Being both sustainable and active on vacation? These eco-hotels make it look easy
People who are active in everyday life also choose their vacation destination based on the offer of potential sportive activities. No matter whether these are offered directly in the hotel, outdoors in nature or – better yet– in combination: These eco-hotels show that relaxation and being active are a perfect match.
Cycling in the Mountains or along the Coast
One of the biggest mountain bike route networks of Germany is located in the region Rhön: Approximately 100 main and side routes are connected with each other in 150 intersections, simplifying the outline of individual tours. The Biohotel Sturm lies in the midst of the biosphere reserve Rhön and is therefore the perfect starting point for various mountain bike tours. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or a beginner, guide Daniel Albrecht supports guests with tips and tricks and offers guided tours.
Less hills and more fresh sea air welcome you when cycling at the Timmendorfer Strand at the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the cooperation with the German bicycle company “my boo”, the Lifestylehotel SAND offers to lend bikes made from bamboo. Here, guests can go for a ride along the Baltic coast or take a detour to lake Hemmelsdorf – a beautiful view is guaranteed along the way.
Over Hill and Dale
With the national park “Hohe Tauern” starting directly at your doorstep, one of the most popular activities of the Austrian Naturhotel Outside is obvious: hiking. Guest can hike through alpine grasslands and mountain tops, next to crystal-clear mountain lakes and cozy cottages. Naturhotel Outside offers four to five guided hiking tours per week, free of charge for guests and with experienced guides. Especially convenient: free rental of backpacks and hiking poles, as well as the “hiking taxi”, which drives guests to starting points or picks them up.
In Germany’s first mountaineer's village Ramsau, which lies on the edge of the only German national park in the Alps, hiking is also very popular. The Rehlegg is called Berghotel (‘mountain hotel’) for a reason, as it is deeply linked and committed to its surrounding landscape. There are 30 hiking tours starting directly from the hotel. Berghotel Rehlegg is perfectly prepared and equipped for hiking enthusiasts: Whether guests need hiking poles, backpacks or tips about the most amazing tours and viewpoints. And after an exhaustive day of hiking the extensive spa area awaits..
Taking off or Teeing off in the Black Forest
In the Black Forest hiking is of great importance, however, the Northern Black Forest around Bad Herrenalb and the hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, offers a variety of other thrilling activities: Enjoy the scenery from above while paragliding, join guided horse-riding tours, go on geocaching trips, go snowshoe hiking in winter or take part in a golf course. The extensive range of activities has something for everybody.
Yoga and Mindfulness from Tenerife to South Tyrol
Being active on vacation is easy in the diverse nature of Tenerife, after all, there is a lot to discover – from the impressively precipitous coasts to ravines and up to the volcano Teide, which is surrounded by barren scenery. The Océano Hotel Health Spa lies in the quieter north of the island. It is surrounded by the sea on one side and the biosphere reserve Anaga with its mountains covered by laurel trees on the other side. Beside hiking, mountain biking and surfing, the hotel itself offers several activities, including yoga. Yoga classes take place every day and further guests can take part in meditation and mindfulness courses, as well as other relaxation treatments.
Finding one’s inner center and balancing the Chakras: The holistic vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol offers comprehensive yoga retreats. Every day different courses take place – from Vinyasa yoga to yin & yang yoga and Pranayama yoga. Each Thursday guests can feel the positive impact of trees while bathing in the forest; on Fridays everyone is welcome to join the mindfulness mediation. At LA VIMEA experienced and beginners are equally welcome to join the activities.
Above and under water
Due to its ideal location directly at the beach in Bali’s West, the Puri Dajuma cottages & spa offers the best conditions for water sport of any kind. Guests can choose between surfing on perfect waves in the popular spot Medewi, bodyboarding, Stand Up Paddling and kayaking. However, there are even more exciting activities offered by the hotel: The eco-tours by Puri Dajuma take guests to the inner part of the island. Driving through rice fields and small Balinese villages, getting to know traditional agriculture and taking part in excursions to impressive waterfalls only present some of the possible tours.
Whether snorkeling or diving: The fascinating underwater world of the Maldives is best explored at the diving resorts Gili Lankanfushi and Reethi Faru Resort. Especially intriguing for all guest is taking part in the coral protection programs. It’s particularly interesting for divers to help with the identification projects for tortoises and rays. For all guests who like to learn more about the conservation and protection efforts of the sensitive marine ecosystem, a visit at the Gili Veshi center is another great activity on the Maldives!
