42Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2010SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVESSix Senses' flagship property, Soneva Fushi, is spearheadingenvironmental strategies in the Maldives with numerous 'zero-emission' initiatives. For example, it is the first resort in its groupto offset guests' flight emissions, and it is also phasing outfossil fuels and replacing them with renewable energy sourcessuch as solar, wind and tidal power, and deep-sea water cooling.Other incentives involve transforming rubbish into fertiliser, andusing its gardens to supply all its vegetables and herbs. As such,the resort's aim to be carbon free by 2012 is well on track. For further information, visit www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi TOP TIPSupport Soneva Fushi in its efforts to get a nationwideban on shark fishing ethical excellenceGiving back to locals and takingsteps to ensure a lighter carbonfootprint are just the tip of theiceberg for some resorts. sea&iexplores five properties that areshining the torch for eco awarenessByThomas Grant Restassured

FREGATE ISLAND, SEYCHELLESFregate Island is the original eco hideaway. Having planted over70,000 indigenous trees, the island's conservation team hasrecreated a natural habitat in which to nurture endangeredspecies. Enjoy everything you would expect from a five-starresort secure in the knowledge that you are not damaging theisland but are, instead, supporting its rehabilitation. nFor further information www.fregate.com TOP TIPAdopt a baby Aldabra Giant tortoise at the island's sanctuary, and help preserve its futureSPRING-SUMMER 2010I sea&iI43topfiveSANI BEACH CLUB, GREECE Located on a 1,000-acre ecological reserve on the Kassandrapeninsula, the family owned Sani resort comprises four hotelsand a marina. The resort pledges to continuously improve itsperformance in energy efficiency, renewable energy use,water conservation, waste minimisation and sustainableprocurement. Sani has also undertaken a tree-planting schemein an effort to reforest an area of Halkidiki damaged by forestfires of 2006. For further information visit www.saniresort.grTOP TIPJoin Sani's initiative to plant a tree and leave a growing reminder of your visitRANCHO PACIFICO, COSTA RICAThis luxury resort is a shining example of resourceful,sustainable, responsible hospitality. Its carbon footprint is verylow, its septic systems are non-polluting, electrical outputminimal and materials recyclable. Set on a 250-acre privaterainforest reserve, it is a wonderful place to appreciatenature and learn about a fascinating country while luxuriatingin exotic comfort. For further information, visit www.ranchopacifico.com TOP TIPConnect with nature during a night hike through the rainforest SASAAB, KENYA Nestled in the remote Samburu area of northern Kenya, you canobserve rare Kenyan wildlife while supporting traditional tribalbush life. Situated on the Ewaso Nyiro River, Sasaab's ninelodges have been built predominantly from recycled materials.Solar panels supply electricity and the gardens provide most ofthe vegetables. There is also a communal dining and living area,and a large pool and spa. Sasaab also supports its local school,and, in time, the lodge will be run by the local community.For further information visit www.sasaab.comTOP TIPVisit a neighbouring village for a rare insight into local culture