Green tourism, also called eco-tourism, is travel to places where the main attractions are environment and the local culture. Green tourism is also responsible travel, during which vacationers try to benefit the area’s economic development and protect the environment. Green tourism hotels generally strive to not only be comfortable places to stay, but to include educational elements and keep the maintenance of the hotel and accommodations as low-impact as possible. There are many eco-hotels located all over the world where guests can both have fun and learn something about their world.
Bird Island is part of the Seychelles Islands, an archipelago country located off the coast of of Africa. Seychelles is northeast of Madagascar, north of Mauritius and east of Zanzibar. The lodge is the only hotel on Bird Island and offers natural accommodations with no TVs, telephones or air conditioning. There is no swimming pool, either, as guests can swim any time they like on the beach. If guests must contact the outside world, email, phones and fax are available in the office. Accommodations are made up of 24 individual chalets, each with its own king bed, shower room, private bathroom and patio. Bird Island Lodge has a restaurant and bar in the main hotel building, which serves local food using fresh ingredients. The hotel offers a vegetarian menu as well. Babysitting services can be arranged.
Bird Island Lodge
P.O. Box 1419
Victoria, Seychelles
011-248-22-49-25
birdislandseychelles.com
The Hermitage Guest House is located in the Western Ghats, a chain of hills located on the west coast of India in Karnataka. The area is know for its biodiversity, with many varieties of birds, animals and plants. Guests can hike, nature watch and explore the nearby villages. The guest house has three units and a recreation area, complete with barbecue pits, chairs and a dining area. Visitors can reserve the Kadaba, a traditional-style Indian home made of bamboo, mud and wood, which has no electricity and only cold running water. The Gota, a cottage made with recycled and red clay tiles, has hot and cold water. You can also rent the Macha, a home set off the ground on 11-foot supports, made of wood and bamboo. The macha is electricity-free as well. The guest house restaurant offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, made from natural herbs and spices and fresh ingredients.
The Hermitage Guest House
P.O. Box 23
Nersa Village
Khanapur Taluka
Belgaum Distrist
Karnataka, India 591302
011-91-92426-23020
thehermitageguesthouse.com
Totoco Eco-Lodge is set on a six-hectare property on Ometepe Island, overlooking the town of Balgue in Nicaragua. The lodge is part of a sustainable farm and economic development center. Totoco is made up of a main building and a series of private cottages and cabanas, each with bathrooms, shower facilities and laptop recharging facilities. The Checatl house sleeps four, the Tonatiu house sleeps three, and the Bamboo and Ometepeti cottages sleep two. Dorm beds are offered in the Maderas house. All accommodations use a water recycling system and an independent source of renewable energy. Guests can kayak, mountain climb, horseback ride, fish, hike or bike in the area. Meal plans, both meat-eating and vegetarian, can be purchased in advance.
Totoco Eco-Lodge
Aptdo. 23
Correso de Moyogalpa
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
011-505-8425-2027
totoco.com.ni
