With Earth Day’s inspiration in April, here are Earth-friendly stays that we’ve discovered in our travels these past 12 months. The range is from upscale to modest, but the similar theme is matching comfort with sustainability whether it’s how electricity is created or the building materials used for construction. Sometimes sustainability comes from giving antiques and found objects a new purpose.
At the Le Puy Inn, in Oregon’s wine country, Nancy found “an ecology-focused mission” at this once private home turned B&B. From the “low flow shower heads to reclaimed wood floors and farm to table organic breakfasts,” the Le Puy Inn pairs eco-friendly with great wine–in particular Pinot Noir.
It is possible to “be green” and luxurious. Tim found the balance at Playa Cativo in Southern Costa Rica. “An abundance of wildlife and killer views” are matched with hydro and solar power for all electricity. Plus, sustainable forested hardwood was used to build the place. The results are a marvelous mix of aesthetically pleasing furniture and decor that perfectly compliments the wonder of the outdoors.
Carolyn’s eco-friendly experience at Islands Spirits, Rice Lake on an Ontario island included several animal friends–alpacas, sheep, pigs and chickens to be exact. The animals belong to the property’s owner “Captain” T.J. Chernuck who is passionate about taking care of the environment. Rain barrels that collect water for washing. solar powered electricity and solar heated water are part of this more unusual getaway experience. Accommodations range from two-story “eco-cabins” to a tepee.
A stay at Eagles Nest Inn Bed & Breakfast is as “close as to staying in the woods as you can get without camping,” Mary Jo discovered on a trip that included spending time in nearby Langly, Washington with its abundance of eateries and galleries, as well as wineries just a few miles away. Eagles Nest Inn is “adjacent to a 600-acre wildlife corridor that includes a private forest, Putney Woods trail system, and the Saratoga Woods Preserve” which means taking care of the environment here is a no-brainer. The inn follows several environmentally friendly practices that guests are invited to do as well.
Eco-friendly can be eco-chic as Mike discovered at Made INN Vermont in Burlington. Ever since this B&B opened almost five years ago, it’s received accolades for being one of the best B&Bs in the United States. Eco-friendly at Made INN Vermont comes from finding new uses for vintage furniture and knick knacks that might seem outdated until they are displayed as funky and interesting.
One could spend hours looking at all the ways owner Linda Wolf has incorporated antiques and unique pieces into the decor of this former 19th century manor house. Snowboards are turned into benches and guitars are wall art, for example. A stay here may have you going home to find that View-Master and childhood doll you may have tossed into a donate pile.
My eco-friendly adventure came as a surprise when I discovered the Spider House in Boracay, Philippines. Perched on the edge of a cliff, this former residence turned guest house has bamboo as one of the main building materials. The result is a Swiss Family Robinson tree house feel. With no air-conditioning, the carbon foot-print is kept low. Plus, the main activity during the day is swimming right off the Spider House dock. There isn’t a boat involved. Just climb down the ladder and jump in.
Post by Jamie Rhein