ECOCLUB Blogs™

The Coffee Shop of Zagora Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Pelion, Greece

No matter what lengths corporate chains, green-certified or not, may go to convince you that they are just as beneficial for local communities and the planet as small, locally-owned, family-run tours and accommodations, the simple truth is they are not because they can never be. The long explanation is at https://ecoclub.com/about/philosophy . The short one is that they are run for the benefit of corporate shareholders, and adequate corporate profits in an exploitative system can only be made by fully exploiting everything and everyone, and then maybe throwing back some CSR chunks to the community for the annual ESG report. Whereas, you can support local families directly! It's not a difficult choice, as according to estimates, for example in Greece, about 80% of all hotels are under 50 rooms and the overwhelming majority of these are independent and family-run. If you can also find a self-managed or cooperatively-owned establishment, such as a taverna, cafe, brewery, winery or other attraction nearby, do likewise! You do not have to start a revolution on your holidays, just choose wisely and locally (after researching ownership), book directly (not through major exploitative OTAs) and who knows you may just break the chains!

Vytina view from Mt. Mainalon

Nestled high on Mt. Mainalon in Arcadia, the Drakotrypia cave – or the Dragon's Hole – offers a fascinating detour for those exploring the green heart of the Peloponnese. This cave, explored in 1969 but still blessedly undeveloped, sits about 5km from and overlooks the picturesque stone-built village of Vytina. Its location, a short detour off the ...

On this Earth Day, we celebrate the wonderful organic farming families we work with during our @Crete's Culinary Seminars and the organic farmers, chefs, botanists, archaeologists, doctors and many others in our documentary, Heritage Protectors. To support our work-in-progress, now in post-production, go to Sima Studios. https://simastudios.org/fiscal-sponsorship/heritage-protectors/ #WorldEarthDay2025

Northern Pakistan features stunning views, centuries-old traditions, and promising adventure opportunities. Imagine towering mountains like K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi—giants that call climbers and trekkers from across the world. But it is not just the peaks: lush valleys like Swat, Chitral, Hunza, Skardu, and Swat dazzle with green meadows, icy lakes, and villages where hospitality feels like home. The lakes here are pure magic. Attabad’s blue waters, Sheosar’s mirror-like surface, and Saif-ul-Muluk’s legendary charm are perfect for boat rides or lazy picnics. For wilder adventures, head to Deosai National Park—the “Land of Giants”—where flower-covered plains stretch endlessly, and Himalayan brown bears roam. Glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows add to the region’s raw, untouched beauty. Culture thrives here too. Ancient forts like Baltit and Altit in Hunza whisper tales of kings and empires. In Chitral, the Kalash people celebrate colorful festivals that feel like stepping into a different era. And do not miss the food! Bite into juicy apricots, crunchy walnuts, and hearty local dishes that taste like the mountains themselves. Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Trek rocky trails, climb sheer cliffs, ski snowy slopes, or raft wild rivers. Drive the Karakoram Highway—nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”—for roads that twist past jaw-dropping vistas....

Botanical Hike, Crete, Greece

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Open Seminars in Crete, Greece: Real Food Routes of Crete, Greece, June 2 - 8, 2025 Heraklion, Crete regional historic sites, organic farms and villages A 6-day experiential learning program designed for professional researchers and enthusiasts of Crete's culture, nature, cuisine and organic agriculture. Discover Crete'...

Happy to share that I'll be joining a panel of experts and speaking at 9th International Talk: Green Business, Sustainability and Climate Action! Since I have been developing and promoting regenerative concepts and the rationale underlying this multidisciplinary body of work in the mid 1990s, the concept of Regeneration has been adopted by some across many sectors and gained some traction internationally. During this talk I will highlight some of the key aspects of this innovation whilst delving deeper into its history, evolution from sustainability to regeneration models for travel and tourism businesses, but not only as well as some of its successful, practical applications to date. These had produced some of the most promising regenerative outcomes that have helped shape and drive climate action through projects and ventures in diverse geographical locations. Join us at this exciting Online Event, this coming Tuesday on January 7th to learn more about the latest international innovation for Climate, Green Business and Sustainability!

Athens downtown, December 1944

80 years ago, on this day, December 3, 1944, and for a month, Athens became a battlefield. Extreme positions and cruelty on both sides, plus the hand of outside powers keen, as always, on dividing and ruling led to thousands of deaths, followed by tens of thousands in the ensuing Greek Civil war 1946-1949, which still poisons political life in Gree...

Running a multifaceted high-end hospitality business is a challenging act of balancing profitability and sustainability. I know this first-hand having renovated a historic watermill in Andalusia, Spain which housed The Centre for Natural Design and Innovation. It was a mixed-use development with glamping accommodation. Glamping is light, tented and...

" /> How a regenerative thinking is starting to unravel in sectors and communities around the world and how you can develop a hospitality business that is future proof "The time for talk has passed. What we need today is action." - Jane Goodall The innovations of the Regeneration Model presented below have been applied theoretically and practically...

The alpine pasture of Charun Owir in the district of Upper Chitral, Pakistan, is a natural wonderland known for its breathtaking display of large wild tulips. Every year, as May unfolds, the landscape here transforms into a scene straight out of a fairytale, decorated with an abundance of these colorful blooms. The sight of these majestic tulips ag...