Green Vacations
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Following our popular feature 50 vacation ideas and all the interest we've received in eco-friendly travel, we've decided to put together this guide to some of the best green vacations.
In the heart of Napa Valley, Gaia Napa Valley Hotel features green construction, low VOC furnishings and chemical free landscaping. Book one of the relaxing treatments at the spa while on vacation (from $250/night).
Surrounded by pristine nature in British Columbia, King Pacific Lodge has been in the process of retrofitting its structure which has led to a significant carbon footprint reduction. The lodge offers authentic eco-friendly tours such as whale watching with a team of scientists.
The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine is an exemplary green getaway. The hotel has a dedicated team which meets regularly to improve the eco-friendliness of the hotel. The Colony Hotel composts organic waste, uses saltwater in the pool, and serves dishes made from locally farmed ingredients. You won't find any aerosol products or styrofoam food containers at this green hotel.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Costa Rica is doing all that it can to preserve the wildlife and the rainforest that surrounds it. As part of its green practices, the resort incorporates water and sewage treatment, biodegradable materials and recycling (from $175/night).
Fregate Island in the Seychelles is a romantic getaway with a beautiful coral reef where you can spend your days snorkeling and scuba diving. Only 40 lucky guests can stay on the island at a time. The two resort restaurants use fruits and vegetables grown by a team of gardeners. Many of the herbs from the private gardens are incorporated in relaxing spa treatments, so book a couples massage on your romantic vacation.
Set sail aboard one of the three Windstar Cruises ships which not only use wind power to get around, but also uses green cleaning products.
When you are a resort on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, you have to take extra care not to disturb the beautiful coral reef that surrounds you. Heron Island resort generates its own power, produces drinkable water and offers hands-on workshops that let you learn about the environment.
Gayana Eco Resort in Malaysia is in the middle of a unique preservation effort: to provide a safe haven to the Giant Clams. The Marine Ecology Research Center at the resort houses 7 of the 8 Giant Clams of the world. As an added bonus, a vacation at Gayana Eco Resort is more affordable than in many other destinations. Three night packages with spa treatments and breakfast in a romantic over-water villa start at $800 USD.
The Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii has a grey water system which reuses treated water on the golf courses and around the resort. Stay at the The Fairmont Orchid or at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel which are both located within the Mauna Lani Resort.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort is famous for its environmental preservation effors. The resort employs a full-time marine biologist who will help you plan the best way to explore the marine life in Fiji.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort's sister property Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, offers organic food and a range of innovative treatments at the spa, including the recently introduced Native American healing therapies.
On the East Coast of Maui, the peaceful and luxurious Hotel Hana-Maui serves organic eats in its restaurant and offers nature-inspired treatments at the spa.
