ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism

This blog focuses on ecotourism, which can be broadly defined as sustainable or responsible travel to particularly fragile, preserved and often protected areas that aims to be of low impact and frequently small scale. The emphases of ecotourism include preserving nature, wildlife watching and fostering respect for human rights and alternative cultures. The ecotourism blog reviews travel destinations, resorts and companies who promote sustainable tourism or have green credentials, plus tips on being or how to become an eco-conscious traveller.

Isla Verde Eco-chic hotel in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala

Posted Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:35:00 GMT by Linden Volsun

Translating to 'green island,' Isla Verde eco-chic hotel is a naturally inspired get-away set on the pristine shores of Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala.

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Why Travel Locally

Posted Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT by Sian Easton

The benefits of travelling with local, independent companies have not yet been highlighted to a greater degree. By travelling with local and independent operators we instantly put ourselves in contact with the experts of the area.

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Yr Hen Stablau, the energy-efficient holiday cottage

Posted Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:45:00 GMT by Nicola Ruck

Yr Hen Stablau is an energy-efficient holiday cottage near Machynlleth and the Centre for Alternative Technology, Mid Wales.

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The vigilius mountain resort, a cathedral of relaxation

Posted Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:15:00 GMT by Ruth Gamper

The word hotel doesn't really fit the vigilius mountain resort. The vigilius is more a 'out-of-the-ordinary-place', hard to place into any one category of experience. To describe it, effectively you have to be creative. It could be called an 'inhabitable cloud', a 'modern monastery', a 'cathedral of relaxation' or even an 'indoor forest'.

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Y Goeden Eirin, the green guest house

Posted Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:46:00 GMT by John Rowlands

Y Goeden Eirin, is a small guest house a few miles south of Caernarfon in the quiet hamlet of Dolydd. It is sited in a renovated cowshed surrounded by 20 acres of rough pasture, with the Snowdonia range of mountains to the east, the Eifl mountains towards the Llyn Peninsula, and the sea with Anglesey beyond to the north-west.

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Secluded luxury in the Cook Islands at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Posted Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:05:00 GMT by Lucy Brake

The Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers a unique boutique accommodation which incorporates ecotourism principles in the whole experience. Promoting the Responsible Tourism Code for the Pacific means that the Pacific Resort Aitutaki is part of a growing number of organisations in the Pacific Islands who incorporate social and environmental sustainability principles into their activities.

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Bushy Point Fernbirds, an eco-friendly bed and breakfast

Posted Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:14:18 GMT by Ian Gamble

Bushy Point Fernbirds Bed and Breakfast is unique in southern New Zealand. A private reserve secluded on 5 ha, Bushy Point Fernbirds is actually part of a larger public reserve and a Ramsar wetland of international importance, legally protected in perpetuity with a QEII open space covenant.

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Battlesteads hotel and restaurant: Eco-friendly hospitality

Posted Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:30:00 GMT by Richard Slade

At three years in to our five year 'greening' plan, Battlesteads pub, hotel and restaurant is already leading the way for many eco-friendly hotels and hospitality establishments as an ecotourism destination. Even now this comes as a bit of shock to us. It's been quite a journey so far but every step has been somewhat of a logical progression.

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Stephen Gelly organic farm in Cornwall, stay in a Yurt or farmhouse B&B

Posted Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:10:00 GMT by Susan Collinge

Stephen Gelly organic farm in Cornwall organically farms 120 acres of permanent grassland in the middle of Cornwall. We recognise our responsibility to care for our environment. We welcome visitors who may stay self catering in a family sized Yurt or B&B in the farmhouse.

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The Mariposa Spanish School and Eco-Hotel

Posted Sat, 13 Aug 2011 14:35:00 GMT by Paulette Goudge

Situated in a green, hilly region of the White Villages, close to the lakes, volcanoes, the Pacific coast and colonial cities of Nicaragua, the Mariposa (butterfly) Spanish School and Eco-Hotel is a unique place and superb ecotourism destination.

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Going for Green, K West Hotel & Spa in West London

Posted Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:55:00 GMT by Tamsin Cocks

K West Hotel & Spa is undeniably one of the coolest places to stay in West London. The hotel offers 220 luxurious guest rooms, an award winning spa. K West Hotel & Spa is dedicated to minimising the impact its operations have on the environment, and it's getting better every year! In 2008, the hotel won the Bronze award for Green Tourism Business, which recently improved to the Silver Award.

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Eco-Aventura is a specialized travel agent based in Patagonia

Posted Sat, 06 Aug 2011 11:15:00 GMT by Gustavo Kopyto

Eco-Aventura is a specialized travel agent established in Patagonia, at the very heart of the Lake Region. We are a family in love with this amazing area, so much so, that we left our urban lives to live and share our passion here in Patagonia.

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Lahuen-Co boutique eco-lodge and thermal spa

Posted Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:17:57 GMT by Gustavo Kopyto

Lahuen-Co is a boutique eco-lodge and thermal spa, which combines adventure programs in an incredibly picturesque and wild setting, with unique wellness services and a spa based on natural hot springs.

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Levendi's Estate holiday destination

Posted Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

World travelers with a conscience will thrill to the scenic beauty and fine amenities at this environmentally-friendly estate and ecotourism destination. Levendi's Estate on the enchanting island of Ithaca in Greece is a perfect vacation destination for eco-conscious travelers who expect high standards for comfort in a world-class facility.

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Kangaroo Island - The Galapagos of Australia

Posted Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:00:54 GMT by Lucy Brake

A place to escape to, a place to see the beauty of the natural world; Kangaroo Island is a very special ecotourism destination. Words really do fail to describe the beauty of this island. Kangaroo Island, fondly known by many as the Galapagos of Australia, is a pristine wilderness that is home to a vast amount of animals that are native to Australia.

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The environmentally friendly Lancaster London hotel

Posted Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:01 GMT by Tamsin Cocks

Environmentally friendly hotels in London: The Lancaster London is one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in London and ensures its actions match its philosophy: "to walk softly on the planet". The hotel has taken a very thorough approach to energy saving practices, reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling.

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Algonquin Wilderness Eco-Lodge in Canada

Posted Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:20:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Ecotourism and sustainable travel: Located in Ontario, Canada, on the border of the Algonquin Provincial Park, the Eco-Lodge provides the comfort of home combined with access to the great outdoors.

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Aspen House, eco-friendly B&B with a twist

Posted Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:20:00 GMT by Robert Elliott

Aspen House, in the Welsh Border county of Herefordshire, has been run for the last nine years by the two of us, Sally Dean and Rob Elliott. Setting out to create the kind of B&B we would be happy to stay in ourselves, we applied our own green philosophy to the business from the outset, a philosophy which continues to evolve.

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Cuixmala estate and resort destination

Posted Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:25:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

The Cuixmala resort on the Pacific coast of Mexico is a luxurious eco-friendly vacation destination unlike any other in the world. Their most important goal is to preserve and protect the natural environment surrounding the resort, which is done by supporting a wide variety of ongoing programs that are carried out by the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation.

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Hotel Mocking Bird Hill in Port Antonio, Jamaica

Posted Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:40:01 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a romantic, Eco-conscious hideaway located in Port Antonio, Jamaica. At Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, guests can enjoy an environmentally-friendly setting that is also romantic and serene. It is also close to both the town of Port Antonio and the beach.

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Discover the natural wonder of Australia's Green Cauldron

Posted Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:15:00 GMT by Lucy Brake

If you are looking for an ecotourism destination with something just a little different then check out Australia's Green Cauldron.

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The Old Chapel Forge eco-friendly bed & breakfast

Posted Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:50:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Offering eco-friendly accommodation in the heart of historic Sussex, England. Old Chapel Forge eco-friendly bed and breakfast uses low energy lighting, gray water recycling, solar water heaters and organically grown produce that is provided by local farmers.

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Concordia Eco-Tents are a sustainable vacation alternative

Posted Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:05:16 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Concordia Eco-Tents provide the perfect island getaway for nature lovers. Located only 25 minutes from Maho Bay on the island of St. John, USVI, the Eco-Tents and Estate Concordia Studios are easily accessed by rental car and provide stunning vistas.

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The Whitepod Resort Makes New Strides in Eco-Tourism Development

Posted Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:30:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

The Whitepod resort offers a unique, low-impact way to explore the Swiss Alps.

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Costa Rica: The Finca Rosa Blanca Plantation and Inn

Posted Sun, 29 May 2011 10:10:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

The Finca Rosa Blanca Plantation and Inn is a sustainable vacation destination located in Costa Rica.

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Hop on your bike and explore the Mekong Delta

Posted Fri, 20 May 2011 08:20:00 GMT by Lucy Brake

Touring Vietnam on two wheels is becoming an increasingly popular choice for today's 'green' travellers.There are many different cycle trips you can take but a particular favourite is the tour of the Mekong Delta.

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Hidden in Daintree Rainforest is Australia's ultimate eco-lodge

Posted Wed, 18 May 2011 09:15:00 GMT by Lucy Brake

Tucked away in the depths of the oldest rainforest in the world is the luxurious Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa which offers a very special experience for eco-travellers.

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Experience Sadie Cove Wilderness Eco-Lodge in Alaska

Posted Sat, 14 May 2011 10:21:08 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

The Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is one of Alaska's premier vacation destinations for eco-minded tourists. The wilderness lodge is located just minutes from the ''bear viewing capital of the world,'' which is Homer, Alaska, and lies between the charming villages of Seldovia and Halibut Cove.

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Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge in Nicaragua

Posted Sun, 08 May 2011 07:05:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge is one of Nicaragua's favorite eco-tourism destinations. Morgan's Rock is also a leader in the green movement, and has initiated a number of eco-friendly projects, including tree farming, supporting a number of regional conservation and reforestation efforts.

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Watching whales in Kaikoura, New Zealand

Posted Tue, 03 May 2011 18:32:00 GMT by Lucy Brake

Imagine being able to see whales right next to you and watching them rise majestically out of the water to check you out. Well a little town on the coast of New Zealand offers exactly this and has made a name for itself as one of the top whale watching destinations in the world.

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Top ten tips for eco-tourists

Posted Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:32:00 GMT by Ruth Hendry

All you need to know for an eco-friendly holiday. It's sunny outside, Spring is finally here and many of us are thinking about our summer getaway. What to do if you're an eco-conscious traveller? Tourism, if managed properly, can raise funds to protect vulnerable natural areas, raise awareness around conservation issues amongst locals and tourists and encourage local people to conserve their environment.

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Jackson Hole's Eco-Friendly Hotel Terra Delivers Luxury with a Conscience

Posted Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:15:01 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming near both Yellowstone and the Grand Teton national parks, Hotel Terra offers a sustainable yet luxurious getaway experience in the heart of the American west. With a wide variety of activities available in both the winter and the summer months, this eco-conscious hotel and spa is truly one of a kind.

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The Eco-Friendly Hamanasi Resort Hotel in Belize

Posted Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:30:00 GMT by Kirsten E. Silven

Located in northernmost Central America on the Caribbean sea, Belize is the only country in the region that has chosen English as its official language. Bordered to the north by Mexico and to the south and west by Guatemala, Belize is home to the stunning and eco-conscious Hamanasi boutique resort, which is located at the foot of the magnificent Maya mountains just south of the city of Hopkins Village.

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