Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. With constant news reports about global warming and recycling, we the public are becoming more aware of our carbon footprint and how to reduce it. The chance to work with local people, rehabilitate animals and stay in eco-friendly resorts are becoming more and more of a must for travellers, and there are plenty of options and activities for families to partake in on their next holiday.
Turtles of all kinds, worldwide, are classified as endangered according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Now, there are various rehabilitation centres and incentives across the world, with one of the most popular found in Dubai.
In collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office, veterinary support with the Dubai Falcon Clinic and the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah run The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP). Since starting in 2004, the project’s main goal is
to rescue, release and rehabilitate regional sea turtles that are found sick or injured. Not only this but educating local children and international hotel guests is also paramount.
If your next trip to Dubai sees you staying at a Madinat Jumeirah property or Burj Al Arab, then the chance to visit the sanctuary at Turtle Lagoon is a must. On Wednesday, members of the public can feed the turtles, including children of all ages when accompanied by an adult.
The Maldives is a dream destination, and it’s one that we make come true regularly at Winged Boots. Stretches of powder-white sands, cerulean waters and overwater villas… it’s what holiday goals are made of. However, there are concerns that by the year 2100, the Maldives could be underwater thanks to rising sea levels and the low elevation of the islands. Sadly, in recent years coral has been damaged due to the increase in water temperature and level.
Enter Four Seasons Resorts Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resorts Landaa Giraavaru who are giving back when it comes to the environment. The Reefscapers programme – available at both –
sees guests harvest coral fragments, under the guidance of a marine biologist. This coral is then attached to underwater rope frames with the aim of boosting existing reef habitats and generating new ones. But your involvement doesn’t stop there. All that participate can expect two emails per year with updates on the coral they helped to form.
Enquire about your next Maldives getaway here or call us on 0203 816 0985 now.
One of the parks that make up the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa, Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers holiday makers the chance to embark of wonderful safaris. However, there’s a new generation of these experiences that the whole family are sure to love courtesy of Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve.
An idea tried and tested by the owner of Cheetah Plains Japie van Nieker, Land Cruiser electric vehicles can be hired which minimise disturbance of the African animal kingdom. Producing an almost silent safari experience along with zero emissions, this Tesla-powered vehicle is the future of game drives. You’re able to spy on animals in their natural environment with ease, and you may even catch glimpses of rarer species that wouldn’t have come out to say hello if you were in a louder option.
Japie works closely with the prototype agents in ensuring that the vehicle stands up to its fossil fuelled rivals, which has proven to be a success.
Families with little ones over the age of six are welcome at Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve. Children can embark on game drives with mum and dad in for the ride too, a Cheetah Plains Cub Club hamper appears daily in your room with various activities and pillow treats each night, and there’s also a complimentary child-minding service when you fancy some alone time.
Book your adventure in Africa by enquiring here or calling one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 now.
The chance to care and look after the gentle grey giants with the Elephant Experience at Elephant Hills in Thailand is sure to make any holiday. Known as a luxury tented jungle camp, the hotel offers guests the chance to feed, wash and watch 12 rescued elephants play in paradise as part of two- or four-day tours. Due to ethical reasons, the hotel does not let you ride the beautiful creatures as carrying tourists can be damaging on the elephant’s back.
Depending on your package, you also get the chance to canoe down rivers, explore the jungle lakes and embark on rainforest walks. There are specific packages catering for families so little
ones from the age of four can get in on the action, too. When you’re in need of some rest and recuperation, the luxury tents are just the ticket with comfortable beds, hammocks and plenty of space to unwind.
No matter where you are in the world, animal welfare should be of number one importance if you want to relish sights or enjoy experiences with wildlife. Make sure to do your research before you go and only support sanctuaries and causes that are recognised for their efforts. Winged Boots only support such experiences so you can rest assured that you’re embarking on an ethical trip.
Six Senses pioneers its eco-friendly practises, with Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives no exception. Proudly looking after its carbon footprint, the hotel recycles old towels into flowerpots, grows fresh ingredients in a leaf garden and preserves exotic marine life, just to name a few initiatives.
Green-fingered families can discover more about the hotel’s sustainability by going on a ‘Back-of-House Tour’. From finding out how the seawater is filtered to seeing how plants grow without soil,
it’s amazing to see the inventive ways we can recycle waste and reduce our footprint on the world. During the tour you’ll get to visit the on-site chicken farm, tailor, carpentry workshop and desalination plant so you can really discover the inner workings of a five-star sustainable hotel.