For conservation enthusiasts, El Nido Resorts located in the idyllic Philippines provides the perfect haven to unwind while helping to protect the environment and endangered marine life. The mission of Ten Knots Development Corporation (owner and operator of El Nido Resorts) is to promote harmony between nature and the local communities. It has as a result, been awarded by the Conde Nast Green List 2006 and the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
A model example of sustainable tourism in the Philippines, El Nido Resorts has been carrying out environmental programs and activities for the past 25 years. Coastal clean-ups, installation and maintenance of mooring buoys, giant clam protection and cutting edge sewage treatment technologies are among the many efforts engaged. Guests who desire to make a contribution themselves are encouraged to participate in the Marine Turtle Conservation program. Designed to protect the endangered turtles in the waters of El Nido, the program enables guests to visit the site where the eggs hatch and personally release them into the open sea. More than 300 hatchlings have been released to date.
Eco-friendly vacationers can rest assured that their stay at El Nido resorts is not damaging the environment of the Philippines. In addition to the activities engaged by the resorts, guests receive an informative briefing upon arrival on the company's green policies.
El Nido's efforts are by no means at the expense of luxury. With a dedicated and passionate team of local employees on hand, guests enjoy nothing less than five-star service and facilities at both resorts. Take your pick from one of the stunning water villas built on stilts, beachfront cottages with spectacular views of the cove and sunset or suites built on the fringes of a tropical forest. Understatedly elegant, all rooms feature antique wood floors and furniture, private verandahs, en-suite facilities and the usual mod-cons.
The pricetag? A stay at El Nido Lagen Island resort will cost from US $270 per person per night including local taxes and service charge. For more information visit www.elnidoresorts.com.
Across the Atlantic, guests staying at the world-renowned Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg can opt to leave their luxurious suite behind for the day to help build housing for low-income working families. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, volunteers of the program are given the unique opportunity to donate their time and skills to helping those less fortunate.
Habitat for Humanity prides itself on building simple, decent, affordable housing and thus, volunteers do not need to be experienced builders. Trained staff is on site to supervise house construction and educate volunteers on using sustainable construction techniques.
Understanding the need for first-class service and accommodation after a hard day's graft on site, the hotel's Fairmont Gold package offers the ultimate in indulgence for tired guests. An exclusive 'hotel within a hotel', Fairmont Gold has exclusive use of the 18th and 19th floors where guests can benefit from a separate concierge, private lounge and check-in desk. Rooms and suites are all elegantly appointed and feature spectacular views of the city skyline. Volunteers will also receive a special 'care' package that includes hand and foot lotion, band aids, a cold bottle of water and a note thanking them for making life better for a family.
For the chance to help a family in Winnipeg, Fairmont Gold packages start from US $449 per room per night and will run from May 15 to September 15 2008. For more information visit www.fairmontwinnipeg.ca.
