eco tourism

Libya Plans Massive Eco-Friendly Tourism Area

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Green

In Libya, among the archaeological treasures of Cyrene in the Green Mountain region, Saif al-Islam Khadafi gathered a select group of dignitaries and journalists for the signing of a unique declaration for sustainable development in the region. The Cyrene Declaration marks the beginning of a regional conversation and development project designed to both the artifacts of prehistoric, Greek, Roman and Islamic antiquity in the region and help the sustainable development in the region. The plan is to make the Green Mountain area a carbon neutral green development zone that will cater primarily to tourism. The energy will come from wind and solar power, waste will be recycled and trash will be converted to biofuel. The buildings for hotels, resorts and villas will be designed to blend in to the landscape and the fragile Greek and Roman ruins will be protected.

The British architectural firm of Foster and Associates has been contracted to work on the project. We've been hearing a lot from this design firm, they designed the plans for Spaceport America, the diamond tower is Siberia and the carbon neutral city of Masdar in Abu Dhabi. The announcement of the project is meant to show that Libya is ready to join the drive for tourism, a move that we have seen other oil-producing countries such as Dubai make. Libyan coast, which has a virtually untouched ecosystem offers a unique opportunity for responsible development.

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Tags: cyrene, eco friendly, eco tourism, expire-images:2008-9-11, khadafi, libya

Casa del Caballo Blanco

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Charity

Another opportunity for voluntourism but on a less luxurious scale that the Flor de Cabrera is the more eco-centered Casa del Caballo Blanco in Belize. This resort consists of six cabanas that on a 23-acre former ranch that is now home to the not-for-profit Casa Avian Support Alliance, which seeks to support and study the biodiversity of Belize as it relates to the bird population. The resort includes a hacienda-style main house and then the six thatch-roof cabanas which have en-suite bathrooms and refrigerators. Meals, which focus on fresh produce, Mayan and tropical flavors, are served in a thatch-roofed dining room. The guests are invited to participate in the avian program including helping with maintenance and feeding but there are also other activities available such as horseback riding and visiting nearby archaeological and World Heritage sights. A percentage of the cabana rental goes back to the Casa Avian facility. The prices are reasonable starting at $95 with additional fees for food.

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Tags: bleize, casa del caballo blanco, CasaDelCaballoBlanco, eco tourism, travel, vacation, voluntourism

Ulaa, When You Really Need To Get Far Away From it All

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If you are looking for a remote eco-hotel adventure, a new resort Ulaa, just might be your place. It is located in the X region of Chile, an area famed for its rivers, mountains and scenic natural beauty especially this time of year when spring is giving way to summer in the Southern hemisphere. There are no real roads around the property and the main for of transportation is buy horse. There are no in-room televisions or telephones (although there is wireless internet in the main lodge). The resort has seven cabins which are rustic but also comfortable. There is also a spa that offers a variety of massages and sweat lodge treatments. Other activities include horseback riding, canoeing, farming in the organic gardens and cooking lessons. Cabins range from $125 to $240 per night during high season. If you need to be surrounded by marble and infinity pools this isn't your place but if you would just like to go where no one can reach you, watch the stars at night, eat simple and wholesome food and reconnect with nature and yourself this could be your new escape.

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Tags: chile, eco tourism, eco travel, resort, tourism, vacation

Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

A former Sandinista training ground in Nicaragua is now a luxury eco-resort. A review in the Miami Herald brought my attention to the Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge which is an enclave of 15 bungalows each with a king size bed, sofa bed and a private deck with a day bed. The eco-friendly resort is run by solar power and has handmade furniture. It's not quite roughing it but there is no air conditioning. The resort has a pool overlooking the bay and offers hikes through the dry tropical forest. Their honeymoon package, which includes five nights of lodging and all meals, costs $2,700 during the high season.

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Tags: eco tourism, ecolodge, morgan's rock hacienda, Morgan'sRockHacienda, nicaragua, resort, solar power, tropical