Eco-Friendly Honeymoons: Sustainable Travel Options for Calgary Couples
For Calgary couples who care about the environment and want their honeymoon to reflect their eco-conscious values, an eco-friendly honeymoon is a perfect choice. Sustainable travel is more than just a trend—it's a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of your trip while supporting responsible tourism. From eco-friendly resorts to low-impact activities, here’s how to plan an unforgettable, guilt-free honeymoon.
1. How to Choose Eco-Friendly Honeymoon Resorts and Destinations
When searching for eco-friendly resorts and destinations, there are a few key features to look for:
Green Certifications: Resorts with recognized certifications, such as Green Key, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), or EarthCheck, have been audited for their sustainable practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
Renewable Energy: Look for resorts that use renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, which help reduce carbon emissions.
Locally Sourced Food: Resorts that focus on local, organic food sourcing not only provide fresh and delicious meals but also help reduce the carbon footprint associated with importing goods from far away.
Conservation Efforts: Many eco-friendly resorts participate in local wildlife or habitat conservation programs, which can add a meaningful layer to your honeymoon experience.
Low-Impact Design: Resorts that are built with sustainable materials and use minimal land disruption (like treehouse hotels or small, intimate cabins) contribute to the preservation of the surrounding environment.
2. Sustainable Travel Tips for Eco-Conscious Couples
Beyond choosing eco-friendly resorts, there are several ways you can ensure your honeymoon is as sustainable as possible:
Offset Your Carbon Footprint: If your honeymoon requires air travel, consider purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental impact of your flight. Many airlines now offer this option at checkout.
Travel Light: Packing light reduces the weight carried on flights, which can help lower emissions. It also helps when moving between destinations if you’re planning a multi-stop honeymoon.
Support Local Businesses: Instead of opting for international chains, try to support local restaurants, markets, and artisans. This reduces the environmental impact of imported goods and supports the local economy.
Opt for Low-Impact Activities: Choose activities that have a minimal environmental impact, such as hiking, snorkeling, wildlife tours, or canoeing. Many eco-tourism destinations offer guided eco-tours where you can learn more about the natural environment and how to protect it.
3. Top Eco-Friendly Honeymoon Spots Worldwide
Here are some of the most popular eco-friendly honeymoon destinations around the globe that blend luxury with sustainability:
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainable tourism and is known for its eco-friendly resorts and natural beauty.
Where to Stay: Lapa Rios Lodge, set on a private nature reserve on the Osa Peninsula, is committed to rainforest conservation and offers couples a luxurious and intimate stay amidst nature.
Activities: Explore the nearby national parks, go zip-lining through the forest canopy, or participate in local conservation efforts.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a tropical paradise known for its eco-resorts that blend with the natural environment, offering a sustainable, peaceful getaway.
Where to Stay: Bambu Indah in Ubud is an eco-luxury resort that uses natural and recycled materials, organic gardens, and sustainable energy to create a relaxing, earth-friendly honeymoon experience.
Activities: Enjoy yoga sessions, take part in local Balinese cultural traditions, or explore the island’s organic farms.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and commitment to environmental preservation make it an excellent choice for an eco-conscious honeymoon.
Where to Stay: Hapuku Lodge in Kaikoura offers treehouse accommodations built from sustainable materials, with views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Activities: Spend your days hiking in national parks, whale watching, or visiting geothermal hot springs.
4. The Maldives
The Maldives might be known for its luxurious overwater bungalows, but many resorts are also embracing sustainability to protect their delicate ecosystems.
Where to Stay: Soneva Fushi is an eco-luxury resort that focuses on reducing waste, conserving water, and offering eco-friendly experiences such as marine conservation programs.
Activities: Snorkel in pristine coral reefs, enjoy a sunset boat cruise, or participate in local sea turtle conservation efforts.
5. Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia offers an adventurous honeymoon for eco-conscious couples looking to explore remote, rugged landscapes while supporting sustainable tourism.
Where to Stay: EcoCamp Patagonia is the world’s first geodesic dome hotel, designed to have minimal environmental impact and powered by solar and hydraulic energy.
Activities: Go trekking in Torres del Paine National Park, take part in wildlife photography tours, or explore the region’s stunning glaciers and lakes.
Planning an eco-friendly honeymoon doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury or adventure. From Costa Rica’s rainforests to the stunning beaches of Bali and the rugged wilderness of Patagonia, there are endless destinations that combine romance and sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly resorts and activities, supporting local communities, and making environmentally conscious decisions throughout your trip, you can enjoy a guilt-free and memorable honeymoon that reflects your commitment to the planet.
