Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts: Aruba
The Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts of Aruba was built in 1987 with the goal of offering the beach culture and ocean wilderness of Aruba while being responsible within the delicate environment in which the resorts are built.
Owner Ernie Biemans received the Green Globe 21 certification for hotels in Aruba in 2002 and the resorts were the first to get certified ISO 14001 in the Americas.
Enjoy 14 acres of white sand beaches, ocean sports such as scuba and snorkeling, sailing and boogie boarding. Go on tours to watch sea turtles or to explore the coral reefs off the islands. Green packages are offered and these include lodging, some meals and tours designed to introduce you to the Aruba wilderness.
Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts
L.G. Smith Boulevard #55B
P.O. Box 1347
Eagle Beach
Aruba
Dutch Caribbean
297-583-1100
bucuti.com
Whistler Blackcomb: British Columbia
If your tastes for a resort delve more to the snowy side, keep the Whistler Blackcomb resort in mind. Whistler Blackcomb received recognition for renewable energy development, waste reduction and land conservation initiatives. During the winter, the resort incorporates bio-diesel into some of its snow-grooming and snow-making equipment.
All four seasons keep the resort modifying and altering its energy use. Take advantage of whatever season you travel and head up to the resort for mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, or for skiing and snow sports.
Whistler Blackcomb
4545 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, British Columbia V0N 1B4
Canada
866-218-9690
whistlerblackcomb.com
Anvaya Cove: Phillipines
Boasting a developer who decided to build a 30,000-square-foot lagoon to protect the 50-year-old mango trees surrounding the resort, Anvaya Cove in the South Pacific island nation of the Philippines is considered one of the greenest resorts worldwide.
Birding, kayaking, swimming, jungle hiking and scuba or snorkeling offer guests chances to enjoy the wilds of the country, while still maintaining eco-consciousness.
Lodge packages include spa and massage, use of water sports equipment, guided scuba dives and snorkeling.
Anavaya Cove was recognized by New York-based Hospitality Design Magazine as "one of the most sustainable real estate projects in the world."
Anvaya Cove
Subic Tipo Expressway
Morong, Bataan
Philippines
317-493-5744
Maho Bay: US Virgin Islands
Maho Bay offers guests to the Virgin Islands two different green resorts to choose from on the island of St. John. The tent resort of Maho Bay started in 1976 with 18 small yurt-style tents. The goal--years ahead of the green trend--was to integrate housing and lodging into the surrounding rain forest without disrupting it.
Today Maho Bay boasts tent-style cabins where you wake to the sounds of tree frogs and tropical birds. The resort incorporates alternative energy and uses earth-friendly washing and cleaning products. The resort has received numerous accolades from dozens of magazines and eco-tourism organizations.
Packages for honeymoons, outdoor pursuits and scuba are offered to guests.
Maho Bay
PO Box 310, Cruz Bay
Saint John 00830
Virgin Islands
340-715-0501
maho.org
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
