Remembering Arts Champion and Environmental Trailblazer, Robert Redford

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Robert Redford passed away on the 17th day of September 2025 in his beloved home of Sundance, Utah. Redford was everyone’s favorite actor’s favorite actor.  He was a fixture in the world of Hollywood and an Academy Award winning actor and director whose work spanned many decades.  He has starred in notable films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), The Great Gatsby (1974), The Sting (1974), Out of Africa (1985),  Indecent Proposal (1993), Avengers: Endgame (2019) as well as Broadway shows such as  Sunday in New York (1963) and  Barefoot in the Park (1963). While driving through Provo Canyon on a motorbike, Redford took in the scenery and instantly knew that he wanted to make a home there.  Always an avid lover of nature, Robert was mesmerized by the landscapes of Utah and sought to purchase more than 5,000 acres of land in Sundance while keeping the goals of preservation and conservation in mind. He opened Sundance Mountain Resort in 1...
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Conscious Luxury Travel Series: Green Vacation Spots

The need for a safe and clean environment should have some impact on the daily decisions that people make. About 79% of Americans consider themselves to be environmentally conscious. Traveling can be a major hobby or pleasure for many. For others it is a necessary right. Vacations are needed to recoup from everyday stresses, home and work life. If you consider yourself to be environmentally conscious, then you might want to consider a few of these green cities and islands the next time you plan a vacation.


(1) Vail, Colorado- Vail, Colorado is a popular tourist destination for individuals seeking to vacation in a colder environment and participate in winter activities. Vail is home to many ski resorts. One fact that most may not know about Vail, Colorado is that many of its ski resorts embrace carbon neutral sources of power. Vail, Colorado and the surrounding ski resorts were one of the first towns to incorporate the use of wind energy as a way to decrease global warming. Vail, Colorado purchases wind credits as a way to offset the energy that is used. Snow lovers and eco-conscious individuals would really enjoy their stay here.





(2) Venice, Italy- Venice is completely automobile free even though it has a large population of around 260,000. There are no cars roaming around emitting carbon fuel into the air. Venice is home to many artisans, designers and artists. These artisans and artists sell their work in marketplaces in and around the city. Venice is also home to the Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge and the Basilica San Marco. Venice is a lovely, scenic, medieval city that would be a perfect vacation spot for the eco-conscious traveler. The photos below are from my travels in 2004.




(3) Hidden Valley Cabins in Queensland, Australia is completely solar powered. Travelers who arrive at Hidden Valley will be in for a true, sustainable experience. Visitors can opt to go on the Platypus or Night Safari or hike on a mountain trail while being surrounded by the Aussie bush wildlife. This is a wonderful green vacation spot for nature lovers.





(4) Mauna Lani Bay RESORT in Hawaii has earned a distinctive reputation for being able to generate the most solar power of any luxury resort. Mauna Lani Bay is located in Kohala Coast, Hawaii and currently generates 1,150, 250 kWh of green power each year. Mauna Lani Resort is home to two championship golf courses. Visitors are able to enjoy locally produced and sustainable cuisine while at the resort.





(5) Hix Island House in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico was designed by architect, John Hix. It is the first solar powered resort in all of the Caribbean. Hix's love of nature fueled his desire to create a sustainable and eco friendly retreat for other like minded individuals. He has expressed that his inspiration for designing Hix Island House came from the forces of nature: the sun, wind, rain and climate. The Hix Island House pool, voted the best pool on Vieques Island, is powered by solar panels. Each time a visitor stays at Hix Island House, they give back to nature. Their motto is "Guilt Free, Responsible Living."






(6) Eden Lodge, in Madagascar, Africa is a prime place to be if you are interested in responsible tourism. Eden Lodge has made it a mission of theirs to stop global warming. For every visitor that arrives at Eden Lodge, one Madagascar tree is planted into the surrounding environment. This hotel is fully powered by solar energy. All of the equipment and lighting at Eden Lodge was chosen for their low energy consumption. Tourists have the pleasure of enjoying traditional Malagasy cuisine while enjoying the benefits of renewable energy in a beachfront, cozy lodge!






Vail Photo Credit: Connor Walberg, used under CC License Agreement
Venice, Italy Photo Credit: Mechelle Eleene
Hix Island House Photo Credit: KarlNorling used under CC License Agreement
Mauna Lani Photo Credit: Rafael Castillo, used under CC License Agreement
Hidden valley cabins and eden lodge photos are used courtesy of hotel website

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