Just 30 miles southwest from downtown Los Angeles, Terreana Resort aims to complement its greatest natural asset – the Pacific Ocean.

Inspired by the Spanish explorers who discovered the Southern California coastline in the 1500s, Terreanea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California sits on 102 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The architecture and design complement the natural asset of its location by seamlessly transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces to take full advantage of the climate and unobstructed views.

Terreanea Resort is located just 30 miles southwest from downtown LA. It’s owned by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the fourth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. Through the company’s Destination Earth program, they are committed to creating a new benchmark for each hotel and resort through a series of environmental initiatives.

While Terreanea has many eco-friendly features, the landscaping is what really makes an impression. Because the resort sits partially on restored native habitat areas, strict attention has been paid specifically to the planting of native plant species and trees. The resort’s eco friendly golf course also plays a large role in the landscaping. Irrigation water is treated in vegetated channels called Bioswales, created wetlands which “contain plant species known for their ability to remediate polluted water and soil through sedimentation, filtration, absorption, and vegetative uptake.” Not only does this mean that it enhances the water quality, but it also provides habitat for many avian and aquatic species.

It’s been said that every family member will be entertained at Terreanea, including your pooch. With tons of activities, a spa, and its several restaurants, kids and adults alike will not be disappointed.

If you go: Dolphins and whales can be spotted right from your room. Rates start at approximately $350.00USD per night.

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

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As many of you know, here at EcoSalon, we often emphasize the point that sustainable travel is not just about carbon offsets and packing lighter. Sustainable travel is about conscious travel, and thinking about your next adventure with a holistic approach; everything from where you go and who you stay with, to what tour operators you use and how you get around town. Ultimately, sustainable travel is also about making sure that as travelers we’re doing our best to ensure that the places we want to explore stick around for other people to enjoy them as well, and that means traveling in a manner that’s environmentally, humanly and culturally conscious.

There are a lot of great resources out there on sustainable travel and eco tourism to help guide you in your quest to be a more conscious traveler, with everything from general travel guides to specific listings of sustainable destinations. We’ve rounded up our favorite top 10.

1. Sustainable Travel International – This is the eco traveler’s go-to resource for all things related to sustainable travel. They run an excellent and informative blog that keeps you up to speed on the latest developments in the eco tourism world, and their Eco Directory lets you search travel and tourism providers that have been vetted for their commitment to sustainable practices.

2. Matador – The world’s largest independent magazine, Matador offers a wealth of information to those looking to travel off the beaten path. The articles here are succinct, savvy and are all focused on travel that benefits both the traveler and the local communities. Check out Matador Change which boasts a variety of green travel tips as well as voluntourism organization profiles.

3. Intelligent Travel – National Geographic’s Intelligent Travel blog isn’t specifically green focused, but with the traditional National Geographic attitude it features articles, profiles and tips that all fall under the category of conscious travel, with travel dispatches everywhere from New York City’s High Line to ancient rainforests in Australia.

4. Why Go EcoTourism – Part of the Bootsnall consortium of travel blogs, Why Go EcoTourism is a great place to start your eco travel research. You can easily navigate through various modes of accommodation, including eco lodges and farm stays, and get tips on other eco travel resources like books and guides.

5. Green Traveller – A UK-based site, Green Traveller offers advice on everything from cargo ship travel to staying in treehouses. It’s a well-respected site that’s been mentioned by other travel media like Conde Nast and Rough Guides.

6. Go Green Travel Green – Co-founded by travel savvy ladies Kimberly and Elizabeth Sanberg, Go Green Travel Green features the latest and greatest in green travel gear and tips. They’ve also got a great section on Green Travel 101 for those still a little unsure on the Who, What, Where and Why of it all.

7. HelpEx – If you’re looking to add a stay at an organic farm, or do some volunteer work on your next trip, HelpEx provides a great community of farms, B&Bs, and even sailboats that invites volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation. An excellent way to experience a new place if you’re a fan of slow travel and truly taking part in a local community.

8. The Guardian Green Travel – The Guardian’s section committed to green travel offers a wealth of advice, and includes features on up and coming destinations along with highlighting those spots you just thought couldn’t get any more interesting.

9. Seat 61 – If taking the train enters into any of your travel plans, make sure to consult Seat 61. In the online travel community, this is the one and only site to go to when it comes to researching train travel in other countries. The site covers in detail train travel in almost every country that trains exist, including links to train travel companies, tourism boards and tips on buying tickets.

10. Traveling Greener – Traveling Greener is a blog inspired by green travel news and trends, so it’s jam packed with the latest and greatest in green travel information. Check out Traveling Greener’s Twitter feed too which always has links to interesting articles and tidbits.

Image: Gianni D

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Bikes and travel: two of my absolute favorite things. What better way to see the world than carbon free? If you’re looking to do some traveling that gives back to the community, bike rides are an excellent way to combine exploring and supporting a cause. Sure, you might need to train a little, but putting in a couple of rides each week has oh-so-many benefits. And you can brag about it to all your friends.

We’ve pulled together a selection of interesting bike rides that take you through some beautiful countryside and promote important issues. Dust off that seat and start training!

Climate Ride

For the last two years, Climate Ride has taken cyclists and climate activists from New York City to Washington D.C., and the event has been so successful that this year they’re adding a California version. The ride brings together all kinds of leaders in climate, renewable energy and environmental causes. Last year the likes of ocean rower Roz Savage and The Lazy Environmentalist Josh Dorfman even hopped aboard. Climate Ride California will take place September 21-25, 2010. Learn more here.

The Great Fashion Cycle 2010

The Environmental Justice Foundation is working to raise awareness about human rights and environmental abuses in the fashion industry, and what better way than cycling between two fashion capitals, London and Paris? The event takes place July 14-18, 2010 and you can learn more about promoting a fairer fashion future two-wheel style by clicking here.

Pedals for Africa

Explore Alaska by bike and support school children in Ethiopia and Malawi. The ride takes place July 17-23, 2010, and if you’re interested, go here to get more info – quick as there are only five spots left!

Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee

A six-day adventure across the state parks of Tennessee raises money for the Cumberland Trail Conference. An excellent way to support state parks and get in a week-long bike ride. The ride takes place September 12-18, 2010.

Bike 2 Bike

Bike 2 Bike gives people the chance to explore the West by bicycle, while at the same time helping out local organizations. The company organizes tours in the Rockies and the Southwest, and encourages riders of all levels to take part. Each ride supports a charitable cause. You can learn more here.

Image: Totomaru

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