The News

More than just a trend, eco-friendliness is starting to become a lifestyle for more and more citizens around the world who have had it up to here with pesticides and global warming. Our guide to eco-friendly hotels will allow you to maximize your fun, without settling for another dimly lit Earth Hour in your basement.

Behind the News

There’s no doubt about it: green is the new black. From clothing to cooking, anything and everything environmentally-friendly is inherently cool and highly sought after right now. The trend has even reached its lengthy, organic arm into the world of tourism. Passengers flying aboard a fuel-consuming plane can now pay a fee to have their carbon emissions set off. And what’s more, there’s plenty of hotels and resorts which are catering to those with a penchant for a life less ordinary. Our list of hot and luxurious eco-friendly hotels and resorts from around the world will guide you towards hotels which give you the chance to get up and close to nature, without having to worry about doing it any harm!

Monaco's New Peninsula Battling with Dubai, design style… Freedom Tower A closer look at the WTC successor… JFK's Terminal 5 An airport icon gets ready to return… Brolin's Arrest The W. star dishes the details…

The Lodge at Sun Ranch, Cameron, Montana

Located a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, this rustic resort is nestled in the Madison River Valley, where the pace of life dramatically slows, so you can take a break from the hustle and stress of everyday life. It isn’t hard to forget about the world outside of this resort – after all, 26,000 acres of sustainable cattle ranch surround the facilities themselves. The classic country charm that exudes from the main log cabin draws in guests for dining and entertainment options. Large decks with comfortable chairs invite you to sit back, relax, and savour the unadulterated nature around you. If you’re traveling with your significant other, there are more than enough fireplaces for you to curl up in front of and romance the night away over a well-concocted drink. The main cabin itself has five large guest rooms, although separate old barn cabins in the woods are available to those seeking even more privacy. Activities perfect for the Stetson Man and wannabe cowgirls include archeology tours, horseback riding (of course), canoeing, hiking, and fly fishing. Sound like a work out? Then grab a massage after and a calming glass of wine. At the end of the day, sleep easily knowing that a plethora of eco-practices – including farm-to-table meals, green buildings, and a water exchange program to restore the natural migratory flow of trout – are in place at this resort. Wilderness, adventure, and peace of mind; what else can you ask for? –D.C.

The Lodge at Sun Ranch, 1403 US Highway 287 North

Cameron, MT, 1-888-674-3030

Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio Town, Belize

Nothing says serenity like some time spent in the forest. Leave your cell phones and headaches behind, as you slip into an uncharted world that few have the opportunity to stay in. Fortunately, issues like clear-cutting and pollution don’t even need to factor into the equation; this resort allows you to get a glimpse into the rainforests without leaving a trace of your rat-race self behind. For example, the power here is supplied by both solar and hydro, the water comes from a nearby mountain spring, and the food is locally grown in a sustainable manner. This resort only gets better, though! The amount of activities is staggering; guests can go birding and enjoy over 200 species of birds native to the area, as well as catch sight of all three species of Toucan within one outing (making it unique in South America). Exploration also takes form in canoeing down the pristine Macal River, tubing, hiking up Canyon trails, observing local plant and wildlife, and horseback riding to some cool and alluring caves. After taking in your surroundings, enjoy a traditional meal in the open-air restaurant before heading back to your private cabin. Each comes with its own porch (complete with a hammock for whiling away the afternoon), and a recommended upgrade to a River View Cabin grants guests views of the surrounding canyon below. –D.C.

Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio, Cayo Belize, 501-824-2529

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Whether Costa Rica is the birthplace of eco-tourism may be

disputed, but one certainly can’t argue that its pristine and abundant ecosystems are amongst the world’s most beautiful. This eco-friendly hotel surely doesn’t disappoint, offering guests amazing views of the islands, sandy beaches below and a nearby national park that would put Yosemite to shame. Surrounded by natural beauty and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Pacific immediately halve your blood pressure. Modernity meets antiquity in ocean view suites, which give guests astounding views of nature at its finest while still offering up all the modern conveniences one has come to expect. Amenities include flat screen TVs, WiFi, mini-bars, telephones, and oh, did I mention you wake up to a view of a rainforest? Never a bad thing. In addition, there is an on-site restaurant, two swimming pools and a small spa to step the serenity up even higher. And last but not least, just a few of their eco-friendly practices include water heated by solar panels, subterranean electric systems to prevent animal electrocution, and the planting of only native plant species. Whoever said altruism was a bad thing is definitely wrong. –D.C.

Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, 011-506-2777-2777

Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia, Canada

While the other hotels may offer up relaxation, Nimmo Bay is

perfect for those looking to participate in some adventures through the wilderness. After Into the Wild, isn’t everyone looking for their own getaway into the depths of the forest? The Nimmo Bay Resort offers just that, in a quiet bay in beautiful B.C. Guests stay in their own private chalet, and have full access to the hot tubs, billiards room, and the floating lodge! Exclusivity is definitely ensured at this resort, as it’s only accessible by helicopter from nearby Vancouver Airport. High-end haute cuisine ensures you’ll be well-fed and ready for the multitude of adventures that await you. Choose from heli-fishing, white water rafting, or a day trip via helicopter to see the glaciers and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Or, if that’s not your cup of tea, then enjoy a relaxing massage beside a waterfall before slipping into a cedar hot tub with a refreshing glass of champagne. Trust us, you won’t want to leave. –D.C.

Nimmo Bay Resort, Port McNeill, BC, 250-956-4000

Remember, a stay at an eco-friendly hotel isn't quite what it's meant to be if you order room service you don't intend to eat, or leave the lights on while you're out of your room. Adopt these tips into your routine while you're on vacation and make sure to bring them home with you. The planet will thank you.

Comments

There aren't any comments for this story yet…

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting. To post your comment, please either sign in or sign up for a new account. To post as a guest, click the "Guest User" button. Choose a Username Choose a Password Re-enter Password E-mail

Share & Bookmark