2. Palm Island Resort, Grenadines
How it's green: This all-inclusive resort is green-certified, and everything here is designed to pamper both guests and the environment. Its island-style bungalows, for example, have bamboo furnishings but don't have telephones or televisions.
How it's gorgeous: This serene, 135-acre private island has two restaurants and myriad outdoor adventures . . . and guests can indulge without reaching for their wallets--all meals and activities are covered by the all-inclusive price. |
Hideaways.com's
Sexy & Sustainable 7
1. Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize
2. Palm Island, Grenadines
3. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia
4. The Talbott, Chicago, Illinois
5. Hotel Hana Maui, Maui, Hawaii
6. Bamurru Plains, Australia
7. The Sarojin, Thailand
• Honorable Mention: Lindblad Expeditions, Small-Ship Cruising
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3. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Tofino, British Columbia
How it's green: Located in an intact temperate rainforest, this remote yet refined resort recycles, composts, and gardens organically, and its Environmental Legacy Program is a multi-million, five-year commitment to research, conservation, and eco-enhancements.
How it's gorgeous: Comprised of a small collection of large canvas tents--guest tents, dining tents, even spa tents--this "eco-safari destination" is utterly unique and truly mesmerizing, especially at night, when each luxe tent glows like an inviting beacon.
4. The Talbott Hotel, Chicago, Illinois
How it's green: The hotel's "Sustainability without Compromise" approach includes extensive eco-measures (utilizing everything from biodegradable supplies to water-conservative fixtures), as well as offering an "eco-mode" for guest rooms and investing in wind energy to offset 100 percent of the hotel's carbon footprint.
How it's gorgeous: Sure, everything Chicago has to offer is just steps away, but guests can easily forget all the hustle and bustle and succumb, instead, to the English manor home sophistication, there-when-you-want-it service, and pleasantly spacious rooms and suites.
5. Hotel Hana Maui, Maui, Hawaii
How it's green: The hotel's "eco-promise" includes creative elements like donating its shredded office paper to local flower growers for packaging material, converting its restaurant cooking oil into bio-diesel, and turning its used glass bottles into road resurfacing material; also, about 90 percent of the food served in the hotel's restaurant is locally grown.
How it's gorgeous: Here, guests return to "Old Hawaii," with native-inspired guest rooms that have indigenous materials and patterns, but don't have televisions or radios.
6. Bamurru Plains, Australia's Northern Territory
How it's green: This luxury bush camp--on 76,000 acres!--is extremely earth-friendly, from their ban on plastic water bottles (they filter their own water instead) to their use of eco-certified cleaning materials and their investment in solar power.
How it's gorgeous: The nine safari suites don't have telephones or televisions, but they do have what they call the "key creature comforts" (like comfy beds and plush towels), as well as one feature that's a comfort to creature-loversintimate proximity to scores of wildlife.
7. The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand
How it's green: The December 2004 tsunami hit just before the hotel opened, and in response, The Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund was established and still works to support the community and environment, from building new classrooms to replanting vegetation.
How it's gorgeous: Bordering five national parks, idyllic lagoons, and Khao Lak--a nearly seven-mile-long stretch of white-sand beach on the Andaman Sea--guests enjoy a contemporary Asian oasis of restoration, beauty, and legendary service.
• Honorable Mention: Lindblad Expeditions, Small-Ship Cruising
How it's green: Inspired by Lars-Eric Lindblad--known to many as the father of "eco-tourism"--this line has a fleet of small expedition ships with on-board naturalists who share with guests their great respect for natural and cultural environments, plus on-board chefs who use local and sustainable products whenever possible.
How it's gorgeous: Eschewing tourist destinations, the well-appointed vessels are large enough to provide comfortable travel, yet small enough to reach more remote locations.
 "There's a misconception that 'eco' and 'luxurious' are mutually exclusive vacation options," says Mike Thiel, Founder/President of Hideaways International. "Fortunately, it's very possible to have an experience both you and Mother Nature will really enjoy."
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About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.
To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.
About Hideaways International
Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and the out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.
For more information, visit www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com. |