When you think of eco-friendly adventure, what comes to mind? Do you imagine Birkenstocks, rugged living conditions and limited menu options for the eco-connoisseur? Well, I have great news! These earth friendly destinations, which are coveted by many travelers, have transformed the way we vacation. Welcome to eco-vacationing!
Let us continue our journey afar to three more exotic destinations that should be at the top of your bucket list! These nature respecting resorts offer many incredible indoor experiences to very unique outdoor adventures. So sit back, and relax as we visit some of the finest places in the world that appreciate nature and the luxury it has to offer!
Imagine a tranquil retreat, nestled amid the secluded white-sand shores in Los Cabos, Mexico. Vacationers need not look any further than this five-star, yoga sponsored getaway. But guess what? If your preference isn’t yoga, you’re not required to participate and there’s plenty more activities to indulge your appetite.
Prana del Mar Retreat & Wellness Center
“Do what works for you,” is Prana del Mar Retreat & Wellness Center’s philosophy. This laid back escape will lure you away from the hustle and bustle of life; thus rejuvenating your spirit and soul. The desert inspired landscaping honors the resort’s heritage, with agave, cacti, palms, and aloe plants dotted throughout the property.
This Zen resort promotes sustainability, through its edible delights – herbs, vegetables and fruits; which are organically grown onsite, and uses rain and well water to hydrate its gardens. Yes, those edible goodies are used to prepare fresh and healthy meals for all lodgers. Also, guests are invited once a week to hand pick vegetables from the garden; which are then given to the chefs to prepare salads that day!
Whether you’re relaxing atop the roof-deck lounge with a cold one, floating in the pool or soaking up the sun on the white-sand beaches, there are many amenities this resort offers that will enhance your magical experience.
Onsite, guest may treat themselves to meditative yoga daily (for beginners to advanced yogis), in the Zen-inspired gardens—to relax your body and mind. For offsite amenities, the Prana del Mar is adjacent to the Baja peninsula; so head to the beach for surfing or relaxation. Additionally, a stroll along the shores, offer unique experience: viewing whales spouts bursting from the deep blue sea or watching sea turtle hatcheries offer you a chance to see the birth of this majestic creature.
Take a kayak or snorkel tour, if you want to get immersed in the blue waters, or go horseback riding on the white sands for some invigorating fun. After the beach, you can go hiking nearby or ride on ATV’s for a more fast-paced quest. Whatever activity you’re craving, this tropical getaway will provide you with plenty of options, for earth-friendly adventures.
Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel
In the heart of the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon hosts this five-star luxury resort: the Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel. It’s easily accessible by a 15-minute helicopter ride or a 20-minute riverboat ride from Manaus, Brazil. Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel is the only boutique of its kind that is entirely built on stilts, at tree-top level, gazing above the Amazon River.
This luxurious hotel, takes you up close and personal with the beauty of the rainforest; connected by over six-miles of sturdy catwalks, approximately 70 feet in the air, giving you the feeling you’re swaying in the trees. This extravagant resort was designed with green thinking, and to this day, its fragile eco-system is left completely undisturbed. Also, this grandiose place is a bucket-list favorite amongst celebrities as Jacques Cousteau, Prince Charles, Susan Sarandon and Bill Gates.
After you have settled into your luxurious suite, take a guided hike through the rainforest; where you will see monkeys and sloths swinging in their natural habitat, while parrots perch amongst the tree branches. If you’re craving a fishing adventure, you can take a piranha fishing excursion. If you are looking for a more relaxed water experience, you can also take a pink-dolphin sightseeing excursion or go caiman spotting by moonlight. After you take in a day of nature-inspired excursions, sit and relax on the deck of your hardwood tree house and watch the Amazonian hawks, as they fly overhead; or view the freshwater manatees below, as they frolic in the river.
The Anantara Resort and Spa Golden Triangle
This eco-resort is truly a fairytale destination, with five-star dining of local cuisine, modern and green-friendly décor, and the most interesting amenities offered to guests who really want to experience local culture in a green manner. The Anantara Resort and Spa Golden Triangle, in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is truly a sustainable destination. It monitors water usage (to consume only the minimum needed for all activities), buys goods only from local eco-friendly vendors, only uses packaging that is recyclable and educates locals on the importance of sustainability to protect the fragile environment.
This hilltop resort, nestled in Thailand’s jungle, offers breathtaking views of the forest and mountains, as well as a unique selection of outdoor activities. The most popular attraction at this eco-friendly resort is the three-day elephant training camp. Not only will you see how the elephants live, play in the rivers and interact with their young; but you will also learn the basic commands, so you can drive your very own elephant! How’s that for green-friendly transportation?
After a day with the elephants, relax by the tranquil all-inclusive pool, take an authentic Thai cooking class, or restore your balance and harmony at a rejuvenating spa. Go exploring on a private tour, to learn about the local tribe’s, or go visit the Opium museum located adjacent to the resort, to round out this culture-filled adventure.
Whichever you choose, you will have an experience of a lifetime. How many people can say they’ve been to exotic places like these, tasted fine cuisine, rode an elephant and played with monkeys? Not many. You will sure be able to fascinate your grandchildren when story time comes.