On the top of the list of things making us happy are most likely good food, inner balance and time with our loved ones. Do you feel the same way? If yes, you can find here a few tips for special moments of happiness 🙂

Soul Food for a good mood

A German saying states, food and drink keep body and soul together. Today, Soul Food is the epitome of food satisfying us! Of course, the chefs at our partner hotels know how to get you good mood and happy faces with their dishes 😉

• Marcel Laversa’s culinary creations bring joy to the restaurant Twist. He is the chef at the Swiss Valsana Hotel & Apartments and pampers you with vegan, vegetarian or classic dishes. Needless to say, the ingredients are either regionally sourced or from organic farming.

• From the snack garden to the breakfast buffet: Biohotel Sturm incarnates culinary delights – and is a Slow Food member since 2006. Jams, chutneys and bread are homemade (even with home-grown ingredients), everything else comes from organic and regional agriculture! With his individual creations, chef Hartwig Buß always puts a smile on his guests’ faces when they dine at the hotel restaurant SCHULZE|S.

• How about a romantic candlelight dinner in the restaurant aurum at the Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee? With a view of the lake Ziegelsee you can enjoy the excellent organic food and some quality time – and end the night with a walk around the lake.

Inner balance

Wellness, Selfness, stress reduction: serenity and health become more and more important and contribute to happiness. Whether forest bathing, Yoga or Ayurveda – with our partners you will find a variety of offers promoting your inner balance.

• The Selfnesshotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA offers a wide range of services to enhance your well-being: from a generous spa area to yoga, TCM, looked after fasting cures, basic meals and forest bathing in Bad Herrenalb – it’s all about your inner balance.

• Are you looking for a holistic wellness vacation? In the heart of Sri Lanka, Amaya Lake Resort is the perfect setting for outdoor yoga. If you prefer, you can enjoy certified Ayurveda treatments and the silence of the vast landscape.

• Letting go, the motto when joining selected therapies and treatments at Keemala: The Purify Retreat will help you to reduce stress – physically and mentally alike. Enjoy meditation, yoga, saunas, massages, herbal packs (and much more!) as well as cleansing menus and drinks during the relaxation and detoxification cure.

Me, you, us

According to two long-term studies conducted by Robert Waldinger, a formula for happiness seems to exist. His results show that good relationships make us happy, because the better our friendships and relationships are, the healthier and older we get. Be it with your partner or your best friend, some hotels will give you shared time:

• Cuddling days for two are available at the Hotel Lamm in the Black Forest, for example, including a cozy bath in a wooden barrel, use of the sauna landscape, a foot or neck massage – and plenty of quality time of course 😉

• How about a girls’ night in East Tyrol? At Naturhotel Outside you can book “Mädls Time” (girls time) with your best friends, including a suite, breakfast, afternoon buffet, dinner, full use of the spa area and fantastic mountain scenery for extended hikes!

• Have you always wanted to sail towards the sunset? An unforgettable experience like this awaits you at Reethi Faru Resort on the Maldives. Enjoy dinner for two, a flower bath and of course romantic walks along the beach with the romantic package!

We hope you can draw some inspiration from our tips! Either for mindfulness, time for two (or three) and once again a really tasty meal! Probably you can think of many more things that make you happy 😉

Der Beitrag Happy moments on the Day of Happiness erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Coconut water for eternal happiness 

The Amaya Beach Resort & Spa on Sri Lanka’s east coast offers a traditional Poruwa ceremony. On the way to the Poruwa, a colorfully decorated altar, the bridal couple is accompanied by dancers and drum sounds. The sacred union of the two is symbolized by binding their ring fingers or little fingers and holy water pouring. The coconut water of a split coconut is dribbled on the couple to augur a prosper future. A choir solemnly blesses the marriage with chants. Finally, bride and groom light an oil lamp to send their wishes to the universe. 

If you’d rather celebrate a traditional western wedding but don’t want to miss the impressive scenery of Sri Lanka, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Amaya Hunas Falls. 

Buddha’s blessing: three times I do in Thailand

Traditionally, a drum parade accompanies the bride and groom to the wedding ceremony in Thailand. Thai weddings are strongly influenced by Buddhism, so the singing and blessing of Buddhist monks open the ceremony. Holy water symbolizes a healthy and successful life which is poured over the bridal couple. Decorated chains bind the two together and symbolize the unity of the lovers. 

At The Tongsai Bay, you can celebrate a traditional Buddhist wedding – with guests or just the two of you. If you choose the ceremony for two, your day ends with a romantic dinner on the beach. An unforgettable experience! 

At Zeavola Resort the bridal couple can choose between a traditional western or Buddhist wedding. Respecting the monks’ daily routine, the symbolic Buddhist wedding usually takes place in the afternoon. The ceremony ends with the planting of a love tree, that – just like the love between bride and groom – continues to grow. By the way, if you wish to hold a legally binding wedding rather than just a ceremonial one, Zeavola Resort will help you with the required documents and administrative formalities in Bangkok.  

Besides traditional Buddhist weddings, you can also experience an enchanted jungle wedding at Keemala Resort. Under the centuries-old trees in the unspoiled forest, couples can celebrate a fairytale-like wedding that doesn’t explicitly follow Thai traditions, but appreciates nature as well as the bond of love. 

Wedded under palm trees

On Cerf Island, the European influences from the colonial era can be seen when it comes to wedding ceremonies. Though, European wedding rites merge with local charm here: The bridal couple is welcomed with coconut drinks, can marry right at the turquoise blue sea or under palm trees, depending on their wishes. Instead of roses, tropical flowers adorn the bridal couple. Lovers can also plant heart-shaped corals – a romantic gesture and species protection at the same time.

You already booked an eco-friendly location, but the eco-friendly dress is still missing? Check out this article: 

Do you like this article? Share it!

Der Beitrag Eco wedding: rites and ceremonies in the Indian Ocean erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

1.  January

Traveling in the monsoon season bears two advantages: fewer tourists and lush greenery! In the rainforest you probably won’t notice the rainy season much, because it is quite humid anyway 😉 Hence, our tip for January: Peru. In the Andean region, the monsoon season usually lasts until May. You can stay amidst the rain forest at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica and enjoy an impressive view of the Andes and the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.

2. February

February – neither winter nor spring. Freiburg, however, does not need spring to charm the pants off its visitors. The charismatic city center has a lot to offer; especially the historic architecture, the Freiburger Bächle (a stream running through the whole city) and the weekly market around the Freiburg Cathedral are among the city’s landmarks. In Freiburg’s eco-district Vauban, you can check in the sustainable Green City Hotel Vauban after an eventful day. Best of all: Whether winter or spring-like temperatures – you can visit the beautiful Black Forest at any time easily from here.

3. March

In the snow-sure region of Balderschwang, you can enjoy cross-country skiing until the end of March. Until March 28, 2019, you can book the winter sports offer “Spurwechsel” (English: lane change) with the HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa. Together with the Nordic-Active Center you explore the beautiful winter landscape for 3 days. In total, you will stay for four nights at Hotel HUBERTUS when booking “Spurwechsel” getting indulged with a HolisticDeep spa-treatment. What more could you want?

4. April

How about forest bathing instead of the Easter egg hunt? The selfness-hotel SCHWALRZWALD PANORAMA offers this relatively new cure during the Easter season. Forest bathing has health-promoting effects on your entire organism, strengthens the immune system and is heart-balming. The meditative excursions of forest bathing into the green are specifically suitable for stress management. Moreover, the cure is most breathtaking in Bad Herrenalb, since the forest is beautifully unspoiled!

5. May

A beach holiday on the Baltic Sea in May? Why not! The sun is already shining and the beaches are not very crowded at the same time. Moreover, bathing in the (admittedly, still cold) sea promotes blood circulation and strengthens the immune system like a climate therapy. If you want to warm up afterwards, it’s best to enjoy the view of the rooftop sauna at the SAND Lifestylehotel on Timmendorfer Beach.

6. June

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in recent years – for a reason! Even during your holiday, you can take responsibility for your destination and avoid the high season to avoid mass tourism. That’s why our tip for Thailand is likewise traveling during the monsoon season. In Southern Thailand, it rains most during the European summer, but usually only a few hours per day. And time can be easily bridged at the sustainable luxury resort Zeavola on Koh Phi Phi or at the Mala Spa of Keemala on Phuket, an architectural highlight.

7. July

Our tip to escape full beaches during the high season: Beach holidays at Lake Schwerin. If everyone else is at the sea, you can enjoy the sun at the lake. The ideal accommodation is the climate-positive Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee. Lake Ziegelsee is connected to Lake Schwerin. Not only a paradise for water sports lovers, but also the perfect starting point for bike rides and walks, for example to Schwerin Castle.

8. August

The best way to enjoy late summer is visiting the Dolomites! When the sunset bathes the mountains in red and gold (called “Enrosadira” by locals), you don’t want to be anywhere else. The location of the Dolomit Homes and the Dolomit Boutique Hotel is excellent for viewing the spectacle. It’s also ideal for exploring the landscape around Alta Badia on your mountain bikes or hiking.

9. September

Maira Valley is specifically popular for outdoor activities in summer and winter, and neglected in autumn for no reason! The eco-village Sagna Rotonda is located amidst the untouched nature of the valley, surrounded only by mountains, meadows and forests. With one foot out the door, you can start your hikes directly through the colorful autumn forest. With a bit of luck you can even see deer in the forest!

Known as a winter sports paradise and hiking oasis in summer, the Swiss village Arosa alike is appealing in autumn. The Indian summer around the Valsana Hotel & Apartments is great for relaxed hikes.

10. October

Sri Lanka is regarded as one of the most enchanting and greenest countries! Here, too, we recommend traveling during the rainy season with sustainability in mind. In the northeast, the monsoon season begins in October, and, thus it only rains a few days per month. On the eastern coast in Passikudah Bay – right by the sea – Amaya Beach Resort & Spa is located. If it rains during your stay, get pampered in the spa.

11. November

The best way to escape the grey November is staying at Arosea Life Balance Hotel! In bad weather, you can easily spend several days indoor and switch between the pool, hay bath, beauty treatments, massages and a huge sauna paradise on two floors. We promise, you won’t be bored! And for those among you who are “wind- and waterproof,” the South Tyrolean Ulten Valley offers plenty hiking trails.

12. December

Although winter sports are classic in December and therefore have less to do with off-season travel, you may enjoy the winter holidays snowshoe hiking instead of skiing or snowboarding – and leave the hustle and bustle of the slopes behind. At the Naturhotel Outside in Matrei, you will wander across the white National Park Hohe Tauern.

Also, in the Berchtesgaden Alps you can explore the snowy hiking trails in the last month of the year, and warm up in the heated outdoor pool of the Berghotel Rehlegg enjoying the view of the snow-covered mountains.

Der Beitrag Green travel calendar 2019 erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

I am involved in sustainable subjects every day and, of course; don’t want to leave the issue aside when it comes to presents. And yet, I had no idea what it means to make green gifts – which is kind of sad. If you search online for green or sustainable gifts, you mostly find common gifts, yet their eco-friendly alternatives: organic and fair produced cuddly socks, scarves, lotions, candles, and treats. We dug a little deeper and present some ideas for greener gifts!

Sustainability = Durability

For sustainable reasons, you might consider the impact of your chosen gifts on the environment. Today, the term primarily implies environmental protection, but also embraces the preservation and protection of natural resources, biodiversity, health, human rights, labor law, and animal welfare. Let yourself be inspired by the following tips on how to make your gifts fairer, better, and greener:

Tip 1 – Avoid useless gifts

For the above-mentioned reasons, you might reassess if your loved ones need the gift. Be honest, most of us have more than necessary – and sometimes we only buy a present because we feel obliged. That is why our first tip is not making “nice to have” presents because it’s you duty to bring something useless (how many tea light holders does a person need?).

Tip 2 – Save and protect resources

Meaningless gifts needlessly use up resources and probably end up in a dusty box in your basement or on landfills. So, what about a donation or a sponsorship?

• Donate to a non-profit organization
• Sponsorship for whales
• Sponsorship for bees
• Buy a tree or take a sponsorship for a forest, e.g. with Wohllebens Waldakademie (German only)
• Seed bombs instead of a flower bouquet, e.g. via Seedles (US)
• Pens with integrated herb seeds
• Postcards with bee-friendly flower seeds for planting

Tip 3 – DIY and be creative

There are no limits to creativity. A nice side effect of DIY is appreciating things again since you are not taking them for granted. Our ideas:

• Specially mixed granola including your best friend’s favorite ingredients
• A ready bottled baking mix and the matching recipe
• Knitting or knotting: scarf, socks, mobile phone cover, cap, etc.
• Up-cycling from old textiles to shopping bags or cool pot rags
• Chocolates
• Home-made chocolate bars loaded with various toppings

Tip 4 – Green gifts for the wellbeing of nature, animals, & humans

And in case you choose “the usual” gift (which I fully understand, because I also like to give away sweets and care products), just pick its green alternatives:

• Natural cosmetics
• Bee wax candles
• Certified clothing made of natural fibers
• Biodynamic wine
• Fair trade chocolate
• Treats without palm oil
• And best of all in organic quality

Tip 5 – Buy locally

In recent years, there has been a lot of criticism about large online delivery services and their poor handling of employees. So, the motto is: support your local dealer! A book from the local bookseller strengthens the regional economy, secures jobs, the people are treated well, and you get an individual and personal advice! A great thing to support by purchasing ???? And it’s the same for

• Regional wine from the wine maker next door
• A plant bought at the nursery around the corner
• A visit to the small, charming pastry shop instead of the large coffeehouse chain

Tip 6 – Well being & spending time together

Wellbeing is good for your health. Stress seems like the new standard just like personal top performance seems natural. The numbers of burnout diseases are not increasing by chance. That’s why well being and time are our winners:

• Time for two, during an extensive walk in fall sun
• A delicious, home-made meal
• A voucher for babysitting and tickets for the favorite band
• A visit to the snappy satirist, so one can have a good laugh again
• A reading of the favorite author
• An adventure excursion such as the climbing forest, a parachute jump or cannoning
• Or you may pamper your loved ones (or yourself ;)) with a relaxing spa treatment
• Even more ideas for joint activities can be found, for example, at Zeit statt Zeug (engl. time instead of stuff)

Tip 7 – Gifts from our Green Pearls

Whether it’s time together or a special souvenir: you can also find unusual gift ideas at our partner hotels:

Special organic souvenirs are available for example

• At the Creativhotel Luise; delicious organic jams
• And at i pini; home-made olive oil from biodynamic cultivation

Do it yourself at the HUBERTUS Alpin Lodge & Spa

• Simply mix your own lotions with natural ingredients in a workshop

Or how about a spa-holiday for two?

• Spend time together and indulge yourselves at the huge spa area of the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten at the German river Moselle
• Recharge your batteries at the Ayurveda hotel Amaya Lake in Sri Lanka
• Relax at a basic salt bath at the Hotel Lamm in the Black Forest
• Or give away a soothing hot-stone massage amidst nature at the Cerf Island Resort on the Seychelles

We hope you could draw some inspiration from our ideas!

Der Beitrag Sustainable gifts – 7 tips for greener presents erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Sri Lanka’s fishes: a colorful world

Situated immediately next to the beach of Pasikudah Bay, Amaya Beach Resort & Spa is the optimal starting point for divers. The characteristic shallow water in the bay is the best basis for relaxed dives. On your tours underwater, you will explore colorful coral reefs and schools of fish such as the butterflyfish, yellow striped goatfish, clownfish, stingrays, and sweetlips. The adventurous among you can also discover deeper rocky reefs and wrecks here. Back on land, you can spend the rest of the day on the golden beach and reinforce yourself for new adventures with regional dishes prepared by Amaya Beach Resort.

Underwater on the Maldives

The Maldives are a divine place for divers. Crystal clear water and various kinds of fish living in the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean await you here. You not only see small fishes here, but also sharks, whale sharks, and dolphins. You can book diving classes and guided dives (at day and night) at Reethi Beach Resort in the Baa Atoll. There, you explore various reefs such as coral reefs in shallow water, atoll reefs, or outer reefs. Our tip: dive with mantas in UNESCO biosphere reserve Hanifaru Bay. Around Reethi Beach Resort’s sheds, you also find the house reefs, characteristically found close to beaches and perfect for snorkeling.

Sea anemones and wrecks: diving in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most traveled destinations lately and a great place for divers. Keemala Beach is a paradise for water sports as the swell varies among the seasons. Specifically, divers are happy here, no matter if you are experienced or a beginner, because there is a diving school right at the beach. Popular destinations for the dives particularly worthwhile are the anemone reef, located around the Racha Islands, the king cruiser wreck, or the famous Phi Phi Islands. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, you can find the charming green pearl Keemala. There is no better place to indulge yourself in the hotel’s SPA after diving and to enjoy the sunset.

Der Beitrag Sustainable diving holiday: three breathtaking places erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Touring two countries

Your tour starts in Innichen, in the Hochpustertal amidst the Italian Dolomites, leading you on the Berpilgerweg (mountain pilgrim’s path), ending in Kalkstein, Austria.The tour is recommended for experienced hikers since you have to pass 1,548 meters. It takes approximately 7 hours until you finally reach your destination, the pilgrimage church Maria Schnee after 14.5 km. The exertions are worth it since you will be recompensed with a fascinating mountain panorama. Accomplishing the first ascent will already give you an impressive view on the Drei Zinnen. You continue your hike through a forested area and pass by the Silversterkirche (have a look at the church’s frescoes!). From here it is all the way uphill until you reach the highest point of your hike:at an altitude of 2,545 meters you reach the peak of Marchinkele. By the way, you already crossed the Austrian border. From here, you can spot the Dolomite Alps and savor the view at Spitzkofel, and on clear days you can even see the Zillertal. Almost close to your destination, the trail mainly goes downhill right to the chapel Maria Schnee in Kalkstein. The perfect starting point for this hiking tour: Hotel Leitlhof in Innichen. Afterwards you can indulge yourself in the hotel’s spa area.

Trekking for your health

If you are not so much into altitude, but want to enjoy the mountain scenery, the Zoggler reservoir in Ultental, South Tyrol, is the ideal destination for you. A flat path surrounds the lake suitable for walks, speed-walking, or cycling. Alongside the trail are stages for Kneipp treatments such as water-treading basins, a pond, and tranquility spots. A perfect way to do something beneficial for your health stage by stage or just unwind. Arosea Life Balance Hotel situated next to Zoggler reservoir, also offers speed-walking classes. In case you change your mind and long for altitude after all, the hotel will provide you with information about hiking routes around Merano. In the neighboring village Kuppelwies  you will find the mountain railway up to Schwemm alp where you can savor the quietness while relishing a South Tyrolean cheeseboard.

34 peaks in three days

Hiking in Sri Lanka? Sure! The country has plenty hiking trailsto offer taking on those in classic trekking regions. For instance, hikes through tea plantations are highly fancied, or across the Knuckles Mountains Range, alias Dumbara Range. Changing sceneries of forests, grasslands, rugged rocks, and watercourses are extending over 18,512 hectares. Decide for various guided tours, for example a 3-day tour traveling 40 km, or the peak tour passing 34 mountain tips in total, including the 5 highest peaks, marking a difference in height of around 1,000 meters! Moreover, you will come across diverse wild animals on your tour, such as giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys, and porcupines. You definitely should make an excursion to the waterfall Hunas Falls. Checking in at the Hotel Amaya Hunas Falls, you are situated immediately at the waterfall’s crest, and can enjoy a relaxing bath in the basin directly at the waterfall’s bottom.

MerkenMerken
MerkenMerken
MerkenMerken
MerkenMerken

Der Beitrag Over hill and dale erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Educational excursions through the rainforest with Inkaterra

Puerto Maldonado is situated in the Southern Peruvian rainforest: it is the green gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Right in the middle of it, you will find Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica – the perfect place for setting off to your jungle explorations. This is not only due to the brilliant location and because the premises are so beautiful, but also because of the qualified assistance: together with you, a travel guide designs an individual travel route according to your taste – be it a child-friendly tour or a challenging excursion. And for the time you do not spend on jungle tours we recommend watching birds from the balcony, listening to the sounds of the rainforest, stargazing or attending the exciting lectures on nature in the evening. In general, you can learn a lot here: the non-profit organization Inkaterra Asociación is committed to ecological research and sharing their knowledge with travelers. There is probably no more authentic and intense way to explore the Peruvian rainforest.

Spice Village: a place in the midst of a botanical paradise

The check-in at Spice Village, located in Kerala, South India, does not take place at a reception, but in the most beautiful greenery, and you are welcomed with a delicious herbal drink. The comfortable mountain village is a highlight in itself and taking a walk through its surroundings is as educational as a botanical course. Just a stone’s throw away you will find the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Here, you can watch buffalo, elephants and other wildlife on a trekking tour with a local guide. But that’s not all: the rainforest is home to more than 69 different mammal species, 320 bird species, 27 amphibian species, 45 reptile species and 38 species of fish. Insider tip: make sure to attend one of the regular cooking classes to take the secrets of Kerala cuisine home with you. And before you return home, you should go on a shopping spree at one of the spice shops.

Surrounded by waterfalls at Hunas Falls by Amaya

Hunas Falls by Amaya is located in the midst of the lush green forest of Elkaduwa in the Hunnasgiriya Hills. From here, numerous hiking trails lead through this sensational landscape of Sri Lanka, which is known for its steep tea plantations and for spice cultivation. The peaks of Hunasgiriya are 1,490 meters above sea level and from here you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the Knuckles mountain range. Moreover, you will find picturesque meadows, creeks, wetlands, lakes, and forests in the direct vicinity. And there is a breathtaking scenery just outside the hotel door: Hunas Falls waterfalls rank among the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka. After a tour, you can let yourself be pampered with local herbs and vapors or relax in the lovingly designed garden. And the team of the restaurant Lake View makes sure that there is nothing to be desired in terms of a perfect vacation.

Glamorous camping at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge

The term glamping is redefined at 4 Rivers Floating Lodge on Koh Kong in Cambodia: in the midst of idyllic unspoiled nature, you will find 12 sustainable luxury tents, only accessible by boat. They are so incredibly comfortable that it is tempting not to leave them at all. But you should, because just in front of your tent, there is the protected rainforest ecoregion of the Cardamom mountains. It is home to hundreds of endangered species and with a bit of luck, you will spot a clouded leopard, a Java Rhino, an Indochinese tiger, an Asian elephant or even a Siamese crocodile, which was believed to be extinct. Have your cameras ready! Besides, Tatai River is the perfect place for an educational kayak tour through the mangrove woods – and for swimming in crystal clear water. And during a majestic sunset and a delicious Cambodian dinner you can conclude the day.

Do you like this article? Share it!

Der Beitrag It couldn’t be greener: vacations in the jungle erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Relaxation on Bali

Here, you will not find any garbage on the beach. The 5-star resort Sol Beach House Benoa treats nature and humans respectfully and sustainably. Moreover, its philosophy is based on the traditional Balinese ideology Tri Hita Karana that stands for harmony among humans, nature, and gods. The resort’s holistic view is reflected in its offers – you can fully relax here and enjoy highest environmental standards. You can take Yoga and Thai Chi classes in typical Balinese buildings, get one of their various Spa treatments, or just relax on their private beach. If you like some more action, you can also do several water sports.

Sunbathing in golden sand

Amaya Beach Resort & Spa is located in Sri Lanka’s East in Passikudah Bay. The bay is well known for its golden beaches and shallow waters. This area is determined for hiking, water sports, and trips to historic sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage, Polonnaruwa. In the environmentally friendly resort you can enjoy ocean view from luxurious rooms and indulge yourself with regional specialties.

Discover the authentic Thailand on the Phi Phi Islands

For those who want to discover the native nature of Thailand: the Phi Phi Islands are southwest from Thailand, and are marked by rough rocks covered in tropical plants surrounded by shining green water. On one of the main islands, Zeavola Resort is located. This luxury resort make divers’ hearts beat faster. The resort’s goal is to save the coral reefs and was honored by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre as a Green Fin resort. Besides diving trips in the reefs, you can discover the islands by long-tail boats. If you prefer more relaxed activities, you can book a Spa treatment, take cooking classes in the resort – or just enjoy the peacefulness of the white Laem Tong beach.

Refreshing North Sea breeze

Every year, thousands of tourists go on vacation on Sylt to enjoy the peacefulness and refreshing breeze on the long beaches. Recreation and vibrant urban atmosphere join in Sylt’s main town, Westerland. Here, you also find the family-owned Hotel Niedersachsen. The organic hotel uses geothermal heating, green energy, and supports climate neutral projects such as the project “water purification.” Due to the water purifying filters, inhabitants no longer need to boil the water and thus save CO₂. During a rich breakfast of mainly regional, fair trade, and organic products you can prepare yourself for your adventures on the beach.

Do you like this article? Share it!

Der Beitrag Hidden dream beaches: from Bali to Sylt erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Watching birds – and protecting them

In Peru, more than 1,800 bird species are registered; that is approximately 20 % of all bird species worldwide. Here, the Inkaterra Asociación is dedicated to the study and conservation of the local Flora and Fauna. On the huge property of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, 214 different bird species live in their natural habitat, the property of Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica even counts 540 species. On different tours, each accompanied by a specialist in bird and nature observation, you can watch local birds, such as the blazing red Cock-of-the-Rock, and various kinds of migratory birds. And as Inkaterra Asociación is financed by tourism-activities, you also contribute to the conservation of this colorful variety.

A natural retreat

Other hotels, too, are committed to the protection of local nature. For example, during the construction of the Morena Eco Resort on Curaçao, 80 % of the natural vegetation on the ample property has been preserved. Numerous tropical birds and other native animal species visit Morena Eco Resort from the adjoining nature reserve. The situation is similar at Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui: the resort is surrounded by 28,5 acres of natural landscape, which is home to more than 60 different species of bird. Here, they can feel at ease, as Tongsai Bay attaches great importance to the protection of their natural habitat and provides medical treatment if sick or injured animals are found.

Where birds are welcome

The bird-friendly resort Coconut Lagoon has installed nest-boxes on branches of trees around its property to provide nesting facilities for local birds such as Magpie Robin or Common Myna. There are countless birds in the garden of Coconut Lagoon that do not only fascinate by their appearance but also by their extraordinary names: among others the Red-vented Bulbul, Purple-rumped sunbird, Crow-Pheasant and Black-headed Oriole have their homes here. Wetland birds are very active in the canals and the paddy-fields of the Coconut Lagoon. Naturalists will accompany you on your walks and provide you with details on the flora and fauna of the region.

Spectacular terrace view

From the restaurant terrace of Amaya Hunas Falls in Sri Lanka, with a bit of luck you can watch majestic birds such as the White Bellied Sea Eagle. The hotel is also a perfect starting point for trips to two amazing bird-watching destinations: Horton Plains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peradeniya Royal Botancial Gardens, Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden.

Chance meetings and planned ones

You can usually look forward to encounters with some feathered friends when you stay at a hotel close to nature. And if you want to benefit from expert knowledge, it’s always worth taking a look at the hotel’s events calendar. For example, the Swiss hotel Schloss Wartegg offers a tour accompanied by the bird-watching expert Gieri Battaglia on April 28^th, 2018. And if you book a room facing the forest next to Schloss Wartegg, you can be sure of an early morning bird concert.

Do you like this post? Share it!

Der Beitrag Of songbirds and feathered friends erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.