Green holidays reach the world party capital

The website www.ecofriendlytourist.com tracks down low-impact tours to a Mediterranean hotspot

[ClickPress, Sun Apr 01 2007] Think Ibiza. Think white sandy beaches and brilliant sunshine. Then think debauchery and dusk to dawn clubbing.

By contrast, just fifteen minutes away from the hordes - and from what is claimed as the world’s biggest night club with a ten thousand capacity - is an ecological oasis designed to show that an alternative life-style is within the reach of everyone. Called Casita Verde (literally “little green house”) and set in a beautiful valley near the village of San Jose it is a highlight of the Green Ibiza Tours which are due to kick off later this spring.

The tours are organised by a local outfit called Light Vision and feature a healthy mix of nature, well-being activities such as yoga and Pilates, local culture, music events and ecology, all wrapped in a 5 day package. Plus, according to its co-founder Mike MacLeod, “a great amount of fun, laughter and essential free time”.

Every tour is for up to twenty five people with accommodation in wooden bungalows or under canvas. The itinerary includes visits to the island’s beauty spots, a session cleaning a rubbish-affected beach, ecological and environmental education and, after each incredible puesto de sol (“sunset”), there is evening entertainment with specials such as beach Drum Circles, a slice of local culture Ibizenco style and club nights too.

Casita Verde was founded in 1993, is run by another local organisation called Greenheart and describes itself as a model ecological centre. It puts ideas about sustainable living into action. Current projects include a rainwater collection system, alternative energy, making natural products from locally available materials, like musical instruments, jewellery, art, crafts, health food and skin care preparations using home-grown aloe vera and other natural products.

According to Mike MacLeod, “Our holidaying groups have always gelled and formed new friendships - and even some romance.” He says he is currently waiting for a wedding invitation from one couple.

More seriously, he believes that inspiring people to return from Ibiza determined to make green changes in their lives means that the tours are a making a difference. To round off each trip there are eco-friendly takeaways in the form of guidelines on conservation whilst on holiday, together with an ecopack to keep the green goings-on continuing once back at home.

“We note contentedness in folk at the end of a tour, where before there had been stress,” says MacLeod.. “Above all, Ibiza desperately needs a new model of more-caring, clued-up tourism, and our tours are a green light on the way forward.”

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The holiday dates for the 2007 Green Ibiza Tour are:
Friday 25th - Tuesday 29th May
Friday 13th - Tuesday 17th July
Friday 7th - Tuesday 11th September

For more information visit Light Visions at:
http://www.webroot-es.com/lv/index_eng.htm

www.ecofriendlytourist.com is a user-friendly guide for green travellers. It was launched in December 2006, is based in London and its content is based on journalistic research.

For further information please contact: webmaster@ecofriendlytourist.com