Green & Chic | Suka Island, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia [2]

By Dian Hasan | July 28, 2010

The Pool Pavilion, the “heart” of Suka Island, where guests mingle and food is served upstairs in the dining area.

When you think of Singapore, the words idyllic, rustic and laid back, are probably not the first thing that would come to mind. A modern Asian nation with a dynamic economy is more likely. Singapore is situated at the crossroads of East and West, and trade has been the foundation upon which Singapore’s economic miracle has been built.

One often forgets, however, that urban Singapore that likes to call itself Garden City, is an island. To the North lies the Malaysian Peninsula that continues on to the Asian continent, while to its South is Indonesia’ Riau Archipelago, a group of islands that include the industrial and shipyard-based Batam, and Singapore’s favorite island playground, Bintan. Further afield are small islands, mostly uninhabited that are the furthest image of urban life.

And here you’ll find Singapore’s best-kept secret: Private Islands that offer the bare-foot luxury commonly found in the Caribbean. Tropical isles, with nothing but thatch-roof huts (no worries, electricity and modern amenities are standard features…). You’d almost have to pinch yourself of thinking you’re in Bali.

The pool and Pool Pavilion area, the “heart” of Suka Island.

The Treehouse Villa, built of sustainable materials using driftwood found in the surrounding islands. Pulled into place using plenty of manpower [below].

So put your leisure thinking cap on, and start imagining swaying palm trees, a tropical breeze, white sand beaches, and the soothing sound of the ocean… all this on an private island you can have for yourself.

From the same creative hospitality minds that run Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort, comes Suka Island (Pulau Suka in Indonesian), a pleasant 3-hour ferry ride (approximately 100 km) from Singapore, the embarkation point for the majority of our guests.

Green & Chic | Suka Island, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia [1]

By Dian Hasan | June 18, 2010

When you think of Singapore, the words idyllic, rustic and laid back, are probably not the first thing that would come to mind. A modern Asian nation with a dynamic economy is more likely. Singapore is situated at the crossroads of East and West, and trade has been the foundation upon which Singapore’s economic miracle has been built.

One often forgets, however, that urban Singapore that likes to call itself Garden City, is an island. To the North lies the Malaysian Peninsula that continues on to the Asian continent, while to its South is Indonesia’ Riau Archipelago, a group of islands that include the industrial and shipyard-based Batam, and Singapore’s favorite island playground, Bintan. Further afield are small islands, mostly uninhabited that are the furthest image of urban life.

And here you’ll find Singapore’s best-kept secret: Private Islands that offer the bare-foot luxury commonly found in the Caribbean. Tropical isles, with nothing but thatch-roof huts (no worries, electricity and modern amenities are standard features…). You’d almost have to pinch yourself of thinking you’re in Bali.

So put your leisure thinking cap on, and start imagining swaying palm trees, a tropical breeze, white sand beaches, and the soothing sound of the ocean… all this on an private island you can have for yourself.

From the same creative hospitality minds that run Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort, comes Suka Island (Pulau Suka in Indonesian), a pleasant 3-hour ferry ride (approximately 100 km) from Singapore, the embarkation point for the majority of our guests.

The journey normally involves catching one of the international ferries to Bintan, land transport across part of Bintan and then a high-speed boat trip to the island. Some groups chose to arrive on their private yachts.

The Rembang Villa, one of the two villas converted from vintage Javanese Joglo houses made of solid teak, shipped from Central Java and reconfigured for Suka Island.

Green & Chic | Sundance Resort, Provo, Utah

One of North America’s pioneers of eco-friendly hotels, Sundance Resort in was conceived with minimizing its negative imprint on the immediate environment, back in 1969 when land for the resort was purchased.

Sundance Resort, in North Fork Provo Canyon in Utah, is probably more famous for its owner – Hollywood former leading man and director, Robert Redford – who has been leading in his conservation and community-led endeavors since stepping away from Hollywood limelight some two decades ago.

This is the perfect venue for a rustic yet chic destination wedding or honeymoon anytime of the year. The atmosphere is romantic, and adventure options abound. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, and the rest of the year you can hike, bike, horseback ride, even kayak down the river. If you’re not the adventurous type, fret not. Relax at the spa or unleash your creative side at the art shack workshop. The restaurants offer 5-star dining and terrific wine list.

Sundance has several areas to hold a ceremony and reception. Its largest – Rehearsal Hall – accommodates 250 guests and has a great view of the pond.

Sundance Resort has a long standing history of Green policies, dating back to the property’s original purchase (1969).

Green & Chic | Singita Lebombo Lodge, Kruger National Park, South Africa

By Dian Hasan | July 15, 2010

In the world of trends, green is the new black. And the fusion of latest design in portraying resorts that blend into their immediate surroundings, the results are stunning. Firmly placing “chic” in “eco”. The world’s latest crop of new eco-friendly designer hotels are so comfortable in their own skin, and are so place- and culture-specific, that one must wonder, why it took so long for the design community to realize the magical potential of designing with eco in mind. Singita Lebombo Lodge is Africa’s answer.

Singita Lebombo Lodge is situated in the Nwanetsi Concession Area in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Singita Lebombo rests lightly among the ancient boulders of the Lebombo Mountains overlooking the African plain where 2 rivers meet

It is a place where guests will be able to experience the real Africa, majestic, unfiltered and unadorned. From the sweeping wooden decks, you can watch the theatre that unfolds before you, while the lap pool beckons to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The 15-suites feature contemporary finishes with beds done in high-thread Egyptian cotton and silky-soft throws.

Guests stay in luxurious suites elevated on stilts along the cliff side. Look out from your timber and glass suite and enjoy the breathtaking views over the African bush. The suites all have floor to ceiling glass walls, ideal for game viewing.

Dine indoors or out while watching game traverse the vast open grassland. Singita Lebombo’s dedicated Bush Spa offers a comprehensive activity and personal treatment program, while the African Trading Store showcases some of Africa’s finest and most exclusive clothing, artworks and decorative ware.

Green & Chic | Lagació Mountain Residence, Dolomites, Italy

In the breathtaking Dolomites, stay at new eco-chic hotel Lagació Mountain Residence and you’ll be traveling greener.

Owners and hosts Margareth and Pio Canins decided to erect a sustainable and ultra-low-energy building that is certified standard A CasaClima.  Their philosophy behind it “focuses on people and their desire to live in an eco-friendly and healthy environment.”

The 24 luxury eco-apartments in San Cassiano blend “age-old culture and modernity”.  They are characterized by low energy consumption, compact design and a high level of thermal insulation.

Inspired by nature, the residence was created with natural materials such as new and reused local timber, loam, wooden and stone floors, and choice loden and linen fabrics.

Each apartment features cooking facilities and can accommodate from 2 to 6 people on a B&B basis.  Continental breakfast changes daily, offering breads, herbal teas and jams made by the owner.  Guests may also pre-order a shopping crate and organic box with South Tyrolean specialties, and local organic food, fruit and vegetables.  The organic box can be delivered to guests’ doorsteps three times a week and fresh bread and rolls every day.

LA PALSA (which means relaxation) is the mountain residence’s wellness area (shown above).  It  features a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, a low-temperature sauna, crushed-ice well and rest area.  Guests can enjoy a range of wellness treatments here  including  softpack baths, beauty treatments, massages and bodywork.

Other services include its mountain bike area with its bike rentals, equipment, Garmin navigation devices, route maps to lunch boxes.

Green & Chic | Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

By Dian Hasan | July 9, 2010

Many travelers who visit Raja Ampat come back with a common story: “If paradise existed on earth it must be Raja Ampat”! Such is the breathtaking beauty of nature that astounds any one who ventures the enormous distance to get there.

It is said that none other then Jacques Cousteau was responsible for discovering Raja Ampat decades ago, identifying as part of The Coral Triangle.

The Coral Triangle is a geographical term referring to the tropical marine waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste that contain at least 500 species of reef-building corals in each ecoregion. This region encompasses portions of two biogeographic regions: the Indonesian-Philippines Region, and the Far Southwestern Pacific Region. The Coral Triangle is considered to be the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, [3] and a global priority for conservation. For this reason, WWF considers the region as a top priority for marine conservation, and the organization is addressing the threats it faces through its Coral Triangle Program, launched in 2007. ~ wikipedia

Located on a private island in Raja Ampat, Misool Eco Resort is fringed by powder-white beaches and protected by stunningly clear lagoons and abundant reefs. This truly eco-friendly resort has only nine deluxe water cottages and a brand-new beautiful villa, all built with indigenous materials by local artisans. Every single piece of construction wood and all the furniture was milled or carved from salvaged driftwood and free-fallen timbers, thus creating a living art gallery for all visitors and staff. While eco-friendly, the accommodations are luxurious with natural stone flooring, ceiling fans, air-conditioning (the walls are insulated and plastered to keep the cool in), full bathrooms, large verandas with inviting hammocks, and lovely views over the ocean even from your bed.

Green & Chic | Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru

Tambo del Inka, the first luxury hotel to break ground in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas (and Luxury Collection’s second property in Peru), opened its doors today. Its location, smack in between the historic ruins of Machu Picchu and the modern city of Cusco, seems to be echoed in the hotel’s ethos—its 128 floor-to-ceiling-windowed rooms are decorated in keeping with ancient Peruvian tradition, while its bright, contemporary architecture (from Miami-based firm Arquitectonica) leaves no modern luxury to be desired.

We love the property’s authentic details, and trust us, you will not be at a loss for things to do here—you can hit the spa (directly accessible from all guest rooms) for indigenous treatments, sample Novo Andina locavore cuisine at in-house Hawa restaurant, or take a train from the hotel’s private station up to the hilltop Macchu Picchu.

Surrounded by an abundance of natural—the Andes and Vilcanota mountains, the Urubamba river, Lake Piuray—and historical beauty, not to mention easy access to the country’s capital city to alleviate travel-day hassle, this super-new, super-gorgeous hotel is high on our list of new-comers. Special introductory rates start at $387 through September 2010.

Source: Travel & Leisure

Green & Chic | Tivoli Ecoresort, Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil

By Dian Hasan | July 9, 2010

Sheltered in an immense natural reserve, surrounded by 12 kms of beach and a lush coconut grove, an hour away from Salvador, the Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte is a holiday destination that champions the well-being of the guests and respect for the harmony of nature.

The development plan of the former Praia do Forte estate allowed the creation of this resort where one can enjoy this paradise in direct contact with nature, yet the preservation of the environment and the culture of the local community are guaranteed.

In this idyllic setting replete with coconut trees and beaches every detail has been conceived to offer a fulfilling stay and attentive service. The spaces are comfortable with an elegant rustic charm and during the day one may simply relax in the sun or enjoy the numerous leisure activities available.

The nautical centre, the eight swimming pools, the tennis courts, the restaurants offering international and local Bahia cuisine, as well as the Thalasso SPA should be highlighted. At the SPA, a sanctuary to health and beauty, different treatments that work harmony of the body and mind are offered.

As an alternative for a day out, and quite close to the resort, one can explore the ecological reserves and lagoons, discover the beaches where the sea turtles come to lay their eggs or seek out the whale or sea coral observation sites. At the end of the day, admire the sunset from the balcony of your room within this marvelous tropical frame.

Green & Chic | The Kenoa Exclusive Beach Resort & Spa, Barra de São Miguel, Alagoas, Brazil

By Dian Hasan | July 8, 2010

Spread across the golden sand beach and turquoise-blue ocean of the Barra de São Miguel, barely 30 kilometres from Maceió, is a gem of a small beach hotel in the tropical beauty the Brazilian Northeast, The Kenoa Exclusive Beach Resort & Spa.

The construction of this resort was well planned and took into consideration the ecological concern of preserving native vegetation. The various spaces, inspired by the primitive forms and natural essences, absorb the surrounding landscape, offering plenty of style and refined details. Everything was designed to satisfy the desires of privacy, tranquility, luxury and comfort.

The harmonious interconnection with nature is also present in the suites and villas that offer magnificent panoramic views, some with an interior garden and private heated swimming pool, with an infinite border that extends towards the sea and horizon.

Green & Chic | The Hardy Residence, Bali, Indonesia

By Dian Hasan | July 8, 2010

What do you do after you’ve built a jewelry empire from scratch on the idyllic tropical isle of Bali? That is probably the question that John Hardy has pondered many times over in the past few decades he’s been living in Bali. A life’s journey that saw him build himself into a brand name synonymous with exquisite silver jewelry pieces inspired by daily life of culturally-rich Bali. Celebrating the craftsmanship if the Balinese people for whom exploring their artistic gift was as second-nature as their creations of ornate daily offerings to their Gods.

Over the years, John Hardy’s pieces have adorned real royalty and Hollywood royalty alike. And upscale consumerist palaces like Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Nieman Marcus have been his loyal customers.

John Hardy sold his jewelry business a few years ago, and has since focused most of his attention on education and the environment, a merging of two ideas that have resulted in the creation of the “out-of-this-world” Green School, Bali’s international school that is way ahead of its time, where man, nature and education become an inseparable bond! (check out my blog post about the Green School).

To take a peek into his extraordinary life, the stunning place he and his wife, Cynthia, calls home is an excellent start. A 110-foot-long traditional house, that overlooks Ayung River valley in Bali.

The upper house stands on stilts 59 feet high.

The main house was finished in 1997, and for their the Hardys who love to entertain, they’ve had to expand their kitchen.