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10 Eco-Friendly Asian Resorts
International
eco-travel continues to grow every year as travelers across the world become more
environmentally conscious when making vacation plans.
According
to a recent study by the International Ecotourism Society, approximately 70 percent
of travelers today prefer to pay a premium rate for hotels that are eco-friendly.
As travelers the world over realize their responsibilty to protect the environment,
the demand for greener travel options is increasing. Now travelers can visit more
eco-friendly locations worldwide, including in Asia. If
trekking through Asia sounds like a your vacation dream, you can do so in a more
eco-conscious way by staying at the continent's top green resorts. The online
reservation website Agoda.com recently complied a list of the top 10 resorts in
Asia for the greenest of travelers. Top
10 Green Hotels in Asia
1.Banyan Tree Phuket,
Thailand
Once described by the United Nations as a toxic wasteland, the abandoned
tin mine of Banyan Tree Phuket was recently transformed into the environmental
showcase it is today. Now a wildlife sanctuary, the complex resort serves as a
popular green resort where guest fees go to support important conservation and
community projects.
2.La
Residence d' Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Designed to blend harmoniously
with the environment, La Residence also possesses a strong commitment to sustainable
tourism. Beyond its environmentally sound practices, the hotel also regularly
donates to charities and encourages its guests to do the same. The resort supports
the Angkor Hospital for Children through the weekly video screening of a video
where guests can contribute second-hand items or donate money for the cause. 3.Evason
Hua Hin Resort & Six Senses Spa, Thailand
The iconic thatched
huts of the Evason Hua Hin Resort are eco-friendly in nature. Drawing on biodegradable
products and adopting practices that conserve energy and minimize waste, the resort
supports several local initiatives including the Mangrove Forest Conservation
and the Kervorkian Foundation (dedicated to assisting HIV+ babies and children). 4.Nihiwatu,
Sumba Island, Indonesia
There is no place on earth like Sumba Island. Here,
the indigenous traditions and animist culture of the Sumbanese people remain completely
in tact. Located on 438 acres of tropical forest and rice terraces, Nihiwatu is
surrounded by some of the world's most pristine beaches. The resort is strongly
committed to conserving its native surrounds and improving the quality of life
of the Sumbanese people. 5.Anantara
Resort & Spa Golden Triangle, Thailand
Nestled in the tropical
jungle of Thailand’s most Northern province, Anantara’s Golden Triangle
resort plays a significant role in elephant conservation. Part of the Royal Thai
Government’s Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), the resort helps protect
the elephants, keeping them in an environment similar to their traditional surroundings.
With programs for guests that include elephant trekking and forest living skills,
the conservation experience is an interactive one. 6.Amar
Vilas Agra, India
As part of the esteemed Oberoi Resorts and Hotels,
this luxury resort is within 600 meters of the majestic Taj Mahal. Besides its
unique architectural and landscape design, the Amar Vilas also upholds a commitment
to philanthropic activities including conserving the local environment and cultural
heritage. 7.
Popa Mountain Resort, Bagan, Myanmar
Located in the forest woodlands
of Popa Mountain, this resort was designed to suit its surroundings. Guests are
enclosed in the vibrant, yet peaceful terrain, with ample opportunities for hiking
the breathtaking Mt. Popa shrine. Using biodegradable products and adopting their
own recycling practices to avoid environmental damage, this small resort brings
you back to nature. 8.Suneva
Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa, Maldives
Just like all Six Senses
properties, this resort has a comprehensive policy on its environmental and social
responsibilities. Suneva Fushi supports a myriad of Maldivian community initiatives
including tree planting on Eydafushi Island and camps where citizens can get free
medical treatment. 9.Tanjung
Sanctuary Hotel, Langkawi, Malaysia
True to its name, this resort
is a sanctuary for those who have a passion for nature. The Tanjung Sanctuary
Hotel's design and practices uphold the ideals of sustainable tourism. Importantly,
they provide a unique insight into the local flora and fauna with specially designed
educational tours for guests. 10.Alila
Ubud and Manggis Resorts, Bali, Indonesia
These two resorts are in
close proximity to each other and both recently achieved Green Globe certified
status. Alila Ubud was awarded for recycling 80 percent of its water consumption.
Alila Manggis excelled in the reduction of water and electricity consumption. As
travelers the world over realize that the responsibility to protect the environment
is a shared one, they’re adopting greener lifestyles and scrutinizing the
hotels and destinations they choose to stay in. For
more information on environment sustainability and green travel initiatives, visit
International
Tourism Partnership. Source
— Agoda
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