by Editor | Jun 9, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
A sign for Earth Lodge
One of our teams recently visited Earth Lodge, the most architecturally distinctive of the four luxury lodges in the Sabi Sabi Reserve. Designed to disappear within the bush setting it is built on, it was memorable precisely for its unconventional style and Zen influence. They stayed at the property’s spacious and exclusive Amber Suite (presidential suite) which offered excellent accommodations, especially for honeymooners and couples seeking privacy within a lodge setting.
The water feature at Earth Lodge
Elena and Gary also liked the distinctive bush setting, stand alone spa, wine cellar, and tasty plated meals. Earth Lodge, part of the Sabi Sabi theme of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, was built to represent Tomorrow. Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp represent Today. Selati, another Sabi Sabi lodge they visited during that trip, represents Yesterday.
The Sabi Sabi Reserve is a luxury oriented reserve within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve adjacent to the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger in South Africa. Click here to read our complete dedicated articles on Selati Camp and Earth Lodge.
by Editor | May 12, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Lions at Selati
We recently enjoyed a most pleasant stay and outstanding game viewing at railroad themed Selati Camp near the world famous http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. Selati is one of four luxury properties in the privately owned Sabi Sabi Reserve within the larger Sabi Sands Reserve that borders one of the best game viewing areas of the park.
Our bathroom at Selati
A mongoose at Selati
Our visit was made especially fun and rewarding thanks to Tal, our indefatigable guide who was always eager to find and share with us the many marvels of the bush. If it flew, walked, crawled or crouched he found a way for us to see and enjoy it while remaining vigilant and looking out for our safety and well being. Click here to read our dedicated feature on Selati Camp
by Editor | May 5, 2008 | Ecotourism, Products
SteriPEN Traveler
The more crowed airplanes and airports become the more we worry about picking up other people’s germs and the infectious diseases they may carry. As anyone who has traveled lately can tell you, it’s almost impossible not to touch one or more surfaces that may be germ infested at the security lines, in the bathrooms, and on airplanes which are often emptied and refilled within minutes. If the seats are still warm the germs may be alive and available to hitch a ride on new guests. We don’t want to be host to any germs.
That’s where portable gadgets to zap germs (viruses and bacteria) with ultraviolet light come in handy. The ultraviolet is as harmful to humans as to the germs so it’s important to keep the light away from skin, eyes and face to avoid burns. That has never happened to us in all the times we have used these ultraviolet travel products.
The handheld Nano UV Scanner
One item is the SteriPEN Traveler, a water cleaner for remote locations, emergencies and situations where the water supply may be less than desirable. Water born microbes can knock travelers out of commission during a trip and spoil a day or more of activities. Although there are inexpensive options (boiling or adding chemicals to the water are the most common) to ensure water is safe to drink they are often cumbersome and time consuming. A lightweight, handheld device capable of killing unhealthy germs can be a god send, especially in exotic destinations including some safari countries.
On planes, trains and automobiles the Nano UV Scanner handheld ultraviolet sanitizer is easy to use and takes up little space in hand luggage. A couple of slow runs over the seatbelt buckle, tray table and armrests is all it takes. A similar operation in the lavatory and public bathrooms will serve the same purpose.
VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer
We always take a VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer with us, especially on extended trips. The VIOlight comes in a handy travel and storage case. A minute of ultraviolet light and our toothbrush seems to be good as new (from a germ point of view). Plus it never seems to pick up odors (even after months on the road or in the travel case). We use it with electric toothbrush heads and regular toothbrushes. It holds up to two heads (or one full size toothbrush) in one case making it ideal for couples.
All three gadgets are lightweight; battery operated, and take little space. The light bulbs that generate the ultraviolet light appear to have a long shelf life. For example, according to the manufacturer, the bulb of the Nano UV Scanner lasts up to 5,000 hours. We haven’t even come close to using it that many hours. It comes with two AAA batteries which seem to last a long time. It’s 3¾ x 1¾” x 1¼” in size and weighs 3 oz. The water cleaner is the most expensive so we try to tuck it inside our carry on luggage along with the handheld cleaner for personal space sanitation on airplanes and during trips. The VIOlight usually travels with the checked in luggage.
by Editor | Apr 28, 2008 | Ecotourism, Luxury Travel
Article and photos by Elena del Valle
Glen Wilsey, our guide, and the swamp buggy
On one of those rare chilly South Florida mornings recently I drove to the Everglades to experience the Exclusive Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour, the new 90-minute escorted private eco-tours at Billie Swamp Safari. During the tour, Glen Wilsey, an alligator wrestler turned guide, showed us his corner of the universe.
Billie Swamp Safari is between Ft. Lauderdale and Naples in South Florida
This little fellow had sharp teeth
Before we set out to discover the Big Cypress Reserve, the part of the Everglades we were in, Glen introduced us to a small reptilian friend for a few minutes of show and tell. Next we headed to the Swamp Water Cafe where we shared a traditional Seminole sampler platter: fried frog legs, fried alligator, fried catfish, fried bread and hearts of palm.
Seminole hearts of palm
After we tasted the snacks, we boarded the homemade swamp buggy. Smaller than the full sized vehicles for the 32-person regular tours, the swamp buggy can accommodate five passengers in the elevated back and a sixth in the passenger seat next to the driver.
We were lucky to spot this yellow rat snake during our drive
Our swamp buggy drove easily over water
During our drive, we saw local and exotic flora and fauna including sable palms, resurrection ferns, oak and maple trees as well as vultures, glossy ibis, black feral pigs, bison, ostrich, yellow coral snake, and Asian water buffalo,
Billie Swamp Safari, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is deep in the heart of the Florida Everglades and has 650,000 visitors a year. There are 3,300 Seminoles living in six reservations in Florida.
by Editor | Apr 21, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
A male lion at Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands
For luxury oriented safari enthusiasts South Africa offers the greatest number of luxury game viewing properties and the highest standards. Spacious suites with private plunge pools, a high ratio of staff to guests, gourmet meals and spa treatments are common among the luxury properties near http://simonandbaker.com/kruger. For discriminating travelers in search of the best and most exclusive options, a handful of boutique lodges stand out among the varied choices in the area.
Game viewing departure time at Ivory Lodge
Ivory Lodge has a distinctive position in the rarified circle of top tier South African game viewing properties and is a strong contender for the crown of best boutique safari lodges in the world. When we last visited the property we found it ideal for bush aficionados, especially couples, seeking privacy and exclusivity. Those who appreciate personalized “butler” service, spa, fine wine and foodie amenities may find the property’s setting, more like a private designer home than a boutique hotel, pleasantly surprising.
A striking tree was the centerpiece of the dining room at Ivory Lodge
At the same time, the management took measures to maintain the land in good condition for generations to come. We appreciated and felt good about visiting a property with an ecotourism conscience.
Ivory Lodge offered a refined and exclusive cocoon of privacy, luxury, guest centered service, gourmet meals and fine wines, and spa treatments in a game viewing setting. Click here to read our updated feature article about Ivory Lodge
Click on the image below to visit the Ivory Lodge website
by Editor | Feb 4, 2008 | Accomodations, Ecotourism, New Articles
Article and photos by Josette King
Roadside hawk
Thanks to its Caribbean coastline graced with the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, Belize has long been considered by water sport enthusiasts one of the premiere scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. The sandy islands that straddle the reef, known locally as cayes, reputed for their white coral sand beaches and spectacular underwater canyons remain the country’s greatest attraction.
Vermillion flycatcher
Yet a mere ninety minute drive inland another Belize of unspoiled rain forests rich in wildlife, birds and Mayan archeological treasures is beginning to capture the interest of eco-tourists. The Cayo District, with its vast expanses of verdant rolling hills along the Macal and Mopan rivers, offers especially scenic attractions. It is home to the two most important Maya ruins in the country, Caracol and Xunantunich, as well as several nature reserves including the reputed Blue Hole and Guanacaste National Parks.
I recently enjoyed a visit to this easily accessible but remarkably secluded area of Belize where toucans still outnumber tourists and where intimate eco-lodges offer a warm welcome. Click here to read about my visit to Belize including the Cayo District and Casa del Caballo Blanco.
