Ever wondering what that leaping bunny is on your cosmetic packages? Well, it’s a cruelty-free standard developed by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC). If you find the leaping bunny you can be rest assured that there was no animal testing used in any phase of product development by the company, labs, or suppliers.

What’s so wrong about animal testing?

You hear the media bashing the idea and cosmetic companies like Avon and Body Shop refusing to take part — but what is animal testing?

There are two kinds of testing primarily done on animals: product testing and lethal dosage testing. Product testing is used to measure skin irritants, eye tissue damage and toxicity caused by the various chemicals and substances in the cosmetics you use every day. If that isn’t gross sounding enough — imagine the draize test, a test where caustic substances are placed in the eyes of conscious rabbits to evaluate the damage on sensitive eyes. These tests can sometimes cause the rabbit so much pain they die from neck or back breaks trying to struggle free.

The Lethal Dosage test isn’t much better. It’s tests used to determine the amount of substances that can be used before killing an animal. Some tests, the LD50 test in particular entail giving poisonous substances to animals until half of them die. The sad thing about this, is in no way can this really be used to evaluate the actual lethal dosage of a human being.

The International Humane Cosmetics Standard symbol or Leaping Bunny will let you know that the company no longer tests its cosmetics or other products on Animals.

Should you Beware of “Not Tested on animals” label?

Yes! Sometimes products claim to be “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” but that may only mean to the finished product. Most of the testing, (and perhaps the worst kind) occurs at the ingredient level.  Also, a company may say they don’t test on aniamls but actually contract another company to do so.  So still with the Leaping Bunny, and you are safe!

For more information and to find a list of cosemtic companies that are participating in the program check out: www.leapingbunny.org

Until next time.. Happy Planning!

Tiffany & Amalia

Sadly, we’re at the end of our beautiful voyagearound the world to the Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Spots. If you’ve just joined us, don’t hesitate to check out some of our previous destinations:  Turtle Island in Fuji, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa in Dominica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica and Six Senses Soneva Gili in the Maldives. 

Chumbe Island Coral Park

If you’re looking for a secluded spot to spend time with your loved one, don’t move a muscle because we have the place to you. Last but not least, is my personal favorite the Chumbe Island Coral Park located in Zanzibar, Tanzania. In this gorgeous spot, only 7 couples can be on the island a time. Can you say paradise?

Activities

If you’re an adventure seeker on this island hideaway - have no fear. There are dozens of activities to keep you occupied including the Reef Sancutuary, Scuba Diving, Nature Trails, Forest Reserve, and a Historical Monument to explore.

Accomodations

Accomodations provide the privacy and freedom you’ve always wanted. Each Eco- Bungalow overlook the sea and give you that romantic take your breath away feel that you can’t get anywhere else.

Eco-Chic Fact:

Each bungalow collects its own freshwater supply from rainwater (captured from the specially designed expanse of roof) during the rainy season. This rainwater passes through a complex filtration system and is stored in spacious underground cisterns (under each living room). The water is then hand-pumped (by either Ali, Juma or Yussuf on the Chumbe Team) through a solar-powered heating system into hot & cold-water containers for the shower and hand basin in the bathroom.

Beyond that, the open design of the bungalows, with minimal barriers to the open air, allows for maximum through-draft for cooling of the bungalows; a form of natural air-conditioning. To enhance this louvres are in place that can be lowered or closed depending on the desired temperature.

Organic Soaps can also be found on the premise produced by a local women’s co-operative in Zanzibar. Drinking water is provided by advanced filters (made in Switzerland) located on the island. These effectively clean readily available tap water from Unguja, avoiding the need for mineral water in plastic bottles (which are still available for purchase, but are not readily encouraged, as plastic bottles are a problematic environmental hazard recently introduced into Zanzibar).

Check out this beautiful getaway at their website:

http://www.chumbeisland.com/index.html

Located in Rim of Copper Canyon, Urique Mexico this Tarahumara owned lodge was built with government funding and operated by Canyon Travel. You’ll be wowed by the panoramic overlook - known as the biggest of any canyon rim lodge. 

The lodges are comfortable, environmental friendly and offer dining rooms with scenic views.  All rooms have two double beds, tiled bathrooms, and fine bed and bath linens including terry-cloth robes.

If you’re a hiker, you will find some of the best hiking in North America here. For those that are less active you can take a van and go sightseeing to a nearby stream with a waterfall.

For more information check out their website..

http://www.canyontravel.com/unoydoslodge.htm

As Always… Happy Planning!

Tiffany & Amalia

We’re almost to the end of our dash around the world to the Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Spots. Check out the previous destinations we’ve already been to: Turtle Island in Fuji, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa in Dominica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica and Six Senses Soneva Gili in the Maldives.

Ranweli Holiday Village

Located in Sri Lanka, Ranweli Holiday Village is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22-acre peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the sea. If you’re an adventurer at heart, Ranweli is the perfect place to explore the fascinating history, culture and nature of Sri Lanka.

Cultivated from a coconut plantation surrounded by wetlands, architects used the spacing of the rows of the coconut trees (called the coconut grid by agriculturists) as the discipline for the design. Cutting was kept at a minimum as the bungalows were built. In fact, For each bungalow only one tree was removed and the tree trunks were used as pillars in the construction.

Accomodation

If you’re looking for a bungalow style accomodation — this is the perfect place for you. This unique ethnic style was built to resemble a typical Sri Lankan village. There are 72 bungalows and 12 riven view rooms in the middle of the forest to provide a cosy and peaceful atmosphere.          

Many Tours are offered at the location such as Bird Watching, nature walking, cycling river cruising, craft demonstrations and butterfly watching. If you’re looking to explore Sri Lankan habitat, they offer tours to the Anaiwilundawa Wetlands, Sunharaja Biosphere Reserve and to Panduwasnuwara.

Looking for a Destination Wedding?

Enjoy a tropical Ranweli wedding where the bride is ferried on a raft across the river to meet the groom in a traditional ceremony guided by dancers and drummers.  After the ceremony, the couple has the option to take a ride on a majestically dressed elephant in the Ranweli gardens before joining the wedding banquet.

At twilight, the honeymooning couple will enjoy a night cruise in placid magical surroundings along the river under a starry sky. While cruising, a 4-course gourmet meal specially prepared will be served, accompanied a bottle of champagne. A personal butler will be in attendance.

Eco-Chic Fact:

The Ranwali Holiday Village conducts all business in an environmentally friendly manner, by efficiently using their resources – water & energy – and effectively managing their waste to minimize the impact on the environment.

Check out their website for more information

http://www.ranweli.com/Index.htm

Hey all,

Amalia was just interviewed for the Metro on Green Weddings and we wanted to spread the word! If you’re in the Toronto area, don’t forget to pick up a Metro paper in the subway!

For those of you not in Toronto you can view the article online at:

http://www.metronews.ca/Toronto/live/article/167705 

Until next time… Happy Planning!

Tiffany

Hey There! We’re in the middle of our Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Spots series. If you’re interested in Eco-honeymoon spots in Dominica, Costa Rica or California don’t miss out on our previous posts.

Maho Bay Camps

Located in the St. Johns US Virgin Islands, the Maho Bay Camps is one of the most highly praised ecotourism destination in the world. At the Maho Bay camps you’ll find roomy tent-cottages nearly hidden by lush foliage providing privacy. Translucent fabric on wood frames, screened windows and open air terraces take advantage of the cooling island tradewinds. Every tent-cottage has its own private deck, electric outlets, lights and fans. Barbecue areas and fresh water are available along the walkways.

At Maho Bay Camps you can do everything from watersports to yoga. It’s a great place to go for those looking for a budget vacation.

Eco-chic fact:

The Maho Bay Camps are the only area to have the unique program called “Trash to Treasure”. The “Trash to Treasures” program, is out of their Arts Center and it’s where the resort’s trash is recycled into craft items and fine art. The Center features a Glass Studio, Clay Studio, Textile Department and Gallery/Craft Center.

For more information please check out their website:

http://www.maho.org/

If you’ve been tuned into our Eco-Honeymoon Spots Series then you’ll love what we have for you next..

The Fairmonth Sonoma Mission Inn

Located in the Sonoma Valley,California The Fairmount Sonoma Mission Inn is the ultimate Wine Country destination for you wine buffs out there! Not only that but you’ll find a spa, golf and award winning restaurants, blessed by natural mineral hot springs in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California.  Don’t forget to try out Santé, a restaurant known for its local cuisine and luxury eats.

Eco-Chic Fact:

They have a luxurious eco vacation package just made for you. Supported by Fairmont’s green partnership program, this package includes:

• One night Suite category accommodation
• Two-day rental of a Hybrid Vehicle from EV Rentals (pick up at SFO or OAK airports)
• Organic Sonoma Lavender Kur (or choice of (2) 50-minute spa treatments)
• Dinner for two at Santé Restaurant - featuring a regionally inspired “Farm Trail” menu
• Daily Complimentary Hike (led by the Hotel’s Activity Director) to the resort’s adopted Sonoma Overlook Trail

For more eco-chic vacation information please check out the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s website:

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma

We are halfway through our sail around the world to the Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Spots. If you’ve just joined us, you can check out the original article on how to travel with eco chic style on your honeymoon, and you can check out the destinations we’ve already been to: Turtle Island in Fuji, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa in Dominica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica and Six Senses Soneva Gili in the Maldives.

Tiamo Resort

Nothing says “Tiamo” better than the Tiamo Resort in the Bahamas. Located in the Out Islands, Tiamo Resort is a compliation of eleven, intimate and charming beachside bungalows near the South Bight of South Andros Island and 125 acres of natural paradise. Tiamo is the perfect place for the adventurer with kayaking, sailing, fishing, snorkelling, or just exploring.

Eco-Chic Fact:

Tiamo Resort’s environmental committment is extensive. Not only have they provided sustainable measures for water, and power they regularly participate in local trash-cleaning projects,  ecotourism projects with local schools,  and involvement in events with organizations like Reef Relief, Shedd Aquarium, The Wildlife Conservation Society and The Bahamas National Trust.

The construction of Tiamo Resort is also interesting. Site clearing was done by hand using machetes and chainsaws to preserve the existing vegetation. Transportaion of materials was also done by hand, using small shallow draft boats to reduce the likelihood of the dredging that a larger vessel might do. All wood used in construction of Tiamo was precut in one area, then moved to each building site and assembled with light power tools.

Tiamo Resort is specially designed to minimize site impact. It uses passive-cooling techniques such as wraparound porches, white reflective roofs, and high-pitched ceilings, and is as energy efficient as it can be.  The buildings of Tiamo are wood frame structures constructed of nontoxic treated pine harvested from sustainable forests

For more about Tiamo Resorts extensive environmental commitment to sustainable tourism please check out:  http://www.tiamoresorts.com/tiamo/sustainableTourism.cfm

Currently the resort is going under some changes and is not taking reservations, but if you would like more information you can check out their website at:

http://www.tiamoresorts.com/index.cfm

Until then, Happy Planning!

Tiffany & Amalia

Hey There! We’re almost halfway through our Top 10 Eco-Chic Honeymoon Spot series.. We’ve been to Turtle Island in Fuji, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa in Dominica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica, and now we’re headed to Six Senses Soneva Gili in the Maldives.  

Six Senses Soneva Gili

Six Senses Soneva Gili is luxury resort and spa located in the Maldives.  For those who don’t know, the Maldive Islands is an island nation consisting of 1,192 island islets of which only 250 are inhabited. It is located just south of India’s Lakshadweep and 700km southwest of Sri Lanka. For those looking for a luxurious and intimate place for their honeymoon, Soneva Gili is perfect!

What can you expect from a honeymoon package at Six Senses Soneva Gili?

• Arrival Travel Refreshments & Drinks
• Chilled Bottle of Soneva Cuvée in the Villa on arrival
• 20 min Six Senses Spa Treatment Experience per person (min stay 3 nights)
• Sunset Beach or Sandbank Cocktail Party (Tuesdays only)
• Selection of Teas & Fresh Coffee making amenities in the villa
• Complimentary Soneva Mineral water in the villa
• Any non motorized Water sports activities (Windsurfing, Hobicat sailing and Canoeing)
• Regular Yoga & Tai chi sessions to balance the body and mind
• Sauna & Steam at the Six Senses Spa
  • 50 min honeymoon treatment per person (instead of 20 min Six Senses Spa Treatment)
  • A Candle lit dinner for the couple
  • A commemorative photo album

Eco-Chic Fact:

The core purpose of Six Senses Resorts & Spas is ‘to create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment’. They do everything they can to minimize the impact their development has as the environment. Their building materials and interiors are made of pine, telegraph poles, palm wood, bamboo and plantation teaks - sustainable materials that wouldn’t abuse the surrounding areas precious land. Interior items such as water hyacinth (the reeds that clog rivers), and papier-mâché (old newspapers covered by rice paper) demonstrate a good use of waste products.

Beyond that, Six Senses Soneva Gili invests 0.5 % of their annual revenue in projects that produce socio-economic returns to the communities and create differences in the livelihoods of people.

For more information about Six Senses Soneva Gili, please check out their website:

http://www.sixsenses.com/soneva-gili/

And as always, Happy Planning!

Amalia & Tiffany

Hi everyone! Today we’re looking at the Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Spots we found on our previous blog. We’re already looked at the Turtle Island Resort, and Jungle Bay Resort & Spa so today we’re looking at Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Located in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge is a vacation spot surrounded by luscious forests and beautiful beaches. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges and are connected by walking paths and steps. It is built over 350 feet above the sea so you’ll catch the cooling tropical ocean and forests breezes.

The main lodge is located 50 feet up and, like the private 16 bungalows, is built of locally harvested materials and have intricately woven palm thatched roofs. Climb the lodge’s 3 story circular stairway to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture and huge decks aid relaxation amidst pristine nature.

Eco-Chic Fact:

Lapa Rios Ecolodge is more than just a beautiful rainforest hotel or an eco resort near the beach. Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project demonstrating that “No matter how you cut it a rain forest left standing is worth more.”  The resort has won numerous worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence, and is a featured sustainable tourism pioneer in many international publications and research projects. The ecolodge employs only community members, is committed to environmentally sound practices and has been awarded Costa Rica’s highest sustainable tourism certification (CST).

A Honeymoon by Lapa Rios

Lapa Rios will let you create the romantic honeymoon that you have always dreamed about:

For more information about the Lapa Rios Ecolodge, please check out their website:

http://www.laparios.com/index.html

As always, happy planning!

Tiffany & Amalia