31 Aug 7X SUSTAINABLE DESTINATIONS FOR CONSCIOUS TRAVEL
From the Philippines to Vienna: here are eight destinations that are making a difference when it comes to sustainability.
Green travel and sustainable accommodations, the Dutch are known as environmentally conscious travellers. Even when preparing for a holiday, we consider how our accommodation and activities can be set up in such a way that globetrotters can keep their ecological footprint as small as possible. The following seven sustainable destinations show how both places and hotels let their sustainable hearts speak.
PHILIPPINES – GOOD COFFEE
You really don’t always have to roll up your sleeves to make your contribution to a better local life through volunteering. Sometimes just drinking a cup of coffee is enough to make a difference. The El Union Coffee team in the north of Philippines runs its coffee bar with a clear philosophy: “Work is an important, but certainly not the most important part of your life”. Each employee receives the best possible pay for their work and free time as needed. The profits from the coffee shop go to CURMA, who use it to protect the turtles, conserve the coasts and permaculture. The coffee is bought directly from the farmers without an intermediary. They are paid fairly and supported in the further implementation of sustainable business operations.
FRANCE – WASTE-FREE ON THE FRENCH ATLANTIC COAST
The tourist office of Médoc Plein Sud on the French Atlantic Coast is on the right track. The visitor information office in the coastal town of Le Porge-Océan is completely paperless. Furthermore, it is a mobile and therefore completely flexible office that is housed in a van. The ten municipalities in this region have committed themselves to protecting the local nature reserve. For the first time in France, nature conservation has decided to remove all trash cans on the beach in order to encourage beach visitors to take their own waste home. The tourist office has adapted the activities in such a way that its own waste and paper consumption has been reduced to nil. The mobile office thus seamlessly adapts to natural conditions and offers more flexibility in high and low seasons.
ARUBA – FEELING GOOD AT BUCUTI
When we talk about sustainability, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the absolute crown! In addition to an eye for luxury, comfort and romance, the resort has developed – under the inspiring leadership of owner Ewald Biemans – into the first completely CO2-neutral hotel in the Caribbean. With every decision and choice that the hotel makes in its business operations, they first ask themselves whether there is a greener variant. And if there is one, it is chosen. You can also make this choice yourself in the gym. While you enjoy a tropical view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can choose from a large number of fitness equipment. In any case, opt for a workout on an eco bicycle or treadmill. While you burn calories, you simultaneously generate energy that is used in the resort. And so you not only improve your own fitness, but also that of the environment!
SWEDISH LAPLAND – AN ECO EXPERIENCE WITHOUT WEATHER
Small scale, hospitality and proximity to nature. Curiosity, knowledge and learning. Close to the border with Norway is the village of Sorsele and then again close to one of the many hidden gems that Swedish Lapland has: the island of Geunja. And on this island is the Sámi Eco Lodge. The lodge is run by Ann-Kristine and Mikael: two locals with Sami blood running through their veins. Full of loving passion, they will tell you all about their traditional Sami lifestyle.
As soon as you arrive on the island after the boat trip, which takes you past pristine and quiet mountains, you will notice for yourself how good the energy is that hangs on this piece of earthly paradise. You can spend the night here in the off grid accommodation. You can also go out with Mikael to spot wildlife such as moose, bears and arctic foxes. Whatever you are going to do: in the evening enjoy the reindeer steaks and home-picked mushrooms prepared by Ann-Kristine. Living in complete harmony with nature.
RUBY HOTELS – LEAN & GREEN LUXURY
The innovative hotel group Ruby stands for Lean Luxury: reduction to the essential, everything that is superfluous is omitted, while the really important matters are taken care of to perfection. Each hotel has its own character, but what characterizes them all is an ideal location in the heart of the city. Equally important is the cool design, a casual atmosphere, affordable prices and a focus on sustainability. For example, Ruby Marie in Vienna by the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the highest international LEED® certification. Green electricity is used in all hotels and for all dishes the fruit and vegetables come from organic farms in Germany and Austria. Also, the dairy products come from organic producers in the region. Only products of the best organic quality are used for breakfast – from superfood to sausage.
NETHERLANDS, PLANTAGE ROCOCO
We are so exited about this new eco-hotel in Velsen Zuid. Plantage Rococo isn’t your usual hotel. Everything has been created with an ecological touch. All the beds are from CocoMat (mattresses made from organic material such as coconuts) and the sheets made from organic cotton. Details such as the hotel book with a vegan leather case together with the many plants make it feel like a dream hotel straight out of a magazine. Furthermore, the restaurant serves local and organic food, made with seasonal ingredients. Read more about this amazing eco-hotel.
CANADA – SUSTAINABLE SIGHTSEEING IN OTTAWA
Of course, sustainability means that today’s resources are used intelligently so that enough is left over for future generations. Living in harmony with nature and improving the quality of life, that’s what it’s all about. For example, in Ottawa, you can take a bike tour that will take you ten places that excel in their sustainability success. The route takes you along the Richelieu Park. Here you can see how the maple syrup is extracted from the trees in a nature-friendly way. You will also cycle across the Corcktown Footbridge – an elegant bridge that is only accessible to walkers and cyclists. Do you cycle with children? Then be sure to stop at the Children’s Garden. This garden has been designed by and for children and allows them to discover what nature offers.
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