ECO TOURISM DÉCOR

Not only is green a very fashionable colour these days, but it is also the urban trend to be ’green’ in our lifestyle practices. Eco tourism is one of the growing industries that people are opting for in their travel planning as it is the ‘tourism of tomorrow’. Many cities and countries now offer sustainable tourism and alternative hotel and touring options.

As my readers know, I am always on a quest to further my research for new eco-chic interior ideas. While in India, I visited a surprise gem which was actually even called the Green Hotel. I was a curious as to what made this hotel ‘green’. As the Persian poet Rumi once wrote, “There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” One of the ways I recommend for planet-friendliness is to reuse the existing. This lovingly restored retreat in beautiful Southern India was initially built for royal princesses and being a historical property, its conservation is a good example of preserving the earth’s resources. We all know how gorgeous and unique traditional old world charm designs can be, rather than modern day uniformity.

The Green Hotel practices include energy saving devices such as solar heating, low energy lighting and other ecological approaches. The hotel also makes use of local Indian craft, furniture, equipment and restoration products.

A lady draped in a silk sari says, “Madam, please come”, as she led me to the Princess room. Inside there are no TV’s or air conditioners to consume energy. Rooms are drenched in natural sunlight with large windows that swing open to allow for ventilation. The stained glass panels are jewel-toned in crimson and cobalt blue. Wrought iron scrolled bars adorn the windows, also flanked by large louvered plantation style shutters. There is a distinct Colonial English flavour in India full of history, especially seen at the Green Hotel.

Cozy banquettes and curvy rattan benches beneath the windows allow one to curl up with a book from one of the glass encased library shelves. Amid the antique furniture are old fashioned chess and checker tables with vintage playing pieces, adding quite the whimsical touch as one feels as though they have slipped back in time.

In the foyer, a giant golden bowl filled with water and floating red rose petals, pleasantly greets guests. (This is a nice touch to try in your home!) Vine entangled doorways become open air breezeways. There is an authentic wide wooden stepped staircase with ornate banister that leads upstairs, with tile and marble floors throughout. Ceilings have open wood beams and cooling fans. Enormous pillars and oversized mirrors in ornately carved wooden frames grace the hallways in this plantation style getaway. Potted ferns, wicker and bamboo furniture and antique wooden chests, all add to the character of times past. Walking through the gardens and beneath the towering palms, reminds sightseers that they are in an oasis of calm in a tropical paradise.

Other ways the award winning hotel does their part as a model of sustainable tourism, is by giving profits to charitable and environmental projects throughout India. There is also an organic market Sunday mornings in the courtyard where merchants sell produce, foods, handmade paper goods and textiles (visit www.thegreenhotelindia.com).

Eco-tourists may also wish to offset their travel and carbon footprint by planting trees online at www.carbonfootprint.com.