Visit these Lush, Eco-Luxury Spaces Year Round
As we wave good-bye to summer and all its tropical warmth, sunny days and traveling goodness, we shouldn’t feel we have to cease our dreams and plans of exploring the world until next summer. After all, that is just too far away!
Did you know there are many dazzling and eco-friendly destinations abroad that cater wonderfully to the earth and green-minded folks? Oh yes my friend—many! So let’s explore a few of these exotic spaces, which offer travelers a luxurious experience, all the while remaining sustainable in its practices.
Isle of the Flowers
Our first stop is the St. Anne Islets Natural Reserve in Martinique. Martinique boasts the “Isle of the Flowers” as one of the best places to discover nature-friendly wonders and activities. This small exotic island,named “Best Eco Island of the Year, 2012” by Caribbean World Magazine, features gorgeous sparkling turquoise water and pristine white-sand beaches.
Hop on a guided boat tour to explore the untainted natural beauty of the island, while relaxing all day long, soaking up the sun, warm water and clean crisp air. Gaze upon the beautiful flora of the mangrove and its amazing fauna, while on your boat excursion. Enjoy delicious, sustainable local creole cuisine in between admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you. Not only is this place absolutely gorgeous, but its environmentally responsible; with development handled with the utmost level of sustainability and two-thirds of Martinique being protected park land, making this an eco-friendly tourist paradise!
Gaia Hotel and Reserve
Our next stop is the Gaia Hotel and Reserve, in Costa Rica. This destination, which is the most popular destination in Costa Rica, is an upscale hill-top retreat, nestled in its own nature reserve. This sleek and modern hotel treats guests to panoramic views of the Manuel Antonio National Park, making guests truly feel as if they are one with nature!
The inside of this 5-star luxury retreat, features minimalist (yet earthy and sleek) décor; a fabulous holistic spa, pampering guests with only raw, natural and organic products; and exquisite locally sourced cuisine, as well as other earth-friendly amenities. Also, its breathtaking 10-acre private reserve—home to this eco-friendly hotel—is a great way for guests to get in tune with nature. Plus, the hotel provides free tours through the rainforest, so guest can hike amongst the papaya trees, and observe the monkeys playing and gathering fresh mangos. This adult and teen only destination, is truly a way to escape mundane life for a while, and enjoy the earth in its beautiful and raw state!
Ulsaba Private Game Reserve
Our final destination is the Ulsaba Private Game Reserve, in Africa. Ulsaba, meaning “Place of Little Fear,” is Sir Richard Branson’s safari lodge; located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Ulsaba offers such amenities as gymnasiums, swimming pools, a wine cellar, spa, tennis courts and an observatory; showcasing gorgeous views of the surrounding reserve, as well as the opportunity to star gaze in the clear night sky!
Ulsaba has two luxurious lodges that guest can pick from: the Rock Lodge and the Safari Lodge. The Rock Lodge, nestled in rocks high above the safari plains, allow guests to capture exquisite views of the vast safari land and roaming wildlife, such as giraffes. If you prefer to be closer to the action, then visit Safari Lodge; which offers a more jungle-like experience, allowing guests to hike through the jungle, crossing over swinging bridges between trees to access their personal treehouse lodge. This picturesque view captures many passing elephants and lions.
Now that we’ve explored these gorgeous green scapes, are your traveling juices flowing in overdrive? Mine sure are! Or are you craving more ideas to add to your must-see vacation repertoire? Then stay tuned for next weeks’ blog, as we discover more eco-luxury traveling destinations that offer outdoor activities!