EarthCheck awarded by WWF …

EC3 Global, from Australia, just won the WWF Sustainable Small Business award, for their work in encouraging the tourism industry to take action to get greener.


EarthCheck’s certification and benchmarking gives the hospitality industry a science-based approach to increase efficiencies, maximise guest experience and minimise their environmental footprint.


More details about EC3’s award at http://www.earthcheck.org/news/ec3-global-wins-wwf-award.aspx



How to Indulge Yourself with a Luxury Holiday to St Lucia

St Lucia’s mountains make its skyline
instantly recognisable. When you think about the island, you probably visualise
the twin peaks of the Pitons. Partly thanks to this iconic image, St Lucia has
a lively tourist industry, and that’s a good thing. The tourist economy
supports a wide range of excellent hotels and places to visit. And, because St
Lucia is quite a small island, nothing is ever far away.
Most visitors come to the Caribbean for its
sunshine and beaches. In St Lucia, you’ll find them everywhere. At one of the
island’s top hotels, you’ll be able to relax in the perfect tropical paradise.
For its laid-back atmosphere, colourful birdlife, and lush gardens, stay at The
East Winds Inn. For French Caribbean charm, wonderful scenery, and luxurious
spa facilities, try Jalousie Plantation. Another superb hotel to consider is
Cap Maison. Here, you’ll find stunning views, along with the quality you’d
expect at a five-star hotel.
Jade Mountain Hotel is a very special
discovery. If you demand modern luxury, but want to escape from the nuisance of
televisions and phones, it could be your dream. Jade Mountain was made for
couples who just want to be left alone. Here, you can enjoy your stay in near-complete
isolation, just order breakfast, dinner or a spa treatment when you want it.
Alternatively, you might want to get out
and see the country.
Visit the famous Pitons, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. These two majestic mountains are formed by volcanic plugs. If
you’re feeling energetic, go for a climb. Alternatively, just relax and soak up
the scenery.
At the nearby town of Soufrière, St Lucia’s
volcanic past is still evident. You’ll find hot springs and fumaroles, and it
boasts the world’s only drive-through volcano. The St Lucia Botanical Gardens,
or Diamond Botanical Gardens, are also in Soufrière, so they’re certainly worth
a visit. Here, the volcanic minerals help sustain a rich and exotic flora, and
a waterfall of dazzling colours.
Depending on the timing of your trip, you
might be lucky enough to catch the St Lucia Carnival, or maybe the Jazz
Festival. If not, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the island’s vibrant culture
by visiting its capital. With a population of just over ten thousand, Castries
isn’t a metropolis, but it is buzzing. You’ll love its unique atmosphere, and
treasure its memory alongside the many you’ll take home from St Lucia.
To find out more about booking a luxury
holiday to St. Lucia, speak to The Ultimate Travel Company who can create
tailor-made, luxury holidays.  Visit the
Ultimate Travel company website for more details.

Responsible Travel : Getaway is a beach

How do we describe a perfect holiday?
Nowadays, the first thing that pops into one’s mind when asked with this
question is a beach getaway. With the sugary-white sand piling up on your feet,
then being enticed for a swim in the crystal clear water, the beach escape is a
traveller’s paradise here on earth. 
Recently, we have seen a surge in tourist arrivals flocking to beach
areas to have their fair share of sun, sea and surf while being with friends or
family. But with this growing number of tourists flooding our beaches, it has
turned pristine coastline into a mishmash of trash.
Good thing, a lot of the accommodation
establishments springing up on beach areas around the world are now moving
forward to more sustainable operations for guests. One good example to this is Curtain Bluff Resort where it
has mixed a wide-array of watersports in the Antiguan tropics with green
initiatives such as water conservation, capitalizing on modern equipment such
as chlorinators and reactors for water filtration and reuse.
On the other side of the world, in
Australia, we have Shboo Shelly BeachLodge, with its log cabin façade but perched near the sea, where the
energy used for its daily operations are harnessed from natural sources such as
sunlight and wind energy. Because of this, it has consistently barred emissions
from its facilities ever since leveraging on natural energy supply. 
Not only do these resort establishments
provide a greener environment for its guests, it has also given the local
community a sustainable way of living. For example, the Elsewhere Beach House The Bakery in Northern Goa has
provided locals with day-to-day jobs in the areas of food and beverage,
maintenance and events operations. This has triggered employment and economic
benefits in the area surrounding the resort.
Whether we are basking in the sun at
Antigua, or wading in the seashores of India, these beach facilities have not
only given guests their much needed getaway, but it has also provided the
environment a longer time to sustainably share its beauty to other travellers
for years to come.

La France Verte

Alongside with Germany, France appears today as one of the country in the world offering the largest number of hotels, inns, and more peculiar destinations that have made the choice to propose a responsible stay for their guests.

As an old European country, with very old buildings hard to improve, regarding their energy efficiency, it seemed hard for historical hotels to implement sound and effective policy towards green travel. But the Hôtel Le Morgane, for example in Chamonix, went through a major refurbishment program over the last six months, offering a hotel in Chamonix both upscale and responsible. Aware that it would not be possible to go as far as do the currently constructed buildings since the hotel started from an existent building, the project followed a voluntary and rigorous methodology.
Luxurious hotels have managed to respect this environmental necessity as well: The Hi Hotel in Nice,  has managed to combine luxury, design, and ecology. Its cantina offers exclusively local and organic food, solar panel was implemented to produce the required energy, and the hotel proposes bike to its clients.

But France offers far more than traditional hotels, and travelers will have the opportunity to discover natural sites and discover the most beautiful landscapes of the country: Natural Surf Lodge, in Seignosse, close to the French Landes, is an ancient farm which have been completely refurnished according to green criteria, that serves as stay to host surfing students.
The Manigod guesthouse in Comburce, is an authentic Savoyard farmhouse renovated in a entirely ecological way.

And if you are longing for a truly unique journey, you might consider the Auberge des VoyaJoueurs in Monteneuf offers games room and large wooden games, and has integrated sustainability as one of its founding principles. Or try the Perrine’ Earthship, the only earth ship rental of its kind outside America and the first official domestic earth ship in Europe.

Canada’s Gone Wild, sustainably wild

What does one think when going to Canada? The beautiful
scenery, the rich landscape, the awesome people? The vastness of this magnificent
country boasts of the mix of warm sunny locations and cold frigid mountain
peaks, vivid streets and pale white snow, exhilaration on the slopes and calm
on its expansive fields – Canada is truly a worthwhile visit for the intrepid
traveller, the adventurer, the family or even for the romantics. But with its colourful
facets, Canada has also been home to one of the greenest and eco-forward
accommodations in the world. For over three decades now, Canadian eco-standards
have shot up to provide guests and visitors with a discerning take on how “eco-active”
these hotels, resorts and lodges are in maintaining the perfect equilibrium of
comfort and sustainability to its guests.
If one is high up in the ridges and peaks of the Canadian
Rockies, a visit to the Sunwolf Outdoor Center to get the action going with a
variety of activities suited for the well-travelled back-packer. Horseback
through the dense wilderness of the coniferous forests and even savour the
excitement of rock climbing after a day’s trekking. Afterwards, treat yourself
to a relaxing retreat at the in-facility garden.
When with family, a good getaway with much seclusion and
privacy would be Eastview Wilderness Ranch. Functioning as both a cattle ranch
for organic beef as well as an accommodation for six to eight guests, the ranch
gives a glimpse of pastoral life in the Canadian rural areas. Kids are treated with
a variety of farm animals and the adults can lounge about and even do their own
piece of gardening and relish the comforts inside a well-furnished cabin.
Canada also has a booming economic landscape, so business
travelling is not an exemption in these parts. One can stay at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Situated in one of the most vibrant and bustling metropolises
in Canada, the Fairmont Royal York caters to business travellers being that it’s
right smack in the center of the business district. Giving guests the comfort and
luxury of the Fairmont brand as well as the convenience of proximity to the
different shopping areas, restaurants and offices, a stay here is a delight for
seamless business travellers.
Whether staying in with adventure travellers, the family or
with colleagues from work, Canada has much to offer. It’s green and eco-active
hotels have been providing quality stays for their visitors. That’s why Canada
has always been on top of everyone’s list of places to go to unwind and care
for the environment.

Greening Australia

When
one thinks of rugged terrains, crystal clear blue waters, dry deserts and lush
green reserves, Australia pops into mind – having been the home of a variety of
flora and fauna as well as vistas that breathtakingly capture the beauty of Mother
Nature. The beauty of the Australian Outback has been the backdrop of so many
Hollywood movies and television shows that it is really a must-visit location
for your next family holiday, adventure travel or honeymoon! With the varying
landscape comes a host of different accommodations that one can pick out from
the dozens of different eco-friendly hotels and resorts dotting the “Land Down
Under”.

If
you are looking for a mix of powdery white sand beaches and amazing wildlife
and plant species, then Cape Cassini Wilderness Retreat in Stokes Bay
would be a perfect hideaway complete with snorkelling and bird watching
activities. Business travelling can also be a breeze in Australia, mixing both
relaxation and work, most especially in Perth! The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle offers guests two outdoor swimming pools, a gymnasium and handful
of spas while just being 20 minutes away from the central business district of
Perth.  Itching to do your own safari at
the sight of red sandy dunes? Then Gunya Titjikala, 120 km south of
Alice Springs, would provide you with top-of-the-line desert safari tents,
majestic views and great aboriginal tours.

Australia’s
mix of the sublime and the rugged makes for a beautiful and awe-inspiring trip
that would surely be memorable for travellers visiting this island-nation. Its
captivating horizon of beautiful sights and sounds is bursting at the seams
with what most people would call “paradise on earth”. And staying in these
places does not only give visitors comfort and luxury, but also a bigger role
in preserving the beauty of the Australian landscape.

Novotel goes Green

Green Tourism is too often analyzed and understood as regional development, specific to regions or cities. We sometimes forget, even ourself, focusing each week on specific areas, that ecological travel may sometimes find its root in the transnational policies of international hotel chains.

As a matter of fact, Novotel’s strategy has anticipated its clients’ expectations of environmental matters and corporate social responsibility.

In 2008, within the scope of Accor’s Earth Guest programme of sustainable development, Novotel committed to an international programme of environmental and social certification : EarthCheck. This certification was selected for its independence and focus on the challenges of global tourism.

This week, take the time to discover our list of new Novotel’s rated hotels according to their green commitment.

Novotel Nottingham East Midlands
Novotel Reading Centre
Novotel Sheffield Centre
Novotel Wolverhampton
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Novotel Bangna Bangkok
Novotel Phuket Resort
Novotel Daegu City Centre
Novotel Lima
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Novotel Breda
Novotel Mexico Santa Fe
Novotel Caserta Sud
Novotel Milano Malpensa Airport
Novotel Milano Nord Ca Granda
Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana
Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel Camp; Residences
Novotel Bandung
Novotel Bogor Golf Resort and Convention Center
Novotel Lombok
Novotel Semarang
Novotel Hyderabad Airport
Novotel Budapest Danube
Novotel Nadi
Novotel Suva Lami Bay
Novotel Cairo 6th Of October
Novotel Cairo Airport
Novotel Cairo El Borg
Novotel Beijing Peace
Novotel Beijing Sanyuan
Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields
Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast

A green Aspen Meadows Resort

The green-conscious
United States just keeps churning out more green hotels, and in today’s
post, another such green hotel is the Aspen Meadows Resort.

In the winter, the splendid and picturesque mountain town of Aspen is brimming
with activities, portraying skiing, top shopping, dining and a variety of
cultural activities for everyone. And there is no better place to stay other
than Aspen Meadows Resort. Dolce Aspen Meadows Resort provides excellent
services and comfort, and the meals served at Aspen Meadows Resort are of
superb standards. Excellent service aside, Aspen Meadows Resort has also many green
initiatives to be proud of and which earn Aspen Meadows Resort a LEED Gold
certification. Aspen Meadows Resort has a geothermal heating system and energy-saving
light bulbs to reduce energy usage. Dolce Aspen Meadows Resort Aspen strives to
purchase items which are recyclable in nature or recycled items. Energy and
water is monitored constantly to ensure that all usage is within reasonable
amounts, with steps taken when levels are above limits set by Dolce Aspen
Meadows Resort Aspen.

Aspen Meadows Resort aside, there are many green hotels which have been rated recently too. These hotels may not be in the United States, so why not have a look if you are looking to travel to other countries, and want to do so in a green conscious manner. View on below at the list of other hotels rated recently!

The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

There are so many beautiful places to choose from if you are going to visit Ireland, and one of the most popular is the Ring of Kerry in the south west. If you are going to explore it, then most people start at the town of Killarney, a hive of activity in the summer and just as beautiful and inviting in the winter. Here alone there are many great places of interest, including Ross Castle and the gardens of Muckross House. If you are driving, then it is recommended that you travel anti-clockwise from here so that problems on the narrower stretches of the road can be avoided. 
As you travel around the Ring of Kerry, you will see many beautiful sights. On the way from Killarney to Kilorglin, you will see Carrauntuohill which is the highest mountain in Ireland. Don’t forget your camera as you can take pictures of this wonderful sight and display them proudly at home. You can gaze at them fondly while playing Party Poker or show them off to friends and family who come to visit. Continuing on your way, there are many small detours that you can take if you want to. This includes Valentina Island which you can access via a causeway. Here you will find many different types of sub-tropical plants, made possible by the Gulf Stream. 
There are many interesting houses you can visit on the Ring of Kerry, as well as plenty of small, picturesque towns. The favourite place for many people is Ladies’ View, which you will find towards the end of your journey on the road from Kenmare and Killarney. This is a beautiful place that was named after the ladies-in-waiting of Queen Victoria, as they visited it on 1861 during the royal visit to Muckross House, Killarney. 

5 Hidden treasures of green hotels in United States

It’s a brand new year, and since my last post, many United States hotels with greenpractises have been unearthed since. These hidden green gems are greener than most hotels, and therefore deserves to be mentioned in our greeenty blog.

An emerald gem, aptly hidden in the Treasure Mountains, search and you shall find, the jewel in the crown, the Treasure Mountain Inn. Treasure Mountain Inn runs entirely on wind power, a strong statement in Treasure Mountain Inn’s intention to go green and rely on renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels. Treasure Mountain Inn sees any item as brimming with potential to be recycled, and recycles so often that it was nominated “Recycler of the year” in Utah for 2 years running previously.

 Picture courtesy of Felix Hotel website.

Up next, meet Felix the, wait for it, Hotel. The Felix Hotel does not simply puss around with green initiatives. Instead, great deal of considerations goes into all operations of the hotel, with emphasis stressed on minimal negative impact on the environment. The Felix Hotel was delicately designed to be eco-friendly, and built in such a way that it is able to draw on the surrounding for its heat during the winters. Someone best let the cat out of the bag, and spread around word that Felix Hotel is a serious contender in for the title of the “greenest hotel”.

By the sea, lays another hidden gem, the Viking’s Greenstone Inn.As it name suggests, Greenstone Inn has a harden resolve to be a thriving green business, and it has done relatively well so far. The building itself was constructed with recycled materials and construction-waste forming a bulk of construction materials. A solar grid helps to partially power the Greenstone Inn, while also utilising advance technology to reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy.

Picture courtesy of Bentwood Inn website.


Nestled within Jackson Hole, and having a soft spot for lodgings in natural habitats, I had to include Bentwood Inn for a mention in this post. Bentwood Inn fully runs on 100% renewable energy, while at the same time still implements energy saving practises. Compact Fluorescent lightings are but one example, with timers to switch off heaters at regular intervals amongst other energy saving measures. Bentwood Inn happens to be an enthusiastic advocate of green establishments as well, and works actively together with these associations to help bring about a greener environment.

Picture courtesy of h2hotel website.


As always, the last hotel is the best there is,  I reckon. When it comes to being green, h2hotel certainly can claim to be one of the leading green hotels there are. The construction of h2hotel took place with great care given to the environment, with recycled materials being the most utilised construction material. h2hotel also purchased items only from its nearby local start ups, and does so with the intent of reducing carbon emission from transportation of goods. Solar panels can be found at the top of h2hotel, and is used to heat the pool and water system. h2hotel measures are already impressive, but the hotel’s management believes that more can be done, and I for one am excited to see further innovative implementations of h2hotel!


So that’s my top 5 hotels in the United States unearthed recently! Below are more hotels, which are doing their part to be green as well! Have a look!


The Eliot Hotel