Vietnam: Topas Eco-Lodge

Located near the Chinese border in Northern Vietnam's Sapa Valley is an eco-retreat so discrete... it's 250 miles northwest of Hanoi in the 10,000 foot tall Hoang Lien Mountains, also known as the Tonkinese Alps by the Colonial French. Topas Eco-Lodge is like this:
Exotic, quaint, lush, and peaceful. It might even change your life (Vietnamese mountain regions have a way of doing that). The 25-room bungalow retreat tickled our fancy because it's also in a particularly diverse area, home to five ethnic tribes, each with their own language and culture. A joint venture between the Danes and the Vietnamese, therefore sticking closely to Denmark's strict environmental regulations, the property provides the perfect opportunity to experience nature and culture in ways that lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment. Actively implementing practices that optimize energy and encouraging suppliers to take part in environmental protection initiatives, Topas is a living breathing example of how to do luxury, style, and ecology. By treating its own wastewater, running off solar power, and being made from limestone from a local quarry and palm-thatched roofs straight from the Vietnamese jungle, they try to think of impact with every decision they make.
Not too shabby. So how do you spend days in this peaceful lust mountainous retreat? By meditating, trekking, or biking through the friendly villages with a guide, lunching at a local's, or taking a dip in a river. It's really all up to you. There's no pressure. After all, this is Vietnam. Definitely a spot to put on the Bucket List of 'Places to See Before I Die.'
The restaurant serves everything from pork ribs with sweet brown sauce to curried chicken. But, as Concierge.com notes, "The biggest luxury is that magnificent view of the green peaks from your private balcony."

HOW TO GET THERE

Numerous carriers fly from NY and LA to Hanoi through other gateway cities. You can get to Hanoi over-land from elsewhere in the country via train or car, but most people chose to come by plane. Hanoi's small international airport (code: HAN) is not as served by international airlines as Ho Chi Minh City so visitors coming from Europe may fly into Bangkok and then on to Hanoi via Thai or Vietnam Airlines.

From the Americas, there are flights via Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Here are some airlines to look for deals:

*Singapore Airlines
The Singaporean national airline flies daily between Singapore and Hanoi.
*Thai Airways
The Thai national carrier flies daily to Hanoi from Bangkok.
*Vietnam Airlines
The Viet national carrier flies to Hanoi from major cities around the world.
*Pacific Airlines
The only other domestic airline in Vietnam. It is a little cheaper than Vietnam Airlines, but isn't really a budget carrier. Also serves Taiwan.

From Hanoi, trains run day and night to the mountainous town of Lao Cai. From there, it takes an hour to drive to Sapa, the town nearest to Topas Ecolodge. These trains run day and night and night trains provide good standards of soft sleeper berths. By train, you can depart from Hanoi around 9:00pm and arrive in Lao Cai the next morning at 5am. There are many other departures and arrival options and, the best part... all transport can be arranged by Topas Ecolodge! They'll provide daily transportation from Sapa to the Ecolodge (45 min drive). Said to be a dirt road and an interesting journey, along the way, you'll see daily life in the rice fields and the picturesque Muong Hoa valley where beautiful locals make their way to Sapa to sell handcrafts and vegetables.


Topas Ecolodge
Tel: 84 20 872 404
Doubles from $125, including meals and transfers from Sapa

www.topasecolodge.com

Napa Valley, CA: Eco-Travel, Organic Farming, & Wine Tasting

This just in from my cronies in Northern Cali! An itinerary from Napa and Yountville to the Carmel Valley for a new LEED-certified hotel and several eco-travel ideas, complete with haute cuisine, antiques, wine tasting, and a visit to an all-organic farm.
The Bardessono (debuted February, 2009). Every element of this LEED-Platinum aspiring hotel, restaurant and spa is wrapped in an earth-friendly blanket of luxury. Secluded on five acres of gardens and vineyards, the 62-room hotel boasts a “green spa,” heated and cooled by an underground geothermal system, smart guestrooms in buildings crafted from hand-milled, reclaimed wood and steel and 93-seat restaurant headed by Executive Chef Sean O’Toole, former group operations chef for Michael Mina. If approved, Bardessono would be the second U.S. hospitality entity to receive platinum certification and the first in California.

www.bardessono.com

Bottega – December, 2008 marked the return of Food Network’s Michael Chiarello to the kitchen with the debut of Bottega. Chef de Cuisine Nick Ritchie will drive the culinary team in what Chiarello calls the “craftsman’s workshop” – or “bottega” set against a palette of rustic yet refined warm textures in olive greens, chocolate and deep red. The 184-seat Italian restaurant is located in the historic Groezinger Winery (1870), a two-story brick structure that crowns V Marketplace.

www.botteganapavalley.com

Ma(i)sonry - Set in the former Burgundy House, a 1904 stone masonry stunner listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this new venture was opened by visionary, Michael Polenske, in October, 2008. The setting is reminiscent of a home or a private club, framing a highly edited collection of furnishings and artwork. The furnishings, ranging from 16th century to mid-twentieth century, are paired with contemporary works crafted by today's top designers. This "living gallery" atmosphere serves as a stylized backdrop for the appreciation of limited production boutique wines including Blackbird Vineyards’ portfolio of Pomerol-inspired blends crafted by Sarah Gott.

www.ma(i)sonry.com

Vita – Laura Cunningham steps up with a new Italian eatery in the heart of Yountville called Vita, after her grandmother, Vita Morrell. The concept is a Sicilian southern Italian restaurant with the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group managing its day to day operations. The 130-seat restaurant set in the former PJ Steak restaurant is due to debut in Fall, 2009.

Hotel Luca – The minds behind L’Auberge Carmel have broken ground on a 20-room luxury hotel fronting Washington Street on the north end of Yountville. The modern-style property perched on over an acre of prime real estate will include a 90-seat restaurant modeled after the successful Cantinetta Luca in Carmel, California. Expect rustic, informal Italian dining with authentic European-style hospitality – the perfect meritage of Italy and Napa Valley. Fall/2009 opening.

www.hotellucanapa.com

Girard Winery - The 1800 sq. ft. tasting room opened May/2008 featuring super Cabs backed with an elegant décor of antique reclaimed barn wood ceilings, cedar floors and grand mosaic glass tile wall and floor treatments. Hand-crafted polished concrete tasting bar, custom lighting, state-of-the-art walk-in glass-enclosed wine cellar and top-flight private food and wine pairing in the Club Room ($40) round out the experience. Crafted by Marco DiGiulio, (“one of Napa’s top wine consultants,” Wine Spectator 2007) these wines have placed Girard firmly in the “Top 100 Wineries of the World” (Wine and Spirits magazine, 2006).
www.Girardwinery.com

Villagio Inn & Spa - Debuted a new 13,000 sq. ft. spa in April, 2008. Set in true Mediterranean style on the resort’s 23 acres, the spa is one of Napa Valley’s largest featuring 16 treatment rooms including five sumptuous spa suites, outdoor terraces, fireplaces and a tight mix of high tech+indigenous wellness treatments.

www.villagio.com

Earthbound Farms - Get downright dirty with all things squirmy via a Bug Walk or mix it up with a local chef or florist at Earthbound Farm, the nation’s largest producer of organic greens. When Drew and Myra Goodman came to California’s Carmel Valley in 1984, they were determined young transplants from Manhattan, drawn to the natural beauty and richness of the land. Even before they turned over their first shovels full of soil, they believed strongly in doing the right thing.


They settled on a 2.5-acre raspberry farm and decided that doing the right thing meant committing to farming this land organically, producing food they would want to eat themselves and would feel good about serving their families, friends, and neighbors. Undaunted by those who said it couldn’t be done, in 1986 they became the first company to successfully launch prewashed, packaged salad for retail sale. When they introduced their mixed baby greens or “spring mix” to restaurants and supermarket produce aisles, they started a salad revolution. Today, gourmet salad greens and packaged salads have become staples of grocery baskets everywhere. Flowers, herbs and vegetables steal the show on 30 sun-drenched acres in Carmel Valley. Saturdays are a true beehive of activity; morning tours start at 11:00 a.m. (May – September). $5.00/child.

www.ebfarm.com

Bali: Eco-Travel, Luxury, & Farming!

It begins in an exotic and remote location among rice fields along the sacred Ayung River in Bali. There are a series of tasks to complete and if done successfully, there will be a great reward. As you consider what you've gotten yourself into, the questions begin to swirl in your mind: When will I meet the other "players"? What kind of challenges will I have to overcome? And, am I going to get a makeover?!"

Not to worry; this is one reality program that doesn't involve contests, eliminations or scripted outbursts. The Balinese farming experience provides guests of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan with a chance to spend a day in the life of a local – without the camera crews.

It begins with a trek along jungle paths and terraces for a glimpse at Sayan's farmers at work. After learning about the complex irrigation system used in the rice paddy fields, you'll have the opportunity to pitch in and plant rice seeds - a crop vital to the lives of rural Balinese. A traditional breakfast and refreshments will be served along the way. And as a reward from a hard day's work, you'll partake in a river stone bathing ritual called batukali. Bathing in the river is both an old-age ritual and a social event for the Balinese as villagers gather to share songs, laughter, gossip and stories. The day's adventure ends with a lunch of nasi campur (mixed rice) – typical of an everyday Balinese meal.

Want a glimpse into the real world of a Balinese farmer?
Then we say, "Visit the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan." Thatched-roof villas with private plunge pools are nestled among 35 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, providing 147 unique panoramas of the idyllic sandy crescent below - Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Lotus ponds float above the treetops along Bali's sacred Ayung River, as expansive enclaves rise from the mountain mist.

www.fourseasons.com/sayan/

Charitable Travel: Discounts & Deals

Shopping should feel good in more ways than one, don't you think? We spotted this interesting website for those who want to shop and do a little good while they're at it. Good Shop is a growing coupon service that allows consumers to plan family vacations and save money at more than 1,000 online stores (including Expedia, cheaptickets, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Budget Rent-A-Car and others) while supporting their favorite charity. It lists hundreds of great coupons and deals and a percentage of every sale at these stores goes back to the charity of the users’ choice. This allows people to save money and help a good cause at the same time.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to www.GoodShop.com
2. Designate your favorite cause (you only do this the first time)
3. Click to your favorite store – check out the travel category, book a vacation with the coupons listed, and a percentage of your purchase will go to your cause

Here are some examples of coupons listed on GoodShop:

1. Southwest Airlines Vacations Coupon - Save up to $80 when you book a flight + hotel of 3 nights or more to any Las Vegas property
2. STA Travel - $25 off any flight Coupon
3. Travelocity Coupon - Book a 5-Night Vacation and Save $100

www.goodshop.com

Kenya & Tanzania: Climb Kilimanjaro!

Crowned by eternal snow, Mount Kilimanjaro is called the "Home of God" because to climb Kilimanjaro is to stand on the roof of Africa. Leave it to Mountain Travel Sobek to offer the most comprehensive, one-of-a-kind Kilimanjaro adventure around. Eco-Adventurer says, "What better way to appreciate the environment than to get right up in it?" Operating Kilimanjaro climbs since 1974, Mountain Sobek was the first company to lead commercial treks up the mountain. Today, over 90% reach Kilimanjaro's 19,340-foot high summit. We think those are pretty good odds, don't you?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a Mountain Travel Sobek (MTS) classic, enough so that anchorwoman Ann Curry used MTS to make her own ascent to Africa's highest peak. In Amboseli National Park, you'll slip into "safari mode" by viewing elephants before taking off on a six-day climb of Kilimanjaro via the rarely-traveled Rongai Route, a trail skirting spectacular Mawenzi peak. You'll track game along the Tsavo National Park on the banks of the Galana River where MTS has the only permit to camp and hike along this stunning waterway. Your savvy naturalist guides include Alex Fiksman, one of East Africa’s leading mountaineers and rock-climbing aces, and Julius Odhiambo, one of Kenya’s top ornithologists and naturalists. As a grand finale, the trip ends with some "R&R" at the Indian Ocean coast (you'll need it) where you’ll bask in shameless luxury at a deluxe resort — a perfect spot to unwind at the conclusion of an unforgettable safari.

Not up for the climb? While your spouse, partner, or friend goes for the summit, you can enjoy traditional safari activities in five-star comfort like game viewing, horseback riding, and "sundowners," at two permanent camps: Ol Donyo Wuas, at the foot of the Chyulu Hills; and Finch Hatton’s, a luxurious legacy of the former big game hunter in Tsavo. Both offer views of Kilimanjaro. On Day 10 (see itinerary below) you’ll meet the group in Tsavo after the climb.

Itinerary: Kilimanjaro & Beyond - Rongai Route

Day 1 - Meet in Nairobi, Kenya. Overnight at the Karen Blixen Cottages, just outside Nairobi.

Days 2-3 - Game viewing in Amboseli, noted for having the most magnificent elephant herds in Africa and dramatic views of Kilimanjaro. Noted researchers Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole have conducted groundbreaking elephant studies here for almost 30 years.

Days 4-7 - From the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Kenya side, you'll be climbing through unspoiled forests, moorlands, and alpine zone, arriving at a high camp at 15,500'. You'll take an extra day for acclimatization below the craggy north face of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's forgotten peak (it's the second-highest point at 16,893 feet).

Day 8 - Pre-dawn hike (the classic alpine start) to Kilimanjaro's glacier-clad summit to watch the sun rise over the African plains, an indescribable thrill and feeling of accomplishment! Descend to camp at 12,000'.
Day 9 - Hike down through the lush equatorial rain forest, home to colobus and Syke's monkeys. Meet waiting vehicles for a drive to the hotel in Marangu, Tanzania.

Day 10 - Drive to camp along the Galana River in Tsavo East National Park where Mountain Travel Sobek has an exclusive permit.

Days 11-12 - Tsavo is Africa at its most intense and dramatic, a raw sunburned land through which the Galana, the only source of water for the wildlife, cuts a bright green swath. Accompanied by trackers and an armed escort, you'll carefully search for prides of lions, including the rare maneless males, stalk elephant herds, view hippos and crocs in quiet pools, and enjoy some of the best birding in Kenya.

Day 13 - Drive to palm-fringed Watamu Beach at Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, where you can swim, snorkel, bird-watch, or go deep-sea fishing (optional).

Day 14 - Morning on the beach; fly to Nairobi in the afternoon and depart, or join one of our extensions in East Africa.
Dates & Prices

2009
Jun 01 - Jun 14
Jul 09 - Jul 22
Jul 31 - Aug 13
Aug 29 - Sep 11
Sep 28 - Oct 11

2010
Jan 24 - Feb 06
Feb 22 - Mar 07
Jun 20 - Jul 03
Jul 20 - Aug 02
Sep 17 - Sep 30
Oct 17 - Oct 30

2009 Prices
$6,295 (11–15 members)
$6,595 (7–10 members)
$6,995 (3–6 members)
$1,250 park fees
$300 internal air
$1,200 single supplement

Toll Free 1-888-831-7526 (USA & Canada)

So what are you waiting for? The ice caps to melt?

Maui, Green Travel: Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment

Take one of the most beautiful hotels in the Hawaiian islands, the always impeccable Ritz-Carlton service, a $180 million transformation, and a partnership with renowned diplomat for the environment, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and you have... the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s Ambassadors of the Environment program! We can't ever say enough about the Ritz. They just know how to do it right, down to the five food and beverage presentations of their Club Level, unmatched service with a smile, and now a program benefiting our most beloved resource... the ocean. Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui (and other select Ritz destinations worldwide) offers everything from underwater photography sessions at Kapalua Bay to seasonal whale-watching excursions paired with Trilogy, as well as hikes in the Kapalua Arboretum. The best part? All activities are led by trained naturalists with degrees in the sciences. I visited in February and had an amazing time playing tennis with my husband, enjoying their stunning spa (complete with a private co-ed hot tub), nibbling delectable cuisine on the Club Level (not to be missed if you're staying at the Ritz), and alas... taking part in the Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Before our guide, Iokepa Naeole, took us on a memorable hike throughout the Kapalua Arboretum, he sang a moving Hawaiian prayer, thanking the environment for allowing us to appreciate her beauty and enter her honorable rainforest. When he sang, it seemed as if everything suddenly went still. The wind, the birds, and the trees. Once inside, Naole informed us about the culture, native endemic species and invasive species, but my favorite part of the hike was swinging from a branch like Tarzan while Naeole picked fruits for us to eat along the way.
The program certainly lived up to it's goal: inspiring Ritz guests to live a more sustainable life with a greater understanding of the relationships between land to sea, humans to nature, people to people, and present to future. To that end, the center's furniture is made with completely recycled materials like Marmeloum and tables made of reclaimed shredded U.S. currency and sunflower hull and straw. Using only CFL and LED lights, they also have dual-flush toilets and coreless toilet paper, 100% Recycled and biodegradable non-bleached paper towels, sustainable bamboo floors, reusable containers for beverages, and all single use products (cups, utensils, etc.) are made from non-GMO corn, potato or sugar cane that are biodegradable and compostable.

If that's not impressive enough, they get their drinking water from one of the most space-age devices I've ever come across - an atmospheric water generator (AWG) which converts ambient atmospheric water vapor into potable water. It extracts, filters, treats and purifies water all from the air we breathe! I was so impressed with their eco-friendly earth-conscious tips that as soon as I'm in one place long enough, I'm saving up for that handy water vapor machine.

So we say, get on that first flight to Maui and be sure to follow up your visit by joining Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society (OFS), a non-profit that explores our global ocean, inspiring and educating people to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean’s vital importance to the survival of life on our planet.

The ocean can't wait!

www.ritzcarlton.com
www.oceanfutures.org

Honeymooning in the Maldives: Luxury Over Water Villas

The first "Floating Resort" in the Indian Ocean... does it get any better than this? The perfect exotic escape for honeymooners and discerning families alike, check out The Banyan Tree's 'Angsana Velavaru' located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, known as ‘Turtle Island’ in the local Dhivehi language. We're excited to be one of the first to announce that they're launching their first standalone collection of water villas in July 2009! Feted for its turquoise lagoon, spacious pool villas, and one of the few resorts in the secluded southern reaches of the Maldives, it's a scenic 40-minute seaplane (yes, seaplane!) journey from Malé island. The 34 uber-luxurious InOcean Villas are located just a half a mile from the island of Velavaru where the resort’s original 79 villas are located and range from 1,885 square feet to 3,122 square feet. We love that the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping, and bathing areas offer an absolutely unobstructed panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. Each swanky two-story villa is also reminiscent of a stylish loft with contemporary design accents. We think you ought to relax on an airy outdoor deck with a hammock suspended over the sparkling azure waters and swim in a 200 square-foot infinity pool. Like this...
The Premier InOcean Villas and two-bedroom Sanctuary InOcean Villas each have extended decks into the ocean, complete with a cozy pavilion for lounging or yoga practice (since we know how much you all love your yoga). Modern amenities include a flat screen TV, stereo system with iPod docking station, and wireless internet. Hell, it's hard enough to find a reliable wireless connection on the mainland!

In addition, Azzurro, the resort’s new gourmet Italian restaurant and bar, has been added toward one end of the InOcean Villa cluster and guests can enjoy complete access to the facilities at the main resort on Velavaru Island like dining at Funa and Kaani restaurants, cocktails at Kuredhi Bar, culinary classes, Angsana Spa treatments, diving, guided snorkeling safari, wakeboarding, and, our favorite eco-resort feature... a dedicated Marine Lab which organizes hands-on activities for environmentally-minded travelers like coral planting, reef cleaning and marine biology classes.

Angsana, managed by The Banyan Tree, truly caters to the modern traveler seeking style, luxury, and eco-awareness. Comprising of contemporary chic retreats, each property is designed to deliver vibrant experiences which also exude the spirit and conscience of its environment. A stylish eco-resort in the Maldives with one of the only Marine Research Labs in the world onsite... along with a hammock suspended in the ocean? Does honeymooning (or canoodling) get any more high-end and feel-good than this?

$750 per night, per villa.

www.angsana.com
1(800) 591-0439
Email: reservations-velavaru@angsana.com.

Guatemala: Eco-Tours, Local Markets, & Luxury

Every Jauntophile knows... Guatemala is one of Latin America’s hidden gems. Sandwiched between Mexico and Belize in the north and El Salvador and Honduras in the south, the name itself means 'Land of Trees,' and this hot jungle country is every bit as green as it's name suggests. Poised somewhere between the old and the new, roughing it or Ritzing it, this Central American country combines the unique traditions of Mayan heritage with a urban landscape of bustling cities and lush resorts. Wildly beautiful with towering volcanoes, verdant rainforest, colonial architecture and fascinating beaches, fusing these elements together are the people, the majority descendants of the ancient Mayan. Warm and generous, their spirit is one of welcome. This Central American country is also one of the most indigenous in the world, now distanced from it's unstable 36-year civil war. The best part? In this down economy, you can still get an entire meal for $3.00!
This photo contains a piece of deer meat, Tepezquintle meat (this would be a noctural rodent highly prized for it's rich flavor), a piece of wild turkey, and... a piece of Armadillo! Don't worry, not all the food is this daunting.

So where to stay in this wild jungle paradise of woven ponchos and beaded bracelets? Below are a few places to rest your weary head, a homebase from which to take off and land. Ideally located in Guatemala City and Antigua, each hotel below is a destination unto itself, ideal for couples, business travelers, and families.

Guatemala City
Guatemala is the country’s cultural, political and economic capital. Founded on the site of the ancient Mayan city Kaminaljuyu, the city is renowned for its abundance of archeological sites and rich cultural history. Now with a population of more than 3 million, it is one of Latin America ’s most vibrant urban destinations.
Hotel Vista Real, a member of Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, is the city’s grande dame. Perched above the city in an exclusive residential enclave, the Hotel Vista Real welcomes guests into an oasis of service and style. This all-suite luxury hotel stands out for its elegant artwork and fine dining. Comprised of 123 suites and eight meeting rooms, the Hotel Vista Real is ideal for a weekend getaway or dazzling wedding.

Rates starting at $145
www.vistareal.com
Hotel Princess, a member of Sterling Hotels™, combines a great location in the bustling zona viva with a friendly staff for a reasonable price. Just off of one of the city’s main avenues, Hotel Princess’s 104 guest rooms encircle an inner courtyard that is a haven for business and leisure travelers. The perennially popular Garden Court restaurant and Clancy’s Bar are the perfect places to sample great food and local hospitality.

Rates starting at $129
www.hotelesprincess.com

Antigua
An hour from Guatemala City lies the captivating town of Antigua. Situated in the central highlands, La Antigua Guatemala (“The Old Guatemala”) was the country’s third capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, if you're looking for a beach close to La Antigua Guatemala, a few hours away is the beach of Monterrico where chickens and pigs roam free. In fact, we've even heard they like to dip in the ocean. Talk about au natural. A range of backpacker pensions and 3 star hotels are also available, if you're interested in staying the night.
La Reunion, Antigua Golf Resort, a member of Preferred Boutique™, is the region's most exquisite hideaway. A sophisticated collection of 26 free-standing cottages, each with their own plunge pool, every suite has been tastefully appointed in colonial style. Nestled amid two volcanoes, La Reunion also offers golf on a memorable Pete Dye-designed course. Gourmet cuisine and numerous activities make La Reunion, Antigua Golf Resort the great destination for a complete couples getaway.

Rates starting at $225
www.preferredboutique.com or www.lareunion.com.gt
Porta Hotel Antigua, a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™, is located in the heart of the city, an easy distance to explore Antigua’s cobblestone streets, colonial churches and monuments. With 115 guestrooms, the hotel is a lush oasis of soothing greenery. Encircled by trees, the pool area is a popular destination for cooling off after a busy morning of sightseeing or meetings.

Rates starting at $162
www.portahotels.com

Before you start booking your tickets, growing a beard, and thinking you can singlehandedly unite The Americas into one (a la our favorite renegade revolutionary, Che G.), don't forget to visit Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is one of the country’s most prized scenic locations. The tourist friendly fishing town of Panajachel is a great place to take an eco-tour of the area or climb the Pacaya volcano for a glance inside its cone. We also hear that a bus about five kilometers away from Antigua to Pastores is a village known for handmade leather Cowboy Boots.

Here's a handy guide for Guatemala's Eco-Tours:

www.ecotourdirectory.com/ecotours/guatemala/
www.atitlanresource.com/travel_agencies_eco.htm
www.enjoyguatemala.com/tours.htm

In addition, a trip to Guatemala wouldn't be complete without a jaunt to the ruins of El Mirador and Tikal in the northern Petén region. The nearby city of Flores serves as the ideal base for any trips into Petén. In the village of Chichicastenango, the Thursday and Sunday market are the best ways to gain insight into Guatemala culture as indigenous groups come from around the country come to sell their handmade multi-colored goods. For hotels in Flores, we recommend checking out:

Flores Hotels
www.destination360.com/central-america/guatemala/flores-hotels.php

Oh, and for those of you with, how shall we say, more 'discerning tastes,' here's another list of swanky Guatemalan digs:

Guatemala's Ultra Luxury Hotels
www.kiwicollection.com/luxury-hotels/guatemala
We think Casa Palopo is one fine spot overlooking Lake Atitlan, set against a backdrop of three volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro.

Denmark: Hybrid Living & H2pia

Villa Hybrid, H2pia

Holy Hydrogen... homes? Yes, last year, just as the debate about the efficiency and affordability of alternative energy sources began to 'heat up', developers in Denmark also began conceptualizing their very own way to solve the problem. Say hello to H2PIA, the world's first hydrogen powered community! After the successful re-development of Stockholm's Hammerby Stad, we're not surprised that the Nords are continuing to shine when it comes to design and efficiency.

Though someday suburb, called 'H2pia' is completely geared towards balancing energy needs and, if it comes to fruition, will certainly lead the way to a model future of truly fine living. Here's how it works. Residents collect their own energy via solar and wind sources that then charge hydrogen fuel cells that then power both the home and automobiles. The various structures within the neighborhood have been designed so that 'their curves maximize returns on energy collection.' And if we know one thing in life it's this... curves maximize collection.

Villa Unplugged

With different living options available depending on family size and needs, Villa Unplugged is created for families that enjoy nature and open spaces. The villas are not connected to the common energy grid and they manage their own storage of hydrogen and production of energy for the home and the cars. Villa Unplugged is completely self-sufficient with energy as the heat comes from solar panels that also produce electricity together with wind turbines. Part of the electricity is used for producing hydrogen for the fuel cells in automobiles. The rest of the hydrogen is stored and used later in in-house fuel cells for electricity and heating during periods with insufficient sun and wind.
Villa Plugged, H2pia

The inhabitants of Villa Plugged, however, get 100 % of their energy supply from a central energy producer. This is how most people in Denmark live today. Villa Plugged contains a communal residence for the younger town residents. Plugged constitutes 'an open, creative and inspiring milieu, created by young people – for young people.' As the name of the area implies, this part of the city is ‘plugged into the socket’ and gets electricity and heat from the central energy supply. Villa Plugged gets electricity and heat from the central energy supply of H2PIA, which is placed in H2PIA Public.

Villa Hybrid is a family residence where the concepts from Unplugged and Plugged are combined. The families produce their own energy but are also connected to the common energy grid. They can also supply the grid with any excess energy. The hydrogen car is another central element of Villa Hybrid. When it's parked next to the house, its on-board fuel cell produces large amounts of power which is delivered to the common energy grid, thus contributing to the balancing of the family’s energy consumption and production. The houses in ‘Hybrid’ are intended to be luxurious, with panoramic views, style and comfort.

We don't doubt that the Danes will do it right.

Last, but not least, H2PIA Share is the town center with a mix of shops, public spaces, businesses and recreational areas. As their site notes, "In H2PIA, a large part of the inhabitants are self employed, a fact that creates possiblities for new lifestyles that combine work, leisure and fun. Share allows for a context of optimism, creativity, joy of life and confidence in the future.

Peter Qvist Lorentsen, architect of the project and partner at PQL Studio, the design studio at the helm of H2PIA, isn't yet sure what part of Denmark the concept will be realized, but at the moment different Danish municipalities are interested, as are other places abroad. "And we are also still waiting for calls from different EU-foundations," Lorentsen says. "So, the construction of H2PIA has not started yet and therefore the project has been delayed. In the meantime, we're fine-tuning the concept.

Regarding the prices, Lorentsen says the buildings will only be a little bit more expensive than normal house prices in Denmark. "The reason is that the houses will be very very well insulated and be added with energy saving technologies as heating reuse systems etc.," he explains. "That means the buildings will get a minimum energy consumption. Regarding the prices of technologies for energy production (solar heat, solar cells, wind turbines, fuel cells etc.) it all depends on what extent we can get financial support from different national and EU foundations."

So we'll cross our fingers the Foundations are listening.

H2PIA - www.h2pia.com
PQL Studio - www.pql.dk
HOW2LIVE - www.how2live.dk

Vancouver Island, Canada: Free Spirit Spheres!

We don't know why, but we're always strangely drawn to capsules, pods, and spheres. And, just to prove we're not alone...







Welcome to the world of Free Spirit Spheres!







Set amid the tall trees of Vancouver Island's rainforest, it's, you guessed it, a tree house for adults. Jaunt says, 'Finalmente.' Built with an un-tamed vision of nature and engineering, you'll feel like an Ewok swinging from the canopy and crawling from your tree sphere at dusk.

Handcrafted spheres are suspended like pendants from a web of rope and, as their website says, "They occupy a truly unique place in the world while providing a habitat for the un-tamed spirit that exists in all of us."

So just how un-tamed are you? If you really want to make a statement, you can purchase a pod or components to build your own. Recommended uses include: Healing, meditation, photography, leisure and game watching.

Spheres, Eve and Eryn, are available for overnight rental and promise a truly unique, jungle experience. Approximately 30km north of Parksville on Vancouver Island along the Inland Island Hwy (#19), near Qualicum Bay. The acreage is on private property close to Horne Lake Caves, Georgia Strait and Mount Washington.

Rates: $125-$175/night

Free Spirit Spheres
Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
Tel (250) 757-9445
Cell (250) 951-9420
Email: tom@freespiritspheres.com

www.freespiritspheres.com

South Africa: #1 Game Reserve in the World

If you haven't seen the incredible footage at Kruger National Park, we recommend visiting Youtube after your little tete-a-tete with Jaunt Magazine.

Why?

Because plenty of amazing survival instincts abound.
And we're all about survival of the fittest (not counting those who amend nature with 'the knife').

Speaking of which, now's the time to give a shout out to Travel + Leisure's #1 in The World.

South Africa's:
Singita Sabi Sand.

Giraffes, lions, zebras, elephants. We're really not sure what more you need, but, perhaps, 45 immaculately designed environmentally friendly lodges deep in the African bush?


Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders are located in the Sabi Sands reserve known for prolific wildlife, while Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni in Kruger National Park, close to the Mozambique border, offer more of the same and stunning wilderness.

We could go on and on about realizing what life has to offer, conservation, the beauty of Africa, the homeland of every single one of us, but instead we'll give you this.

A glass and wood cabin at Sweni Lodge for river views, 4 restaurants, 4 bars, and wine tasting in the 14,000-bottle cellar at Boulders Lodge.

5 star Africa.

Kruger National Park
27-21/683-3424
www.singita.com

Once you get your game on, don't you dare forget to give a little back. Here are a few sites for conservation and volunteer travel in South Africa to round out your life-changing trip.

www.i-to-i.com/south-africa

www.volunteertravel.com/southafrica.html

www.caresa-lesotho.org.za

Hamba kahle.
That's goodbye in Zulu to you.

Sleep It Off: An Eco-Chic Boutique B&B - Hollywood, CA

An eco-chic boutique B&B right in the middle of Hollywood? Wait a minute. Why haven't I ever written about this before? I know I've seen it.

Good thing I was chatting up Erika McQueen, my Pilates instructor at Whole Body Gallery; otherwise, I never would have known just how cool it actually is. She and her hubby, Dougald, own the place.

Perfect for the semi-working actor, DP, writer, or family member, Hollywood Pensione is a 1915 Craftsman specializing in weekly stays. Featuring eco-pure rooms with specially-made organic mattresses, fine organic bed linens by Anna Sova, complimentary organic wine and dark chocolate truffles, and state of the art in-room technology like flat screen TV's, DVD's, and high speed WiFi, it was 'designed for the discerning traveler and professional seeking the privacy of a hotel, with the comforts and conveniences of home for short and long term visits to Los Angeles.'

Walking distance from the Hollywood sign, Griffith Park, the Metro Station, cafes, markets, shops and Hollywood landmarks including the Mann Chinese Threatre, Walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, and Hollywood & Highland, it's close to the studios and offers a different, more unique sort of experience than the other (more pricey) digs near Sunset or Beverly Hills.

Just what you might be looking for when it comes to planting those creative seedlings.

Oh, and the owner? She says she's adding a yoga studio so you can thankfully leave Hollywood with a tighter ass too.

Rates are from $149/daily - $2,000/month

1845 N. Wilton
Hollywood Ca. 90028
Tel: (323) 369-2411
hollywoodpensione@gmail.com

www.hollywoodpensione.com

Boot Camp Series: Bespoke Bali - A Yoga Retreat

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

It’s not that I don’t like working out and living a free-radical life, it’s just this... I don’t like thinking about all the effort it's going to take before I actually do.

That’s why I like yoga. I can take it at my own pace. There's no judgment, it’s not too loud, not too long, and not too stressful. More importantly, I don’t have to listen to bad techno or watch sweaty people pushing weights or huffing and puffing around me. A peaceful exotic setting doesn’t hurt either.

Welcome to Wellness.
Bali-style.

And practice yoga on the base of the River Ayung.

Do you (and everyone else who depends upon your wellness) a favor.
Check out COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, Bali.

The Hotel’s flagship wellness resort recently launched five (yes, FIVE) new Wellness Programs.

We decided to focus on COMO Shambhala Estate because it was established as one of the world’s leading residential health retreats. Opened only two years ago, it's owned by the award-winning holistic health company, COMO Shambhala; providing the best possible environment to start a new lifestyle. When extreme luxury is married with an extremely beautiful natural setting, you really can't go wrong. The Estate's motto: 'to deliver a deeper experience than the typical fly-and-flop resort while fostering a more nurturing approach than the current spread of high-end destination spas.'

To give you an idea of their amenities: Private spa suites with attached therapy rooms, state-of-the-art health facilities, private butler service, organic food, private sun deck and fresh pools, indoor and 'jungle' gyms, a climbing wall (wuuhhu!!), a Pilates studio, an infinity-edged lap pool with views of the forest beyond and a Hydrotherapy Pool where chlorine-free water is funneled using bio-energy water treatment systems from the local spring, known as The Source.

We likey.
No, we loveyyyyyy.


As the story goes, The Estate’s location is predicated upon the existence of The Source, a natural spring on site that has long been revered by locals for its healing properties. Water from The Source fills Kedara (Sanskrit for ‘Water Garden’). Sounds almost surreal, doesn't it? Then you remember... this is Bali, not Baltimore. Anything is possible.

Engage with the local Balinese landscape during your pursuit of better health, artistry and culture abound. Mountain bike, climb, raft, do pilates, yoga, or a little outdoor circuit training, it will undoubtedly change your perspective on life for at least a week and the months following.

All packages include accommodation (prices based on double occupancy), meals (cuisine is organic and nutritionally rich), return airport transfers, The Estate’s daily schedule of activities, services of a Personal Assistant (!!), and the use of the steam, sauna and 25m lap pool.

Here are the Programs:

CLEANSING PROGRAM
This powerful, but safe program allows you to cleanse your body of toxins accumulated through bad diet and polluted environments. Angelenos and New Yorkers, take note.

GET FIT PROGRAM
Designed to get you back on track and back in shape, motivating you to enjoy a new sense of fitness and good health. The program includes a wellness consultation, fitness assessment, 60-minute massage, 60-minute personal training, and guided biking and trekking.

Costs from $2,103 per person for a 5-night program.

REJUVENATION PROGRAM
This program combines the beneficial effects of beauty and spa treatments with healthy eating and positive thinking.

STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Designed for those who feel the need to make positive lifestyle changes to combat the pressures of the busy modern world.

AYURVEDIC PROGRAM
Ayurveda addresses the root cause by enhancing toxin catabolism and by balancing the five elements of body and mind to bring about wellness.

Here's a sample itinerary of the AYURVEDIC PROGRAM:

· Accommodation
· Breakfast, lunch and dinner (including standard beverages)
· Wellness consultation
· Ayurvedic treatments*
· 60-minute therapeutic Yoga
· Complimentary return airport transfers
· Participation in The Estate’s daily schedule of activities
· Complimentary use of the steam, sauna, and 25metre lap pool
· Services of a Personal Assistant

More specific inclusions depend on whether you choose a three, five or seven, night program. Rates vary anywhere from around $1,400 for three nights in a spectacular Garden Room to around $15,000 for an Estate Residence for a week. Programs are designed to deliver simple, well-priced combinations of meals, treatments, and activities.

What we like best?

You can follow workouts with a massage at the base of The Source.
You can chill out on this Garden Villa sundeck:


Norma Gray, Activities Manager, also serves as an instructor for private training during the Get Fit Program and she’ll check in with you to make sure you’re feeling perfectly relaxed and fit. She even emails guests on the program an exercise routine they can continue at home.

Too bad she can't email Bali.
Need we say more?

See you on the banks of the River Ayung.

www.comoshambhala.bz

Boot Camp Series: Amansala's Bikini Boot Camp

Amansala's Bikini Bootcamp: Tulum, Mexico

The second in Jaunt Magazine's 'so nice it's naughty' Boot Camp Series, this one is bound to give you the vacation you desperately need. Add a stunning setting, eco-chic digs, chemical-free fresh food, and a Bikini-tastic agenda that will get you in gear for that balanced body right in time for summer. The best part? It won't break the bank and you can do it alone, with friends, or a lover.

Imagine staying in Pablo Escobar’s old beachfront pad on the Mayan Riviera’s Caribbean with Melissa and Erica, two ex-New Yorkers with a flair for substance and style. Now, imagine an ocean brighter than Jude Law’s baby blues, a creative relaxing vibe, a bit of indulgence, and a naturally-fulfilling yoga bikini boot camp.

Did you imagine it?

Good.

As the site says, “Amansala was the name of Melissa’s small import company selling interesting items collected on her world travels. Taken from the two Sanskrit words ‘Peace’ and ‘Water.’ It was while Melissa toyed with the idea of starting a traveling spa, that she finally decided to create a fixed location in one of her favorite places in the world... Tulum, Mexico. After years of traveling throughout Southeast Asia and experiencing the best and the worst hotels, she wanted to create a place where people could come solo - or with their partners or friends - and have an adventure where they would meet other like-minded people, eat good healthy food, be on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it would feel more like staying at a friends beach house than a hotel.”

I’m here to say this… my good friend at OK! Magazine swears by the place so... I’m next.

Erica, who had been working in Public Relations & Marketing in NYC, was ready for a change so when Melissa suggested she join her in her latest adventure, the two girls packed up and left the city behind. They set out for Mexico, and together, they created Amansala and Bikini Boot Camp on the beaches of Tulum, Mexico.


With beautiful white flowing fabrics, mosaics, eco-bohemian style and the comforts of staying at a plush friend’s pad in the Caribbean, Amansala is all about getting back-to-basics… in paradise.

2 hrs south of Cancun, Tulum is famous for the Mayan ruins and a relatively undiscovered paradise with pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters that will remind you to give thanks and BREATHE.

Says a recent visitor, “One of my greatest memories with Amansala was eating grilled shrimp and sipping fresh pineapple juice, barefoot on a sandy beach, surrounded by candles, a starlit sky and a small group of good company.”

Days start with a beach or jungle powerwalk followed by a combination of body sculpting, power ab sessions or pilates, and end with yoga and meditation. In between there are excursions to the nearby jungle for swimming and snorkeling in fresh water swimming holes (cenotes), visits to Mayan ruins, pampering with beach side massages, salsa lessons, Mayan Clay Treatments, plenty of agua di limon and sunshine.

Sample Itinerary
8:00-9:00 Silent Beach Walk

9:15-10:45 Exercise In Motion

10:45-11:30 Beach Body Sculpt

11:30-12:30 Free Time & Spa Services
 (yipppeee!)
12:30-1:30 Low fat, low calorie Lunch

2:00-5:00 Hike to the freshwater swimming holes (cenotes)

5:00-6:00 Gentle Yoga
 (Ommmmm....)
6:00-7:00 Meditation
7:30-8:30 Candlelight dinner

8:30-9:30 Salsa Lessons (Aye Dios Mio!)

The low fat diet consists of all local fresh food like just caught grilled fish, mangos, jicima salads and other yummy low cal selections that leave you satisfied, yet feeling lighter and cleaner.

The price for all of this back-to-basics Caribbean coast meets Mexican retreat fabulousness?
A reasonable 
$1675 plus tax and service for a grand total of $1954

($700 extra for a private room: with tax and service $818)

Price Includes:

Accommodations
All meals

2 massages

A Mayan clay treatment

All classes, activities, excursions

Designed to help people feel good about themselves and their bodies, this is the part we like best: “There is no pressure to participate in any of the activities and there is no competition. Guests are encouraged to set their intentions, become more aware of how they feel and pay attention.”

Ditto. And sign me up!

I detest pressure, but could totally use a Bikini Boot Camp escape... in paradise.
Couldn't you?

Running weekly starting NOW!

www.amansala.com