So…What About’um?

URBN Hotels & Resorts is a specialized boutique hotel and resort company based in Shanghai, China. Its focus is to immerse travelers into their surroundings, beyond offering a traditional hotel experience. Localized extra services such as tai chi and yoga classes, in-room beauty and traditional health treatments, unique bike and walking tours, Chinese cooking classes and basic Mandarin Chinese lessons are available to enhance every stay. URBN Hotels, Shanghai is set in a vibrant hub of local activity tucked amidst shops, restaurants, colonial lane houses and the famous former French Concession. Conveniently located two blocks away from Nanjing Road – Shanghai’s premium shopping, entertainment, and business district – URBN’s mission is to embrace the surrounding city and embody its culture. They have created a sense of place that reflects the past, present and future of the city. Old Shanghai is revealed in walls of original brick, floors of reused indigenous wood and an array of traditional Chinese services. In parallel, the contemporary design and amenities draw on the energy of a younger, modern Shanghai. Their goal, beyond providing guests with the most comfortable and pleasurable stay possible is to connect them to the heart of urban Shanghai. A city is more than a tourist destination – it is a place with unique character waiting to be discovered. Whether for business or leisure, URBN offers an unforgettable boutique hotel experience in Shanghai.

Activities- How Cool!

Cooking, Cycling, Motor Biking, Yoga, Golf, Painting, Walking, Tai chi, Mandarin lessons

What They Say/Why are they Green?

Alternative Energy Resources
Dietary Selections: Vegetarian
We take actions to: conserve heat, install eco-friendly lighting, reduce oil/gas carbon emissions, recycle wherever possible, use bio degradable cleaning agents, use reclamation building materials, use renewable natural furnishings, offer local employment, instruct staff in green practices, include green room info packs, conserve/care for wildlife in our area.


http://www.urbnhotels.com

Castaway Island- Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

So…What about ’um?

Castaway Island is a first class tropical private island resort with 66 tastefully appointed bures based on traditional Fijian design.

BRIDES TAKE NOTE: A great place to getaway and marry on your own private castaway isle!

Castaway is Fiji’s most popular island resort, and guests return year after year to experience the magic that is “Castaway”. The island’s 174 acres are covered with lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by incredible white sand beaches and encircled by vibrant coral reefs. hier spacious yet secluded bures (bungalows) and creative island cuisine, along with the warmth and genuine hospitality of the Castaway family of staff, combine to provide a unique holiday experience. Castaway is the heart and soul of the Fiji Islands.

Castaway is a place for romantic couples of all ages with or without children. There is something for everyone.  The best part. Just minutes from Fiji’s mainland, getting there by boat transfer, seaplane or helicopter from Nadi is a snap.

Activities- How Cool!

Diving, Sailing, Tennis, Nature Trails, Beaches, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming Pool, Walking, jet-skiing, glass bottom boat, snorkelling

What they say, Why they are Green!

Cousine Island- Grand Anse (Praslin), Seychelles

So…What about ’um?

Cousine Island is a haven for nature and man. This privately owned nature reserve is home to rare birds and breeding turtles, offering an exclusive tropical island experience combined with complete privacy. Guests take time to marvel at the simple things in life; the shape of a cloud, the sound of palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, the pleasure of leaving the only set of footprints along the dazzling sugar white beach.

On Cousine Island they live by the mission: “To promote and practice nature conservation and the wise use of natural resources of the island and its surroundings” and to share this philosophy with our guests. On Cousine Island it is possible to live for a time in another sort of world: the sort of world Seychelles was before the arrival of man, yet with every comfort modern man enjoys.

Since it first opened in 2000, Cousine Island has been constantly striving to create awareness for its dedication to conservation by participating in worldwide awards for sustainable tourism. These include prestigious awards in notably the UK and Continental Europe, as well as internationally recognized achievements, such as securing a global environmental fund by The World Bank.

By staying on Cousine Island the guests contribute to the funding needed to secure its future. All funds raised by Cousine Island are used to run the island. The guests’ information pack states that “tourism development is the only revenue generating activity purely to ensure the long-term sustainability of conservation.”

Cousine Island – a conservation success story offering a unique opportunity for escapism of the highest order with a degree of privacy almost impossible to find in the 21st Century.

Activities- How Cool!

Fishing, Sailing, Nature Trails, Diving, Hiking, Golf, Beaches, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Walking, Swimming Pool, Spa & Gym

What they say, Why they are Green!

Retallack Resort – Nelson-British Columbia, Canada

So…What about ’um?

Retallack is a legendary snowcat skiing and snowboarding destination located in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Its wilderness playground is the perfect location for the ultimate powder adventure, offering skiers and snowboarders some of the best back country terrain and snow anywhere in the world.

Retallack was the first cat- or heli-skiing operation to be awarded four green keys from the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating program, meaning that it has been judged as showing “national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide-ranging policies and practices”. The quaint, timber-frame lodge and our 11 comfortable cabins hold a three-and-a-half star rating from the Canada Select Accommodations Rating Program, which reserves its three- and four-star ratings for “above average” and “exceptional” accommodation respectively. They are an active member of Helicat Canada and adhere to stringent environmental and wildlife standards. They are also one of the greenest operations in the back country skiing and boarding industry – not to mention among the most eco-friendly accommodation anywhere in Canada.

Retallack Lodge is named after a turn-of-the-century mining town that used to stand on the site where accommodations are now situated. Hopeful prospectors flocked to the area in the late nineteenth century, lured by one of the world’s largest silver mining booms.

Activities- How Cool!

Fishing, Cycling, Skiing, Yoga, Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Golf, Canoeing, Kayaking, Walking, Snow Sports, Snowboarding; Alpine ski touring

What they say, Why they are Green!

Gayana Eco-Resort – Kolombong, Malaysia

So…What about ’um?

I love this Gayana Eco Resort, an enchanting Eutopia set on the shores of North Borneo, where the imperial rainforest rests untouched. A rich blend of mystical Mother Nature mixed with luxurious civilization lies only 20 minutes from bustling Kota Kinabalu City.

Thatched roofs humbly overlook the captivating South China Sea, home to giant clams and happy clown fish that greet delighted snorkelers and divers. Pulau Gaya Island is 95% composed of national parks and contains 40% of all wildlife native to Borneo.

They aim to create a reflective consciousness towards their marine environment. Malohom Bay has been restocked with an underwater marine garden containing all 7 of the giant clams native to Borneo, 4 of which were locally extinct.

All guests have to their own exclusive cozy suite, and can choose to stay in any one of our four designs. Each thatched roofed home possesses a modern interior with a touch of homely local flavor. Rimba suites present offer a beautiful view of the jungle and hills, while their terrace Pantai suites look out over our beautiful resort.

Bakau and Bayu suites Gayana takes room service to a supreme level. All orders will be delivered by gondola to a private deck where a personal butler will create an exclusive dining experience, set against a magnificent view. Imagine waking to a sumptuous breakfast, served on your own private balcony! This is top notch folks! All Bakau and Bayu suites come with their own floating deck. You can begin your day’s discoveries with a dive from your own balcony.

Activities- How Cool!

Nature Trails, Diving, Hiking, Beaches, Canoeing, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Walking, Swimming Pool

What they say, Why they are Green!

Marnei Mare- Samos, Greece

So…What about ’um?

Marnei Mare was designed with the aspiration of creating a getaway of total peacefulness, tranquility, and wellness in a simply calming, remote, protected area of outstanding beauty, exploding with energy while promoting a healthy sense of rejuvenation, cleansing and spiritual development.

WANT TO FEEL LIKE A CELEBRITY AND RENT A GREEK VILLA? Here’s some scoop:

We offer three environmentally friendly luxury villas discreetly located on a 40,000 square meter, UNESCO protected, unspoiled, organic orchard by the sea.

Villas 1 and 2 have one double en suite and two twin en suite bedrooms; Villa 3 has one double en suite and three twin en suite bedrooms. All villas have fully equipped kitchens, marbled bath and shower rooms, indoor & outdoor dining and seating areas, an outdoor shower and BBQ, satellite TV, internet, DVD, CD, telephone (fax service), breathtaking views and an abundance of natural freshness!

Activities- How Cool!

Cycling, Fishing, Skiing, Game Viewing, Sailing, Golf, Beaches, All Terrain Vehicles, Canoeing, Bird Watching, Swimming Pool, Motor Biking, Yoga, Horse Riding, Diving, Mountain Biking, Nature Trails, Tennis, Hiking, Kayaking, Walking, arranged upon request

What they say, Why they are Green!

Marnei Mare Villas. Marnei GRC – 83200 Karlovassi, Samos Tel. +30 22730 30830

http://www.marneimare.gr

El Monte Sagrado - Taos, New Mexico

So…What about ’um?

Amidst the mystical beauty of Taos, New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spaâ„¢ offers a secluded sanctuary in harmony with the Earth. Experience exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global culture and a dramatic art collection graced by world-famous artists. Visit the AAA Four-Diamond award-winning De la Tierra restaurant for cuisine that will enliven your day. Experience the extraordinary treatments of the Living Spaâ„¢ designed to heal mind, body and spirit, or simply meditate in the Sacred Circle among towering trees and waterfalls, and breathe in the tranquility.

El Monte Sagrado, well-known as a leader in alternative energy, blends its commitment to sustainability with a setting of indulgent luxury.

Stef says…”Need I say more???”

Activities- How Cool!

Taos’ majestic mountain landscape creates outstanding recreational opportunities, from hiking and air ballooning to the world-class alpine skiing of Taos Ski Valley topping out at 11,800 feet. Whether you prefer championship golf or a peaceful day of fly fishing, there’s something for everyone. Their concierge will gladly assist with all of your plans. Fly Fishing, Rafting, Hot Air Balooning, Mountain Biking, Canoeing& Kayaking, Mountain/Rock Climbing, World-class downhill/cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, golf, swimming, birdwatching, Llama trekking, sightseeing, cooking classes, wine tastings! WOW!

What they say, Why they are Green!

We take actions to:the Biolarium® blooms with plants, fruits and herbs used at the resort, thier “Living Spa” spa products include natural products that are as good for the environment as they are for you. Taos’ rich Native American heritage, which displays a profound respect for the land.

It is in this spirit that El Monte Sagrado follows a philosophy of sustainability and ecological awareness, honoring the environment with a way of life that has existed for thousands of years. Similarly, the resort’s unique art collection and respect for nature is a reflection of Taos’ cultural atmosphere. From the Sacred Circle’s protected space and the Living Machine’s recycling of water to the unique Biolarium®, El Monte Sagrado celebrates, embraces and respects the natural world.

Just like the word itself, a Biolarium is the unique creation of Dharma Living Systems.â„¢ It is a space defined by bringing the outdoors indoors, a place where both plants and people enjoy the benefits of each other. This holistically designed structure incorporates water, plants and rock formations into a self-sustaining eco-environment with help from The Living Machine®. Dharma Living Systems (DLS) is a group of architects, engineers and ecologists specializing in the holistic integration of water, energy and green building systems. Always searching for “the better way,” they use ecological science to plan, analyze and design urban architecture and sustainable natural paradises. The Living Machine® exemplifies El Monte Sagrado’s philosophy. By treating and recycling the water used with natural filters and purifiers (and without harsh chemicals), it is able to sustain a lush fertile environment that promotes life. This in turn creates a garden-like paradise that is the perfect setting to rejuvenate the spirit.

http://www.elmontesagrado.com

Private Island Health Spa- Palawan, Philippines

So…What about ’um?

What better place to escape to than this beautiful island at the end of the earth, far removed from the western world, with simple island people? No TV, no radio, no newspapers. Enjoy a private island paradise -become a Robinson Crusoe with some2008 luxuries!

21 years ago founder Leeann Cruz, a British born Australian, found this unforgettable island. It is the last remaining undeveloped, isolated, ”raw nature” and “raw food” island in the Philippines – a special self-healing retreat which you are welcome to share. Private Island Natural Health Spa is an exclusive eco-island paradise especially for women (but male partners and family members are welcome with advance booking!). The spa offers a professionally supported pre-cleansing medical analysis; programs that are centered around rejuvenation, purification, regeneration and cleansing to address many diseases; and a follow-up therapeutic plan to continue your self-healing program when you return home.

The island is only for those who can genuinely appreciate a pure and simple lifestyle.

Activities- How Cool!

Fishing, Yoga, Nature Trails, Diving, Hiking, Beaches, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Walking, wellness, detox fasting colonics

What they say, Why they are Green!

We take actions to: conserve water, install eco-friendly lighting, reduce oil/gas carbon emissions, compost waste food, recycle wherever possible, use bio degradable cleaning agents, use reclamation building materials, use renewable natural furnishings, source food locally, offer local employment, instruct staff in green practices, include green room info packs, mention green/eco issues on our Web site, conserve/care for wildlife in our area, practice herbal medicine

Check it…

http://www.malapacao.com/

Los Feliz Lodge- Los Angeles, California

So…What about ’um?

Who would’uv thunk it! In the heart of the Los Angeles Urban jungle would be a fabu retreat for green enthusiasts? Celebrities, musicians and the famous converge in this off-beat hipster local to get away from it all, yet maintain closeness to all things Hollyweird! Los Feliz Lodge provides warm, peaceful and intimate 1920’s detached Bungalows and larger Villas each with fully equipped kitchens, private baths, living rooms and outdoor space on a daily, weekly or monthly basis – a perfect alternative to hotel and corporate housing. We are located in a quiet residential neighborhood, on the border of Los Feliz and Silver Lake, just 4 blocks from Sunset Boulevard/Vermont Metro Station. We have private, off-street parking and all the attractions of Los Angeles are within easy driving distance.

Activities- How Cool!

Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Beaches, Walking

What they say, Why they are Green!

We take actions to: conserve water, install eco-friendly lighting, compost waste food, recycle wherever possible, use bio degradable cleaning agents, offer local employment, instruct staff in green practices, no VOC paint, skylites and skytubes installed to conserve energy, reused thrift/vintage furnishings, eco-conscious interior designer decorated each room, non toxic/biodegradable laundry and cleaning supplies and soaps, fans installed in room and windows open for fresh air.

Check it…

http://www.losfelizlodge.com

Fumba Beach Lodge- Zanzibar, Tanzania

So…What about ’um?

Fumba Beach Lodge, located on the South-West of Zanzibar Island on 50 acre of private land has 20 Deluxe rooms, 4 Suites and 2 Baobab Suites. Pool and water sport centre, Padi dive centre and spa. They have a Restaurant, Bar, Fitness Center and offer Broadband internet access.

Just 30 minutes southwest of Zanzibar’s historic capital, Stone Town, with its magnificent architecture and ancient culture, the Lodge is concealed well away from the busy tourist areas, making it the perfect venue for enjoying the peace and tranquility of this tropical island paradise.

Wake up to the romantic adventure you have been dreaming about and discover the hidden meaning of Fumba Beach Lodge.

Activities- How Cool!

Fishing, Diving, Beaches, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Swimming Pool, Walking, Snorkeling

What they say, Why they are Green!

We take actions to conserve water, install eco-friendly lighting, compost waste food, recycle wherever possible, use renewable natural furnishings, source food locally, offer local employment, conserve/care for wildlife in our area. Dietary Selections include vegetarian options.

Menai Bay Conservation Area

Menai Bay has been dedicated as a conservation area since 1998 due to its outstanding natural beauty. Established by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), Menai Bay Conservation Area was designed to give Zanzibaris in the Fumba area a vested interest in their environment so they will protect it. The project is aimed at teaching villagers how to conserve their natural heritage, and how to profitably exploit it in a sustainable manner. Eco-tourism plays an important role in that profitability and Fumba Beach Lodge is the first and only lodge offering accommodation on the pristine Fumba Peninsula.

Check it…