Eco Friendly – Page 34

LUX* Belle Mare

Tucked away in lush tropical gardens near the quaint, sleepy village of Belle Mare, this luxury hotel in Mauritius graces a glorious stretch of the island’s eastern coast. Dressed in soothing whites and vibrant brights, each of the thatch-roofed suites and villas is blessed with sea views. An unspoilt sweep of powder-soft sands, crystalline waters in sparkling shades of beryl blue, coconut palms swaying gently in the breeze – this is one of the finest beaches in Mauritius. At the heart of the resort, the island’s largest swimming pool is an idyllic spot for lounging and mingling, gently buzzing by day and sashaying to Balearic beats by night. Dip a toe in the water, indulge in sweet-scented treatments at the LUX* Me spa, work on your swing at one of three world-class golf courses or sample exotic scoops of home-made ice cream at the ICI parlour. Beyond the sands, a kaleidoscope of sea life awaits in the lagoon – you’ve found one of the most delightful spots on the island!

LUX* Le Morne

On the sunset side of Mauritius, LUX* Le Morne is poised at the very edge of the Indian Ocean and protected from trade winds by the rugged Le Morne Peninsula. The resort is set within delightfully landscaped gardens, with four pools, a spa and a selection of restaurants and bars offering ample opportunity to sample delicious New and Old World wines and a variety of island-inspired dishes. Located on the quieter side of the island, LUX* Le Morne enchants with its magnificent beach and sunset views, secluded seating areas and elegant, romantic ambience. With pleasant surprises at every turn, you’ll get the sense that anything really is possible here!

Hotel Cruz del Vado

Located in the Historic Downtown of the cultural capital of Ecuador, Cuenca. Hotel Cruz del Vado by Art Hotels is one of the most important colonial houses of this beautiful city. Its pink marble façade is an example of the luxurious lifestyle back in the colonial days. Located near La Cruz del Vado, hence its name, the hotel is in the oldest neighbourhood in Cuenca. Many handicrafts, religious representations, and historical architecture make the location iconic to the city. This neighbourhood is an essential part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Hacienda El Porvenir

Located against the backdrop of the Ruminahui Volcano in Ecuador, Hacienda El Porvenir is an excellent option for a countryside holiday. The property features a selection of 22 rooms comprising of traditional rooms, suites and machai rooms. The guest rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, heaters, and private bathrooms, while suites feature stoves and sitting areas. Guests can also enjoy mouth-watering meals prepared with locally sourced produce. Activities include exploring the Cotopaxi Volcano and visiting the Cotopaxi National Park.

Galapagos Safari Camp

The Galapagos archipelago is one of very few places on the planet to be relatively untouched by man. With only 3 per cent of their landmass inhabited, the islands support a number of remarkable ecosystems, as well as being home to marine reserves. Galapagos Safari Camp provides a new way to experience the Galapagos, either in addition to a cruise or as a unique destination in itself. The eco-luxury tented camp follows the African safari tradition in which guests enjoy total comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form.

Hacienda La Danesa

Hacienda La Danesa is a family-run Hacienda that prioritises a sustainable, regional and natural focused experience for all of its guests. A small number of spacious suites showcase rustic luxury and the farm offers a host of exciting and immersive activities. From tubing down a lazy river and milking the cows to making your own chocolate directly from the bean or spending an afternoon as a beekeeper – this is a place that will long stay in your heart. Conveniently located 1 hour from Guayaquil, La Danesa lies at the foot of the Andes between Naranjito and Bucay. The farm follows policies to support local employment and serves delicious cuisine with a ‘Farm to Food’ ethos. Local produce features heavily. With a small number of guests, beautiful, tranquil gardens and an embrace of the hacienda pace of life, this is the ideal place to lose yourself in the beauty of Ecuador and replenish your soul.

Hotel del Parque

Hotel del Parque is located in a 19-acre historic tropical park that is part of the Guayaquil Peninsula. The restored 44-room colonial mansion, surrounded by rare orchids, endemic trees and endangered protected animals, is regularly recognised in its quest to be among the best eco-friendly hotels in the world. It was built in 1891 by a Guayaquil charity as the first metropolitan hospice built to provide shelter for the homeless and the elderly. The hospice almost fell into ruins before being saved from demolition by the Ecuadorian government. It was then moved plank by plank to its current location in the Parque Historico and meticulously restored to its heritage state. Today, the boutique hotel remains under local ownership and is part of the Oro Verde hotel business and Relais & Châteaux.
Here you can discover Guayaquil’s rich history and culture whilst enjoying Ecuadorian furnishings, impressive marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and room service, plus minibars and full air conditioning. The hotel’s waterfront restaurant offers refined seafood, and the spa is found in the wood-beamed bell tower of the original restored chapel.

Pikaia Lodge

Pikaia Lodge is a 5-star luxury eco-lodge situated on the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos archipelago. Idyllically close to the beautiful, secluded white sand beaches and wildlife sites of the Galapagos National Park, the lodge provides a stunning gateway to adventure in the islands. Built on 31 hectares of land which has been lovingly reforested with endemic trees, the lodge is also home to a private wild giant tortoise reserve. Pikaia Lodge is comprised of 19 private rooms and suites which offer stunning views of arid savannah to the north, mist-cloaked extinct volcanoes and tropical cloud forest-covered mountains to the southwest, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa

Nestled deep in the rainforest and overlooking the mysterious waters of Lake Garzacocha is the La Selva Amazon Ecolodge. This is the stop for adventurers in search of a taste of Ecuador’s rainforest, offering expeditions and exploration galore. Hike into the forest in search of monkeys, rainbow birdlife and a universe of insects, adventure into the depths of the Amazon by boat to glimpse rare species and meet local indigenous communities, or creep out at night to hear the chorus of frogs and find owls over the lake. The lodge’s environmental ethos grounds them in contributing to the conservation and improvement of their environment and the people that live there. Luxurious suites with views of the treetops and lake make for a restful stay close to nature, with options for families as well as couples and other groups. Hot tubs, decks and rainforest showers add to the experience.

Titilaka Lodge

Titilaka, a remote experience lodge on the shores of Lake Titicaca, will immerse you in the intriguing allure of Lake Titicaca where sky, earth, and water connect. Surrounded by stunning scenery and pristine geography, Titilaka’s contemporary design and comfort integrates with the natural environment. The Lodge is not only a welcoming lodge full of contemporary comforts and caring services, but a place designed to integrate with the environment and pay homage to the cultures of Lake Titicaca