Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the incredible planet we live on. The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22nd, 1970. Over the last 49 years, Earth Day has expanded from the original 20 million Americans to over 1 billion people participating in Earth Day activities. In celebration of our wonderful planet and all who call it home, here are our top five eco-friendly hotels across the world.
1. Ariara Resort, Philippines
It’s said that ‘anything worth having takes time’. And the journey to Ariara Resort takes time. To get to the resort, you’ll need to take either a four-hour trimaran cruise or a one-hour speedboat ride from the Port of Coron. Thankfully, the long journey gives you enough time to prepare to have your breath taken away upon arrival. This stunning resort, designed by Filipino architect Jorge Yulo, consists of eight villas and cottages using locally sourced woods and custom-designed furniture.
Ariara Resort is in one of the most remarkably bio-diverse areas in the region. Through their commitment to the environment, the resort works to provide sustainable employment and education practices for the community, they have an environmental planting program for hardwood trees and use their water lease to protect the surrounding reefs by creating a marine sanctuary. The resort is experimenting with renewable energy processes and the use of carbon neutral coconut oil to run the resort generators.
2. Finca Rosa Blanca, Costa Rica
Finca Rosa Blanca is a work of art. Literally. There are murals, sculptures and paintings throughout the property all inspired by the surrounding nature of lush greenery, volcanoes and rolling coffee fields. It’s not just art you’ll find here. This is a coffee lover’s dream. Finca Rosa Blanca is an organic coffee plantation with the highest ranking achievable in the Sustainable Tourism Certification Program – 100/100.
Finca Roca Blanca have planted over 7,000 native trees, operates entirely on solar panels, they recycle, upcycle and compost and use an innovative copper and silver ionization process to clean the spring water directed into the pool eliminating any harsh chemicals. Many of these practices have been passed on to the 100% local staff team who have introduced this knowledge of sustainable practices to their own communities.
As far as cuisine goes – it couldn’t get any fresher. The chefs visit Finca Rosa Blanca’s local greenhouse and gardens daily to create their food art and formidable flavours.
3. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Song Saa means ‘sweethearts’. Song Saa Resort in the Koh Rong archipelago is perfect for a romantic escape. The 27-villa resort offers ultimate privacy, with access to your own plunge pool and private veranda.
The resort uses reclaimed materials like timber, driftwood and indigenous vines in its design. The resort has seamlessly transformed discarded objects into works of art – what was once a piece of driftwood is now a one-of-a-kind coffee table. Song Saa sourced local ingredients including seasonal fruits and vegetables, wildlife-friendly rice, cashew nuts and coconuts. Their vegan and vegetarian dishes are simply divine.
4. Longitude 131, Australia
Longitude 131 is located in the stark desert landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory. This eco-destination consists of 15 luxury tents, each with a view of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock).
The tents are built on innovative stilts leaving the desert sands undisturbed. And the entire eco-resort runs on solar power. Taking cues from the natural surroundings and Australia’s First Nations peoples, the resort displays many Indigenous art works and intertwines flavours of quandongs (Australian bushfood) and native honeysuckle in their cuisine.
Pamper yourself at the Red Ochre Spa with power-boosting facials and massages. The resort offers excellent tours that have achieved accolades from Ecotourism Australia.
5. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
1 Hotel South Beach have a set out on a mission to evoke the beauty of nature in its design and to safeguard the environment from harm. Each room at 1 Hotel South Beach have seamlessly combined nature and luxury. There are eco-luxe amenities like bamboo speakers, coat hangers made from recycled newspaper and in-room water filtration system for unlimited fresh drinking water (goodbye plastic water bottles!).
The restaurants source predominately organic and locally grown foods to create their extensive cuisine options. They offer an in-house market called Lobby Farmstand where guests can forage for seasonal ingredients daily. A great fresh meal option or a gift to take home.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
