For your next vacation, consider these retreats that are dedicated to wellness for both the traveler and the earth. By doing so, your travel dollars will go toward  luxury eco health and wellness retreats that promote a personal and global sense of balance.

For the vast majority of travelers, a vacation can be wasteful, with a focus on disposable convenience, rapid consumption, and splurges (on food, souvenirs, and the like) that cumulatively create an experience that’s anything but eco-friendly.

But for the conscientious consumer, retreats exist where the traveler can relax and recharge, while simultaneously preserving the local ecosystem, culture, and traditions. These eco health and wellness retreats are just the thing to scratch your recharge itch with a clean conscience.

1. Re-center at the Bali Bliss Eco Luxury Yoga and Wellness Retreat, Alila Villas Soori

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Repeat – all against a beautiful Bali backdrop. This summer, the Alila Villas Soori—an Earthcheck certified hotel—is sponsoring a Bali Bliss Eco Luxury Yoga and Wellness Retreat featuring five days of twice-daily yoga sessions with yogi Jocelyn Kay Levy, four spa sessions, and the choice of an outing ranging from a horseback ride on the beach to a Segway tour through rice paddies. Also included are six nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast and lunch, two dinners, and a discount on additional spa treatments or dining credits. This year’s yoga retreat will be held from August 26 through September 1; if that doesn’t fit with your schedule, a variety of additional getaway packages are also available.

2. Experience Sustainable Architecture Firsthand at the Juvet Hotel, Norway

Fresh mountain air, crisp and clean water, and quiet contemplation await travelers in northwest Norway. Situated in the conservation lands of Nordaal municipality in the town of Valldal, the Juvet Hotel is a marvel of sustainable architecture. Built as a “landscape hotel”, the property features 28 rooms that seem to blend into the natural surroundings, with extensive glass, perched vantage points, and reclaimed materials – and indeed, this harmony with the surrounding environment is entirely purposeful: The construction did not involve any rock blasting, and upkeep of the hotel does not alter the terrain in any way. Minimal energy consumption continues the hotel’s sustainable practices on a daily basis. Juvet’s bathing area sits right at a riverbank, and features a “quiet room” to sit and reflect, a steam room, and an outdoor hot tub. If you’d like a traditional spa experience, the hotel staff can arrange private on-site appointments with a local masseuse.

3. Swoon Over Sunrise Yoga, Spa Treatments, and Select Ecoboutique Hotels in Peru

When traveling, it’s always best to tread lightly – and that’s exactly what the walking-focused trips with tour operator Country Walkers aim to do. Luxury eco travelers, check out the eight-day Destination Peru trip, which features daily guided walks through secluded villages and gardens of the rainforest, yoga sessions, organic meals, and spa treatments featuring locally sourced products. All activities are curated both by local guides and the editorial team at Organic Spa Magazine, and accommodations include stays at ecoboutique hotels such as the LEED-Certified Tambo del Inka Luxury Resort and Spa in Urubamba and the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes (a Lonely Planet Top 10 Eco Hotel for 2014). This trip is slated to depart in mid-September, but should this not be of interest, many other walking tour options around the world are currently on the Country Walkers’ schedule.

Which ecologically friendly wellness retreats appeal to you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

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Photo courtesy Mukashi Mukashi Photography via Flickr Creative Commons

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Looking for a dreamy holistic retreat? Lumeria Maui is off the tourist trail, and sure to soothe your soul. This intimate hotel brings the romance and traditional architecture of Upcountry Maui together with all you’d expect from a health-minded yoga getaway to create a soothing sanctuary. 

Confession: I’m allergic to New Age. I think it’s a side-effect of my years working in the natural foods industry, attending massage school, and living in Berkeley, California. Not, to quote “Seinfeld,” that there’s anything wrong with that. Mindful living is important, and alternative modalities and lifestyles are increasing in popularity. Even the global tourism industry has been impacted by the craving for wellness, and holistic retreats and spas—many of which draw inspiration from various indigenous cultures—are one of the industries’ fastest-growing segments.

When I heard about Lumeria Maui, an intimate, 24-room, luxury holistic retreat that opened in March, 2012, I was intrigued. The property is located on the 1910 Fred Baldwin estate (a prominent sugar cane and ranching family who still live in the area). The estate was built to house retired cane executives and plantation workers, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. My obsession with interior design and all things Hawaiian made the decision to visit Lumeria an easy one.

Lumeria Maui owner and operator Xorin Balbes, a renowned architectural conservator and designer, renovated the six-acre property in 2011, creating what he refers to as a “SoulSpace.” The result is a stunning redesign of the original Craftsman building, using reclaimed and sustainable materials. The exterior and key elements have been left intact, while the interiors have a tasteful neoclassical and Asian-influenced aesthetic.

Image: Lumeria Maui

Explains Balbes, “I’ve always found it to be important to hold on to history through architecture. Considering the property was originally a convalescent center, I thought it was important to save and restore the original structures and the history they represent. As the oldest wooden structures on Maui, the buildings really exude a feeling of a bygone era of ‘old Hawaii,’ which I felt would be amazing to share with travelers from around the world.”

Lumeria’s location outside the sleepy paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao, in Upcountry Maui, was also a big selling point for me, as the region is one of my favorite spots on earth. While less than seven miles from the North Shore’s bustling former sugar mill town of Paia and world-class windsurfing of Ho’okipa Beach, Upcountry might as well be a different planet.

Historically a cattle ranching region, Upcountry is still very much paniolo country. The landscape is one of lush pasture and forest, grazing livestock, and rolling hills, situated on the flanks of Haleakala volcano. Makawao is just up the road from Lumeria, with its handful of great restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and historic structures. Lumeria lies smack-dab in the middle of nowhere, unobtrusively located behind wooden gates off the main road, Baldwin Avenue. While B&B’s are popular, Lumeria is the only “hotel” in Upcountry.

Image: belindah-Thank You!-150.000 Views Now

Upcountry is a peaceful place; the main noise pollution comes in the form of tradewinds rustling the eucalyptus, guava, and Norfolk Island pine trees. While there’s a laidback sort of tourism here, there aren’t herds of people to “ruin” the vibe. Yet, Lumeria is a sanctuary-within-a-sanctuary. Here, you’re sheltered from the everyday annoyances like shrilling devices (While the property does have Wifi and iPod docking in every room, there are no phones or TV and cell service is spotty) and traffic.

Image: Lumeria Maui

Lumeria offers classes, programs, and retreats in yoga and meditation, often taught by world-renowned instructors (daily yoga and meditation are included with all reservations). There’s a small yoga studio next to the restaurant, and a larger, appealingly airy stand-alone studio. A black-bottom lap pool and Jacuzzi overlook Haleakala’s western slope, while a nearby pine grove is strung with hammocks that invite snoozing.

Rooms are individually designed, and full of light, making good use of the lofty original ceilings. All feature river rock-tiled, rain-head showers (with Aveda amenities; yay). My four-poster King Bed was luxurious and draped in a duvet (Upcountry nights can get chilly); a cozy daybed provided a separate space to read and daydream. One caveat: the walls are thin: Between the amorous couple next door and a bickering family two rooms down, I endured a couple of late nights.

The design of the Baldwin home is such that it forms a U-shape, with a covered porch running the length of the interior. The porch overlooks an immaculately-groomed grass courtyard bordered by tropical flowers and other vegetation. Inside the main entrance are a plush, lavishly furnished-and-decorated library and sitting room stocked with books, art, and magnificent chunks of crystal and geode.

Image: Lumeria Maui

While I’m not a big fan of yoga because I  find it too sedentary (I realize the irony of this statement; I’m exactly the kind of stressed-out person who could benefit most from the discipline), I got into the spirit of things and spent a day taking classes. Given the deplorable state of my downward dog, I expected to be the laughing stock of my Anusara class. Surprise: not only did it kick my butt, but the instructor and fellow students were kind, and helped me refine various poses. Inspired, I took a Yoga Nidra class, which is when I hit my tolerance level for alternative modalities.

Ultimately, Lumeria Maui is designed to appeal to guests seeking a genuinely holistic, experiential retreat. If that’s not your thing (and you find being offered colon hydrotherapy within minutes of arrival off-putting, which I most certainly do), you’ll likely be weirded out by the drinking the Kool-Aid vibe. If you can look past that intensity, you’ll enjoy the property for its aesthetic charms, solitude, and enchanting location.

Lumeria offers weekly classes from visiting shamans, Hawaiian cultural educators, and botanical experts. You can also book traditional lomi-lomi massage or partake of the Lumeria Glow Cleanse program, which includes a “state-of-the-art juice and broth” regimen. The small, on-site restaurant serves tasty dinners made with locally-sourced produce when possible (advance reservations required); a no-frills Continental breakfast is included.

Lumeria can also help facilitate booking outside activities like horseback riding (Makawao’s lovely Piiholo Ranch is owned and operated by members of the Baldwin family), farm tours, stand-up paddleboarding, and wind- and kitesurfing.

My stay at Lumeria was sponsored by the Maui Visitors Bureau, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Top Image: Simply Stella, Flickr

Related on EcoSalon:

Sustainable Aloha at Maui’s Organic Lavender Farm

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The post Old Hawaii’s Hidden Holistic Retreat: Lumeria Maui appeared first on EcoSalon.

Got a hankering to see the continent, but short on time/funds/without wheels? Travel by train is a lower-impact, relaxed, and budget-conscious way to go, especially in Canada.

Serious travelers have likely logged time on the rails, be it  sleek, high-speed European or Japanese trains, or the clapped-out versions found throughout parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia.  Here in the states, unfortunately, long-distance rail travel can be time inefficient and pricey. 

In general, however, train travel  is a greener way to go. Recent freak accidents in Spain and Quebec notwithstanding, trains are statistically much safer and less expensive than driving (when you factor in gas and depreciation), and far more efficient if you’re not in a hurry. After all, you can nap, read, or work.

Personally, I just like to zone out and  stare out the window, taking in the  scenery. Having traveled by train on four continents, I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the seriously fetid. So it’s with good authority that I say VIA Rail Canada—the country’s national passenger rail system—rocks. Another eco-plus: Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station is just a 20-minute ride from the Vancouver National Airport on the efficient Canada Line rapid transit system.

VIA recently underwent a $22 million dollar renovation and eco-consciousness is notably a part of their promotional campaign  (Canadians are impressively on the ball when it comes to green practices and ethics). Perhaps being an enormous country with a low population, fragile ecosystem, and massive foodshed is a good thing?

The VIA website addresses environmental issues and cites statistics, such as this: “Last year, 4 million VIA rail passengers traveled more than 851 million miles (1.37 billion kilometers)? Despite all these trips, they produced only 0.03% of greenhouse gas (GHG)  related to transportation, while motorists alone have produced 13% of GHG emissions.”

This isn’t to say that you should believe everything you read, but the fact that travel by train is environmentally cleaner than plane, car, or cruise ship is nothing new. I’ve always loved taking the train, so for me, VIA’s makeover was an excuse to go to British Columbia for a week, and travel two of the province’s most famous routes.

The Canadian line runs from Vancouver to Toronto, but I chose to travel from Vancouver to Jasper (which is actually just over the border in Alberta), home of the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Because the Canadian travels trans-provinces, it offers both Economy (which includes a sleeping berth) and Sleeper Plus class, which includes full-service dining, and by far the sweetest room I’ve ever seen on a train.

VIA isn’t the Orient Express, so don’t expect bells and whistles, but the cushy chairs fold down into a full bed with a duvet, and there’s a private bathroom; showers are shared. There were even functional electrical outlets (are you listening, Amtrak?), but Wi-Fi capability depends upon route; in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, forget about phone and internet…which I gladly did. In fact, I was so cozy in my room, I had to force myself out and into the glass-ceiled and -sided Dome and Panorama cars (access may depend upon route and travel class).

During daylight hours, if you’re lucky, you’ll have an engineer who slows the train for photo ops of stunning visuals, like the towering Pyramid Falls, visible only from the tracks en route to Jasper.

The 20-hour overnight journey offers distinctly beautiful scenery. There are jagged peaks, meadows of wildflowers, farmland dotted with bales of hay, and usually, loads of wildlife (I seemed to be napping or peeing every time someone saw a moose, Grizzly bear, or bald eagle, but they’re out there, I promise- there were plenty of animals in Jasper). You’ll see crystalline glacial lakes, and cruise alongside the milky jade waters of the Fraser River.

In Jasper, I boarded the famed Jasper-Prince Rupert line, formerly known as “The Skeena” because it follows the dramatic river of the same name. This two-day, 720-miles run heads west, going from the Rockies to the rugged Pacific Coast. There are no sleeper cars on this route; instead, the train stops overnight in the sleepy city of Prince George (recommendation: the stylish Sandman Signature Hotel).

While the first day has attractive, pastoral scenery, the second day is money. From the jagged, glacier-swathed peaks of the Coast Mountains to the misty sandbars of the swift, wide Skeena, it’s Canadian wilderness at its best.

Prince Rupert itself is a delightfully quirky little port, and a great place to kick it for a couple of days. The highlights of the region (besides the views of the Alaskan Coastal Range, just 40 tantalizing miles away) are the stellar humpback whale watching and grizzly viewing.  I took a six-hour round-trip boat ride up the Northern Inside Passage with the excellent, family-owned Prince Rupert Adventure Tours.

We watched humpbacks “lunge-feeding” just yards away from the boat, spotted porpoises and harbour seals, and watched bald eagles snatching fish scraps out of mid-air. The highlight of  the week, however, was seeing grizzly bears in the Khutzeymateen Valley.

Although completely wild, the bears live in a protected region known as a “sanctuary,” how close to shore the boats can get to the animals, which spend summers foraging onshore for dandelions, grass, and clams, depends upon their mood. Many of the passengers on the boat were the same folks I’d spent the last two days riding the rails with. It had been a running joke amongst us  that we’d ask for a refund if we didn’t see any whales or bears on our trip. It turns out that traveling to the edge of the continent is worth every cent.

All images: VIA Rail Canada

Related on EcoSalon :

10 Things to Love About Rail Travel

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The post Why Travel by Train Rocks, Especially in Canada (Hint: It’s Relaxing and Green) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Go beyond falafel and hummus, indulge in the bustling conscious culture of Tel Aviv.

Before arriving to Tel Aviv, all my research concerning eating vegan or vegetarian pointed to one conclusion: falafel and hummus. Tel Aviv isn’t particularly known for its cuisine and has adopted its culinary creations from the Mediterranean coast and Arab neighbors. I figured if what I ordered wasn’t something involving fried chickpeas or tahini then the only other option would be lamb. When I arrived, however, I was impressed to see that there indeed existed a growing buzz for plant-based eating and an enthusiastic culture to support it. Yes, there was a lot of falafel and hummus involved, mostly because Israelis do a fantastic job at them, but there were also so many other opportunities to enjoy the local culture in a sustainable and healthy way.

The star of Tel Aviv’s health food joints is decidedly the Taste of Life, located on Ben Zehuda Street. Since 1984, the restaurant has gone beyond kosher laws and has successfully worked under a vegan, organic and raw banner. Dishes are made in-house and include tofu quiches, mock-meat, veggie burgers, tofu teriyaki, Schwarma, stir fry, grains, vegetable casseroles, soy ice-cream as well as a selection of salads and juices. The restaurant also hosts cooking classes and offers catering services.

Start the day out with a hearty Israeli breakfast that will satisfy both the vegan and non-vegan palette. Orna & Ella is a well-established fixture that has become a symbol of Tel Aviv and Shenkin Street. Starting off as a coffee shop 14 years ago, today Orna & Ella feeds diners on a balcony in the back and three small separate rooms and is famous for its yam patties, which are served with a creamy chives dip. In addition to its meat pie and chicken liver dishes, there are salads, homemade pastas and morning pastries. Get the best of both worlds and indulge in a truly Tel Aviv experience at this humble local mainstay.

On Yehuda Halevi Street you’ll find a health enthusiast’s true oasis. Aba Gil is a vegan, organic, low-fat, gluten and soy-free restaurant. The menu is stocked with typical dishes characteristic to the city’s tastes, such as hummus and falafel, in addition to others with stand-outs such as sweet potato, beans, quinoa, brown rice, vegetables, sprouts, and beets.

If you are in the mood for a burger, but want to keep things light, go to Buddha Burgers on Ibn Gavirol for a vegan, and Israeli, take on an American classic. The restaurant preps all the burgers itself and also serves vegan milkshakes to complete the experience. In a show of its good nature, Buddha Burgers offers animal rights activists a special discount.

Venture to southern Tel Aviv for a Southeast Asian experience. Indian restaurant 24 Rupee is nestled between unlikely neighbors – warehouses and motorbike shops – but is itself a charming, authentic Indian food restaurant with colorful walls and a cozy atmosphere that is introduced at first step, when patrons are asked to remove their shoes. Indian music complements the meal and during the summer, the rooftop is open for diners to enjoy their food in fresh air. As another reprieve from Israeli cuisine, try your hand at chopstick skills at Onami on HaArba. While the restaurant is not exclusively vegan or vegetarian, like any Japanese sushi restaurant, there are plenty of vegan options, such as stir-fried tofu and green vegetables. Let the server know your vegetarian or vegan preferences before ordering-

If moving to Tel Aviv or planning on a longer visit, it may interest you to join the Bar-Kayma, a cooperative vegan restaurant and bar that doubles as a community center. Owned by its customers and employees, Bar-Kayma offers members wholesale prices on its products and services, allows members to take part in all community decisions, provides lectures, performances and movies every evening, and serves fresh vegan food. It costs 1,000 Shekels, or just under $275, to join. For non-members, the cooperative is still open and the food and drinks are still competitively low.

Photo Credit: Aylin Erman

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Giving up a house and belongings for life on the road in an Airstream.

It’s no surprise that we love Airstreams. Sleek, retro and the embodiment of simple living, they inspire a sense of wanderlust, making us dream of giving up our belongings and trading it all in for life on the road. That’s exactly what Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty are doing, living fulltime in an eco Airstream, traveling across the country and telling their stories along the way. Pulled by a truck that runs on biodiesel, it’s all part of On the Green Road, what Reinhardt and Daugherty call “a mobile sustainable living project.” As they traverse the country, they’re sharing stories of tiny living and educating about simple, healthy choices. That’s the kind of tour we want to be on. But the second best thing to being on the tour, is getting an inside look at what living in an Airstream is all about.

Name: Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty

Website: www.greenrvlife.com

What do you love about EcoSalon? 

EcoSalon is super trendy and fresh. We love that. Our favorites are Foodie Underground and the new Daily Track. Awesome and right on the money.

What inspired you to sell your house and belongings and set out for life in an Airstream?

We wanted to pursue our passions – down-sizing our life, travel, being with friends and family, and educating about simple living. The housing market in California was going downhill and we sold before we were completely upside down on our mortgage. It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. From there, we paid off our debt and pursued our dream of owning an Airstream. At first we were simply going do a green remodel on the weekends as we had time. Then as budget and job cuts ensued with the State of California, Cece lost her Public Health job. With free time and creative thinking, we decided to write off for sponsorship for the eco remodel and Brenda pursued a telecommuting work schedule with her employer. The dream of “On the Green Road” blossomed.

What green features do you have in the Airstream?  

We went two ways with this. First, we wanted to be independent and off grid. We added solar power and a waterless composting toilet so we could extend our time off the grid and off the pipe. Secondly, we wanted to have a healthy living environment, free of toxins and VOCs.  To accomplish this, we added organic fabrics and eco materials that were beautiful and healthy like cork and Marmoleum flooring, bamboo cutting boards, a kirei work desk, Paperstone countertop, a Keetsa eco-friendly mattress, American Clay walls and ceiling, eco veneer on existing cabinets, LED lighting and organic linens/textiles.

Tell us about the upcoming On the Green Road tour. What do you hope to get out of it?

We are traveling across the U.S. and Canada over the next 6 months. As we travel, we focus on education and outreach – promoting tangible green change. With our background in outdoor/experiential education and sociology we feel that by incorporating “hands-on” exposure – feeling, touching, seeing and discussing systems in action, sustainability concepts such as carbon footprint, simple living and green lifestyle take on a more powerful and tangible meaning. In essence, we are utilizing individual products and systems like a composting toilet, solar power and biofuels, putting them together in a mobile studio and hitting the green road to put words into actions. But the discussion and our passion doesn’t end there. Taking steps to free yourself from clutter, live more sustainably and create a passionate self are all connected. We want to encourage and continue this conversation as we work, live and travel.

Oh yeah, we also want to have some adventure and fun.

Your motto is “Conserve. Explore. Inspire.” What keeps you inspired to live this lifestyle?

We love the feeling of living a healthy lifestyle – we wake up refreshed and ready to take on the world everyday. By down-sizing our life we also pay into our savings and retirement each month and we don’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. We receive wonderful emails from followers of our website and Facebook page. Knowing that people are making their own life changes and that we have had something to do with that is priceless.

What five items do you never travel without?

iPhone, Verizon wifi, our animals (one cat and one dog), kayaks, Breville Juice extractor.

When people ask you what they can do to live a more conscious/sustainable lifestyle, what do you tell them?

There is not just one way to go green. It’s about balance—taking on what you can, depending on your time, resources and passions. We are just two girls with a cat and a dog, trying to find the balance between freedom, sustainability and passion. Here are things we have found helpful:

Slow down enough in your day to day activities to identify what you are already doing or not doing. Take time to get connected to the nature around you. Disconnect from your iPhone and computer and notice the beauty right there. Our planet is amazing. How nature works is awesome.  Once you get zoned in to this you also start to see things that destroy and interfere with this beauty. When you start to care everything changes.  Your everyday actions start to take on more meaning. What you can do next will just naturally fall into place – recycling, taking public transportation, using less energy, composting, buying less packaging, owning less stuff, spending more time with the ones you love out in the woods, etc. Have fun – being green doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Build a community, in your thought and action. Join together – it takes a village to bring about change.

What is your favorite travel quote?

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

The post We Heart Our Readers: Cece Reinhardt and Brenda Daugherty of On the Green Road appeared first on EcoSalon.

Travel around the world to nine gorgeous ecotourism destinations.

After two weeks of indulgent ecotourism destinations, my appetite for travel is fierce. The exotic locations, natural luxury, pure relaxation, pristine beaches, handsome forests, rugged adventure, and everything from simple canvas tents to opulent organic sheets have been inspirational. Here’s a quick recap of our two week series.

Alina Villas Uluwatu (Indonesia)

Paperbark Camp (Australia)

Juvet Landscape Hotel (Norway)

Canvas Hotel (Norway)

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Vietnam)

Eco Beach (Australia)

In case you are craving something with rustic charm, urban edge, or beautiful snow, check out these sustainable destinations from the EcoSalon archives.

Hotel Basico (Mexico)

Waterhouse Hotel (China)

White Pod Resort (Switzerland)

There’s only one thing left to do – decide where to visit first. Of course we did all the research for our featured destinations, but this piece by Kim Derby will help you ensure any hotel you choose is sustainable.

So, have you made reservations yet?

This is the final installment in our seven-part series, Places & Spaces at EcoSalon, a travel guide to 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.

The post Places & Spaces: Final Globetrot appeared first on EcoSalon.

Soak in the warm sand and fresh Australian air at Eco Beach.

Eco Beach is an oasis of earthen colors adjacent to tropical blue waters in northwestern Australia. The resort has an impressive history of destruction and construction. After a tropical cyclone delivered extensive ruin, Eco Beach was renovated and rebuilt with strict sustainability decisions to set a new “global benchmark for ecologically sustainable tourism.”

The Eco Credentials are extensive – this is a destination that completely embraces the definition of ecotourism without compromising the adventure and comfort of travelers.

“Eco Beach oozes comfort, class and perfectly balances the luxury and convenience of a beach resort with the simplicity and sophistication of a truly unique eco retreat.”

Slumber softly in an Eco Tent or Eco Villa, then share the sunshine with whales, turtles, birds, dolphins, dugongs, sea snakes, wallabies, kangaroos, dingoes, frogs, goannas, and lizards; it’s a natural zoo of fascinating variety. The combination of a close connection to nature and minimal impact on the surroundings is inspiring.

Rates start at $165/night – Australian bush, complimentary yoga, and uncompromising environmental morals included.

This is the sixth in our seven-part series, Places & Spaces at EcoSalon, 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.

The post Places & Spaces: Eco Beach appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ninh Van Bay is a resort that balances luxury and sustainability.

The vivid imagery of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay caught my eye, but the casual atmosphere held my attention.

“You will not need to wear shoes at any time during your visit…”

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang, Vietnam is anchored in a quiet bay, accessible only by boat. The destination is framed by grains of white sand beaches delicately sandwiched between protective mountains and inviting turquoise waters. Balmy weather is nearly guaranteed, the resort is graced with sunshine 250 days a year.

Traditional Vietnamese architecture is nestled into dramatic rock formations to offer seclusion and privacy from other guests, while allowing expansive views and intimate interaction with nature. The resort’s spa is indulgent, holistic, and an imperative part of your stay. Between your healing appointments of acupuncture and massage, fill your days with magical nature excursions (snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunning, etc.). Dining on fusion cuisine coupled with traditional clay pot cooking will fill your nights.

Ninh Van Bay is managed by Six Senses, a company with exotic destinations speckled across the globe. The company’s core purpose is, “To create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate our guests’ love of Slow Life.” Slow is an acronym for sustainable, local, organic, and wholesome. Six Senses destinations are known for their environmental responsibility from conception through development and daily operations. The company’s resorts are regularly awarded with green and sustainable design awards for their efforts in managing energy, water, waste, chemicals, biodiversity, and community enrichment. Peruse all sixteen locations Six Senses manages to make choosing a luxurious eco-destination an effortless endeavor.

Rates start at $700/night – private villa, endless views of islands in the South China Sea, and organic meals included.

This is the fifth in our seven-part series, Places & Spaces at EcoSalon, 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.

The post Places & Spaces: Ninh Van Bay appeared first on EcoSalon.

Canvas Hotel is a playground for adults (and bicycles).

Southern Norway is home to the enviable Canvas Hotel, sited on an island in a small lake, surrounded by big adventure. The Canvas Hotel is no ordinary hotel, the simple yurts take a backseat to a passion for peddles. This destination is about bicycles, offering courses, riding, trails, and training that ranges from beginners to skilled experts.

The adventure starts the moment you arrive. You will be picked up at the nearest train station or airport; your luggage will be transported for you while you jump on a bike and savor your first spin into camp.

After you conquer the granite trails on two wheels, head back to the yurts and plunge into the lake for a refreshing cool down. Then soak in the healing powers of a sauna (disguised as a yurt) or saturate your tired muscles in a designer hot tubs. The bathtubs are portable, so you can relax and soak anywhere you like (I would go for the floating platform suspended above the lake).

Just in case your definition of vacation includes indulging your palate, you’ll be relieved to hear the food at the Canvas Hotel is local, delicious, and hearty. The aim of the chef is to delight your appetite and fuel your rides, so there is no shortage of taste or quantity.

The playful atmosphere of the hotel is evident in this phrase from their website, “You don’t stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing.” Who wouldn’t want to play here?

Rates start at $900/day – indulgent food, scintillating adventure, two wheels, pedals, and a generous guide included.

This is the fourth in our seven-part series, Places & Spaces at EcoSalon, 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.

The post Places & Spaces: Canvas Hotel appeared first on EcoSalon.

Essential questions for conscious travelers.

The series Places & Spaces could inspire even the most dedicated couch potato to pack a bag and hop a plane. The destinations featured are sustainable, but what about your average hotel claiming green sensitivity? The term is increasingly overused, so it’s important to ask questions. A well-informed traveler is a more conscious one, so ask the following before you commit your hard earned cash:

1. Do they use organic linens and bedding?

2. Can guests opt-out of daily maid service?

3. Do they use refillable hair and skincare dispensers (versus tiny plastic bottles)? And are the products organic?

4. Do they use recycled paper products, in-room and elsewhere?

5. Do they use energy efficient appliances and low-flow toilets?

6. Do they use non-toxic cleaners, paints and pesticides?

7. Are vegetarian and/or organic food choices available?

8. Do they compost food waste?

9. What are their recycle programs? Are they easily accessible to guests?

10. How do they contribute to the local community? Do they employ local people or work with local charities?

While you may not get a “yes” to every question, you’ll be able to make an informed choice and plan ahead. For example, if a hotel can’t meet one of your green criteria (i.e. eco-friendly tissues and toilet paper), maybe there’s a quick fix (bring your own or ask the concierge to provide it).

You can also do your part by taking shorter showers and turning off the television and heat or air conditioning before you leave your room.

Lastly, try to remember that any vacation, near or far from home, is a luxury. Slow down and make it meaningful; pay attention and be respectful. Leave your destination cleaner than you found it, and help our beautiful planet stay that way.

Image: Charles &  Hudson

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