Historic buildings converted into hotels are greener travel options. If you’re traveling Ireland, you can stay at historic castle hotels like Dromoland Castle.
Dating back to the 16th century, this 99-room castle hotel is set amidst 410 acres with its own lake and rolling meadows.
Nearby, there are other castles and historic sites including the castles of Bunratty, Knappogue and Craggaunowen.
More new hotels are going greener by using the heritage and structure of historic, older buildings.
Take the case of chic boutique hotel Ice House, on the banks of River Moy in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland.
The hotel’s building once stored the ice for the local fishing industry in what was Ireland’s principal sea port. Renowned architects and artists transformed it into an ultra-contemporary hotel with stunning waterside views, spa treatments and the Pier Restaurant.
For more info, check out Ice House’s site.
Fancy an eco-luxe retreat in Australia? Take a look at Emerald Valley Villa, a short drive from Byron Bay.
Says Varney Magill, manager:
“Emerald Valley Villa is an exemplary model of sustainable living without compromising luxury, design or technology. The Villa is climate neutral and runs on 100% green power. Every eco detail has been addressed – even the pool is filled with pure oxygenated spring water.”
Set on 80 acres of rainforest, the green villa gives guests access to a private waterfall and lake with a River Pavilion where they can experience wildlife like the resident platyplus.
Stylish and comfortable, the villa has Asian-inspired architecture and Balinese antiques blended with modern design and broadband internet and satellite television. Tropical gardens terraced into four levels feature the fragrant flora of gardenias, jasmine, champaka and flowering trees.
Yoga can help maintain and enhance your wellness in 2010. There are yoga holidays offered around the world like at ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY on Koh Samui, Thailand.
The Moroccan-inspired boutique wellness resort, which plans a new wing in 2010, specializes in detox, spa and yoga holiday programs. It is part of the ABSOLUTE GROUP that owns and operates ABSOLUTE YOGA, one of Asia’s yoga centers. Established in 2002, ABSOLUTE YOGA is one of the largest yoga studios in Thailand with 8 yoga centers and 2 studios in Singapore.
Opened in April 2009, the resort has become a popular destination for detox and yoga holidays in Thailand and a yoga teacher training & retreat center. It has been recognized as the Best Themed Resort award by SKAL International (Koh Samui) and nominated for Best Spa Cuisine of the year by Asia Spa awards.
Fancy going on a luxury train safari in South Africa?
The Blue Train has announced a new package including a stylish safari in the Big 5 Pilanesberg Game Reserve with its new hotel partner Ivory Tree Game Lodge . The trip aboard one of the country’s tourism icons promises South Africa’s stunning landscapes, safari adventure, luxury train travel and fine dining.
