Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort

To accommodate a traveler's desire to vacation in luxury without abandoning their environmental beliefs, eco-resorts are springing up all over the world. Situated on 85 unforgettable tropical acres in the Caribbean Seas, you will soon have a chance to book an eco-friendly getaway at the Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort on Shepherd Island – an extension of Bocas del Toro – an island close to the mainland of Panama. Mirroring the architectural style of residences in Bali and French Polynesia, the Emerald Monkey will offer 206 villas providing an exquisite gateway into living on a tropical island. For the ultimate experience in relaxation, romance, and luxuriating in refreshing waters, the 5-star resort will offer two private beaches, private marina, scuba diving, and infinity-edge saltwater pools. The local lagoon is perfect for snorkeling, fish gazing, or trying your hand at rediscovering sunken Balinese artifacts. Eco-Friendly Features The Emerald Monkey is making a commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable living by attempting to establish the "first zero-carbon footprint community in the world." Hydropower (river water) will serve as the primary source of energy for the island. Using saltwater pools will eliminate the need for harmful chemicals, like chlorine. Pesticides will not compromise the onsite organic fruit and vegetable farm. Other features include sustainable materials for the construction of buildings and the use natural mountain spring water. 5 Things to Do at the Emerald Monkey The Emerald Monkey promises guests first-rate amenities with no shortage of activities or attractions for enjoying the tropical climate of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, which is comprised of nine islands, 51 keys, and more than 200 islets. The mixture of blue Caribbean waters, rolling hills, prehistoric boulders, and constant reminders of a luxurious, luscious tropical setting effectively encourages guests to relax and release. To pique your interest, the Emerald Monkey is planning the following things to do on the island:

• Explore the vibrant colors of an onsite butterfly farm.
• Rejuvenate the skin, body and mind at a full-service spa
• Dine at a five-star restaurant with the resort's organic produce
• Browse goods at village shops and restaurants
• Wander about tropical gardens – following inviting stone trails

Preferred Hotels & Resorts (a well-known hospitality company) will guide the Emerald Monkey through the world of eco-luxe properties. With a scheduled opening date of late 2011, construction for the resort is already in the works. The first phase will consist of building homes featuring spacious verandas and outdoor seating with a guest choice of saltwater plunge pool or a meditation courtyard. If you are interested in owning a piece of paradise, the Emerald Monkey sells 1/10th shares whole and fractional ownership residences that allow stays for up to five weeks per year. The starting price for one fraction is $74,353. From one- to three-bedroom villas, whole ownership prices are between $563,284 and $1,348,619. Another perk of investing in the Emerald Monkey is a Panamanian law that exempts residence buyers of properties like Emerald Monkey EcoLuxe Resort from paying property taxes for the first 20 years of ownership. Image Credits: Emerald Monkey

Fregate Island Private – Eco-Luxe Getaway

With breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and an unforgettable palette of blues and greens, Fregate Island Private offers travelers, honeymooners, and adventurous families a getaway that greatly respects the environment. One of the main goals of the coveted hideaway is to preserve and protect the unique species of plants and animals on the island. With no more than 40 guests occupying the island at any one time, enjoying a chance to experience this award-winning 5-star resort is truly an honor. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island Private sits northeast of Madagascar in the Seychelles – an archipelago consisting of 115 islands spread across 400,000 square kilometers. Known as one of the 'last remaining paradises' in the world, the Seychelles upholds strict regulations to ensure the protection of the environment. Why Eco-Friendly? The natural forestation of the local islands fell victim to the colonization of the Seychelles. Eventually, coconut trees replaced the original plants and trees of the land. Today, the efforts of Fregate Island Private may very well create the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. For the last 11 years, Fregate Island Private has become increasingly reputable in the hotel industry for successfully embracing and upholding ecological reform. With the goal to become a carbon neutral enterprise, this year marks the 100,000th tree planted under the island's endemic hardwood program, including the two trees planted for each guest that arrives at the resort. Alongside the conservation practices of the island, buildings and infrastructure take up only 5% of the land with the remaining 95% enjoying a restored natural state. As a result, quite a few endemic species of wildlife and flora have triumphed over extinction. Your Villa and Luxury Amenities Guests often take delight in the chance to explore the fascinating natural environment of the island under a veil of exclusive privacy and seclusion, which is why only 16 villas occupy the island. From individually controlled air conditioning to refreshing ceiling fans, Fregate Island Private aims to please guests with non-stop luxurious pampering. Each villa provides guests with access to a Villa Sun Terrace with private pool and Jacuzzi. Other amenities include wireless Internet, personal safe, and your own personal Island Buggy. Rates for Fregate Island Private vary depending on the time of year. Be aware that there are minimum stay requirements. For example, plan a getaway for the Christmas or New Year's holiday (between December 19, 2009 and January 9, 2010), expect to book a villa for a minimum of seven nights. Special rates also apply for guests traveling with children older than 5 years old. During a stay at Fregate Island Private, you may want to: * Get Pampered. Situated on a cliff-top plateau delivering spectacular glimpses of the sea, freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls surround the award-winning 'Rock Spa.' The international holistic treatments originating from ancient Indian, Australian, and Polynesian techniques rely on local ingredients for their botanical magic. * Enjoy Water Sports and Activities. Travel to the lower plateau of the island (opposite the plantation) to reach Fregate's Yacht Club, Marina and PADI Dive Center, where guests may swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on one of seven luxurious beaches. Set sail from the island's marina on a yacht charter for a deep-sea fishing adventure or gain access to sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts. *Wine and Dine. Toast to your beautiful surroundings or steal a kiss during a meal at one of two island restaurants. Fregate House serves daily gourmet dishes, while the Plantation House gives you a chance to experience authentic Creole-style cuisine in an open-air dining atmosphere. Additionally, the island is equipped with its own plantation and hydroponics, which grows fresh fruit and vegetables for each meal. From frozen concoctions to your favorite cocktail, the Pirate’s Bar and the Anse Bambous Beach Bar satisfies your thirst for 'spirited' relaxation. Other features of the island include a fully equipped, air-conditioned fitness center, wine cellar with dining facilities, and active pursuits, such as tennis, volleyball, biking, badminton, and hiking. Image Credits: Fregate Island Private

8 Eco-Friendly Summer Vacation Getaways

Summer is slowly slipping away, so if you haven’t planned your vacation getaway yet – the eco-friendly hotels and other lodging listed below may help you take a step in the right direction. Doesn’t a bamboo hut situated in a tropical setting sound heavenly? What about staying in a hotel dedicated to a favorite late-night indulgence? Orchard Garden Hotel (San Francisco, California) When planning a trip to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy a natural boost of energy at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco offers an array of attractions and activities to keep you busy. However, when it's time to recuperate, where will you lay your head? LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program, the Orchard Garden Hotel provides a relaxing. modern luxury stay for the eco-traveler. Embracing organic and recycled materials, the hotel foregoes toxic paints, glues and varnishes; uses energy-efficient lighting; and supports Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Hotelito Desconocido (Jalisco, Mexico) Instead of wasting electricity, Hotelito Desconocido chooses to light up your vacation stay with solar power and candles. Rooms offer distinct bamboo, palm leaf, and clay huts situated in a protected wetland estuary that provides gorgeous views of the Pacific. Outside of your room, take a stroll through the tropical gardens; enjoy a leisurely tour on horseback; or take advantage of surrounding waters with kayaking, fishing, rowing, and windsurfing. Habitat Suites (Austin, Texas) The BBQ isn’t the only thing attracting tourists to Austin, Texas. Habitat Suites have been a proud member of the Green Hotels Association since 1991. From using ladybugs as a natural pesticide to putting cooling shade trees to good use, this hotel has won over eco-minded guests for many years. Other highlights of Habitat Suites include courtyard swimming pool; hot breakfast buffet with vegan and vegetarian selections; and a luxurious garden filled with flowers, trees, and butterflies. Gaia Napa (American Canyon, California) The Gaia has been utilizing recycled materials and supporting low-energy options since it opened in 2007. Don't think that going green means that your luxury stay suffers. Guests often indulge in the spa, take a dip in the heated outdoor salt water pool, and freshen up in restrooms constructed with recycled tiles and granite. This hotel is certainly proud to hold the title as the 'First Fully Environmentally Sustainable Hotel and Spa' in Napa Valley. Additional highlights of the hotel include recycled carpet content and low-emission paint. Zion Lodge (Zion, Utah) Surrounded by 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, and endless plants and animals, the Zion Lodge is nestled inside the Zion National Park – the perfect summer vacation for nature lovers. Step into one of Zion's Green Suites and you're treated to luxury sustainable features that include bamboo floors, recycled carpet content, organic linens, and convenient key card lighting controls. It's no wonder that the Zion Lodge has won a Sustainable Hotel of the Year Award. Looking for an exciting winter getaway? Open year-round, don't forget to check out special winter rates and packages offered at Zion Lodge from December through mid-March. Other eco-friendly hotels to consider include:

• 70 Park Avenue (New York City) – With the EarthCare eco-program, kitchen oil is transformed into biodiesel, hybrid drivers enjoy discounts, and an eco-concierge is ready and willing to make your stay unforgettable.
• Hotel Triton (San Francisco, California) – What started as just one eco-floor in the 1990s has expanded to all floors since 2003. Designer celebrity suites include Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite" (shown above) Kathy Griffin's D-List, and the J. Garcia Suite by Jerry Garcia.
• Hilton (Vancouver, Washington) – Situated just over the bridge from Portland, Oregon, this Hilton recycles 75% construction waste, offers refueling stations for electric cars, supports water conservation, uses less energy, and provides eco-friendly dining at Gray's at the Park.

Photo Credits: Orchard Garden Hotel, Hotelito Desconocido, Habitat Suites VRX Studios (Gaia), Zion Lodge, Hotel

Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco-Spa Retreat

With a magical combination of nature, romance, and eco-friendly extravagance – the Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco Retreat in Western Australia makes the perfect international getaway for jet-setting couples. Imagine slipping into seclusion with 100 acres of natural bushland at your fingertips and sleeping in beautifully crafted cottages that offer the comforts of home. At night, sink into a private Hydro Therapy Massage Spa, perfect for dreamy stargazing. With honors as "Best Romantic Retreat" and the most awarded environmental hideaway in Western Australia, Yelverton Brook allows couples to ignite or rekindle a passionate connection. Does Your Next Vacation Have an Environmental Policy? The Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco Retreat offers a vacation that keeps the natural environment in mind at every turn, which is backed by their environmental policy. All cottages are outfitted with solar features and sound insulation. All cleaning products are tea tree- and organic-based. The hydro-spas are outfitted with a built-in Ozonator, which decreases chemical use by up to 80%. Locally produced goods and services are given preference at Yelverton Brook. The luxury eco retreat also enforces a recycling program and moonlights as a conservation sanctuary. Awaken Your Senses The Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco Retreat provides unlimited stimulation for all of your senses. Upon your arrival, take in the aroma of complimentary local produce and freshly baked bread. Colorful wildflowers dot the property with more than 50 species of birds that serenade you during your stay. Inside of your two-bedroom mudbrick or one-bedroom stone and timber cottage, you'll enjoy:

• TV/Video
• CD stereo
• Gas stove
• Microwave
• Washing machine
• Reverse cycle air-conditioning
• Gainsborough linen and designer bathrobes
• Wood fire
• Gas barbeque

If you feel like venturing outside of the eco retreat, the Margaret Region provides tourists with golfing; pottery and ceramic galleries; wineries; glass blowing studios; surfing adventures; secluded beaches and coastlines; forest walks; intriguing wildlife; and active pursuits. Traveling sweethearts, I'd have to say this is an amazing opportunity to not only reconnect with your significant other, but also with the great outdoors. For more information on the following 2-day packages for two, click here: Eco Package - $640 Romantic Package - $718 Ultimate - $793 Executive Getaway Break - $893 Photo Credits

Park City: To Ski or Not to Ski

We're currently visiting family in Park City, Utah. This area is a popular winter travel destination due to its natural beauty and famous ski resorts, and having tried the skiing in the past, it certainly is something to write home about. However, this year we've got a more relaxed agenda, so I was interested to learn about an open house at the Swaner EcoCenter and Nature Preserve. The preserve protects 1,200 acres of natural beauty just a few minutes from downtown Park City, as a habitat for local wildlife and a recreational area. The center itself has received LEED platinum certification (the highest level possible) for its innovative and sustainable design. The preserve operates year round, providing interesting summer activities as well as a winter alternative to skiing. Organized activities that may be available include organic wine tastings, artist-in-residence programs, guided nature walks, and expert talks on a variety of subjects. The center also offers a variety of youth programs, plus miles of nature trails for independent exploration. If downhill skiing is more your idea of a good time, check out these tips for reducing your impact when you hit the slopes. For the best in sustainability cred, make sure your resort has signed the National Ski Areas Association Environmental Charter. (In Park City, this list includes Deer Valley and The Canyons.) Creative Commons photo by Cedartones