take great care to manage
their environment sensitively.
Morgan's
Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge,
Playa Coactal -http://www.morgansrock.com
Luxury
natural haven offering beautiful beaches, tropical wildlife and
a project of nature conservation, community development and reforestation
as well as using extensive recycling of materials in its construction.
Panama
Coral
Lodge -http://www.corallodge.com
Isolated eco adventure lodge set in a pristine natural
habitat with suites in charming over-water bungalows in San Blas
archipelago with its beautiful unspoiled islands and cultural
heritage of the Kuna Indians.
South America
Ecuador
Black Sheep Inn
-http://www.blacksheepinn.com
An ecologically
friendly hotel high in the Andes five hours from the capital,
Quito. Winners of many awards for sustainable tourism, they have
a strong environmental policy and are accredited by the Asociacion
Ecuatoriana de Ecoturismo.The inn provides an excellent base
for day hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, acclimating
and exploring native indian markets.
Asia
Bali
Sarinbuana Ecolodge -http://www.baliecolodge.com
A
haven for nature lovers, Sarinbuana is located at 750m on the
slopes of
Mount Batukaru in central Bali, 5 minutes from protected forest
and with spectacular views of southern Bali and the mountain
peak. It offers hand crafted bungalows surrounded by a lush tropical
forest. Low impact construction, use of natural consumables,
organic food and employment of local staff only all form part
of their sustainability policy.
Indonesia
Eco lodges Indonesia -http://www.ecolodgesindonesia.com
Four
eco friendly hotels for accommodation in Bali, Borneo (Kalimantan),
Flores (Komodo) and Sumatra. Experience komodo dragons, ride
on Sumatran elephants, see Sumatran rhinos and tigers, observe
orangutans, gibbons, tarsiers and monkeys in their natural habitat...
They emphasise environmental protection through education of
guests and staff, recycling of water and waste as well as efficient
use of electricity, solar power, solar heating and have a worm
farm for composting.
Laos
Banpako
Ecolodge -http://www.banpako.com
Ecotourism
lodge on an ancient site where our ancestors lived some 2000
years ago, located by the Nam Ngum river, some 50 km from Vientiane,
capital of Laos. Built with natural materials in a traditional
style, the lodge, has a spectacular view of the Ngum River, forest
and the Phu Kha Khouai Mountains. The solar powered accommodation
is oriented towards the river or towards the jungle to give a
choice of differents experiences.
Philipines
Enigmata Treehouse Lodge, Camiguin -http://enigmata.mindanaoculture.com
Originally known as Tarzan's Nest Resort, the lodge
is nestled among the hills and waterfalls of the enchanting Camiguin
Island in Mindanao. It was built by musician Ben Aicha, and is
now home to a group of vibrant Mindanao artists called the Enigmata
Creative Circle, who are led by Talaandig musician and visual
artist Waway Linsahay Saway. Their aim is to open the eyes of
people through biodiversity and art education, and develop a
deeper sense of relationship with nature, responsibility and
accountability of the world's resources. There is a choice of
accomodation in the colourfully decorated garden house or the
dramatic eagles nest suite.
Sri Lanka
Galapita
Healing Garden -http://www.galapita.com
A sanctuary with open walled pavilions made of natural
renewable materials and nestled among protected pockets of forests,
paddy fields, waterfalls and a lake along the meandering river
of gems. At Galapita Healing Garden , the knowledge of Ayurveda
is combined with gem therapy, yoga and nutritious cuisine to
address health concerns and help bring balance to the chakras.
Vietnam
Topas Ecolodge
-http://www.topas-eco-lodge.com
Australasia
Australia
- Aquila
-http://www.ecolodges.com.au
100
acres of virgin bushland bordered by the Grampians National Park
is the setting for these stunning architecturally designed sustainable
lodges. Features include passive heating and cooling, solar power,
composting toilets and natural materials. Fantastic walking country,
where you can see kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidna and over
200 varieties of birds.
Daintree
Eco Lodge and Spa
-http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au
Rainforest
lodge and spa located just over 100km north of Cairns and 45km
from Port Douglas, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The accommodation
is in 15 villas occupying secluded positions amongst the world's
oldest living rainforest, and their Julaymba restaurant that
overlooks the peaceful freshwater lagoon is cited as one of Australia's
top dining experiences. The centre is actively run on sustainable
ecotourism principles for both environmental conservation and
cultural heritage.
-
 Glasshouse
Mountains Ecolodge
-http://www.glasshouseecolodge.com
- Located a short distance from
the foot of Mt. Tibrogargan in two hectares of gardens and forest
that runs into a rainforest creek. The nearby Glasshouse Mountains
are sixteen dramatic steep sided volcanic plugs formed of rhyolite
and trachyte lavas which have hardened inside the vents of volcanoes
that have been eroded over time. The lodge has over 80 different
exotic tropical fruit trees and a fresh vegetable garden to supply
the Eco-Lodge kitchen. Accommodation is in eight bedrooms attached
to the rear of a 110 year-old wood church, and the self-catering
kitchen area is located in a restored railway carriage which
has two platforms for outside dining. They promote sustainable
travel options and will collect guests from the train and bus
stop by prior arrangement.
New Zealand
Eco
Inn, New Plymouth
-http://www.ecoinn.co.nz
A unique solar, hydro
and wind powered property on the edge of Egmont National Park
offering self catering accommodation. Outstanding mountain and
rural views. Small-holding and organic vegetable garden. A great
place for a retreat, intimate holiday, or base for walks. This
enviromentally friendly property offers: lake, hot-tub, tree-house,
flying fox, farm animals, BBQ and extensive gardens. Walking
distance to mountain tracks.
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