Finding a few more fabulous Green finds on our Fab Finds {009} got me excited to find some more for this week. Hope you enjoy and let us know what you think!
Ideas We Love – Eco-Friendly Honeymoons
This great idea comes courtesy of Brides.com blog, Wedded Bits (fun name!) for couples who are looking to be more eco-conscious on their honeymoon trip and who wouldn’t want to do that? 🙂
Courtesy Brides.com
Burning fossil fuel is unavoidable if you want a tropical wedding or honeymoon, but you don’t have to give up on the green lifestyle entirely. There are many new resorts that have taken earth-consciousness way past the point of asking guests to sleep on the same sheets for a few days. Tammy Levent, CEO of Elite Travel, shares some tips on how to have your cake, and help the planet too.
Many properties are billing themselves as “green” and it can be hard to distinguish the truly eco-friendly resorts from the ones that are mostly talk. Look for resorts that state specific and verifiable eco-efforts, like these: Calibishie Cove in Dominica has only four suites, all overlooking the ocean. Hot water is provided through solar power and the suites are designed to make the most of natural breezes and sunlight. Food and activities are not included in the price, but the staff can point you in the direction of the best nearby restaurants and local fruit vendors, and you can easily book independent tours. Rooms start at $120/night from June through November, and $135/night from December through May.
Aqua, a new resort opening soon in Nicaragua, has treetop villas made from sustainable hardwoods that are elevated to reduce the footprint on the forest floor. This means that you get to enjoy the same spectacular views of the coastline as the native monkeys—when you’re not cooling your feet in the surf with the flamingos. Aqua offers many nature-based activities as well as classes in organic gardening and earth-friendly eating habits. Aqua is so new that resort prices have yet to be set.
The Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort on Vanua Levu island in Fiji has won numerous awards for its environmental activities, like starting the island’s first recycling program and its innovative wastewater system that uses coconuts and recycled bottles to ensure clean water in the lagoons. The resort keeps a marine biologist on staff who gives lectures on the local flora and fauna. Don’t miss the Saturday morning trips to the farmers market, Fijian language classes, and lessons in Fijian basket weaving. All activities, meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included with the price. Rooms for two start at $669/night. —Tammy Levent
InStyle Weddings found another eco-honeymoon destination for us!
Courtesy InStyle Weddings
When you think of luxurious honeymoon destinations, Fiji, the Maldives and Turks & Caicos probably come to mind. But what about the Bahamas? Yes, you can add that to the list, too, thanks to the Tiamo Resort (tiamoresort.com) on South Andros Island.
Nestled among coconut palms and sea grape trees, the property is comprised of 11 gorgeous beachfront bugalows that have king size beds, open-air showers, wrap-around porches, and morning coffee delivery. Unsurprisingly, water activities abound at Tiamo—the resort offers you use of their kayaks, sailboats and snorkeling equipment. Explorers can also take guided ecological trips under water or on land. The lodge, the main hub of Tiamo, serves up delicious daily meals including dinner served on white linens by candlelight.
As if that weren’t enough, Tiamo is also eco-friendly! Tiamo is the first full service resort utilizing 100% alternative energy for its electrical needs, including a commercial kitchen. And, all the hot water used by the resort is created by thermal hot water heaters—no electricity or gas is used.
So maybe Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon knew something we didn’t when they eloped in the Bahamas, but now, the secret is out! —Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
Links We Love – WedVert
The Martha Stewart approved WedVert has a funny name, but is truly “the modern bride’s guide to green wedding” and as promised, they uncover expected and some not-so-expected green ideas.
We love these reclaimed barn wood table numbers from a green wedding that our lovely friend Tina Carter photographed!
Photo by Kristina Carter via WedVert
Or how about this unique, eco-friendly idea. A Charleston couple had themselves (and their guests!) transported from the church to the reception via pedicabs! Of course you wouldn’t want too much distance between the two locations, but how fun for the two of you to be able to wave to people on the street as they shout their congratulations to you! (Bill and I took a ride around the French Quarter in a horse-drawn carriage after our New Orleans wedding and it’s something we will never forget. So much fun!)
Photo by Charles Bordner via WedVert
While we don’t personally have any experience with these companies, we found a few DC based pedicab companies you may want to check out. DC Pedicab offers pedicabs adorned with Just Married signs for you and your new spouse and National Pedicab maintain a large fleet of state of the art pedicabs. What a memorable way to celebrate your memorable day! 🙂
Be sure to check out WedVert for more easy, fun and affordable ways to green your wedding!
Oh and if you missed it, be sure to check out FAB Finds {005} for a ton more unique and fabulous Green finds!
