Green/Eco: People: Authentic Ecolodges Around the World

Authentic Ecolodges Around the World

Pioneering landscape architect and architect, Hitesh Mehta, President of HM Design (a firm based in Florida) spent the last 30 months traveling 45 countries around the world to research his new book Authentic Ecolodges, which is to be published by Harper Collins in 2010. Mehta is an expert when it comes to ecolodges, which he defines as “low-impact, nature-based accommodations of five to seventy-five rooms that protect the surrounding environment; benefit the local community; offer tourists an interpretative and interactive participatory experience; provide a spiritual communion with nature and culture and are designed, constructed and operated in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner.” He spoke to Indagare about his discoveries on the road.

What are the biggest changes/trends you’ve observed in the last few years when it comes to ecolodges and ecotourism?

There’s definitely a rise in community-owned and operated ecolodges, as well as projects that respect the local cultures and architecture. I’m also noticing an influx in smaller but higher-end lodges, some of which have wellness centers. Another positive trend is a growing number of eco-refurbishments and expansions at existing lodges.

What are the main things people eager to travel in an environmentally conscious way should know?

Respect the local culture and try to get a grasp at local politics before you go. Read books about the destination and it sometimes is nice when you can learn some phrases of the local language. Other things are pretty self-explanatory: don’t litter when you are traveling and choose an environmentally friendly tour operator and transportation. Also, try to travel light and be sure to ask lots of questions.

What are some emerging destinations on the forefront of this type of tourism?

Montenegro, Colombia, Mali and Mongolia.

What countries have you visited recently for your research?

I am in midst of completing a long research trip for my new book, and stops included Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia.

How important is the lodges’ community?

It is crucial that lodges have community involvement and benefits. In fact, both things are musts for a successful ecolodge. For instance, Nihiwatu Resort, in Indonesia, has drastically reduced incidences of Malaria amongst local Sumbanese; Wilderness Safaris in southern Africa has a successful project called “Children of the Wilderness,” which aims to expose underprivileged local children to their own wildlife heritage, as well as its potential to create livelihoods for their communities; Campi Ya Kanzi passions/6/departments/172/939, in Kenya, has employed a medical doctor and built a clinic for the local Maasai; and Phinda Forest Lodge in South Africa has helped build classrooms for the local school and continues to support adult education classes.

If you had to choose your top ten ecolodges, which one should they be?

I really do not believe that there is a top ten, because you’re comparing apples and oranges. One cannot compare an ecolodge in a rainforest environment with that in a desert environment. Likewise, a lodge in Tasmania has very different conditions than that of one located in Malawi.

That said, I think the following are worth highlighting. For travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit: Rosalie Rainforest Ecolodge, in Dominica in the eastern Caribbean; Kavak Lodge, in Venezuela; Mosetlha Bush Camp, in South Africa. For travelers more interested in mid-range: Cree Valley Ecolodge, on Moose Island in Canada’s Hudson Bay; Cristalino Forest Lodge, in Brazil, Kasbah du Toubkal, in Morocco; and Damaraland Camp, in Namibia. For those seeking high-end places: Adrere Amellal Lodge in Egypt, Al Maha Camp, Dubai, and Shompole, in southern Kenya.

What do you hope will be the lasting trend to emerge in the coming year.

I hope that community-owned and operated ecolodges continue to grow. That there will be public and private partnerships when it comes to owning and running these special places.

What have you discovered during your research trip that you found most discouraging when looking at the future?

That green-washing is going to go on in spite of certifications.

What have you discovered during your research trip that you found most encouraging when looking at the future?

That there is an increased awareness amongst consumers who ask the right questions and are becoming quite savvy when it comes to eco travel.

Read a member postcard about rhino darting at Phinda

Read Indagare Bests: Eco Lodges

Read about a new tented camp project in Tanzania

— Simone Girner 04/22/2009