FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: eco-friendly accommodation

  • Stay Somewhere Unique in the Hunter Valley – Eco Friendly Accommodation in New South Wales

    We all want to stay somewhere unique, so why not Somewhere Unique in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country?

    This originally named eco-resort is just two hours away from Sydney, Australia, but it feels like it's a world away from the big smoke. Somewhere Unique is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, as there are only two private retreats set on 20 acres of bushland. Each is fully self contained, so you need never leave your room, but if you do want to venture out the township of Wollombi is only a few minutes' drive away. The villas have been cleverly designed with four distinct areas. There's the pleasure zone, with its plush king-sized bed, valley views, and reverse-cycle air conditioning and ceiling fan for comfort. Few things calm you like a good night's sleep, but the relaxation zone ensures you stay chilled when you're out of bed. The large bath is perfect for soaking with that special someone. The private bushland views mean you'll be in no rush to leave the tub, but when you do the thick cotton towels and plush bathrobes will be waiting.earth plant The entertainment area is state of the art, with a stereo system, LCD TV, DVD player, and iPod dock. The comfy lounge and gas log fireplace are perfect for enjoying the selection of DVDs and CDs provided. The villas are lovely, but don't forget to step outside and enjoy the private deck and courtyard. Each retreat has its own gas barbeque for cooking up a feast, or you could hop on one of the bicycles provided and enjoy dinner at one of Wollombi's famous cafes. A stay at Somewhere Unique is reasonably priced for such private pampering, with rates starting at $220 per night. This rate includes a complimentary bottle of local wine, chocolates, a breakfast hamper, and use of bicycles, picnic gear, and entertainment provisions.

  • Eco-Friendly Indulgence in Daylesford – Green Romance at Frog Hollow Estate

    For a romantic Aussie getaway that won’t hurt the planet, consider a stay at Frog Hollow Estate in the Victorian country town of Daylesford.

    The former gold mining town, located 115 kilometers north west of Melbourne, is becoming a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy life at a slower pace.

    The streets are lined with fine dining restaurants and cafes, and the stores full of original fashions and quirky homewares. You can indulge in a mineral bath or spa at the local retreats, or a few choice drops in the nearby Macedon Ranges and Sunbury wine regions. That is, of course, if you want to venture out of Frog Hollow. This eco-friendly estate was once a stone and timber workshop, but today it enjoys spoiling its guests without harming the planet. The hot showers use collected rain water, and the appliances and eco-friendly lights green power. All villas are equipped with a corner spa for luxuriating with your love, a cosy gas or wood fire for snuggling up at the end of the night, and air conditioning for the summer. With all this romance in the air, it's unsurprising that the folks at Frog Hollow Estate love a wedding. The staff will happily take care of the arrangements, including accommodation for your guests, leaving you free to attend to more important matters. You might even like to return to reminisce on your first anniversary! Accommodation at Frog Hollow Estate in Daylesford starts from $250 a night and includes a gourmet hamper, featuring the best local produce, on arrival.

  • Our Jungle House, Back to Basics Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Thailand

    Thailand’s Our Jungle House invites travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and get back to nature.

    The setting of this eco-friendly accommodation could not be more idyllic. The resort is set on 25 acres of private rainforest near Khao Sok National Park. These parklands, majestic with their limestone peaks, are a thriving habitat for Thailand’s tropical flora and wildlife. The sounds of the native animals, including lemurs and civet cats, only add to the atmosphere of Our Jungle House.

    Our Jungle House’s bungalows and tree houses were built to complement the surrounding rainforest rather than disturb it. All natural building materials were used and environmentally-friendly practices made the Jungle House the area’s first green resort.Lodging sign with arrow

    The rooms are neat but not overly luxurious, delivering guests what they need without the frills. Many tourists may be disappointed by the lack of air conditioning, but there are fans to help keep you cool. The lack of hot water is also disappointing, but at least drinking water is made available. The mosquito coils and nets also come in handy during summer. Free WiFi is also on hand so you won’t feel completely cut off from civilization!

    The resort’s staff are friendly and attentive to all your needs. You need not worry about a language barrier either, as staff members are trained to speak English and German.

    As the resort is somewhat isolated, you’ll probably enjoy many meals at Our Jungle House’s restaurant.

    The cooks specialize in authentic Thai cusine, but fussy appetites and young children are not forgotten. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes and western options including fried chicken, spaghetti, and homemade French fries. If you'd like to venture out, the resort has vans, cars, and motorcycles available for hire. A cheaper alternative is to use the public buses. Staff can provide free transport to the bus stop, so you need only pay a small fare. There's plenty to do around the resort though, whether you'd like to laze on the nearby River Beach, explore the surrounding area on your own, or enjoy one of the organized activities. These tours include jungle treks on the back of elephants, canoe excursions down the Sok River, scuba diving, and nighttime wildlife safaris. Our Jungle House may not offer much in the way of luxury, but its back-to-basics accommodation might be just what you need to recharge your batteries.

  • Eco-Friendly Private Acommodation at Lamai Homestay in Rural Thailand

    Travel off the beaten path with a stay at Lamai Homestay.

    This eco-friendly guesthouse is located in Ko Pet Village, a rural rice community in the heart of north-east Thailand. This is the ideal getaway for travelers looking for privacy and peace and quiet. With just three-bedrooms, the guesthouse has space for just six visitors to bunker down. The mud-brick eco-rooms are modest, but clean. Each is comfortably furnished, and two have air-conditioning to cool the rooms in summer. There is a hot shower with a Western-style water closet located just outside the rooms. The homestay's garden grows bananas, mangos, papayas, and custard apples and visitors are invited to pick the fruits straight from the trees. As the rooms do not have their own kitchen facilities, guests are invited to use the outdoor barbeque and eat in the gardens. There is also a splashpool for resting tired feet after a long day sightseeing. The staff at Lamai Homestay encourage travelers to immerse themselves in the local community. They can arrange tours and activity packages, such as a silk spinning and weaving courses and bamboo and raffia crafts classes. Guests who prefer to observe can see local farmers working on the rice paddies or silk and cotton weavers handcrafting clothes and rugs. It's also a short trip to the majestic Khmer temples of Pimai, the archaeological site of Ban Prasat, and Khorat City. Lamai Homestay is located 90 minutes from Khon Kaen Airport. From there, travelers are encouraged to catch a train or a bus to reduce carbon emmissions. The guesthouse's staff are happy to collect guests from the train station at Bua Yai or the bus stop at Sida on their arrival.