Responsible? Did you say responsible?
At Charly, we provide inspiration for escape, to postcard-worthy locations, for experiences to share. But the world is changing, and so we would like to talk to you about a trend that is becoming ever more popular. The team has been pondering and reflecting on best practices for travel. Many of you, among our loyal travellers, are concerned about your impact, and are genuinely committed to this issue. We have our heart set on helping you, not by drastically changing our company objectives, to which we are firmly committed, but by suggesting the best way forward.
By minimising the negative effects of our respective journeys,
by conserving the environment or even by prioritising ever more authentic encounters.
In the spirit of discovery, cruise the “land below the wind”.
Situated between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Indonesia is composed of 14,000 islands located below the Equator. The ideal playground at any time of year, and easy to explore by boat. Climb aboard and visit the islands one after the other aboard the Silolona, for an authentic long-distance voyage. In 2004, this 50-metre Phinisi sailing boat was meticulously designed and constructed by hand in Sulawesi. It is made from the best tropical hardwoods, from its hull to its interiors. Inspired by the vessels that traded on the spice route in Indonesia, Silolona evokes a rich tradition. The crew are renowned for their expertise in ancestral culture and customs. This all began with her American owner, who was promoting cultural exchanges, arranging for charitable medical aid to be delivered to remote islands, and organising excursions to local communities… Most of the crew members were proud to be able to participate in her construction, and are currently involved in her maintenance. The experiences on offer here include free diving along the pristine reefs teeming with hundreds of corals and thousands of species of fish, including Manta rays, sharks, dolphins and giant turtles. In Flores, meeting the members of a tribe, being welcomed and protected through a sharing ceremony, forms part of the many traditions of Indonesian culture. Life revolves around daily offerings to the gods and tribal dances. Other rituals prepare young men for war, celebrate the union between two families during a wedding, or evoke the primordial moment of sowing seeds.
By supporting the local economy in a fair manner, at Kilima Camp, Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Located on an escarpment overhanging the Mara plains and river, the camp offers exceptional experiences, with only 15 tents over an area of 200 hectares, with free access for the wildlife. Safaris on foot, on horseback, in a hot air balloon, and of course with specialised 4×4 vehicles, with studies currently being carried out in order to switch to electric vehicles… A camp with classic charm? Not really, because the estate is being leased from the Maasai community, who receive rent and will become the owners of the lodge once the lease agreement expires. 90% of the staff come from the surroundings villages and are trained in Nairobi. The lodge is self-sufficient in terms of water, and run by 95% on solar and wind power. The food served is local and organic, and even the mozzarella is made on site!
By conserving the environment in Mazunte, on the coast of Oaxaca, in Mexico.
Until 1990, turtle hunting was still being practised. It has now been banned in Mazunte, and NGOs in the area have made this a virtuous place, devoted to ecotourism. The protection of nature is the number one source of income, especially in the village of Ventanilla. The active local community is composed of around 25 families, who are all working hard to preserve the life of the mangroves and conserve their biodiversity through the “La Ventanilla Ecotourism Services” cooperative. A relatively recent organisation, the cooperative has already grown, thanks to the profits earned with passion and determination. Visit the sanctuary and participate in the various activities that the association offers, both in terms of leisure, culture, or related to more long-term charity work. The experiences and excursions are all centred around the crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and other birds that inhabit this heavenly place.
By enjoying nature, in Chile.
Around twenty kilometres from Castro in Chile, overlooking the islands of the Chiloé archipelago and the imposing Andes mountain range, the silhouette of Tierra Chiloé blends into the landscape. Respectful of its environment, this haven for travellers looking for authentic experiences merges architectural achievement with local traditions. The building is inspired by the houses on stilts that are emblematic of this island. Glass, cement and larch feature on the exterior, whereas the interior pays homage to the local craft of woodworking with its cladding made of indigenous cypress. In a special location, far away from the hubbub and pollution of the city, the boilers powered with biomass pellets provide the hot water.
The architectural design, for its part, ensures cross ventilation, to cool the spaces without using electricity. All of the windows with solar panels are equipped with “low E” technology, preserving 66% of the heat that is usually lost. The hotel, just like its two sister properties, the Atacama and the Patagonia, has been designed to allow in as much natural light as possible, to avoid unnecessary consumption of electricity.
Prioritise encounters and experiences = Mongolia on horseback.
To nourish body and soul, crossing Mongolia requires meticulous preparation. But immersion in its exceptional landscapes, in combination with heartfelt exchanges, promotes personal development through unique human experiences. The Mongolian people are traditionally pastoral nomads, with their character having been forged by the fragility of the central Asian steppes, a harsh climate and a density of less than one inhabitant per square kilometre. The result is an unparalleled humanity and culture of hospitality. So why not do this journey on horseback?
You will encounter hordes of restless foals, farmers riding towards you to greet you, nomads walking with goats and sheep across verdant, rolling pastures.
Find comfort in the evenings in a yurt with your host, in the middle of nowhere. The digital detox is complete, as you will be isolated in the middle of vast plains, where the traditional Mongolian songs and the calls of the eagles reverberate all around you.
Here, each meeting has a purpose, especially because sharing the everyday life of a family over several days turns into a spiritual quest. The calendar is interspersed with several holidays, during which the nomads meet up with their relatives and neighbours, and continue traditions that span several generations.
But let’s not forget proximity tourism, offering plenty of opportunities for a change of scenery, and a simple way to reconnect with our environment.
In the words of “Agir pour un tourisme responsable”:
- Be well informed about your destination
- Choose committed professionals
- Bring only essentials
- Do some research on the limits of haggling
- Find out more about tips and gratuities
- Think critically
