DCL
These sexy international destinations make for perfect eco-friendly escapes.
Green Sex is our regular column on sexual health and eco-friendly romance. Got a question? Need answers? Leave a comment below.
Traveling to some remote location to lavishing in the beauty of nature is what romantic getaways are all about. But there aren't too many places remaining that haven't been spoiled by too many tourists and too little conservation and protection. Still, there are a few escapes that remain pristine and also taking environmental friendliness seriously. Here are seven spots that are the most sexy, romantic getaways that any green couple could love.
Romantic Getaway #1: Lofoten, Norway
Why green? Low tourism, unspoiled, traditional way of life.
Not everybody's idea of a romantic getaway involves the tropics. In fact, some folks prefer their climate a little chilly so that they have to spend a good portion of their time snuggled under a warm blanket together. The winter months of Norway just happen to be one of the best kept secrets in Europe. Norway's tourism dies down after the summer season leaving inspiring visions of the Northern Lights, cozy fishermen's cabins near the harbor, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Read more: VisitNorway.com
Romantic Getaway #2: Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Why green? Eco-conscious community, eco-conscious businesses/hotels.
Kangaroo Island offers sexy beaches, agriculture, wilderness, desert sand dunes, romantic lighthouses, friendly locals, and cute, cuddly koalas. The Australians in general are a savvy bunch of eco-dwellers, so it is no surprise that this is one of the best kept islands, with plenty of activities, clean beaches, nature, wildlife, and crystal blue ocean waters. Lovers who also appreciate food will enjoy sharing in its exotic flavors consisting of fresh seafood, jams, honey, cheeses, yogurts, and their own brand of local wine. Read more: TourKangarooIsland.com.au Romantic Getaway #3: Mackinac Island, Michigan Why green? Traditional way of life, no cars. When people think of Michigan, visions of automobiles and industry come to mind. Mackinac Island on the other hand, refuses to accept such industry, banning all cars, high-rise buildings, and modern development. Without all this technology which can sometimes get in the way, a couple can get back to the basics of why they fell in love, taking long quiet walks along the bright starlit skies, trotting through the crisp air on a romantic horse carriage ride, and sharing a fresh batch of homemade fudge. Read more: Mackinac.com Romantic Getaway #4: Molokai, Hawaii Why green? Minimal industrial development, traditional way of life, unspoiled. Hawaii has its own culture, and Molokai in particular has maintained the same culture since the 1950's. It has been described as one of the last places in the world in which technology has been left behind... but in a good way. Islanders pride themselves in the fact that while you are here you will find no traffic and no building taller than a coconut tree. Instead you will be treated to one of the highest natural waterfalls in the world. This is a hot spot for weddings and honeymooners, as it has some of the most romantic oceanside sunsets the world has ever seen. Read more: Molokai-Hawaii.com Romantic Getaway #5: Torres del Paine National Park (Ecocamp), Patagonia, Chile Why green? Unspoiled, hydro turbine, solar energy, composting toilets. Whoever said that having a romantic first-rate suite means that you have to be stuck up in some stuffy eco-unfriendly hotel. Ecocamp offers all the splendors of outdoor camping with the amenities of a four-star hotel. Each room consists of an open-plan, movable geodesic dome, private bathroom with composting toilets, comfortable bed, modern low-emission wood stove, micro hydro turbine, and solar panels, allowing each couple to live among mother nature's breathtaking scenery in full comfort without disturbing her delicate balance. Read more: EcoCamp.Travel Image courtesy of John Foxx/Getty. Romantic Getaway #6: Osa Peninsula (Lapa Rios), Costa Rica Why green? Traditional way of life, unspoiled, minimal industrial development. Instead of staying on one of the many overrated Caribbean islands, Lapa Rios on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is a very clean and untouched example of what a tropical rainforest should be. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, near Corcovado National Park, the Lapa Rios eco-lodge offers such romantic amenities as an open-air shower, a private garden, waterfalls, and natural pools. Each honeymooning couple is also invited to plant a tree in the lodge's private rainforest in lasting memory of their stay. Read more: Laparios.com Image courtesy of Medioimages/Photodisc. Romantic Getaway #7: Faroe Islands, Denmark Why green? Unspoiled, minimal industrial development, low tourism. These Islands rated number one this past year on the National Geographic Traveler's list of unspoiled islands (pdf). The magazine makes its top choices based on environmental and ecological quality, social and cultural integrity, condition of historic buildings, overall aesthetic appeal, and the responsible management of its landscape. If your idea of romance is a remote tropical island with breathtaking harbors and beautiful waterfalls, then this is without a doubt the place for you. The architecture of the area is quite unique and historical, consisting of quaint homes with grass rooftops and stone walls. Faroe Islands, Denmark is almost completely free from overcrowding, but shhh, let's keep that between us so that it might have a chance to stay that way. Read more: FaroeIslands.com
