The Peak: Jetsetter (March 2011)

Published in The Peak Malaysia, March 2011:

Click on this link to read the article: The Peak March 2011

My Favorite Eco-Hotels

Eco-tourism is often mixed up with “nature” tourism. Nature tourism is the generic term for all activities done outdoors, whereas Eco-tourism means sustainable tourism, which respect nature (through energy saving, waste management, recycling), but also involve the local people in the economy, education in sustainable development and protection of the biodiversity. The best way to protect the environment is to understand its business value.

To celebrate Earth Day today 22nd April, I have selected my favorite Eco-Hotels around the world. What I mean by favorite Eco-Hotels is of course their fantastic locations, facilities and great design, but also their true responsibility in sustainable development. So I highly suggest selecting an Eco-Hotel when you decide to go on holiday, as it will be a memorable experience; it will strongly benefit the environment; and push the local tour-operators in preserving the natural resources.

Seriously look at the pictures below and dare to say no to these gorgeous places!

Gayana Eco Resort - Malaysia (Borneo)

Gayana Eco Resort – eco-friendly practices, pledging to protect the environment by adhering to Sabah Parks’ policy on the preservation and acute conservation of Sabah’s wildlife

Six Senses Hideaway Hua-Hin - Thailand

Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin - Communicating sustainable development to guests is important for Six Senses group. They believe sustainable luxury is possible.

Longitude 131 Resort - Australia

Longitude 131 Resort -  The resort is run on solar power and the tents sit on top of a sand dune, built of steel stilts to leave the desert sands beneath undisturbed.

Star Island - Bahamas

Star Island – The building is architecturally green and they use LED lighting and geothermal HVAC. Water is also provided by the rainwater harvesting system.

Kamu Lodge - Laos

Kamu Lodge – a true authentic eco-lodge nestled next to the Mekong River and the jungle. The resort provides employment to the local ethnic Kamu people and the revenue gained from guests goes to a fund to provide basic education for the village’s children.

Tauana Hotel - Brazil (Bahia)

Tauana Hotel - Water is solar heated, and waste is recycled or composted. Tauana has also implemented a sewage treatment system to protect the land and all food is sourced locally.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge - Alaska (too cold for PZ unfortunately)

Sadie Cove - offers the visitor a unique opportunity to participate in Alaska’s wilderness lifestyle in a genuine, year-round, Alaskan home and lodge, for example planting a new tree with each guest.

Frog.