World's Best Ecolodges
25/06/2013 02:38
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Each September, the UNESCO-protected Cape Floral Region bursts into living color with some of the greatest concentrations of floral species in the world. Bushmans Kloof, a century-old homestead turned nature reserve, cares for 18,532 acres of this rare habitat—home to endangered Cape mountain zebras and archaeological sites that include 10,000-year-old San rock paintings. “We are dedicated to Bushmans Kloof’s enduring legacy, to help protect and preserve its precious heritage through ecotourism, conservation programs, and community benefit projects,” says South African-born Toni Tollman, who oversees the reserve on behalf of her family. Sixteen lavish rooms and a private family villa serve as the base camp for daily outings or unwinding fireside (above) with a glass of the Cape’s finest vintages. 16 rooms; from $420, including full board. www.bushmanskloof.co.za
Indonesia: Misool Eco Resort
This eco-hideaway, consisting of 13 breezy bungalows handcrafted out of salvaged driftwood, turns the old cliché that the journey matters more than the destination on its head: It’s not easy to reach this remote outpost in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, but being there makes it all worthwhile. Located at the center of Southeast Asia’s famed Coral Triangle, Misool provides front-row access to an underwater world teeming with marine life (above)—there are more kinds of fish and coral here than bird species in the Amazon. Local village visits and paddling across the baby blue waters are also options, but for diving and snorkeling aficionados, this is a trip of a lifetime. 13 rooms; from $5,466 for 7 nights (minimum stay), including full board. www.misoolecoresort.com
Peru: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
This remote rain forest lodge has supported over 20 years of ongoing scientific research. “Peru contains more than two-thirds of Earth’s diverse ecological life zones, and we have a responsibility to help protect this biodiversity,” explains José Koechlin, the Peruvian who founded and is president of Inkaterra. Choose between sleeping in one of 35 airy wood-and-thatch cabanas (above) or a secluded canopy tree house. The Anaconda trail allows visitors to cross the flooded Aguajales swamp on a wooden boardwalk, revealing a host of tropical amphibians (Inkaterra has helped identify five new species to date). Traversing the canopy on a hanging walkway delivers treetop access to colorful birds and some of the more than 1,266 species of flora found here. 35 cabanas; from $1,084 for required two-night minimum stay, including full board and daily excursions. http://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra/reserva-amazonica/
Sri Lanka: Jetwing Vil Uyana
Built on man-made wetlands (above), this luxury hotel weaves culture and nature together into one seamless experience for travelers pining for both. Twenty-five earth-toned dwellings await in forest and marsh habitats, where more than a hundred wildlife species are found, including such rarities as the gray slender loris. “Ten years ago, this same area was a barren patch of slash-and-burn agriculture,” explains chairman of Jetwing Hotels Hiran Cooray. “We worked hard to nurture it back to nature.” Guests set out on foot to explore the ancient city of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site just minutes away that rises 1,214 feet high. 27 rooms; from $150, including breakfast. www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingviluyana
