Top ten environmentally-friendly places to stay
Monday, 23, Apr 2007 12:38
Four in ten travellers say they are environmentally concerned, a new survey finds.
Research from TripAdvisor.com, which also reveals the top ten eco-friendly places to stay, shows over one in three holidaymakers say they would be prepared to pay extra for environmentally-friendly accommodation and greener flights.
Additionally, two-thirds of travellers think environmentally-friendly travel is making a difference to the environment.
As many as 11 per cent of travellers said they had taken an eco holiday, and a quarter say they plan to go on an environmentally-focused trip.
"This survey shows that far from being irresponsible, planet polluting energy wastrels that they are often portrayed, many travellers do care about the environment and are willing to pay for it," commented Ian Rumgay, of TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor's top ten environmentally-friendly places to stay on an eco holiday
1 - Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Vanua Levu, Fiji
"On an amazing 17 acres of coconut plantations overlooking Savusavu Bay, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort offers numerous eco-friendly activities and features a marine biologist on staff," explained TripAdvisor.
2 - Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa, Costa Rica
"A private nature reserve set 350 feet above the ocean, Lapa Rios Ecolodge is constructed of local natural materials and set in a breathtaking tropical rainforest," noted TripAdvisor.
3 - Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA
"Blending into the cliffs of Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is made of organic materials and features houses with ocean, mountain, tree and butterfly themes," said TripAdvisor.
4 - Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Peru
"In the tranquil Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, the Inkaterra offers striking white-washed cottages and stone pathways made from local materials," TripAdvisor explained.
5 - Concordia Eco-Tents, Salt Pond Bay, St John
"Built almost entirely from recycled materials and positioned up on the picturesque hills of Salt Pond Bay, the bargain Concordia eco-tents are powered by the sun and wind."
6 - Daintree Discovery: Daintree Eco Lodge: Daintree, Australia
Located in a rainforest, the Daintree Eco Lodge provides luxury accommodations while preserving the local habitat.
7 - Hotel Punta Islita, Playa Samara, Costa Rica
"In a threatened ecosystem, Hotel Punta Islita has an on-site biologist that is identifying the best conservation strategies."
8 - Lodge at Chaa Creek, San Ignacio, Belize
"On the banks of the Macal River in a rainforest, the economical Lodge at Chaa Creek has thatched-roofed lodges and great trails to explore."
9 - Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA
"Committed to environmental responsibility, the charming New England-style Inn by the Sea educates its guests on environmentally-friendly practices."
10 - Hotelito Desconocido, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
"Lit by torches and candles at night, the solar-powered Hotelito Desconocido is set on an estuary and in July, sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs."