4 of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts

Increasingly today more and more emphasis is being weighed upon environmentally friendly travel. The tourist industry occupies a unique and decisive role within the global community, not only to enthral and excite but to educate and communicate. It is our task to express the need to embrace greener living habits as part of our every day rituals, to respect our environment and its wildlife and to be more considerate of different cultures and peoples. In this article I have focused upon some of the most exclusive luxury eco-properties in the world, resorts and hotels that prove resoundingly that it is possible to maintain a greener and cleaner management scheme without compromising quality or service. Spice Island Resort, Grenada Renowned across Grenada as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism industry the Spice Island Resort endeavours to blend seamlessly into its surrounding environment; it would after all it be ineffectual to try to upstage the beauty and grandeur of the sweeping Grand Anse Bay. Family run and owned the hotel provides the ideal symmetry between modern and chic architecture with an ecologically sympathetic design. Complete with a spa and a choice of luxury villas and suites the property is ideal for honeymooners and families alike. Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives A community with perhaps more to lose than most if we are lead to believe some scientific reports. With the highest point in the Maldives reaching only 2.4m above sea level this country could be under serious threat by rising sea levels. As such, the Maldivian government has stated that by 2020 the nation will be completely carbon neutral and leading the way with this initiative are resorts such as Soneva Fushi. Although not completely carbon neutral yet the resort is consistently innovating and reassessing its energy usage policies to create a greener experience for all. The property is itself the epitome of barefoot elegance, quite literally, as after you check in you will be provided with a bag for your shoes and are invited, along with the managers and staff, to stroll around Kunfunadhoo Island barefoot. Beautifully constructed using local materials and traditional methods the resort only has 65 private villas, meaning that the conscientious staff have all the time in the world to attend to your needs. Chumbe Island, Zanzibar Recognised as one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism properties, Chumbe Island is also a private nature reserve and coral park supporting a delicate but extensive range of eco-systems both on land and out at sea. Solar power, recycled rainwater, inventive odour-free compost toilets and an education program that concentrates on issues such as sustainable methods of fishing are all features of this eco-mecca. The dramatically constructed ‘bandas’ (traditional huts) have been likened to the shape of the Sydney Opera house and offer a startling sight when approaching the beach. A palm thatched wall on the bed platform that can be fully lowered offers bedfellows the most romantic view of the starry night sky they will ever see. Meals are cooked by local villagers using freshly caught fish and locally grown vegetables herbs and spices with recipes passed down through the generations. Chumbe truly offers an experience unlike any other. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa Situated less than two hours from Cape Town but culturally a world away, Grootbos offers guests matchless levels of privacy and intimacy coupled with unremitting eco-luxury. Set in amongst its own exclusive estate boasting extensive Milkwood forests and over 650 different species of plant the various cabins and lodges have been crafted to effortlessly blend in to the beautiful reserve. Guests can also stroll down to nearby Walker Bay and explore the pristine beaches, rock pools and remote sea caves. A multiple award winner, Grootbos really is a must for discerning travellers visiting South Africa’s famed Western Cape. James Bell is a Director of Turquoise Holidays. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.