ESCAPE 41
PIKAIA LODGE, GALAPAGOS
Built on a small plateau atop two extinct volcanic craters, Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos is a mecca of sustainability and eco-
consciousness. Its 14 rooms afford amazing views of the surrounding terrain. Float in the infinity pool on the edge of the giant tortoise reserve, or explore one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Visit:
http://pikaialodge.com
BEYOND THE REMOTE NOT AFRAID TO ROUGH IT? HERE ARE SOME OF THE WORLD’S REMOTEST AREAS
LISU LODGE, THAILAND Found in the lush valley of Chiang Mai,
the lodge gets its name from the nearby Lisu Tribe Village. Here you’ll find a community-based project run by the villagers, aimed at conserving Thailand’s heritage. Activities include experiencing local living, visiting a tea plantation or helping to restore the forest ecosystem at the Himmapaan plant nursery, working with the locals. Visit:
www.asian-oasis. com/
lisu-lodge.html
HAVASUPAI LODGE,
GRAND CANYON The remote village of Supai is a 12km hike below the rim of the Grand Canyon, home to the Havasu Baaja (also known as the “People of the Blue-Green Waters”). A hidden limestone aquifer provides the blue-green waters that nourish fields of corn, squash and beans on which the tribe subsists within this harsh desert landscape. The amazing location makes the hike well worthwhile. Everything is trekked in and out of the village on foot or on horseback – and every item you take in must be taken out with you when you leave. The lodge offers only basic accommodation and you need to book
well in advance, but the beauty’s the stuff of bucket lists! Visit:
www.theofficialhavasupaitribe.com
TRISTAN DA CUNHA, SOUTH
ATLANTIC OCEAN Talk about isolated! This island of rare wildlife is best known for its volcano (which last erupted in 1961, leading to the temporary evacuation of all its inhabitants). Today it has only 254 citizens and to visit it, you’ll need permission from the Island Council. Most visitors try to stay for at least six months. It can only be reached by ship, a 2 810km voyage from Cape Town Harbour which takes about six days. Visit:
www.tristandc.com
BLACK SHEEP INN, ECUADOR Certified by the Ecuador Ecotourism
Society, the Black Sheep Inn in Cotopaxi is believed to be one of the highest establishments in the world. It’s a small, friendly ecolodge that offers comfortable accommodation and green cred. Shower water is charcoal-filtered and the grey water’s used to irrigate the reeds that feed the llamas, guinea pigs and sheep. Facilities include a vegetarian restaurant,
a sauna and composting toilets which help fertilise the organic garden. The Andean mountain range surrounding the inn is the biggest drawcard. Explore the sierras of Rio Toachi Canyon, the cloud forest or the Pre-Incan ruins on foot, horse or llama. Visit:
www.blacksheepinn.com
PALACIO DE SAL, BOLIVIA Considered to be one of the most exotic
hotels in the world, Palacio de Sal is built entirely from salt, including the walls, floors, furniture and sculptures. It’s located on the banks of the majestic Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt pan. Just don’t lick the chairs! Visit:
www.palaciodesal.com.bo
POLE OF COLD, RUSSIA Oymayakon is believed to be the
coldest place in the world (the average temperature in January is -61o
C!). Five-
day expeditions have been created that take you from Yakutsk to Oymyakon and back. Highlights include spending a night in a family home, meeting the Keeper of the Cold – the ceremonial custodian of the area – and receiving a Pole of the Cold certificate. Visit:
www.visityakutia.com
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