Ecolodge in Dominica

What makes a Sustainable Ecolodge?

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What makes a Sustainable Ecolodge

There are 5 Parts of what makes a Sustainable Ecolodge, as there are 5 parts to our Online Eco Rating. The parts include energy, water, recycling and waste, land and nature conservation, and community. These 5 areas are able to be measured, that adds credibility and verification for a lodge.

In 2015 a branch of the United Nations: The Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development came up with 17 sustainable goals. Their mission statement is: “A blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030”. Because the UN’s goals are all encompassing, it would be impossible to include them all in what makes a sustainable lodge. Therefore, I’ve narrowed it down to the 5 areas in the online eco rating that I think are most important to what makes a sustainable ecolodge. Therefore I will wrote about each of these next.

This sign shows the basics of Sustainability

Energy and it’s Conservation

Energy uses up resources. Conservation of energy involves using renewable energy that doesn’t use up resources. Sustainable energy includes but is not limited to solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass. When an ecolodge uses one of these renewable energies, that helps them rate as sustainable. Most of the eco lodges on our Directory use one or more of these. In fact, many lodges are located where there is no power grid, so must use alternative energy. Preserving energy helps us from polluting the earth

Water

Clean water is a limited resource for our planet. Lodges can conserve water several different ways: Harvested rain water from roofs or stormwater, reclaimed wastewater, and graywater. Parts of the world have an over-abundance of water, whereas other areas have a lack. Therefore, careful use of water is important. Many ecolodges use reclaimed graywater to water their plants. If an ecolodge is in an area of water abundance, then educational items should be made available for guests. We are part of the whole.

Recycling and Waste

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. This catch phrase is important to help us keep this in mind when getting rid of waste. Recycling and disposing of waste responsibly helps us keep from polluting the environment. It is an important part of what makes a sustainable lodge. Recycling is using waste materials and converting them into usable new materials. Where I live in the U.S., in Arizona, we have recycle and waste bins. So that makes it convenient and easy. In 3rd world countries recycling may not be available. During my time in Mexico, recycling was not available. But I noticed that people were very good at re-using things and adapting other things for use. An example of this was my van. The latch had broken on one of my windows and we were far away from a dealership to get spare parts. The person who fixed it used different screws and waste metal to create something that worked. It may not have looked great, but it worked and kept the waste metal out of the trash.

Most of the sustainable lodges on this directory are not close to recycling facilities. As an alternative, lodges can leave information out for guests about re-using items. Some examples of immediate recycling are having guests refill water bottles and putting food waste into a compost bin for the garden. Another is recycling of graywater. Many of our lodges have recycle bins available for use by guests. And some of them have helped local villages to recycle and reduce waste.

Lodges can separate waste into usable materials such as food waste and yard clippings for use in compost.

Land and Nature Conservation

An ecolodge should have little to no impact on the environment, unless it’s positive. That’s a big part of what makes an Ecolodge Sustainable. Some lodges make sure that part of the land remains in its natural state. This natural state insures the local fauna and flora can thrive, as well as letting guests enjoy the natural landscape.

Community

Hiring people in the local community helps lodges benefit the local people. Information and training in sustainable ways also benefits the communities. Some lodges sell local handicrafts to visitors as another means of helping locals gain by the presence of a lodge. By involving nearby communities it helps them understand and participate in preservation of natural and cultural resources. When someone is living at a subsistence level, there’s not much room to think about conservation when taking care of basic needs is so difficult. When lodges or people offer alternatives, then change is possible.

Years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Jem Winston in Dominica. He runs 3 Rivers Dominica and Rosalie Forest Eco Lodge. I saw first hand the dedication and work it takes to create and run an eco-lodge. His 2 lodges are fine examples of what makes a sustainable ecolodge.

In conclusion, maybe the most important part of what makes a sustainable ecolodge is the warm and caring people that own, create and run them. It takes a special kind of person to go to the extremes it takes to make an eco lodge. My hat is off to them.

Blue Bahia Resort-Honduras

5 Reasons to Choose a Boutique Hotel

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Boutique Hotel
5 reasons to choose boutique

When you are planning a trip there are many factors to consider. From initial packing and asking for time off of work, to transportation and budget, it can quickly become overwhelming. One choice that can be both exciting and easy is picking out your accommodation.  When it comes to picking your hotel, consider a boutique hotel for these fun reasons. First, let’s clarify what a boutique hotel is exactly.

What is a boutique hotel?

A boutique hotel is classified as a smaller hotel – typically 10 to 100 rooms – that is furnished, stylish, or located in a unique setting.

5 Reasons to Choose Boutique

5 reasons to choose a boutique hotel

#1 Go Small

Small boutique hotels offer relaxing spaces that compliment the environment it is in. Small hotels may appear low budget but often times this means perks. Such as personalized service, more care to decor, and a feeling of truly experiencing the location you are visiting.

#2 Plenty of Personality

Boutique hotels often go for plenty of style and quality rather than trying to accommodate large numbers. This gives their guests a unique experience like looking out into a jungle or being steps away from a sandy beach.

#3 Exceptional Service

A small hotel means fewer guests, allowing the staff to give those select guests more attention. Not only can you receive more personalized service, but often times those at boutique hotels have first-class training.

#4 High-end Design

Plenty of hotels design their rooms to look the same by going for generic comforters and furniture. Boutique hotels go the opposite direction by decorating their spaces to complement the space around them. With boutique hotels, you can expect a high-end design that embraces unique furniture pieces and fun decor.

#5 Ultimate Luxury

Your experience at a boutique hotel will give you an overwhelming sense of luxury. Aside from these spots also offering incredible design and high-end service, you can expect additional factors that make it even more enjoyable. Your boutique hotel may boast eco-friendly lodging, exceptional activities, and cuisine only enhanced by your surroundings.

No part of a vacation should be stressful, especially the planning process. If you are wondering where you should stay for your next trip consider a boutique hotel. You can almost guarantee an exclusive experience.

If you are planning on visiting the island of Roatan, Honduras in the Caribbean, take a look at Blue Bahia Resort. This small, eco-friendly boutique resort is located on the beach in a sleepy area just outside the vibrant night life strip on the island. Perfect for lazing the days away, diving and enjoying peaceful surroundings while being just moments away from all of the action.

Submitted by Blue Bahia Resort. Their listing on Eco Tropical Resorts: Blue Bahia Resort-Honduras

Other lodging in Honduras

Sustainability in Dominica at the Tamarind Tree Hotel

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Sustainability in Dominica at the Tamarind Tree Hotel

The Tamarind Tree Hotel & Restaurant from inception has taken our role as a sustainable tourism partner very seriously. Sustainability in Dominica at the Tamarind Tree Hotel has implemented various measures to ensure our environmental impact is minimal to non-existent.

Sustainability in Dominica at the Tamarind Tree Hotel

We recently installed a Solar System which generates ninety (90%) of the energy needed by the hotel to operate on a daily basis. Thus ensuring our energy consumption with the Electricity Company is minimal. All our guests are encouraged to conserve energy and water. The hotel uses signs strategically placed to remind them to switch off lights that are not in use. As well as ensuring that all faucets are closed properly. Included is our towel use policy whereby the towels are only changed if they are placed on the floor. The Tamarind Tree Hotel also makes sure that all organic waste  from the Restaurant is put to compost. The fertilizer created is used in our organic garden.

Outside of the Hotel we continue to do our part. The Hotel has adopted Segment 11 (Syndicate to Bourne) of the Waitukubuli National Trail. This is in collaboration with the Forestry Division as well as the Waitukubuli National Trail Management Unit. The purpose is to clear, restore and rehabilitate part of the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean.

Sustainability in Dominica at the Tamarind Tree Hotel

Submitted by The Tamarind Tree Hotel and Restaurant in Dominica

See the Hotel on Eco Tropical Resorts

Costa Rica Retreats at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

Retreats in Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

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Upcoming Retreats in Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

January 23 – 30, 2016 – 7 nights – Yoga Adventure – Led by Basia Going
Enjoy yoga in the morning on our newly constructed yoga deck under the palm trees overlooking the ocean. Another session for breathing and meditation is held in the evening. Spend the rest of the time surfing, hiking, riding horses, or just chilling in the hammock doing absolutely nothing.

Retreats in Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

January 31 – 8, 2016 – 8 nights – Advanced Therapeutic Thai Massage – Led by Christopher Ray and Kate Lewandowski
This is an intensive workshop for bodyworkers that includes training in That massage in the incredible environment of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. The Thai massage training is 45 hours. This leaves lots of time for other natural pleasures including yoga.

February 8 – 14, 2016 – 6 nights – Wild Yoga Journey – Led by Rebecca Wildbear
This is a daily yoga journey that is playful, gentle and invigorating. It is a daily morning asana practice. Open to all levels of physical ability.

February 13 – 20, 2016 – 8 nights – Goddess Within – Led by Sara Hilgendorf and Stacie Finucan
This is a woman only yoga and massage therapy retreat. Enjoy something special and spiritual as you journey towards better self awareness.

April 9 – 16, 2016 – 7 nights – Two Feet One Word Yoga – Led by Tami Ellis
Begin the day with meditation and Vinyasa Flow Yoga and every evening with Yin Yoga.

April 16 – 23, 2016 – 7 nights – Yoga Retreat – Led by Ame Wren
We will begin each morning with a rockin’, sweat-inducing and muscle-loosening Vinyasa yoga class. The evening practice will serve to cool you down (think yin, restorative, meditation) and prepare you for the best sleep you’ll ever have.

All retreats include food and lodging and the amenities offered by Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge. For more information on any of the retreats please go here: Retreats in Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge. Information about each of the teachers is also available through that link.

Retreats in Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Ecolodge

Yoga and Macaw Bank Lodge in Belize

Yoga and Macaw Bank Lodge in Belize

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Macaw Bank Lodge in Belize now offers an 18 by 18 foot yoga platform Macaw Bank Lodgeder the large ancient tropical trees found in the jungle of Belize. Our beautiful sunrise will be over the mountains for a truly relaxing session, silent except for the exciting sounds of the tropical birds waking up.

We offer yoga classes either done by our trained leaders here in San Ignacio or by your own group leaders. We are able to accommodate the beginner or advanced classes. We will be offering individualized group packages to suit your needs. Your groups can arrange meetings on site with our local naturalists or traditional Mayan shaman. We also have acupuncture and therapeutic massage treatments available. Riverside bathing is available in the most natural setting alongside native flora with the sounds of parrots nearby. You can relax in a float tube or, just cool off in the river.

The lodge has 6 cabanas in the jungle setting of the mountains of Belize. Each cabana can sleep 2 to 4 guests. There is a restaurant on site with all meals made using the most natural ingredients found in our organic farming region. We are prepared to do vegetarian or vegan meals or any special diet restrictions. Macaw Bank is known for its eco feeling and off the grid lodge. We have put years of work into the tranquil gardens and sitting areas.

We can pick you and your party up at the international airport or bus station in San Ignacio. If you want more ease of movement here, we suggest that you rent a 4 wheel drive vehicle at the Airport. We have tours set up to see Maya Sites, caves, tubing down the river, or just relaxing in our 50 acre paradise. We have walking trails where you can enjoy beautiful birds and wildlife found only in the jungle of Belize.

Yoga and Macaw Bank Lodge in Belize, we look forward to making your yoga holiday the most relaxing it can be.

Namaste. To see their listing on Eco Tropical Resorts, please go here: Yoga and Macaw Bank Lodge in Belize. Or go directly to their website: Macaw Bank Lodge.

Sri Lanka Eco friendly resorts

Five Eco Resorts in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is indeed a wonder of Asia. With its diverse flora and fauna, it makes a great touring destination. It’s no wonder that Lanka is one of the hottest travel destinations of the season. From exotic beaches to thick green forests, Lanka has it all. So without further ado, here are the top five eco resorts that will make your trip a memorable experience –

  1. Back of the Beyond Kahandamodera –

Located near the picturesque beaches of Tengalle, this resort combines leisure with pleasure. It’s a perfect spot to lay back, enjoy the silky smooth sand, and the tranquil peach as the ocean waves ripple to and fro. The villas offer you privacy as well as comfort. Each villa is split into two eco-friendly units, a three bedroom bungalow and a one bedroom cottage. Both come equipped with a ceiling fan, mosquito nets and neat bathrooms with hot and cold water facility. The bungalow boasts a separate dining area and an outdoor sleeping area. It offers stunning views of countryside as well as the sea, and is capable of housing roughly ten adults and three kids. It has to be booked as an entire house. The cottage can house three adults and is built apart from the bungalow and hence can be booked separately. The resort has a resident chef and staff to aid the tourists. The place gives an earthy feel, and has a friendly outdoor feel to it that makes it homely.

  1. Boulder Garden, Sinharaja –

It’s the Holy Grail for nature lovers. As the name suggests, the hotel is quite literally carved in jagged stones, and rooms are essentially caves in the rocks. Fret not; the USP of Boulder Garden is it’s unique combo of nature and technology. The rooms are modeled to resemble cave like structures, but they provide all the essential services. Natural light is used efficiently; the open rooms allow maximum sunlight in the rooms. It’s famous for its rustic, natural environment, and even has a rock-set swimming pool. It serves as a base camp for those interested in exploring the neighbouring rain forests.

  1. Kalundeva Retreat, Dambulla –

A perfect place to explore the cultural triangle, Kalundeva Retreat is situated among lovely green mountains and misty lakes. It’s a two chalets and a three-bedroom bungalow retreat. Each room is air conditioned and has a plasma TV of its own, although those lovely paddy fields and mesmerizing sunsets outside are far more inviting. It has a panoramic view of paddy fields and lakes, and serves as a perfect base to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

  1. Kulu Safaries, Yala –

They offer you the luxury to actually live in a national park, something that’s very rare and rewarding experience. Wake up to the melodious chirping of exotic birds, enjoy the sunrise, and feast on the local cuisine – it’s a complete package. Yala National Park houses a wide range of animals and birds, so if you are patient enough, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful sighting of the Sri Lankan Big Four – the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, elephant, bear and wild buffalo.

  1. Madulkelle tea and Eco lodge, Kandy –

Housed in lush green Knuckles Mountains, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge offers you a humble yet cozy abode. Secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city, the lodge has quality canvas tents. Each tent comes with a double bed, attached bathroom and wooden furniture, panning out into an outside terrace that overlooks the famous tea plantations. The separate dining building has a library, dining hall, and several indoor leisure activities. Adorned in traditional English furniture, it has an open fire place which perfectly complements the homely ambiance. Close to the Sri Lanka’s culture capital Kandy, it is a great place to stay and explore the northern country.

To see some of our Sri Lanka Eco Resorts, please click here:Eco Resorts in Sri Lanka

Apply and acquire your Sri Lankan Visa and be assured to enjoy your stay at one or more of the beautiful Sri Lankan Eco resorts.

Bryn Elltyd Eco Guesthouse

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Zero carbon, 1883 guesthouse business lines up for UK wide eco award

 

Eco Guesthouse in the U.K.

House is at bottom of this ramp that was used to lower slate wagons on to ffestiniog steam railway. Railway is so old it is pre steam engines. 1830,s it all rolled with gravity2ok long

**2014 Winner of Considerate Hotelier Green Team**

Bryn Elltyd eco guesthouse, 700ft up in Snowdonia has made it to the last 3 in the prestigious Considerate Hotelier awards. This national UK competition examines the sustainability and green ethos of, usually much larger hotels. Ceilia and John’s tiny 3 star, 6 bedroom, guesthouse are on a shortlist of 3. Pitted against the likes of the Best Western Hotel chain’ hotel in Suffolk.  It does not worry them, last year they competed in the awards against large 20 bed, 5 star hotels. They won and sat next to the Savoy green team to discuss carbon reduction.Lake in background is one of 2 hydro plants within 200m. This one has LAKE pumped up 3k and 400m up hill most nights. When they want power, open tap and full power in 6 seconds. store wind power electric etc

Steam train at back

Very old steam train

Green does not mean compromise as Bryn Elltyd shows. Wi fi, sauna, 3 electric car charge points etc. It is all carbon neutral, all energy comes from renewable. Having had solar panels since 1983 John and Ceilia like to think they tread lightly on the land for their grandchildren. Many organizations discuss climate change and carbon reduction, but this business has acted and runs only on renewable energy.

Heating uses a local wood bye product that is turned to gas and burnt at 900c. Amazingly for a house up a Welsh mountain it has computer inter-grated solar panels that work to make hot water. Other solar arrays make 240v electric. All the work has been done by John or by employing local engineers.

Spot the solar thermal and solar electric arrays. turf roofed lined with sheeps wool and cosy.

Spot the solar thermal and solar electric arrays. turf roofed lined with sheeps wool and cosy.

Rain can be a welcome resource here. It is harvested to flush loos(toilets) and water the garden and there are also two commercial hydro plants within 200m. Sewerage goes through 3 natural biological chambers then a small reed bed and into a duck pond, with ducks. John says ” Don’t panic the system is smell free and the loo flushing is normal.  Bryn Elltyd was built in 1883, had an out side tap in 1983 and has now evolved into carbon neutral. It has been a long adventure using my 25 years experience of teaching technology and engineering. High tech solar integration works, as does low tech conservatories, soaking up the heat into 39inch thick walls and vents to put this warm air into the house.  Together with my wife Ceilia we did what most parents dream about. The children went off to uni so we put the house on the market, sold up and moved to this stunning area where we used to holiday. Take care in the Hobbit room, lined with cozy sheep’s wool, turf roofed and dug into the mountain. It has had two marriage proposals in it so far……..’’

The Considerate Hotelier Awards are in London on 13th June.  It was won last year by the Savoy hotel and our little green zero carbon guesthouse with 6 bedrooms is against  a 34 and a 396 bedroom hotels that are part of national chains. No worries.

To see their listing go here: Bryn Elltyd Eco Guesthouse in the UK

Maya Luna Eco Lodge

Maya Luna Eco Lodge in Mexico

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Maya Luna Eco Lodge is located 4km south of the small fishermans town of Mahahual at the Costa Maya, the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

All 4 beach front bungalows with oceanview have a private bathroom, king-size bed, ceiling fan, hammocks and upstairs a private roof-deck. Extra beds for each studio are available. One bungalow is completely accessible for people in wheelchairs; Electricity is generated via solar panels. All rooms have 24 hours of electricity. To save energy, we use energy efficient lamps and fans in the main building and the rooms. For its water supply hotel Maya Luna uses rain water falling on the roof to be collected in large basements under the terrace. A basement for waste water was constructed and consists of different compounds with filters installed. After filtering the water can be used for irrigation.

The restaurant-bar at the waterfront offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our menu offers a selection of European & Mexican dishes with an Indonesian flavor. One of our specials is a stuffed pineapple with shrimps, cashew nuts, rice, chile poblano & omelette, topped with coriander. From local fisherman we buy their “catch of the day”. All inclusive packages on request.

Tranquil Seas Resort

TranquilSeas Eco Lodge

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TranquilSeas has intimate boutique cabanas nestled amongst lush foliage. From your cabana you are just footsteps to the beach, snorkeling, private pool, bar a restaraunt. As you would expect from a tropical island, the lush green exotic jungle that laces Roatan provides a canopy for many indigenous birds and creatures that are the backbone for the golden palm-fringed beaches.

Tranquilseas Eco Lodge, Diving Center, Restaurant & Bar, Roatan, Honduras – Unique island accommodation & Padi Dive Resort set amongst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, secluded from the hustle and bustle and yet easily accessible to some of the great adventures to be had on Roatan.

Whether you are looking for a Honduras or Roatan hotel or Eco Lodge, complete Padi diving resort for your Roatan diving experience, or are just passing through and want to spend a few nights vacation on the hidden gem of Roatan, Honduras; Tranquilseas Eco Lodge is where you will be able to do as much or as little as you like. Situated on the North side of Roatan, You will find our established Cabanas nestled in amongst exotic flora and fauna providing unique lodge accommodation in Roatan.

Visit our listing page with more information >>