Eco Luxury Camps and Lodges in the World

Situated in a charming natural setting and surrounded by eight volcanoes, Losari Coffee Plantation is an ideal base for sightseeing. The retreat is not only close to Borobudur, one of the most fascinating Buddhist temples in the world, but it is also in the vicinity of Prambanan, one of the most refined examples of Hindu art. Both sanctuaries have been recently declared World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO. Thanks to its excellent location, colonial style and luxurious villas, Losari Coffee Plantation has also been recognised as the best new international hotel (Condé Nast Traveller and Luxury Travel Magazine). Elegant furnishings, romantic atmosphere and sophisticated cuisine - using the plantations own biological products - and a fervent ethical policy in favour of the indigenous population are just some of the strong points in this luxurious eco-resort. The beautiful Turkish hammam is constructed in the ancient palatial style of the kings and offers traditional Javanese treatments to soothe both body and mind. All activities, whether they be sporting, cultural or aesthetic are organised with tremendous care and great attention to detail. The serenity of the location, the luxuriant vegetation, the tropical flowers and surrounding plantations all combine to make this island an exotic pearl in the corner of paradise.

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Kalari Kovilakom was once the palatial residence of the Maharaja of Vengunad. Today, the palace is a centre wholly dedicated to Ayurveda and the care of the body and mind. Rigorously preserving all the ancient Indian practises of Ayurvedic medicine, the palace offers the guest a total immersion in holistic medicine and well being. All the old traditions, amongst which the ban on the wearing of leather shoes in the interior of the palace, are all vigorously maintained. In such a way, the guest cannot help but adopt the lifestyle of a modern day Maharaja. At Kalari Kovilakom there are no compromises, neither in the level of luxury, nor in the level of asceticism. The guest’s stay is characterised by a series of “Ayurveda Life” programs. The latter prescribe vegetarian meals and do not allow smoking, alcohol or the use of any technological appliances. The guest selects programs according to his or her own particular needs. The programs have differing durations and varying aims – rejuvenating, slimming and purifying. Lessons of yoga and meditation accompany the visitors stay and help sharpen awareness of his or her body. Choosing to stay at Kalari Kovilakom also means choosing to take care of oneself, eliminating all negative outside influences. 
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Brunton Boatyard is a luxury hotel, perched on the shores of the Arabian Sea, close to the port of Fort Cochin. Thanks to its very position, every room in the hotel possesses a sea view, the perfect place to observe the multitude of different ships passing by every day. Constructed in a Portuguese colonial style, the hotel boasts 22 spacious rooms. Each room is elegantly furnished, possessing a balcony and a large luxurious bathroom, containing both a bath tub and a separate shower. The Armoury restaurant, in addition to a full menu, also offers an impressive array of delicious light snacks and is the ideal place to sit and watch the dolphins at play in the sea. Steeped in local tradition, the History restaurant is renowned for its varied multicultural cuisine, reflecting the long colonial history of the town itself – Portuguese, Arab, Dutch and English. Jealously conserving every facet of its rich colonial past, the Brunton Boatyard is a journey back in time, allowing the visitor to retrace, phase by phase, the creation of the India we see today.

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The Coconut Lagoon blends in harmoniously into its natural setting, Since the site can only be reached by local boat, the voyage gives the visitor a wonderful opportunity to admire first hand the abundant wildlife and rich tropical vegetation in which Coconut Lagoon is set. Coconut Lagoon has been built by expert master craftsmen, using a mixture of traditional and modern materials in an attempt to create a series of authentic villas and bungalows that feel and look like those narrated in “The God of small things”. The accommodation is refined and sumptuous, the furnishings colonial in style with bathrooms that open out into private gardens. One villa possess its own private swimming pool. The restaurant serves a vast variety of fresh fish, cooked and prepared to both local and international tastes. For those wishing to improve their physical well being, Coconut Lagoon possesses not only one of the most sophisticated ayurvedic centres in India, but also experienced instructors to teach yoga and meditation. Relaxing moments, simple but evocative experiences such as looking at a beautiful sunset or walking through the palms and canals or just the simple contact with the seemingly infinite quantities of animals and birds – this is the quintessence of Coconut Lagoon. Coconut Lagoon is an awe inspiring experience, a combination of ancient wisdom, modern comfort, luxury and respect for the environment.

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The Oberoi Rajvilas is situated in over thirty acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains in the peaceful Rajasthani countryside. The hotel is near the city of Jaipur also named “Pink City”. All fifty four deluxe rooms at the hotel open onto tranquil courtyards, each one laid out in a traditional Rajasthani setting. Each Deluxe room and Villa features a regal teak four-poster bed and a sunken white Italian marble bathtub looking into its own private walled garden. Fourteen fully air-conditioned luxury tents all boast burma teak floors, Edwardian-style claw foot bathtubs and simple but sumptuous embroidered interior canopies. The Surya Mahal serves a menu of exceptional quality featuring the best of both International & Indian cuisine and fine wines. Guests may choose to have a romantic dinner under the stars in the Surya Mahal courtyards and be entertained by traditional perfomances of Indian music or dance against the backdrop of the Rajvilas Fort. The Rajwada library is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink. The relaxion area, including the Oberoi Spa and Fitness centre, overlooks the beautiful landscaped gardens and offers the ultimate experience in pampering to world-weary guests. The Oberoi Rajvilas represents India in all her splendour with the conveniences and luxuries that only a modern mind could dream of.

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Aman-i-Khas is a luxurious camp site pitched in the hills of Aravalli. The camp is located on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the world, one of the few places where it is still possible to see tigers in their native habitat. All the tents are elegantly furnished   and   take   their   inspiration   from   Mughal architecture, possessing separate “rooms” divided by cotton cloths. Each tent has a living room complete with sofa, table and chairs, an inner bedroom, containing a comfortable four poster bed, a bathroom and a dressing room. Each tent disposes of air conditioning and fans. All other site facilities are equally under canvas. One of the most important is the dining room where Indian and continental food is served. The cuisine is of the very best quality, prepared using only the freshest products biologically grown in the camp itself. Another tent serves as a library, well stocked with a wide range of books, newspapers and CD’s. The third tent houses a beauty salon and spa. Another communal area is an open space with a warm invigorating fire, often used by guests before and after excursions into the reserve. Fascinating and exotic,  Aman-i-Khas  takes  the  visitor  back  to  the  old splendours of India.

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Situated close to the village of San Pedro de Atacama in the environs of Ayllù de Larache, this quaint Chilean hotel is in fact built in the middle of an enormous desert, in an area that archaeologists now believe to be the very cradle of pre-Columbian and Andean culture. The hotel is in fact made up of twenty historic farmsteads, the architecture of which remains virtually unchanged to this day. Built using local materials and conceived in a cosy traditional style, the hotel is in perfect keeping with the natural environment around it. All rooms give out onto a patio and are equipped with a jacuzzi, a sitting area and gracious custom built wooden furnishings. The views from the rooms are splendid as is the cuisine, the latter being prepared using home grown products. At the Hotel de Larache, outdoor pursuits are a must. The Atacama desert is not only breathtaking, but is dotted with fascinating villages, old graveyards, crumbling churches and mysterious archaeological remains.

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Situated in the heart of Patagonia, deep within the Paine National Park, the Hotel Salto Chico is the perfect location for those wishing to explore the wilder and more remote regions of Southern Chile. The outstanding beauty of this region is legendary, so much so that the Paine National Park itself has now been officially designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Luxury and attention to detail – these are the key words of this establishment. The interior design has  been  carefully  conceived  in  order  to  reflect  the fascinating surrounding environment and makes extensive use of local wood, slate and copper. All the rooms are spacious and luxurious and boast stunning views over the hills and forests round about. After a hard day’s exploring, guests are able to relax and enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel’s refined in-house restaurant. At the Hotel Salto Chico all meals are prepared using only the very best local products. For those wishing to improve their fitness or just relax, the Casa de Banos del Ona has an indoor heated pool, exercise machines, sauna, massage facilities and a number of open air jacuzzis.

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Travellers that venture to this uninhabited corner of the Chilean Patagonia, where birds porpoises and sea lions roam, are warmly welcomed by the lodge and its staff. The main building includes the reception desk as well as the communal area with three different warm and inviting areas, the charming fireplace, a pool table, games room, a well-stocked bar and the restaurant offering delicious cuisine. The food is wholesome and makes use of the abundant fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices grown in Puyuhuapi’s own garden. The specialities of the house are local fish and seafood. The lodge invites guests to explore and experience the stunning wilderness of Chilean Patagonia, a place of fjords, native forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers. Afterwards, back at the Lodge, guests can enjoy   the   rejuvenating   thermal waters of the Spa. The  experience  culminates  with  a  cruise  aboard  the catamaran Patagonia Express, through canals and fjords to Laguna San Rafael and its awe-inspiring Glacier.

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Situated to the South of the Tropic of Capricorn, Easter Island is   characterised   by   a   marine   sub   tropical   climate prevalently   influenced   by   the   wind   and   the   marine currents. Rain is scarce and the average temperature is 21 degrees. The accommodation consists of two separate structures   which   are  only   a   stone’s   throw   apart. The rooms are spacious (27 square metres) and are equipped with a direct line telephone. A Jacuzzi is placed at the guests   disposition   along   with   a   dinning   room,   bar, lounge   and   internet   access.   This   exclusive   retreat allows  guests  to  live  in  the  very  height  of  comfort while   discovering   all   the   fabulous   flora   and   fauna of this remote and untouched island.

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