Photo Credit: larry_ami
Vacation rental companies are becoming more aware of the environmental impact that taking a vacation involves and there is a wide choice of eco friendly accommodation available. Here's a list of the top green vacation rentals in the US:
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Reno, Nevada
Conveniently located a five-minute drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the Tuscan themed complex has 1635 guest rooms, which include 600 luxury suites, all with mountain or pool views. The furnishings are luxurious and guests enjoy the resort’s amenities, such as the spa with an indoor pool, the fitness center, a casino, and two swimming pools with poolside bars. There is a shuttle service for the airport. Peppermill has drilled a geothermal well in order to conserve energy in a project that completes in January 2010, providing water and mechanical heat from a renewable source for the resort.
Coconut Palms II Beach Resort
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Located at what is considered to be the safest bathing beach in the world, the resort consists of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom properties with access to an outdoor pool. Some of the accommodation has a Jacuzzi. Guests can participate in golf, tennis, horseback riding, or water sports. The lighting and air conditioning systems are designed for low energy use.
The Cottages at Spring House Farm
Marion, North Carolina
Six secluded mountain log cabins with outside hot tubs and wood burning fireplaces offer a location with excellent trout fishing and hiking trails. The cabins were constructed from stone and timber from the owners’ land and reclaimed antique lumber. The lighting, heating, and cooling systems are energy efficient, as are the windows. The laundry is efficient on water and the cabins have low flow shower heads.
Alpine Chalets
Newport, Oregon
The accommodation is situated eight miles from Newport on top of a bluff with views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests have private access to a quiet beach and there are whale-watching opportunities. There are chalets, (5 – 8 people), a Studio Apartment, (up to 4 people), and a Penthouse Suite, (up to 6 people). Energy saving systems are in place, the cleaning and laundry products used are biodegradable, and the laundry is water efficient.
Westwind Cottages
Franconia, New Hampshire
The cottages are close to Echo Lake in the Franconia Notch State Park, surrounded by the White Mountains. There is a pool, a playground, and miles of hiking trails. Each cottage has a charcoal grill and picnic table in addition to a kitchen or kitchenette. Energy savings and recycling is a priority and the linen and towels are re-used whenever possible.
Bear’s Den Cottages
Hocking Hills, Ohio
200 acres of private meadows, woodlands, and hiking trails await the guests at the Cottage, which sleeps 2 guests, and the Lodge, which sleeps 4 – 10 guests. Lodge guests can book yoga or pilates classes. Most of the wood used in construction has been sourced from the local Amish community. All the toiletries, and laundry and cleaning products are biodegradable and / or recycled. Organic food, tea, and coffee are supplied.
Little St. Simons Island
Georgia
The private island is off the coast of Georgia and the all-inclusive package includes three meals a day and activities and equipment for biking, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing. There are 7 miles of beach and guests can join tours led by naturalists. The owners promote energy conservation, composting, and recycling, and locally produced food.
Montfair Resort Farm
Croznet, Virginia
Environmentally friendly cottages overlook a lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where guests can fish, hike, or go canoeing or mountain biking. The Event Lodge serves as a venue for weddings and other gatherings. Energy efficient innovations, biodegradable products, and low flow toilets give the accommodation its green credentials.
Moosehead Hills Cabins
Greenville, Maine
The lakefront log cabins afford views of the mountains, Moosehead Lake, and Loon Lake. Snowmobiling and kayaking are popular activities here and a professional massage therapist will call to get rid of those aches and pains. Each cabin has a wood-burning fireplace, a Jacuzzi, a deck with a gas grill, and full kitchen. Energy and water consumption is kept to a minimum and some of the electricity is produced on site.
Northstar
Arroyo Seco, New Mexico
The large, 4-bedroom adobe, which sleeps 8 – 12 people, has mountain views and an orchard and organic gardens, watered from an irrigation ditch. Amenities include an outdoor hot tub and sauna, an outside hammock, and a foosball table. Energy systems, biodegradable products, and locally produced organic food promote the eco friendly goal along with recycling.
With a little imagination, carbon footprints can be lessened and everyone can do their bit for the cause, whilst having a terrific vacation. Enjoying a stay at one of the top green vacation rentals is a good start.
