Whether you are a traveller, a student, or an ecotour operator, you likely seek authentic experiences. Hitesh Mehta’s new book, Authentic Ecolodges, may just be the resource you were always wishing for!
The book is a beautifully photographed and meticulously written resource of world’s leading authentic ecolodges likely to be appreciated by those who seek such experiences. The many case studies portray exemplary practice in sustainable design, development and operation, supported by detailed site plans, sketches and descriptions, not to mention over 300 state-of-the-art photographs taken by the author. Using this book as your resource for planning your next trip, you will have access to the best international standards worldwide! This means travellers will have a higher awareness and be more knowledgeable in their travel decisions when choosing where to stay, which in turn will have a positive impact on the local environment and the hosts of visited regions.
If you think it must cost a fortune to stay in the world-leading ecolodges, you may be right because some charge over $500 per night. However, the lower end of the spectrum starts at $15 a night hence the high cost won’t stay in the way of keen travellers. To help with the array of differences in standards between the lodges, Hitesh Mehta devised an International Ecolodge Rating System. He has travelled to and physically inspected each lodge to devise an appropriate rating system that would encompass environmental and social differences globally.
Currently Hitesh is enjoying the lime light on his World Premier Book Lauch and Tour, including his latest Europe/Africa tour in late November/December. I have met Hitesh at a Conference in Costa Rica where I had an opportunity to browse through his book and chat about his philosophy and inspiration for writing it. His desire in writing Authentic Ecolodges is to inspire environmental and social awareness among travellers and professionals alike, and to celebrate the brilliant work of the multitude of crafts persons, builders, and designers which culminated in these lodges. Through this book Hitesh wishes to give the power to travellers to make informed decisions about where they stay, which has a tremendous impact on the local economies and conservation efforts, alike.
As he quotes Ghandi, Hitesh’s wish is to “be the change that he wants to see in the world”, and meeting him in person you just know he means it in the most altruistic way possible.