Thanda Private Game Reserve in Hluhluwe has been selected as a finalist in the 2007 Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism for its social commitment to uplifting its surrounding communities. Imvelo, which means ‘nature’ in the Nguni languages, supports the guidelines framing the concept of responsible tourism and encourages establishments within the tourism industry to adopt social and environmental awareness campaigns. Since its inception in 2002, Thanda Private Game Reserve has committed to the ethos, ‘for the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones’ to ensure that the creation and running of the five-star lodge has had minimal impact on the surrounding communities and ecosystems.

In true celebration of nature and its impeccable timing, someone must have switched the switch for Spring “on”, as Thanda welcomed an elephant calf and three lion cubs to its ever-increasing stock of game this September.

"On the morning of September 26th our guides saw the Lioness with the 3 cubs for the first time. They didn’t stay on the road for very long, but the guests did manage to get a picture of one of the cubs. I can’t wait to see them myself. I was only able to go out in the afternoon and saw the big elephant bull close to Base Camp. He didn’t even look at the vehicle when he walked passed. It’s the same Bull that was up at the Lodge the other night. I got a message a little later that the male lion was at the bomas again with the
cheetahs".
(Mariana Venter, Wildlife Researcher)

UK hotels deemed to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism have been identified.

A range of independently owned and corporate properties share the honours in the first register of its kind.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme has handed out gold awards to those companies which have demonstrated a firm commitment to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable tourism.

The list was compiled by a team of independent assessors who individually verified each establishment's green credentials before granting them the highest possible grading, according to the organisation.

They had to achieve a minimum standard from more than 120 separate measures ranging from best management practice and energy saving to buying local produce and caring for wildlife and the landscape.

Green Tourism Business Scheme director Andrea Nicholas said: "This is more than just a list it is a sign of the future as more people are demanding that hotels have to be environmentally aware.

"Our assessors visited every hotel on the list and verified their claims to be green.

"We are delighted that so many places want to win the highest accolade - a Gold Award, many others have achieved Bronze or Silver. These hotels are pioneering the way."

The Green Tourism Business Scheme was founded in partnership with VisitScotland ten years ago and has more than 1,400 members across the UK.

Britain's 50 'Greenest' Hotels:

1. Ambassador Hotel, Brighton., East Sussex.
2. Apex City Hotel, Edinburgh, Midlothian.
3. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee, Angus.
4. Apex European Hotel, Edinburgh, Midlothian.
5. Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh, Midlothian.
6. Argyll Hotel, Isle of Iona, Argyll.
7. Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall.
8. Blueseas Hotel, Penzance, Cornwall.
9. Budock Vean Hotel, Falmouth, Cornwall.
10. Careys Manor Hotel & Senspa, Brockenhurst, Hampshire.
11. Castle Campbell Hotel, Dollar, Clackmannanshire.
12. Cleaton House, Westray, Orkney.
13. Crown and Cushion Hotel, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
14. Dartmouth Golf and Country Club, Dartmouth, Devon.
15. Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, Melrose, Roxburghshire.
16. Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel, Alnwick, Northumberland.
17. Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland St Andrews, Fife.
18. Glazebrook House Hotel, Ivybridge, Devon.
19. Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire.
20. Greenbanks Country Hotel, Wendling, Norfolk.
21. Herrislea House, Tingwall, Shetland.
22. Hilton Colyumbridge Hotel, Aviemore, Inversness-shire.
23. Isles of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre, Fort William, Inverness-shire.
24. Jurys Inn, Glasgow, Glasgow, Strathclyde.
25. Kings Manor Hotel, Edinburgh, Midlothian.
26. Langass Lodge, Locheport, Isle of North Uist.
27. Loch Torridon Hotel, Achnasheen, Ross-shire.
28. New Hall, St Andrews, Fife.
29. New Lanark Mill Hotel, Lanark, Lanarkshire.
30. Park Hotel, Thurso, Caithness.
31. Paskins Town House, Brighton, East Sussex.
32. Pennyghael Hotel, Pennyghael, Isle of Mull.
33. Pool House Hotel, Poolewe, Ross-shire
34. Primrose Valley Hotel, St Ives, Cornwall.
35. Radison SAS Glasgow, Glasgow, Renfrewshire.
36. Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian.
37. Rufflets Country House & Garden Restaurant, St Andrews, Fife.
38. Station Hotel, Dumfries, Dumfriesh
39. Stein Inn Waternish, Isle of Skye
40. Strattons Hotel, Swafham, Norfolk.
41. Sunny Brae Hotel, Nairn, Inverness-shire.
42. Tables Hotel, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye.
43. The Ballachulish Hotel, Fort William, Inverness-shire
44. The Bonham, Edinburgh, Midlothian
45. The Foveran Hotel, Kirkwall, Orkney
46. The Howard, Edinburgh, Midlothian
47. The Silverdale Hotel, Brighton, East Sussex.
48. The White Horse Inn, Chichester, West Sussex.
49. The Winnock Hotel (Drymen), Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire.
50. Willowburn Hotel, Oban, Argyll. 

Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa was voted winner of the COUNTRY INN category in the acclaimed, Getaway Magazine’s, Top 10 Getaway Places 2007 Competition.

Getaway Magazine, South Africa’s popular glossy travel publication annually invites its readers to vote for their Top 10 Getaway Places.  The winners of the 10 categories were announced at the prestigious Getaway Show Exhibitor's Award function with Paul Grobler, Cybele’s Assistant General Manager receiving the award on behalf of the lodge.

Luxury lodgings - The exclusive Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa is limited to 28 guests. All accommodation is luxurious and spacious with romantic touches: private gardens, fireplaces and outdoor showers and the Suites feature private heated pools. Cybele is the perfect chill-out and rejuvenation retreat before or after a Sabi Sand safari and the perfect base to explore the tourism attraction-rich scenic Mpumalanga region of South Africa.

Pastry Chef Derryck Adams from Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort Takes Home First Place in the Chocolate Masterpiece competition.

Many studies have touted the benefits of chocolate, including theories about its power to positively impact moods. So it came as no surprise when Hilton Hotels - dedicated to positively impacting guests' journeys - challenged its chefs to create the ultimate chocolate concoction. Pastry chef and seven-year Hilton veteran, Derryck Adams from the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Florida beat out 50 other entries to take home first prize for his Cappuccino Chocolate Delight.

'The Hilton Chocolate Creation Recipe Contest allowed us to highlight the incredible culinary diversity consumers can find at Hilton's restaurants across the globe,' said Hans Brosbol, director of food and beverage - Hilton Hotels. 'The 50 unique entries demonstrate creativity, exceptional talent, and a deep appreciation of local flavors and palates.'

Each chef was asked to use a high-end chocolate to create a unique dish. Contestants submitted a recipe and photograph of the finished product. The 50 entries were judged on the basis of presentation, perceived ease of production and flair and whittled down to 15 finalists. The 15 finalists' dishes were prepared and tasted by five judges. The winning entry was selected based on presentation ('wow factor'), ease of production and overall taste and quality.

Other finalists included a Chocolate Moscato D'Asti Mousse from the Hilton Austin, a Grand Couva Chocolate Tropical Mango Exotica from the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Center, and a Chocolat Soupe from the Hilton Lac Leamy in Montreal.

THE WINNING RECIPE:

Derryck Adam's Cappuccino Chocolate Delight

Ingredients (makes 12 servings):

1 slice: chocolate sponge
4 each: egg yolk
2 oz: sugar
8 oz: cream cheese
3 cups: heavy cream (whipped)
1 oz: Myers Original Dark rum
2 oz: coffee espresso
8 oz: Godiva white chocolate
1 cup: heavy cream
12 lb: Godiva dark chocolate
1 oz: raspberry puree
1 oz: mango puree
1 oz: granulated sugar

Directions:

Whip egg yolk until fluffy. Cook two ounces of sugar to a soft ball and add it to the egg yolk. Melt the white chocolate with the coffee and fold it in the cream cheese and whipped cream. Arrange the sponge in a cake mold and soak the sponge with the rum. Pour the mix in the cake mold and freeze it.

How to make a ganash:

1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a boil, then add 12 oz of dark chocolate.

When the cake is frozen take it out of the freezer and cut it into 12 slices.

Many luxury hotels now offer cooking experiences for their guests - we've compiled a list of some of the best in our Cooking Holidays section

In line with the global movement to 'go greener', Agoda.com, an independent online travel company that specializes in discount hotel bookings, has released a Top 10 list of eco-friendly hotels in Asia. 

As travelers the world over realize that the responsibility to protect the environment is a shared one, they are adopting greener lifestyles and scrutinizing the hotels and destinations they choose to stay in. According to the International Ecotourism Society, approximately 70% of travelers prefer to pay a premium rate for a hotel that is eco-friendly than one that is better-priced but void of corporate social responsibility policies.

As Agoda CEO and co-founder Michael Kenny says, 'It's only natural that tourists want to conserve the sites they are visiting and give something back to the community. As a travel company, Agoda applauds hotels that are progressive in their attitude towards the environment and sustainable tourism.'

Importantly, 'going green' is not just related to the environment, but involves all areas of sustainability and social responsibility. Achieving a green standard, as defined by the International Tourism Partnership, includes six key areas: environmental management, policy and framework, staff training and awareness, purchasing, people and communities and destination protection.
 
While the Agoda Company provides a global service, the group is particularly experienced in the Asian travel market, hence they limited their list of 'green' hotels to Asia.

The Agoda 'Top 10 Green Hotels in Asia' are: 
Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand: Transforming the site of an abandoned tin mine which was once described by the UN as a 'toxic wasteland' into the environmental showcase it is today proves just how powerful responsible tourism can be. Such is the legacy of the Banyan Tree group. Now as much of a wildlife sanctuary as it is a resort complex, the Banyan Tree Phuket is an inspiration to everyone. True champions of the principles of corporate social responsibility, guests are assured when they stay at Banyan Tree that part of their fees will be directed into conserving the environment and local community.

La Residence d'Angkor, Siem Reap,Cambodia: Designed to blend harmoniously with the environment, La Residence also possesses a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Beyond their environmentally sound practices (which include treating water so that it can be released back into the river and keeping used oil for biofuel production) the hotel also donates regularly to local charities and invites guests to do the same. In particular, they support the Angkor Hospital for Children through the weekly screening of a video where guests have the opportunity to ask the hospital staff questions and can contribute either second-hand items or donate money to the cause.

Evason Hua Hin Resort & Six Senses Spa, Thailand: The iconic thatched huts of the Evason Hua Hin Resort are not misleading in terms of their eco-friendly nature. Drawing on biodegradable products and adopting practices that conserve energy and minimize waste, the resort also supports several local initiatives such as the Mangrove Forest Conservation, the Kervorkian Foundation (dedicated to assisting HIV+ babies and children) as well as providing employment opportunities to disabled individuals and hosting its own organic vegetable farm.

Nihiwatu, Sumba Island, Indonesia: There is no place on earth like Sumba Island. Here, the indigenous traditions and animist culture of the Sumbanese people remain completely in tact. And the resort has no intention of changing that. Located on 438 acres of tropical forest and rice terraces and surrounded by some of the world's most pristine beaches, Nihiwatu is a place to go and immerse yourself in nature. The resort is strongly committed to conserving its native surrounds and improving the quality of life of the Sumbanese people.

Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle, Thailand. Nestled in the tropical jungle of Thailand's most Northern province, Anantara's Golden Triangle resort also plays a significant role in elephant conservation. As part of The Royal Thai Government's Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), this project is aimed at protecting elephants and keeping them in an environment similar to the traditional mahout camps which supported the once-thriving logging industry. With unique programs for guests that involve mahout training as well as elephant trekking and forest living skills, the conservation experience is a truly interactive one.

Amar Vilas Agra, India: As part of the esteemed Oberoi Resorts and Hotels, this beautifully designed luxury resort is within 600 metres of the majestic Taj Mahal. But besides its unique architectural and landscape design, the Amar Vilas also upholds a commitment to philanthropic activities (including education and support for the mentally and physically challenged) in addition to conserving the local environment and cultural heritage.

Popa Mountain Resort, Bagan, Myanmar: Located in the forest woodlands on the side of Popa mountain, this resort has been sensitively designed to suit its surroundings. Guests are enclosed in the vibrant, yet peaceful terrain and there is ample opportunity to hike and visit the breathtaking Mt. Popa shrine. Using biodegradable products and adopting their own recycling practices to avoid environmental damage, this small resort can bring you back to nature in its purest form.

Suneva Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa, Maldives: Just as all the Six Senses properties do, this resort has a comprehensive policy on its environmental and social responsibilities. Suneva Fushi in particular supports a myriad of Maldivian community initiatives including tree planting on Eydafushi Island, hosting eye camps where locals get free treatment from ophthalmologists, sponsoring the Maldivian Cultural Centre and many more.

Tanjung Sanctuary Hotel, Langkawi, Malaysia: True to its name and slogan, this resort literally is a sanctuary for those who 'don't like big hotels' but have a passion for nature. The Tanjung Sanctuary Hotel does not list its specific policies on the environment, the resort's design and practices uphold the ideals of sustainable tourism. Importantly, they provide a unique insight into the local flora and fauna with specially designed educational tours for guests.

Alila Ubud and Manggis Resorts, Bali, Indonesia: These two resorts are in close proximity to each other and both recently achieved Green Globe certified status. Alila Ubud was awarded best practice results in waste recycling, managing to recycle 80% of its water consumption. Alila Manggis excelled in the reduction of water and electricity consumption as well as community contribution by employing 85% of its staff from within 20km of the resort site.