Scottish island reaps financial reward protecting birds

by Sean McLachlan on

The Isle of Mull in the Scottish Inner Hebrides is making millions by protecting the white-tailed eagle and other birds.

This small island, home to about 2,700 people and 250 bird species, gets 6,000 visitors a year who spend £2 million ($3.3 million). That’s 2.2 tourists and £741 ($1,211) per person.

Well, the people of Mull only get half that; the other half goes to the Mull Eagle Watch, the organization that monitors and helps the birds. I doubt the locals begrudge this ecological sugar daddy a bit of support.

The local community uses the money for education, youth groups, and other initiatives. The folks at Treehugger say this environmental/tourist model works so well in Mull because the community is small and relatively autonomous, so the money doesn’t get lost in some vast, corrupt bureaucracy.

While most visitors come to Mull for its rugged scenery and abundant wildlife, there are also castles, prehistoric ruins, a stone circle, and a local whiskey distillery. As residents celebrate ten years of the eagle project, they can look forward to a strong tourist industry to showcase all of their island’s natural and historic heritage.

Holiday Inn’s human bed-warming services

by Melanie Nayer on

Valentine’s Day brings out the romantic in people, and for some people there are no limits to the depths of their romance. Case in point: the fine staff at the Holiday Inn’s London Kensington hotel.

These happy helpers will hop in your bed (for free) for a five-minute “human bed warming” service. Upon request, a willing member of the hotel staff will jump in your bed before you get in and “warm it up”, dressed head-to-foot in an all-in-one sleeper suit, which we assume looks something like a Snuggie with feet.

“Like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed” is how Holiday Inn spokeswoman Jane Bednall described the idea to Sky News.

Of course, it’s been a cold winter in London so we’ll give Holiday Inn props for coming up with a creative way to taking the chill out of the air. However, while medical professionals claim a warm bed helps you fall asleep faster, there is something to be said for you bringing the heat yourself – consider it a romantic start to your Valentine’s Day weekend.

Five steps to a better Valentine’s Day from Fairmont

by Tom Johansmeyer on

After the toll that 2009 took on your spirit and your body, it’s time for you to commit to a relaxed and steady 2010. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in on board with this and is kicking in some amazing deals through its Willow Stream spa brand, which is available around the world. So, if you’re planning to hit Monte Carlo, Miami or the Mayan Riviera, you’ll have a top-shelf treatment ready and waiting for you. Check out the “Follow Your Heart” spa experiences on tap at 11 Fairmont hotels this Valentine’s Day.

One Heart: This is a Red Ribbon Lips facial upgrade and includes a complimentary Jane Iredale Organic Sugar Lip Scrub treatment that will soften and soothe your lips. Worried about dry, cracked lip kissing? That won’t be a problem after this treatment.

Two Heart: Willow Stream’s Sending You Kisses offer includes a Willow Stream Lip Kit and Lip Definer pencil, which will make softened lips eye-catching — translation: you’ll more likely have the chance to use them.

Three Heart: Enjoy a Heartfelt 90-minute spa experience, an hour of which is side-by-side for couples, with a 30-minute dip in the spa’s oversized whirlpool tubs … complete with champagne.

Four Heart: The Love Me package makes you the center of attention. The solo day at the spa includes a 90-minute experience before noon and a Willow Stream spa bento box lunch.

Five Heart: Willow stream will Love You Forever. On the first day of the month, guests will enjoy enjoy either a 60-minute or 90-minute spa treatment … for an entire year!

Participating resorts include: Fairmont Turnberry Isle (Miami), Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Scottsdale, Fairmont Le Montreux Place (Switzerland), Fairmont Mayakoba (Mexico), Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Fairmont Banff Springs (Alberta), Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Southampton (Bermuda), Fairmont Monte Carlo, Fairmont Empress (Victoria, British Columbia).

New airport opens in Spain

by Sean McLachlan on

Last Sunday travelers to Spain got a new flight option–an airport in Lleida (also known as Lérida) in Cataluña.

Lleida is an ancient town, founded in prehistoric times and boasting the typical Spanish attractions of historic buildings, modernist architecture, museums, good food, and a fun nightlife. Of particular interest is the 12th century Romanesque Church of Sant Llorenç with its elegant altarpieces. Atop a nearby hill is the Templar castle of Gardeny, built in the same century.

The airport officially opened Sunday with the landing of a special Airbus A320 Vueling flight from Barcelona. Vueling will start commercial flights on February 5 to Paris and Palma de Mallorca.

The government also hopes travelers to nearby Andorra will use the airport. They estimate 50,000 travelers will use the airport in its first year.

Foodie travel: One day in Rome

by Melanie Nayer on

With all the smells scenting the streets of Rome, it’s hard to know where to start when you’re hungry. Don’t worry, weary travelers, the best thing about being in Italy is that you can taste everything in one day (as long as you know how to pace yourself).

Nothing wakes you up quite like a coffee from an Italian cafe, and since you’re likely to be a little jetlag from your flight this first cup will be an essential start to your day. Grab a cup of whatever you choose and spend the morning people watching near the Spanish Steps or along the Via Condotti.

After some strolling and sight-seeing, cop-a-squat at any of the cafes in the Piazza Navona and enjoy some much-needed sustenance while you watch the local artists paint in the square. A basic tomato and mozzarella salad with a glass of red wine provides the perfect nourishment. The basket of fresh bread on the table goes great with the olive oil and balsamic from the dish.

Dinner is served late-night in Italy, so you’ll want to snack on something late-afternoon to hold you over while you enjoy cocktail time or late-night sightseeing. Most hotel bars have antipasto options including cheese plates, chips or olives, and they aren’t to be missed.After a long day walking Rome, standing in lines for the top tourist attractions and spending a few Euro on some finer things, you’ll want a little something to tide you over until dinner. Order up a glass of Barolo, dig into the olives and enjoy the start to your evening.

It’s hard not to find a good meal in Rome, but Italians take dinner seriously and you should be prepared for a feast. Don’t miss the zucchini blossoms in the Jewish Quarter or a fresh prosciutto pizza from any of the cafes in the city. If you’re craving pasta, however, you’re obviously in the right place. Sit down and let the waiter be your guide.

Rome restaurants have a way of making guests feel at home. The kitchen is at your service, the antipasto bar is for your perusal and there’s a wine on the list to go with everything that comes to your table. If you’re not sure what to get, just ask – the purpose of the meal is to be together and embrace the flavors of the food, and the people that surround your table.

I couldn’t decide between the pomadoro or the pesto, and so I got a little of both. The moral of the story: You can have it all in Italy, if you just ask.