Positive destinations: from journeying with nomads to Alpine crafts

This time, we take you to a Slovenian cottage retreat, a carbon neutral B&B in England and on a traditional walking tour in Morocco

Slovenia: Alpine home stay

Homestay.com offers accommodation in the houses of local people, from private islands in Nicaragua to flash apartments in New York City. But Vesna’s cottage in Slovenia is special. Her tiny Alpine village of Plave, which has only a few hundred inhabitants, nestles among stunning mountains. And she prides herself on hosting community-focused, nature-inspired breaks. Beekeeping classes, herbal pillow-making and stone carving workshops are all on offer – a glimpse of rural life in one of the most spectacular parts of Europe. From £26 per night, including breakfast.

www.homestay.com/slovenia

Slovenia - Vesna's cottage in Plave

Your next getaway? Nature-inspired, community-focused activities against the backdrop of Slovenia’s Alps

UK: Carbon neutral B&B in Sussex

Skyhouse Sussex, in Lewes, was built with recyclable and biodegradable materials and meets the Zero Carbon standard. The contemporary B&B, surrounded by lush gardens, is as beautiful as it is green. But it’s what’s behind the scenes that is really impressive: 32 solar panels, a biomass boiler for heat and hot water, natural insulation and rainwater harvesting. Of course, all this is invisible, leaving you to enjoy the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. Guests arriving on foot, by bike or by electric car receive a 10 per cent discount for the first night’s stay. From £160 per night.

www.skyhousesussex.com

Skyhouse Sussex has 32 solar panels and a biomass boiler for heating among other sustainable features. Image: Sarah Weal

Skyhouse Sussex has 32 solar panels and a biomass boiler for heating, among other sustainable features. Image: Sarah Weal

Morocco: Walking with Berbers

Every spring, thousands of traditional Berber families migrate into the High Atlas mountains to escape the summer heat of the valleys. It’s now possible to join a family from the nomadic Ait Atta tribe on the journey, following 4,000-year-old paths into the high country, camping and taking part in daily chores such as animal herding and making bread. The scenery is spectacular, the Berber people genuinely welcoming and their way of life in tune with the Earth. Intrepid Travel offers the eight-day trip from £69 per person per night.

www.intrepidtravel.com

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