A Hotel in Mauritius with Big Transformative Goals

It's hard to walk away from a stay at SALT of Palmar in Mauritius and not think differently about how so many things in our daily lives makes a difference in the environment, as well as how connecting with people different from us can provide us with treasured learning experiences while also giving us the opportunity to teach others skills and knowledge that we make take for granted. This is my latest article for Forbes on SALT of Palmar.

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A Sustainable Resort in Mauritius

On the east coast of Mauritius, SALT of Palmar is a delightful eco boutique property that's infused with sustainability, a playful design aesthetic that reflects the island's bold colors, and a sense of connectedness between the land, its people and their culture. These photos provide a window into this property with more stories to follow down the road.

 

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Gear Review: New Eco Friendly Sunscreen

Most people start thinking about sunscreens when summer approaches. Many people just go by the numbers, choosing a product with a high SPF. But sunscreen ingredients are important, too. In fact, a recent report from the non-profit Environmental Working Group rated sunscreens in terms of safety and effectiveness, finding that only two ingredients -- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- are considered safe and effective. A according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. So, how timely that I just found out about a new product, SPF 30 TropicSport, that only contains these two physical sunscreen ingredients. The texture is light and, unlike what some people might have thought, applying this product with these physical sunscreen agents does not coat your skin so you look pasty white. Plus, because it doesn't contain any oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen agent, it's reef friendly. The company also produces an SPF 30 face stick and an SPF 15 lip balm, both which contain zinc oxide, and no chemical sunscreen ingredients. This will be my sunscreen of choice. These products don't contain any parabens or nano particles, and can be used in children who are at least six months old. Plus, since I care about nature and the environment, it's also a plus that the company pledges to only use reef friendly, sustainable ingredients and packaging, and they donate up to 20% of sales to organizations that have similar sensibilities. 

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Photos: Southern India

In India, two properties, the Neeleshwar Hermitage in Northern Kerala and Evolve Back in the adjacent province of Coorg, together offer travelers numerous opportunities to connect with nature. While the Neeleshwar Hermitage is on the Arabian Sea, Evolve Back in Coorg is at altitude, set among acres of lush coffee plantations. But, both are eco-oriented properties, offering numerous opportunities for bird watching and educational naturalist treks. And, of course, the culinary delights and spa treatments are stellar.

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Three Luxe Properties In Sri Lanka That Are All About Giving Back

All three of these Sri Lanka-based properties (below) are owned by Resplendent Ceylon, a company that revolves around doing the right thing, whether it's protecting the environment or giving back to the local community.

This is one of the many placid and scenic spots to lounge at the luxe colonial-era bungalows at Ceylon Tea Trails.  When staying at either the upscale Summerville or Castlereagh bungalow, one never tires of this view: lake, mountains and fields covered in tea plantations. The days can be spent lounging pool side or mountain biking or trekking through the plantations, perhaps stopping at one of the other three colonial-era bungalows for high tea or maybe a game of crochet. 

When staying at the innovative Wild Coast Tented Lodge property, you have the opportunity to be enwrapped with nature -- it's adjacent to Yala National Park -- while also indulging in ultra contemporary architecture and design. These two organic, bamboo-clad structures house the restaurant, bar and den. 

At Cape Weligama, villas huddle in colorful gardens, and guests can take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool and gaze at the Indian Ocean in the distance.  Since I’m enchanted by gardens, I fell in love with this property. 

Check out more about each of these three properties in my recent article for Forbes.

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Zen-Like Hotel Experience in Sri Lanka

If I had to describe my ideal airport hotel it would be one that, though in close proximity to the runway, felt like I was in a botanical garden. I know that’s a tall order, but somehow I found it at The Wallawwa, a luxe boutique property in Sri Lanka. No matter where I wandered on the six-acre lush property, I never was far from blooming flowers and other foliage. Check out my recent article for Forbes on The Wallawwa.

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Luxury and Eco-consciousness in St. Barth

St. Barth is noted as an island that attracts the celebrity set. And, yet, I headed to this Caribbean island that’s not far from St. Maarten, hoping to discover its green side. While exploring the wilder side of the island, I found a luxury villa that embraces nature and sustainability. This is the article I wrote for ForbesLife on Villa Danse du Soleil. 

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