Holiday with a hearts

If the words "eco holiday" make you think of straw huts in the wilderness with no hot water and bland vegetarian meals, think again.

These days small boutique hotels and chain resorts alike are going "green", evident in their gently-worded reminders to reuse your bath towels and full-scale environmental programs that include recycling and animal conservation. All this while offering the same level of pampering you has always come to expect.

Let's checks out four eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the regions that are perfect for a "green" family vacation.

WHERE IS IT?

Situated between Jomtien and Pattaya in south-eastern Thailand, the Royal Cliff Beach Resort offers a magnificent view of the Gulf of Siam's turquoise waters. Each of the five four-star hotels within the resort has its own distinct style and ambience.

HOW "GREEN"?

Since its inception in 1973, the resort has been championing environmental conservation and has received numerous "green" awards and citations. It is the first hotel in Thailand and the second in Asia to receive the prestigious Best Green Hotel recognition by Bestgreenhotels.com. a third-party environmental accreditation website.

The resort's conservation program includes having its own water treatment plant using treated waste water for gardening and flushing, recycling waste, planting endangered trees minimizing power consumption and cleaning beaches with the help of the local community.

Instead of encouraging guests to take taxis, the resort provides free shuttle bus and carpool services to downtown Pattaya. Bicycles are also provided free-of-charge for guests to roam the resort compound in - a good way to get some exercise at the same time!

WHERE IS IT?

It may not be new, but visitors are still captivated by the luxury ambience of the five-star Bayan Tree Bintan. Overlooking the South China Sea, guests are often mesmerized by the splendor of the view surrounding the resort.

HOW "GREEN"?

Banyan Tree is known for its host of dedicated green initiatives aimed at offsetting the carbon emissions from its resort operations. The Greening Communities Program for example, aims to plant 2.000 trees a year in local communities where its resorts are located. Similarly, the resort is installing signs at the Laguna Bintan Golf Course to guide visitors on a nature walk.It’s year-old Bintan Conversation Laboratory that won the 2008 Pata Gold Award (Ecotourism Project category) conferred by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. Staffed by an environmental naturalist and two local wildlife rangers, the lab has worked with experts on identifying and preserving local floral and fauna.

WHERE I S I T?

Situated in the heart of Fremantle, this four-star Esplanade Hotel is a good starting point if you are visiting Australia's south-west region.

There are myriad art galleries and museums located in this quaint port city that's 30 minutes from Perth's downtown.

HOW "GREEN"?

Since 1997, the hotel has taken up the Australian government's Green Challenge clinching the AAA Tourism Green Star accreditation in 2001.

It is committed to all aspects of environmental sustainability, which includes recycling, reducing water use, using environmentally-friendly products, energy management, reducing the production of greenhouse gases and solar water heating.

Last year, the hotel achieved carbon neutral status by buying 9.6ha of rainforest in Ecuador, South America in order to offset carbon emissions from its operations. The hotel also retains much of its historical architecture, a further testament to its commitment to preserving history and the environment.

WHERE IS IT?

Set on the beautiful Pantai Dalit beach in Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort boasts hectares of tropical vegetation. From ATV safaris to golf courses, nature walks and cruises, there is no shortage of luxurious pursuits at this resort.

HOW "GREEN"?

Head right up to the resorts 25ha nature reserve which houses Borneo's amazing flora and fauna and wildlife for visitors to explore. The reserve is committed to the conservation and rehabilitation of native species helping them to return to the rainforest.

At the new Nature Interpretation Centre, guests can learn all about wildlife and visit facilities like the veterinary clinic and nursery. A special nocturnal watch area has also been set up for guests to observe creatures of the night like civet cats and anteaters.

In the daytime, there are viewing platforms and observation towers for guests to watch the orang utans being fed. Don't forget the guided walks with the rangers where you can get up close to the animals. Kids can help the rangers prepare food for the animals' supplementary feeding. It is conservation, education and fun all rolled into one.

• Choose a travel agent or provider based on the company's environmental practices and certifications.
• Pack light to avoid accumulating waste on your travel.
• Use local and public transport. The less oil the vehicle guzzles, the better it is for the environment.
• Offset carbon emissions from your air travel by purchasing energy-renewable projects and services from websites like www.carbonneutral.com and www.carbonfund.org.
• Be sensitive and respectful of local cultures. Read up before you travel and take note of local attire, traditions and customs.
• Don't buy animal products or souvenirs.
• Ask your tour operator if there are any local conservation projects you can visit.
• Reuse items like towels and minimize wastage of water and other resources. And that means cutting back on the bubble baths!
• Go local. Eat and shop at local establishments to help support their economy.
• Educate the children on environmental practices. Encourage your kids to befriend local children to cultivate cross-cultural exchanges.