Green Travel: How the Industry is Changing

This week, we have guest contributor, Sam Marquit, independent green contractor and home renovation/remodeling expert in New York, as well as co-author of the book, Fair Marquit Value, to inform our green gods and goddesses about the ever-changing world of green hospitality. He makes it a point to share with his readers a day in the life of sustainable building, and forecasting the possible application and implementation of new green building materials and technologies is just one small part of his efforts to reduce everyone’s carbon footprint.

The Palazzo Resort & Casino

Before I was a commercial contractor, I was an independent contractor and worked on various projects. Some of which involved green building materials and newer technology to save on resources. I enjoy learning about all kinds of new ways to prevent waste. I’m incredibly happy that many businesses in the travel industry have also adopted some ways to conserve energy and resources. It’s about more than being LEED certified in my opinion. Many businesses in America are turning towards eco-friendly travel. However, in Asia, responsible tourism is wildly celebrated. For example, the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards present awards for categories like cultural awareness, community development, wildlife conservation and more. Businesses can land big honors for doing things in their local communities and protecting local animals from harm. That’s something that we can do more adopt in America as well.

Many hotels in big cities have turned towards eco-friendly tourism. Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America with over 120,000 hotel rooms. Just last year, 40,000,000 travelers went to Las Vegas. That means there is a ton of business in this city but there can also be a lot of waste. The Palazzo Resort is just one of the many hotels in Las Vegas that has changed their policies and facilities to be more accommodating of our planet. In fact, this hotel won the award for “Most Eco-Friendly Hotel in America” because of its reusable waste program and self-sustaining facilities. In this instance, it’s easy to see how this hotel can market itself as a more responsible business and gain more recognition for its eco-friendly practices. Other hotels have also adopted similar policies to increase awareness for green technology in the travel industry. 

The Ink48 Rooftop Bar

The Big Apple offers hundreds of different hotels, many of which have eco-friendly products and even some self-sustaining programs. The ink48 Hotel offers a program called Earthcare. Members get together to talk about ways that we can affect change in our local communities as well as on a global scale. It’s about protecting the planet for future generations and ensuring our survival but also that there is awareness of the responsible tourism campaign. With eco-friendly travel gaining new ground each year, it’s important that businesses update their facilities and also think about the future. I’m happy to be apart of this effort and hope that I can continue to contribute to the campaign.

No Apocalypse? Head to the Mayan Riviera to Celebrate!

Dos Ojos Cenote

Well, since we all knew the world wasn’t really going to end, what better way to pretend you’re surprised and thankful than a trip to the land of the Maya? If you’re planning any spring getaway, the Riviera Maya is always a great choice. The region has cemented itself as a safe, culturally diverse and accessible region in Mexico.  Flowering with lush biodiversity, dotted with intimate hideaways within steps of the clear Caribbean Sea, and featuring gourmet restaurants serving up locally sourced fare, the Riviera Maya seems a world away, but is only a short direct flight from nearly every American city.

Here are just a few eco-chic ways couples can discover new wonders while connecting with nature and strengthening their bond, whether that’s…

Overlooking the sea and stirring up passion at an intimate hideaway, you can stay at any of the vibrant, beach boutique hotels and enjoy the drop-dead views from your room, wake up to the sunlight and the songs of tropical birds. Some ocean-front hideaways include:

o    Casa de las Olaswith sustainable practices ranging from solar powered energy and rain water collection to the use of biodegradable products;

o   Papaya Playa, a pop-up design hotel we’ve written about before, is ideal for those wishing to reconnect with nature. The hotel also features a kiteboarding school for those looking to learn a new sport.

Hartwood Tulum

-         Eat & Sip with a calm conscience at Hartwood Tulum: Set in an open-air environment, couples will enjoy the tranquil beauty of the beach under the night sky while indulging in bold flavors from local products and fresh ingredients used to prepare meals by hand. This restaurant is owned by Eric Werner, a Chef who left New York to pursue his dream in paradise.

-         Stay bee-utiful with products found only at the destination: Enjoy the benefits of honey from the native Melipona stingless bee at several spas throughout the region. Examples include: “Ritual Ixchel” at Esencia and “Honey in the Heart” signature service at Fairmont Mayakoba.

-         Awaken the senses at a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Visitors can delight the eyes with the picturesque vision of tropical species, float on mangrove-surrounded rivers while interacting with turtles and fish at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, which covers over 1.6 million acres of various ecosystems.  Other activities include sport fishing, kayak, hiking and snorkeling, while admiring 103 species of mammals, over 345 species of birds and 52 species of fish.

 So since the world isn’t ending quite yet, as Ke$ha says, might as well make the most of the night like you’re gonna die young!

Up in Swiss Heaven

The Cervo Mountain Resort Bar

A timber-framed sanctuary nestled on the slopes above Zermatt, Cervo Mountain Boutique Resort is calling! Traditional Alpine lodge meet comfortingly modern. This is in part due to the structure, a converted 1950s chalet, use of local materials and hunting treasures on the walls that come together with clean lines and clutter-free expansive spaces.

Cervo Mountain Resort Room

A hunting enthusiast, owner Daniel Lauber will also take you on the best trails to enjoy spectacular views of Upper Valais. Though you won’t be wandering far for those of the Matterhorn – see it right from your bed!

http://www.cervo.ch/kontakt_en

Eco-Friendly Vacations in Upstate New York

The View from Saratoga Springs Farmstead B&B

 

I have family in upstate New York so when I came across some information about Saratoga, I wanted to spread the word. A great place to be green, the city has bike rentals like Blue Sky Bicycles and Elevate Cycles, as well as natural mineral springs to take a therapeutic dip at Saratoga Spa State Park, a 2,000 acre oasis. Accommodations include quaint B&B’s to well-known chains. We love the quaint B&B’s ourselves so take a look at the link below for some great suggestions and start planning your trip!

Eco-Friendly Vacations in Upstate New York