Celebrating Earth Day 2020
March 31, 2020 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
April 22nd is Earth Day. It’s an unusual time to celebrate, while many of us are quarantined at home. However, we are finding new ways to connect and rediscover the healing power of nature during these uncertain times. While we can’t visit many of these destinations just now, we can certainly appreciate their splendor from afar.
In fact, it seems that ecosystems around the world are flourishing as we put our lives on pause. We at Hidden Doorways see it as a special opportunity – not to stop traveling, but to rethink how we travel responsibly, ensure we make a positive impact on the world around us and support sustainable properties and operators wherever we can.
To celebrate Earth Day, we’re honoring the incredible work Hidden Doorways’ clients do everyday to keep our world healthy. Would you like to celebrate with us? Let’s support their causes they champion and the inspiring experiences they craft. Happy Earth Day!
GLOBAL STEWARDS IN CONSERVATION:
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Worldwide
At Six Senses, sustainability is never seen as a sacrifice. In fact, they believe sustainability and luxury can happily coexist – it’s at the core of their ethos. Their list of eco-friendly accomplishments is long and impressive. They stopped using plastic straws in 2016 and aim to be plastic-free by 2022. They’re well on their way: each property bottles its own water in glass bottles. All of their new properties aim for LEED Silver certification. Connecting to their local communities, Six Senses employs and sources locally. Eat With Six Senses, is a health and wellness program focused on natural ingredients, local food production and sustainability. Each property has an organic garden, which provides the resort’s kitchens with fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits as well as a range of ingredients for our spas and Alchemy Bars. Investing in the future generations, Grow With Six Senses incorporates the six dimensions of wellness (social, environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual) so kids can reconnect with nature and gain useful life skills through play.
Laamu Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives is a paradise on earth, with fluffy white sand, clear, warm waters and coral reefs that buzz with life. Six Senses Laamu goes the extra mile to protect their atoll and beyond. Their work has not gone unnoticed. The MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators) named Six Senses Laamu the “Leading Eco-Resort at the Maldives Travel Awards” in 2018. Why? They work towards zero-waste operations, promote plastic-free living in the local community, protect the sea grass and so much more.
Lankanfushi Island, Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi is another worthy steward of a Maldivian paradise. Sustainability is at the heart of the property. As they put it, they work to leave “only footprints behind.” Like Six Senses Laamu, they have pledged to stop the removal of seagrass from around Lankanfushi Island. While seagrass meadows get less press than coral reefs, they are just as important to the health of the ocean. When Gili Lankanfushi was closed for renovations last year, they also seized the opportunity to develop coral transplanting techniques to help revitalize the ocean after the 2016 bleaching event. Guests can see these projects up close through the “Gili Underwater Story,” a guided journey with an in-house marine biologist to learn about the local marine life and how to protect it.
East & Southern Africa
Luxury safari company Micato Safaris is constantly winning awards and topping lists. They’ve been voted World’s Best Safari Outfitter by Travel + Leisure an amazing nine times. Aside from creating unforgettable experiences, Micato is dedicated to making a difference in the places where they work. Their nonprofit is AmericaShare, which is dedicated to helping women and children in need. To protect the environment, they work with partners like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which protects and preserves Africa’s wilderness, especially endangered species.
Ranthambore, India
For those who dream of spotting a tiger in the wild, SUJAN Sher Bagh could make that fantasy a reality. The owner’s family first arrived in the 1970s, before the tiger tourism industry existed. They worked with India’s most famous conservationist at the time, Rathore – also known as “Tigerman” – to set up an eco-friendly tourism program to invite guests while protecting the land and the local wildlife. A conservation contribution fee is incorporated into each stay, which supports local conservation programs and the family’s NGO.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability. Costa Rican Trails is true to that mission – they’re a proud member of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) by the Costa Rican Tourist Board. That means they’re dedicated to protecting the physical environment, designing sustainable itineraries and inviting guests to learn and take part. Travelers with Costa Rican Trails are able to join volunteer projects, visit local communities and support indigenous populations.
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya
Conservation is at the very root of Great Plains Conservation. With luxurious, eco-friendly safari camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya, their work casts a wide net. In each of these locations, Great Plains works to improve vulnerable environments through compassionate protection and fund them with sustainable, low-volume tourism. The local communities are an essential part of this model, and in turn benefit from it. A portion of every stay goes towards educational programs and conservation efforts such as Rhinos Without Borders. Partnering with andBeyond, their mission is to translocate 100 rhinos from South Africa to safe havens in Botswana.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
For nature lovers, there are few places like the Galápagos Islands, the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution. While this ecosystem is legendary, it’s also fragile. Many tourists come by cruise or yacht, which can be harmful to marine life. Pikaia Lodge, however, is located on land, which cuts down on emissions. The lodge sits in the middle of a giant tortoise reserve spanning 31 hectares, which once used to be a cattle ranch but the soil was worn away due to the grazing. Pikaia Lodge took on the massive task of reforesting the grounds and to dates has planted over 11,000 trees, resulting in many tortoises and other wild animals returning to the area. The sleek, minimalist, yet luxurious eco-lodge is carbon neutral, powered by alternative energy sources. Rainwater is collected for cooking and drinking. What’s more, they’re dedicated to bringing endemic flora and fauna back to the former cattle ranch. A population of wild tortoises lives on property and the wild birds are returning.
Tetiaroa, Tahiti
The Brando is a shining example of how a luxury resort can promote sustainability – it’s the first resort in French Polynesia to be LEED Platinum certified. Set on Marlon Brando’s private island, it’s also a glittering example of barefoot luxury. At its onset, Marlon Brando teamed up with a local conservationist to design a sustainable property. As such, they’re on the forefront of renewable energy, responsible waste management and water treatment. Guests are encouraged to learn about the surrounding nature via a coral reef quest, bird watching expedition with a naturalist or guided nature tour with a researcher.
Mustang Monument Eco-Resort & Preserve
Wells, Nevada
Set in the wide open spaces of northern Nevada, Mustang Monument Eco-Resort & Preserve is a sanctuary for approximately 1,000 wild mustangs that were saved from slaughter. The woman behind the project is Madeleine Pickens, an American philanthropist and businesswoman. To sustain the project, she built plush glamping tipis and cabins that offer an American safari experience surrounded by American mustangs. Proceeds benefit Madeleine’s nonprofit, Saving America’s Mustangs, which works to provide essential care and advocacy for this threatened species.
Canada and Alaska
Entrée Destinations designs custom itineraries through Canada and Alaska, home to some of the greatest wilderness on earth. To protect this land, Entrée Destinations has begun offsetting the carbon footprint of their journeys. Now, every trip includes a $5 per person carbon surcharge to offset the emissions. Of course, their work runs deeper than that – visiting this pristine wilderness teaches guests to appreciate nature more than ever before. In Alaska, there’s bear watching on Kodiak Island, with a stay at the luxury lodges at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center (KBBC). In Canada, just off Vancouver Island, guests can go snorkeling in cool, clear water as the Pacific salmon swim below.
Nosy Ankao, Madagascar
Set on a small island off Madagascar, Time + Tide Miavana is surrounded by postcard-perfect landscapes and otherworldly fauna. Sustainability has been a priority since the property was first conceptualized – in fact, they were the first five-star eco-lodge to open in the country. The architects used local and reclaimed materials to create the elegant, barefoot-chic feel in the solar-powered villas. Time + Tide Miavana acts as a force of good in the community and preserves endangered species such as the Crowned lemurs. After all, Miavana means “to bring together” in the Malagasy language.
LEADERS IN FARM-TO-FORK CUISINE:
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch
Saratoga, Wyoming
The White family feel that taking care of Brush Creek Ranch is their mission and privilege. Following the traditions of the pioneers who went West, they work to operate an authentic cattle ranch sustainably. How? They practice rotational grazing, forest management and run a 20,000-square-foot greenhouse that produces enough fruit, vegetables and herbs to supply the entire property. They also work to educate guests on locavore cuisine. This learning – and eating – takes place at The Farm, a 40,000-square-foot complex that includes a creamery, distillery, cellar, bakery and restaurant with excellent seed-to-table cuisine.
Hampshire, England
Surrounded by 400 acres of Hampshire countryside, Heckfield Place invites visitors to reconnect with the natural world. Guests can explore the terrain on foot or dive into it via the acclaimed seed-to-table cuisine. (Ideally they do both.) The property is home to a biodynamic farm that produces much of the produce featured on the menus. A team of experts grows and hand-harvests organic grain, fruit, vegetables and herbs used to craft beautiful, hyper-seasonal dishes. The property’s own livestock produce much of the dairy serves while ingredients from the farm go into the lush products used in the Little Bothy Spa. The Farm has achieved organic status and is aiming to be certified as biodynamic later this year or early next year.
Photography by Phillip Angert
Barnard, Vermont
Twin Farms is a Relais & Chateaux destination known for its stunning natural setting, chic cottages and suites, excellent art collection and, of course, their cuisine. Dining is the heart and soul of the experience at Twin Farms. The seasons act as a guide for the ever-changing farm-to-table menus. Executive Chef Nathan Rich specializes in clean, crisp dishes made with fresh ingredients from neighboring farms. This sustainable approach extends to the wine list. Many of the 15,000 bottles in the cellar are sustainable, organic and biodynamic. There’s no wonder why Twin Farms was named “Hotel of the Year” in 2020 by Forbes Travel Guide.
United Kingdom
In Any Event Tours plans seamless itineraries with privileged access across the UK. Their repertoire includes plenty of jaunts through the great outdoors and locavore dining experiences. A prime example is the Ballintaggart Farm & Tay Valley Experience, where guests have a chance to explore the land and cook with ingredients local to the Scottish Highlands. Another sustainable culinary experience is the Foraging Workshop, where guests explore the Highland hills in search of wild berries, wild mushrooms, herbs and more, depending upon the season.
The Hamptons, New York
Just 90 miles outside of New York City, Shou Sugi Ban House is a serene and wholesome haven that heals mind, body and soul. Their culinary philosophy was born from their belief that true health is rooted in nature. Their menu, designed in collaboration with Noma co-founder Mads Refslund, welcomes guests to experience plant-rich, seasonal dishes that were crafted to heal and sustain. The ingredients are seasonal and local, sourced from local farms and purveyors as well as the property’s own garden.
India
Banyan Tours & Travels arranges custom journeys through India, Nepal and Bhutan. They offer a vast array of opportunities to appreciate nature, whether it’s the backwaters of Kerala in southern India or the carbon-negative paradise of Bhutan. After decades in business, Banyan Tours remains committed to working with local communities. One experience they can arrange is Shakti Himalaya, which allows guests to stay in comfortable homes in rural villages in the high Himalayas. As this area is so remote, it’s entirely self-sufficient. Guests are able to experience the majesty of the mountains along with a simpler, more sustainable approach to life.
Every year in the small village town of Beneshwar in Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Bhil Tribal people gather with the purpose to immerse the ashes of their ancestors in the small delta formed by the Soma River. A week-long gathering, it also includes tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. This large and fascinating cultural affair, decades old, opens a window to various scared and devotional rites and also features locals selling eclectic indigenous wares, tattoo artists, an incredible selection of regional and street food, a ferris wheel pulled by cows and other spectacular sights, making it an extraordinary and unmissable event for anyone traveling to India. Stay tune for the fair’s dates in 2021, it is set to take place in February next year.
Contact Hidden Doorways at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com to book a future stay at any of these earth-friendly properties.
