Beach Huts :: Ordo Sounsar, Palolem Beach, Goa, India

I normally like my accommodation to be more permanent in construction but while in Southern Goa, I had the pleasure of staying in an amazing quiet bamboo hut resort called Ordo Sounsar on Palolem beach.


After crossing an interesting little bamboo and timber draw-bridge you find this resort tucked away down the quieter northern end of the beach.

The interesting thing about this resort is that all these beach huts are constructed new each season by the resort staff from locally sourced sustainable materials. 

In fact each resort in Palolem is required by the state government to keep records showing where they obtained the materials as taking timber etc from the local forests is forbidden. Most of the materials therefore comes from local mills which certify the material is from either trees which fall naturally during the monsoon season or from plantation stock. 

Also, where possible any equipment and materials that will survive the monsoon are stored on the property for next season.

Each hut comes with an outdoor shower and as the resort is surrounded by forest you can also share your outdoor shower with it's local resident monkeys hanging around high up in the trees!

So when it comes to decorating the resort the use of only local materials make for interesting natural design elements; bamboo weave is used to make vessels for lamp shades; timber off cuts are used for decks, bridges and furniture; rope and coir are used for ceiling features and balustrades; palm leaves are used for roofing; wicker and cane are used to weave lanterns and draped fabrics are used to clad ceilings.

A fantastic use of natural and local materials and an amazing place to stay! Also a huge thanks to Sera, LD, Shelly and the team for being great hosts :)

Have fun.

Eco Retreat & Glamping Tents :: Sal Sails, Ningaloo Reef, WA

Well the days are quickly ticking away until we go and there is still much preparation and research still to do...

However to get me into the beach vibe and as I still have not left sunny Australia today I tam traveling to a location that my husband has always wanted to go... Ningaloo Reef. 

And what a better way to experience this beautiful National Park and beach environment than to stay in these eco retreats and glamping tents right on the beach at Sal Sails.

What's great about this retreat is that the whole experience is built around ecological principles to ensure that your stay generates minimal environmental impact and the only thing you leave behind is your footprint in the sand! For example...

• Each wilderness tent is built on a raised deck to allow for coastal breezes to naturally cool the rooms.
• The African Style tent colour allows the retreat to blend in naturally with the surrounding pristine environment.
• All power is 100% solar.
• All recycling and waste is returned to Exmouth recycle depot.

• The en-suite room at the rear of the tent is open to the surrounding environment and fitted with a solar hot water, a hand pumped shower and a Nature Loo or composting toilet.

images from Sal Sails

• All linen is supplied by Eco Down Under which is organic cotton and chemical free.
• Sheets are a sand colour and are not bleached to maintain pure whiteness. Their composition means that they can be hung dry and eliminate the need for ironing! 

Not bad for a luxury tent retreat!

Have fun.

Luxury Swag Camp :: Blue Mouintains

I know it is quite cold at the moment but I have been camping quite a bit recently, but nothing quite as glamourous as this 'swag camp' from Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp.

This camp is also an ideal model for Eco Tourism with no very basic infrastructure. There is no electricity, all water is filtered, all waste is removed from site and no fixed structures for minimal impact.

The camp is built to fit in with the surrounding environment, with raised timber 'swag' decks, with swag bedrolls, soft pillows and duvets for added comfort and a canopy overhead which you can roll back to see the stars.

 

Backing on to each deck there is an 'en-suite' hand basin and mirror plus an open air shower, chemical toilet and screened changing area.

There is also an outdoor fireplace set up to look like something you would find in your own home!

images via Blue Mountains Private Safaris Luxury Swag Camp 

There is no formal restaurant but instead your guide will provide all meals in an outdoor dining area shaded by canopy poles with great views of the mountains and river below. 

This is the best experience if you want to try luxury bush swag camping and feel at one with nature but not give up on those creature comforts.

Have a great weekend.

Glamping & Luxury Tents :: Aman-i-Khas, Rajasthan

I am off on a leadership training weekend today and camping is going to be only form of accommodation... I do love sleeping outdoors but given the choice between my two-man tent or glamping I am afraid I would have to choose the creature comforts of glamorous camping.

So this has given me an idea to research what is out there in the way of luxury tents  and checking some out on my next travels.

The first one that captures my eye is Aman-i-Khas. This is a wilderness camp of 10 air-conditioned tents surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and located on the edge of Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park in India. 

I have actually been to this National Park a few years before this beautiful resort was built. Never mind... maybe next time.

images via Aman-i-Khas

As you can see from these photos each tent is like a luxury apartment surrounded by soaring canopies of fabric draped in a Moghul style. 

I am sure from my past experience with this level of accommodation in India, the level of service and attention to detail will be impeccable. Also one can not forget the amazing peace and tranquility that comes with staying in a National Park and the chance to see a Tiger from the back of an elephant.

If I return to India this would definitely be on my bucket list for places to stay.

Have fun this weekend.

Voyages Longitude 131° :: Yulara, Uluru (Ayers rock)

Camping is not for everyone but last weekend I had the pleasure and pain to be backpacking through Bald Rock National Park. The Park has a fantastic granite landscape full of large granite boulders, canyons, stone arches and plenty of panoramic views. There was plenty of scrambling up huge granite boulders for impressive views.

At the end of a long day I pitched my small tent in a wilderness campsite located at the base of South Bald Rock. No toilet or facilities but just a small stream for your water! Everything we needed had to be carried in our backpacks!

I then started to think if there was any easier 'Luxury wilderness tent' experience in Australia with amazing views.

The first one that sprung to mind was Voyages Longitude 131°. With a full view of Uluru these luxury 'tents' include all mod cons. There is a white domed roof using flowing fabric draped from the centre to create the illusion of camping. Even though it is a tent a flick of a bedside switch is all it takes to raise the blinds and watch the spectacular moods of Uluru at sunrise.

This one is definitely on my future travel list.

Have a great weekend.