Archive for category: Ecotourism

Feb 23, 2011, San José, Costa Rica – With the average wedding costing more than $24,000, it’s no secret that tying the knot can be an expensive affair. Before putting that dream honeymoon on the chopping block, consider sacrificing the wedding dress for one with a few less rhinestones and head to Costa Rica – your marriage will thank you.

Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality manages five high-end, Earth-friendly resorts, hotels and ecolodges in Costa Rica: Latitude 10 Beach Resort, Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, and Harmony Hotel. And with honeymoon season right around the corner, the award-winning hospitality group has launched honeymoon specials for each of its locations:

• Latitude 10 Resort: After taking the plunge, spend a few days with your new sweetie at the private, tropical Latitude 10 Resort. Enjoy the peace of your open-air window secluded bungalow and the deserted white sand beaches of Playa Santa Teresa. Latitude 10’s honeymoon special runs April 25 through Nov. 20, 2011: stay five nights in the master suite and pay for only four and enjoy a complimentary private, romantic dinner. For more information, visit Latitued 10 Resort, call (506) 2640-0396 or email info@latitude10resort.com.

• Lapa Rios Ecolodge: If you love nature as much as your main squeeze, consider Lapa Rios for that dream honeymoon. An oceanfront bungalow serves as your headquarters, complete with a private wooden deck and an open-air shower. Wander through one of many rainforest trails and listen to the natural music of the local wildlife. Lapa Rios’ honeymoon special runs April 25 through Nov. 20, 2011: book the Honeymoon Package and receive an additional night for free. For more information, visit Lapa Rios Ecolodge, call (506) 2735-5130 or email info@laparios.com.

• Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn: Pamper yourselves by soaking in an organic coffee, clove and citrus bath or sit under the cascading waterfall of Finca Rosa Blanca’s sweet water infinity pool. After a dinner featuring local ingredients, settle into your bed’s soft bamboo linens and airy sheets and dream of a long future with your new love. Finca Rosa Blanca’s honeymoon special runs April 25 through Nov. 20, 2011: stay three nights and pay for only two and receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. For more information, visit www.fincarosablanca.com, call (506) 2269-9392 or email info@fincarosablanca.com.

• Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: Stressed out from all that wedding planning? Chill out at Arenas del Mar, the ideal location for couples needing to decompress and reconnect. Surrounded by rainforest, this spot includes beautiful private suites, two full-service dining areas, spa, access to miles of pristine beaches and private swimming pools. Arenas Del Mar’s honeymoon special runs April 25 through Nov. 20, 2011: stay five nights in the ocean view premium suite and pay for only four and receive a complimentary romantic beach dinner and a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. For more information, visit Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, call (506) 2777-2777 or email info@arenasdelmar.com.

• The Harmony Hotel: A labor of love in itself, Harmony is a magical place designed to help its guests find balance through love and nature. And with nothing but Mother Nature as a distraction, this hotel is a dreamy, secluded setting for an unforgettable experience. Harmony’s honeymoon special runs April 25 though Nov. 20, 2011: stay five nights in a bungalow and pay for only four and receive a complimentary romantic dinner. For more information, visit The Harmony Hotel, call (506) 2682-4114 or email info@harmonynosara.com.

“At the end of the day, it’s not the mile-high cake or elaborate table centerpieces the bride and groom remember most – it’s those first few days spent in the marriage afterglow,” said Hans Pfister, CEO and principle of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality. “When staying at one of our earth-friendly ecolodges and resorts in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, surrounded by private rainforests and beaches, new couples are offered the much-needed peace and tranquility to relax and reconnect after the big day.”

And just as the wedding should be a unique affair, so should the honeymoon. Cayuga’s locations offer a range of outdoor opportunities – when the newlyweds aren’t relaxing on secluded beachfronts, enjoying gourmet eats or lounging in the private open-air bungalows. Some highlights include hiking the wild rainforest waterfalls at Lapa Rios Ecolodge, taking a surfing and stand-up paddling lesson at Harmony Hotel, horseback riding near Arenas Del Mar and touring the organic coffee plantation at Finca Rosa Blanca.

And for the newlyweds who want to go where few have gone before, consider staying at Cayuga’s sixth ecolodge, located in Nicaragua:

• Jicaro Island Ecolodge: A secluded island getaway perfect to spend those first few newlywed days. Start the day with yoga overlooking the lake or relax in your private hammock. Finish the day with a sunset kayak and a candlelight dinner on a floating dock. Jicaro’s honeymoon special runs April 25 through Nov. 20, 2011: stay three nights and pay for only two and pick from either a complimentary romantic dinner on the floating dock or a couples massage. For more information, visit Jicaro Island Ecolodge or email info@jicarolodge.com.

Singapore, October 21, 2010 – Wild Asia announces the winners for the 5th Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 from Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka at ITB Asia.
After months of short-listing the finalists and making site visits to the final six properties and tour operators, Wild Asia’s judging panel has finally selected its 2010 RT Awards winners.
Operators such as Heritance Kandalama (Sri Lanka), Sarinbuana Ecolodge (Indonesia), and Andaman Discoveries (Thailand) have surpassed judges’ expectations by scoring high against the Awards checklist and are this year’s award winners for the following categories of accommodation operators respectively – large; mid-sized to small; and tour operators.
Now in their fifth year, the Awards are part of Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Initiative to promote sustainable practices through tourism. With one billion tourists expected to hit the road by 2010, the tourism industry’s impact on environment and communities throughout the world is immense. This is where the RT Awards come in. The Awards showcase exemplary resorts, hotels and tour operator ventures that are committed to sustainable practices.
“The purpose of the Awards is not to give out ‘gold stars’ to candidates each year. Our intent is to share the best practices of responsible operators to a broader audience and seek out new operators engaging in innovative programmes,” says Dr Reza Azmi, Wild Asia founder and director.
This year’s awards attracted a larger and more diverse number of participants spanning all across the Asian region, from places such as India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, all the way to China, Philippines, and even Irian Jaya in Indonesia.
“We received a selection of high quality checklists and this proves to show that the network and awareness of RT is building up. Travel operators from around the region are truly striving to make a difference for a better and greener future,” says Deborah Chan, Wild Asia’s Programme Manager.
Every year the WA judging panel reviews submitted checklists (based on the UNWTO Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria) from operators throughout Asia. Two finalists for each category are shortlisted based on some of the following criteria:
• Sense of place – whether tourists understand their destinations in terms of the cultural
and ecological context better through the operators’ efforts.
• Sustainability – whether these RT efforts are long-term.
• Involvement of guests – how much does the operators involve their guests in their RT practices?
• Internalisation – how much is sustainability part of the day-to-day operations?
• Reach – how far are these ideas and practices shared across the destination or even the
industry?
• Continual Improvement – how do the operators strive to improve their RT efforts?

Understanding and internalising the essence of responsible tourism, these operators are catalysts for positive change within their sphere of influence, inspiring others to embark on the green journey while at the same time, still affording customers with the memorable holiday experience the travel for in the first place.
Mr. Jeevaka Weerakone, general manager of Heritance Kandalama noted that “it is a great honour to receive the Awards and will continually raise the game in making Heritance Kandalama an example in Sri Lanka and to the world, at the same time a learning center for responsible tourism.”
Norm vant Hoff, owner of Sarinbuana Ecolodge, the winner of the small to mid-sized to small accommodation category expressed that, “winning the Awards has helped us increase our profile thereby bringing in more conscious travelers and increasing revenue streams for the local community.” Wild Asia would like to congratulate winners and finalists for their commendable efforts and commitment in achieving high standards of environmental protection and social responsibility that form the critical pillars of their business philosophy.
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Wild Asia’s 2010 Responsible Tourism Awards Winners:
Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Heritance Kandalama has a unique architectural design which blends the hotel into the natural surroundings and maximizes natural light in order to reduce energy use. The entire hotel is built on a raised platform allowing water to flow under the hotel.
It also allows the free flow of wildlife under the hotel, leaving minimum impact on the eco system.
Situated in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle’s heartland, Heritance Kandalama is flanked by two UNESCO world heritage sites – the 1st Century BC Dambulla Cave Temple and the 5th Century AD Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The hotel is surrounded by rocky outcrops, lush forests, and overlooks the glistening Kandalama Tank. This sanctuary is teeming with biodiversity and wildlife.
For avid bird lovers and take morning walks for bird watching or visit an ancient village, Puranagama to have lunch with the locals and experience authentic village life. For more exquisite taste to your palettes, try traditional Sri Lankan dining in a cave or at an organic farm.
Sarinbuana Ecolodge, Bali, Indonesia.
Nestled in the rainforest of Mount Batukaru, in the northwest region of Bali, Sarinbuana Ecolodge offers a welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourist track, and a refreshing experience that most people do not feel when visiting this island. Sarinbuana Ecolodge, which was started ten years ago, is run by Linda and Norm vant Hoff and their extended Balinese family. The eco lodge demonstrates a clear and committed practice of responsible tourism in every aspect of its operation.

Although a small lodge, with only 4 villas, Sarinbuana Ecolodge has had an enormous positive impact on the local village. Since the arrival to the Sarinbuana village, the vant Hoff family has dedicated themselves to improving local livelihoods, establishing a good relationship with the community, and learning the local language and culture in order to truly integrate with the local community.
At Sarinbuana Ecolodge, one can embrace the cool mountain breezes, lush tropical rainforests, rich Balinese culture, and appreciate life at its purest. The eco lodge operates in a truly holistic manner, exemplifies sustainability environmentally, economically and socially, and provides comfortable and pristine surroundings for true peace of mind.
Andaman Discoveries, Phang Nga, Thailand
Andaman Discoveries (AD) previously known as North Andaman Tsunami Relief (NATR) stemmed from tsunami relief pioneered by Bodhi Garrett to serve communities he had lived with and respected. After the initial rebuilding of homes through community driven tsunami relief, it soon progressed into long-term post tsunami development programs. Participatory workshops and community meetings sparked the idea of potential tourism as a means of economic renewal. Villagers wanted to welcome tourists in a way that will not bring negative and harmful impacts like that of mass tourism.
The idea was to maximize and utilize local knowledge and local people as a means of tourism.
Villagers return empowered to set up home-stays and design a holiday experience for guests.
Now, guests can choose from six villages to stay in – mostly fishermen communities.
Accommodation is simple and clean often with a fan, mattress and mosquito net for a good night rest. Guests are assigned to different host families whom they will spend their time with. Often times, guests leave with great memories of relationships being made. Some even stay to volunteer.
Wild Asia’s 2010 Responsible Tourism Award finalists:
• Large Accommodation Operators
Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa, Malaysia
• Mid-sized to Small Accommodation Operators
Soneva Gili, Maldives
• Tour Operators
Pepy Tours, Cambodia
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For more information:
About Wild Asia, the RT Awards and Responsible Tourism or for high resolution photos of the
winners contact: RT@wildasia.org or visit www.wildasia.org
Also, check out our blog at www.wartanews.blogspot.com
WILD ASIA SDN BHD (CO NO.: 634446-W)
UPPER PENTHOUSE WISMA RKT
NO 2, JALAN RAJA ABDULLAH
50300 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
TEL: +60 3 4251 4518
EMAIL: info@wildasia.org ???? http://www.wildasia.org

Tropical WaterFeatures/Landscaping
Gray water Irrigation
Presented at El Jardin –Yelapa, Mexico
October 21-26, 2010
Price for workshops: $225.00 for 6 days
Lodging for workshop participants: $225.00 includes breakfast and lunch
Please call or email to register :
Yelapa phone 209 5284
US phone 831 535 3059
Email: chrissibrewer@gmail.com Yelapagardenretreat.com

Water Feature/Landscaping
Workshop focuses on design, installation, and maintenance of residential water features. Learn basic water feature design with hands-on instruction. This workshop will include start to finish design and installation of stepped pools and pond. Combined water feature design with landscaping ideas for water plants and areas surrounding a feature. Water used for the fountain will be from a rainwater harvesting system.

Gray Water Landscape Irrigation
Learn the basics of utilizing the water that is so oftened misused, mishandled or allowed to runoff into waterways, further polluting our oceans and streams. We will be exploring ways of turning waste water into a valuable and ecological resource, with hands– on instruction and installation of a laundry and shower graywater irrigation system. Read more

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and The Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education take a leading role in the world with a major shark conservation initiative in the resort and tourism community.

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 14 April 2010 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to take a world wide leading role in the the international Shark Safe Certification program by becoming the first resort to be certified Shark Safe.

Shark Safe certification program

The mission of the Shark Safe certification program is to protect oceanic ecosystems by encouraging practices that do not negatively impact shark populations. By increasing public awareness of the need for shark conservation, we endeavor to change the way people think about sharks, thereby reducing the sale, use, and trade of shark products.

The Shark Safe certification program uses an easily recognizable logo to endorse restaurants and select businesses that distinguish themselves through their manifest dedication to shark conservation. Establishments earning Shark Safe status may proudly display the logo to attract customers. The logo also serves to engage dialogue from patrons, thereby further promoting awareness of shark and ocean conservation.

Matava Director Stuart Gow said “We have worked hard over the past few years to ensure that all the food, not just the fish, within our resturant ‘The Terrace’ here at Matava are sustainable and natural”

“Matava, and our on site fishing charters Bite Me Gamefishing Charters, are the first in Fiji to sign up and be awarded certification. We are now actively promoting, coordinating and distributing information about the Shark Safe certification program around Fiji.” he continued.

Goals of the Shark Safe certification program:

Increase public awareness of the need for shark conservation.
Reduce the sale, use, and trade of shark products. Shark Safe certification is designed to give discerning customers confidence that their choices help protect sharks.
Restaurants and businesses recognized as Shark Safe have met scientific criteria and stringent guidelines, and they are awarded the authorization to display the Shark Safe logo. The logo and its associated recognition and prestige will help attract customers to the business.

Since sharks are universally recognizable and tend to attract attention, customers and passers-by not already familiar with the program will still be drawn to the displayed logo and will be inquisitive. Participating establishments can provide literature about the Shark Safe program, explain the basic premises, and direct people to the sharksafe.org website.

To learn more about Matava, please visit: Matava

Tranquilseas Eco Lodge on the island of Roatan shows it’s support for the WWF by taking part in Earth Hour this Saturday

Earth Hour is organized by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries, it’s one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness of climate change issues. But there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. It’s all about giving people a voice on the future of our planet and working together to create a sustainable low carbon future for our planet.

Tranquilseas Eco lodge is committed to helping the environment, recently highlighted with it’s 4.4/5 rating on Eco-tropical resorts for it’s efforts in eco tourism, and on Saturday 27 March 2010 will be switching off it’s lights to show it’s support once again and help raise awareness of this important initiative.

More about Earth hour:
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. So sign up now and let’s make 2010 the biggest Earth Hour yet!.

Tranquilseas Eco Lodge, Sandy Bay, Roatan, Honduras:website
WWF Earth hour: website