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

Agoda, online hotel reservations site and part of Priceline, has recently published their top ten picks in eco-friendly Asian resorts. On the very top of that list was the beautiful Tongsai Bay Resort, located on the island of Ko Samui, Thailand.

Tongsai Bay’s Beginning

Tongsai Bay was designed in 1985 by Akorn Hoontrakul, and was created without builders having to cut a single tree down.

The plan, even then, was to leave as much of the natural beauty of the island at peace. With beachfront suites, special villa suites and cottage suites, guests can choose where they’d like to be placed and what special features they’d like to experience at the hotel.

Eco-Friendly Aspect

The Tongsai Bay hotel strives to be eco-friendly on several levels, including:

• Through smart waste management practices and recycling.
• Working to conserve energy as much as possible.
• Working to create eco-awareness in the surrounding community, where Tonsai Bay Hotel has built a low carbon school.
• Working with other hotels on the island to try and maintain the natural beauty and resources of Tonsai Bay.

Besides running one of the most beautiful hotels on the island, the management and owners of Tongsai Bay hotel are dedicated to keeping the island as natural as possible and as unmolested as possible as well.

Features and Amenities

Tongsai Bay has twenty-four beachside suites that are absolutely gorgeous. One of the best features is the ‘bath with a view,’ where one can enjoy a calming bath with a beautiful view of the hotel and island at the same time.

Special villas feature gazebos on the balconies, private shower, washbasin, minibar and more.

Guests who want to unwind can relax in the lobby lounge, where live music plays and drinks are served. Once relaxed, individuals may want to enjoy a nice dinner, and can do so at Chef Chom’s Thai restaurant, The Butler’s restaurant, or the Po-Lad Beach Bistro and Bar. Guests can check email or check in with the world at the SIP internet cafe.

Activities

One of the things visitors to Ko Samui enjoy is watersports and they’ll find several different accomodations near Tongsai Bay when it comes to watersports. Individuals can enjoy:

• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Windsurfing
• Snorkeling

Of course, aside from these activities, there is a bustling nightlife and major shopping nearby.

Tongsai Bay Resort is not only beautiful, it is one of the most beautiful resorts in the world and with owners and staff who take caring for the environment seriously – how could one be disappointed?

Photo Credits: www.tongsaibay.co.th

At Heron Island, they take a different approach to providing an enjoyable experience for their guests than many modern resorts. While rooms are chic and the food is gourmet, there is a low-tech approach to most of life on Heron Island. The activities available beyond exploring nature include board games, ping-pong, and tennis. The only televisions are located in the bar and while two computers with internet access and two pay phones are provided, the lack of wi-fi and cellular receptions means almost no one is “plugged-in.” This lack of electric-powered devices allows the solar panels placed on the roofs of many buildings to provide much of the power needed to run the island. Additionally, minimal light pollution means spectacular views of the stars.

Heron Island is a World Heritage Listed area, meaning that both the island and the island-life are protected. At Heron Island, eco-tourism efforts are in full swing with both the activities available and what the island itself has to offer. Lessons on how to interact with nature are mandatory and that helps to keep the massive bird, fish, coral, turtle, and even whale population healthy and happy. The organization Ecotourism Australia even awarded the resort with Advanced Eco-Certification.

While both dive and snorkel boats are available daily for a cost, I found that the most enjoyable activities were free. Hosted by the naturalists on the island, there are bird walks which draw attention to the great diversity of bird-life, as well as reef walks on which you can experience the Great Barrier Reef in an up-close and exciting way. With thousands of birds and hundreds of different types of coral, not to mention the diversity of fish and sea cucumbers, an enjoyment of nature is hard to avoid on Heron Island.

While eco-tourism exists all over the world, it is not just green-washing in Australia. While very similar to the United States in many attitudes and lifestyles, the Australian way of life is inherently different. The country is an island, with the vast majority of population residing on the coasts. For Australia, global warming is an incredibly real and serious threat. Beyond the threat of ocean level rise for the mainland, due to the rise of ocean temperatures with global warming, the coral reef is also threatened. According to the World Wildlife Fund, climate change has already adversely affected the reef. A recent report from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority predicts that if the carbon dioxide levels reach the predicted 450 parts per million by 2035, that would mean extreme bleaching of coral which would diminish that ability of the reef to make new coral. Some predict that by 2050, the reef would be completely dead. This unfortunate problem is part of the reason why Australia is fighting hard against climate change and their eco-tourism efforts are a great example of this commitment.

Heron Island is a wonderful place with an amazing amount of nature to experience. For more information on booking and activities, check out the Heron Island website. As different seasons mean different animals are active, the Heron Island bio calendar will help you to discover when your favorite animals are around.

Image Credit: Heron Island

High above the fragile beauty of the Waikapu Preserve in Maui, an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping sightseeing opportunity awaits – but this eco tour is not for the faint of heart.  Flyin’ Hawaiian is a 5-hour rush of spine tingling, high speed views featuring the natural beauty of Maui.  The tour boasts 8 unique zipline courses, including the longest line in Hawaii – an amazing 3,600 feet of flying!  In addition to the breathtaking scenery and fast-paced action, Flyin’ Hawaiian tours also offers visitors a chance to protect and preserve the natural environment around them.

The Thrills

Guests begin their 2.5 mile journey of zipping with a short trainer line before heading off to the 2,800-foot line that soars through the scenic West Maui Mountains.  The next line, 1900-feet long, boasts a 500-foot vertical drop and speeds of up to 55 mph.  A 2,100-foot line is then completed before guests have the opportunity to ride backwards along the short, but fun, 500-foot zipline that marks the midway point of the tour.

Before braving the final line – more than two-thirds of a mile long and crossing 3 majestic mountain ridges – guests will zip across 2 other lines, totaling 1,400-feet in length.  A 6-passenger ATV provides transportation between lines and short, but strenuous hiking is required in some spots.  Some of Maui’s most amazing views can be seen during the exhilirating 5-hour tour.

Eco Initiatives

From the construction to participation, Flyin’ Hawaiian is an eco-friendly tourist attraction designed to allow guests to enjoy the beauty of Maui without disturbing its fragile ecosystem.

• Materials were delivered by helicopter or packed in by hikers;
• On-site invasive trees were harvested to build platforms, handrails, and furniture;
• Composting toilets are used at the solar-powered rest area;
• Reusable water bottles are provided to all guests, eliminating plastic waste along the course;
• Native endangered seedlings are planted by every tour group to replenish the preserve.

How to Fly Hawaiian

Since opening in July of 2009, the Flyin’ Hawaiian tours have stayed booked well in advance.  Reservations are required and should be secured as early as possible.  Three groups leave daily, but only 12 people are allowed on each tour.  Participants must be at least 10 years old and should be able to carry 10 pounds of gear.  Cost for the 5-hour tour is $185 per person.  Reservations can be made online at AdventureMaui.com.

Sources: AdventureMaui; Star Bulletin

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

As the weather grows cooler, it’s increasingly tempting to daydream about escaping to warmer climates. If you’re interested in such an escape, any one of the Singita Game Reserves, located South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, would certainly make an appealing destination.

The lodges vary in terms of specific accommodations and amenities. For example, some are permanent architectural sites, while others are luxury tent villages. However, all Singita lodges share a commitment to luxury and excellence that’s apparent down to the smallest detail. All the lodges also depend heavily on natural beauty, with design that blends seamlessly into the landscape, and prime locations in majestic wilderness areas.

Environmentally minded travelers can breathe easy at Singita, knowing that the reserves take a significant interest in having a positive impact. Again, specific programs vary by location, but generally include a commitment to conservation, environmental education, and a socially responsible business model that supports and employs members of the local community. Individual guests can offset the carbon footprints of their travel by purchasing trees and plants from local nurseries, or contributing to any number of local projects, from wildlife reintroduction to scholarships for local youth.

There’s a green business on the block making waves and depending on the guest(s), the establishment promises a fun-filled family excursion or relaxing vacation getaway. Wilderness at the Smokies (located in Sevierville, Tennessee) offers a mixture of upscale amenities and rustic mountain charm nestled in a luxurious setting. As travelers come from near and wide to visit the resort, I’m wondering just how many people know about the waterland’s commitment to preserving the environment and providing a more earth-friendly experience.

The Amazing Texlon Roof

The Wilderness at the Smokies waterparks have been attracting guests of all ages to the resort. Surrounded by live tropical flora, the appeal of a suntan in the wintertime, and entertaining water attractions, the indoor waterpark transports you into a different realm of fun. Just some of the excitement to look forward to includes tube slides, surf rider, wave pool, and multi-leveled water play feature.

Interestingly, upon entering the Wild WaterDome, the atmosphere is comparable to a perfect summer day – even in the winter season. Thanks to the see-through Texlon roof placed over the waterpark, natural sunlight and UV rays pour into the 60,000 square-foot complex. Because of this roof, guests can work on their tan all year-round, real plants grow indoors, and the resort enjoys reduced energy consumption. The Texlon roof not only enhances the overall experience of guests, but also:

• Lowers electric consumption by foregoing artificial lighting during the day
• Uses 300 to 400 less therms of natural gas per day to heat the indoor waterpark
• Has a built-in ventilation system that circulates more air in the summer months
• Reduces the resort’s need for air conditioning

Accommodations

The Stone Hill Lodge provides easy access to the Sevierville Event Center and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark. Choose one of more than 240 hotel accommodations and enjoy natural upscale furnishings with a ‘mountain-modern’ décor and access to luxurious amenities, such as flat screen televisions, refrigerators, and microwaves.

Connected to the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark and Lake Wilderness outdoor waterpark, there are more than 400 rooms found at the Smokies River Lodge, including one- and two-bedroom suites, balcony access, fireplaces, sofa sleepers, and fully furnished kitchens. For large traveling families, the River Lodge offers a suite that accommodates up to 15 people.

Keep in mind that all rooms at the Stone Hill Lodge and Smokies River Lodge provide unlimited access to resort waterparks and amenities.

Have Fun with Ripley’s or…

During your stay at the Wilderness, take the time to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or one of the other fascinating Ripley’s attractions (Believe it or Not Museum, Haunted Adventure, Moving Theater, Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf, and Marvelous Mirror Maze).

While staying at the resort, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You could test out the treadmills and weight machine at the onsite Fitness Center, get competitive at the Arcade, or enjoy a round of golf at Eagle’s Landing. Soak in the 1,000-foot Magnolia Grove Hot Tub. Browse the retail shops for a perfect souvenir. When hungry, dine at the Hidden Trails restaurant or the Thirsty Miner Grill.

Other Eco-Friendly Features

As a member of the Green Hotels Association, Wilderness at the Smokies goes beyond their earth-friendly waterpark features and supports an array of green features and practices found throughout the rest of the resort, including:

• Tinted windows in guest rooms reduce energy consumption
• Motion-sensing towel dispensers reduce paper usage
• Energy Star rated appliances and kitchen equipment
• Energy-saving compact florescent lighting
• State-of-the-art key-controlled occupancy sensors turn on lights and HVAC system to save electricity

For more information on the Wilderness at the Smokies resort or to make reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453).

Photo Credits: Wilderness at the Smokies

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