Clean Energy

The use of alternative and renewable energy sources says a lot about the environmental commitment of a property’s owner or operator. While some lodges are located in remote areas where being off the grid is the norm, others are speaking out against global warming and the use of fossil energies by embracing such clean, renewable sources of power as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Both Rainforest Edge & Spa and Lapa Rios Ecolodge provide guests with solar-heated water, while geo-thermal radiant energy is used to heat the buildings and pools at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. In addition, a water-sand filtration system was recently installed at Devil’s Thumb to purify its spring-fed water supply. Natural spring water is recycled through a gray water system at Samasati Nature Retreat; Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center makes use of the abundant solar energy available in Arizona; and Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts & The Healing Grounds Spa harnesses wind power to generate electricity. Wind powers the turbine generators at EcoTulum’s Amilik & Maya Spa, which also makes use of solar panels for power.

Sustainable Construction

The use of sustainable construction practices involves many facets, and includes a demonstrated concern about the world’s resources and how they are collected. When it comes to establishing the sustainability of any building material, it’s essential that its complete life cycle be taken into consideration. The term “embodied energy” refers to the overall amount of energy consumed from locating a material, removing it from its point of origin, and delivering it to the site where it will be used. Embodied energy also takes into account any manufacturing process used to alter the material, such as mining, cutting, or harvesting as well as the amount of energy used to install and maintain it during its lifespan. Because of this, the most sustainable practice sometimes involves the use of reclaimed and recycled building materials found nearby.

Structures at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, including the new spa center, were built from reclaimed and recycled woods and other materials taken from the surrounding region. At Lapa Rios Ecolodge, commitment to conservation includes the use of native, sustainably harvested woods; Lapa Rios also employs building designs that integrate into the surrounding environment with the least amount of impact. Straw bale construction was used to create Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, and the property also boasts the indoor use of hemp fabrics and organic materials. Instead of choosing materials that had to be shipped from distant areas (and contributing to transport issues such as the use of fossil fuels), reclaimed stone and wood were used to construct Jungle Bay Resort & Spa, helping to keep the overall construction footprint low. Low impact is also a theme at both EcoTulum’s Amilik & Maya Spa and Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts & the Healing Grounds Spa, where accommodations are luxury tents built on wooden platforms.

Natural Therapies

From seaweed and clay to aloe and native plants, the world is rich in indigenous botanicals and natural elements that possess proven health benefits. Choosing an ecolodge doesn’t mean foregoing luxury amenities or spa treatments; it may even provide an opportunity to sample a culturally inspired treatment or a product made from local ingredients.

Mayan treatments administered by local healers are a highlight at EcoTulum’s Amilik & Maya Spa, where herbal therapies include the use of native Chilean plants. At Rainforest Edge & Spa, India’s age-old healing system of ayurveda provides the inspiration for massages and spa therapies. Ancient sea muds, mineral salts, and native botanicals including Cape chamomile and geranium are used in treatments at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve. As suggested by its name, Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa has mineral springs on-property for soaking that are naturally heated by the nearby, and still active, volcano. The fragrant ylang ylang trees found around Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa provide fresh ingredients for treatments. In addition, yoga classes and, in some cases, retreats are regularly offered at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Samasati Nature Retreat, Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts, and Papoose Creek Lodge.

Address Book

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
Africa
www.bushmanskloof.co.za/home.html

Clayoquot Wilderness Resorts
& The Healing Grounds Spa
British Columbia, Canada
(250) 726-8235; www.wildretreat.com

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Daintree, Australia
www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au

Devil’s Thumb Resort & Ranch Creek Spa
Tabernash, Colorado
(800) 833-4339; www.devilsthumbranch.com

Jungle Bay Resort & Spa
Point Mulatre, Dominca
www.junglebaydominica.com

EcoTulum’s Amilik
Patagonia, South America
www.amilik.com

Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
011-506-735-5130; www.laparios.com

Papoose Creek Lodge
Cameron, Montana
(888) 674-3030; www.papoosecreek.com

Rainforest Edge & Spa
Waddagala, Sri Lanka
94 11 5373305 – 07;
www.srilanka.com/travel/traveldetail/TL00308

Samasati Nature Retreat
Talamanca, Costa Rica
(800) 563-9643;www.samasati.com

Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Costa Rica
www.tabacon.com

Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center
Patagonia, Arizona
(520) 394-2520; www.treeoflife.nu

March/April 2006

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