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Globetrot to an Eco-Paradise—Make Plans for Panama

by Sara Frieden

Team Planet Green

By Team Planet Green
Wed Oct 1, 2008 11:33

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When the average American only gets about two weeks of vacation a year, that much needed r & r is nothing short of a necessity. You can bet that sacrificing comfort and luxury is a hard pill to swallow for a very stressed population. But eco-traveling doesn't have to include sacrificing at all.

When you're planning this year's getaway try Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama.

  • This is seclusion at its best but getting there really isn't that difficult. The hotel will handle your flight from San Jose, Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Your flight on Nature Air is even eco-friendly. Costa Rican carrier Nature Air has proclaimed itself the world's first carbon neutral airline. One hundred percent of its carbon emissions are offset through reforestation and protection of tropical forests in the country's Osa Peninsula.

  • Arrive by water taxi to this aqua lodge with your only connection to land being a wooden walkway built on top of the water.

  • Each stunning residence is its own Tahitian style bungalow situated atop the tranquil Caribbean Sea. Solar panels adorn each individual hut. Luckily, you can expect an abundance of this renewable power source in Panama.

  • The bungalows don't waste energy on air conditioning, in fact, it doesn't exist. At this resort the ocean breeze is a fabulous substitute for the AC.

  • The restaurant serves fresh and seasonal fare including tons of local seafood and tropical fruits. Each day you get to choose your appetizer, main course, and dessert.

  • Reconnect with nature with snorkeling and sea kayaking. In fact, you can snorkel to breakfast from your bungalow each morning.


Love green gadgets, fashion, and news? Get the latest from Planet Green's dynamic duo Suchin Pak and Daniel Sieberg on the G Word.

 
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