Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory

7 Fifa World Cup Hotels in Atlanta Every Eco-Friendly Fan Should Book Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (downtown)

Queen of Vitality — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:18:29 +0000

7 Fifa World Cup Hotels in Atlanta Every Eco-Friendly Fan Should Book Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (downtown)

Seven certified eco hotels in Atlanta near Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2026 World Cup, from LEED-certified high-rises to a solar-powered historic mansion, each verified green and close to the match.

Journey to the game from Ellis Hotel's close proximity to a reduced plastic stay at twelve downtown

The fastest, greenest way to do the Atlanta World Cup is to stay somewhere that already does the work for you. So these are seven certified eco hotels near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, all an easy hop from the match: a LEED Silver high-rise downtown, a Green Seal landmark steps from the action, and a solar-powered 1896 mansion in Midtown.

Every one is verified green, every one is close, and every one lets you cheer hard and still tread light on the city you came to celebrate in.

Last-minute rooms for FIFA 2026 in Atlanta are going quickly, so book fast.

My top picks:

Closest to the match: Ellis Hotel
For plastic free: Twelve Downtown
For solar power: Stonehurst Place
For energy saving amenities: Kimpton Shane Hotel
Highest certification standard: Grand Hyatt Atlanta

Grand Hyatt Atlanta

Grand Hyatt Atlanta runs a LEED Silver certified building with ongoing recycling and resource efficiency programmes, and holds GBAC STAR accreditation for its sustainable operations.

Emory Conference Center Hotel

Emory Conference Center Hotel is LEED Silver certified, runs single stream recycling, turns kitchen waste oil into biodiesel, and sits inside the protected Hahn Woods preserve.

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta cuts water and energy use with the Make a Green Choice linen programme, LED and CFL lighting throughout, and occupancy sensors in its meeting rooms.

Ellis Hotel

Ellis Hotel holds Green Seal certification for its eco-friendly operating practices, set in a restored 1913 landmark with a farm-to-table Terrace Bistro that sources close to home.

Stonehurst Place

Stonehurst Place is EarthCraft House certified, an 1896 mansion restored with on-site solar panels, water filtration, EV charging, and low-plastic refillable in-room refreshments.

Twelve Hotels & Residences

Twelve Downtown lays bamboo flooring over old-growth hardwood, fits high-efficiency water fixtures, and stocks refillable, sulfate-free ZERO-brand amenities to cut single-use plastic.

Shane Hotel Atlanta

Kimpton Shane Hotel pairs LED lighting and motion-activated HVAC with low-flow water systems, refillable amenities, in-room recycling, and locally sourced food at Hartley Kitchen.

Book Your Next Stay Consciously

Travel is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Mother Earth.

However, it is also frequently undermined by reckless development and disrespectful tourism practices.

This directory is a curated, verified list of hotels, lodges, and resorts that honor our planet and are led by visionary stewards of the environment.

From farm-to-table culinary experiences to dedicated ocean conservation efforts, such as marine protection and coral restoration, these establishments are redefining hospitality.

Asia

Africa

Caribbean

Europe

North America

South America

Oceania

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Insights, Guides and Advice

7 Fifa World Cup Hotels in Atlanta Every Eco-Friendly Fan Should Book Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (downtown)

June 8, 2026

Antigua Vacation Rental You Can Pick Fruit

June 7, 2026

Lamblion Apartments is the Antigua vacation rental where you pick your own breakfast: a black owned, solar powered, Green Globe self catering garden stay.

Adagio Stratford London: Yes, Book the Cheap Studio in East Village

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A four star aparthotel with a kitchen, a neighbourhood that runs a third green, and the laundry coins I would warn you about.

Negril or Montego Bay Which Is Better

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Which is better and nicer out of Negril, Montego Bay to decide where to stay for your trip to Jamaica

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May 26, 2026

Choosing a quiet hotel with a beach front, that is black owned hotel, that offers farm to table meals on 7 mile beachfront

The post 7 Fifa World Cup Hotels in Atlanta Every Eco-Friendly Fan Should Book Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (downtown) appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Antigua Vacation Rental You Can Pick Fruit

Queen of Vitality — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:10:30 +0000

Antigua Vacation Rental You Can Pick Fruit

Lamblion Apartments is the Antigua vacation rental where you pick your own breakfast: a black owned, solar powered, Green Globe self catering garden stay.

The Antigua vacation rental where breakfast grows on the property

Yes, you can pick your own breakfast here. Lamblion Apartments is a black owned, family run self catering Antigua vacation rental in St John’s, eleven simple apartments set on three to four acres of tropical fruit and herb garden that guests are welcome to eat from.

I stayed ten days. Lionel walked me through the fruit trees and his wife Lorylin took me round the herb beds. Everything here comes from those two tours and what I ate off the land.

Lionel is losing his sight, and he still finds the fruit by feel. He said the thing that holds the whole place together while we stood under the coconuts. “My ideal world is where I wouldn’t have to go to the shop to buy anything at all.” Some mornings he gets close. “Everything I had for breakfast was from the land.”

Where should you stay in Antigua?

In a self catering rental, if you want to live like a local instead of behind a resort wall.

Most of Antigua is sold to you as an all inclusive, the kind where you pay once and never leave the gate. Lamblion is the opposite of that. Lamblion Apartments sits in Belleview Estate in the Sea View Farm area of St John’s, a quiet inland neighbourhood about ten kilometres from the airport, with the apartments and the garden sharing the same few acres.

It is not beachfront, and I would tell you that plainly. You are a short drive from spots like East Dam if you want the sea. What you get instead is room to breathe, a kitchen of your own, and a garden most resorts in the Caribbean could not dream of. For the traveller who cooks, who wants to meet the island rather than a buffet, this is where to stay in Antigua.

What is Antigua known for beyond the beaches?

The land and the food, once you get off the sand.

Antigua is famous for its black pineapple, the small sweet one the island is known for, and for mango season, and for the kind of backyard growing that fed the island long before tourism did. The Antigua and Barbuda tourism board will point you to the beaches first, but the real character is in the gardens.

Lamblion grows a lot of it in one place. Lionel counted off soursop, custard apple, sugar apple, guava, breadfruit, golden apple, coconut, sweet lemon, pomegranate, avocado and five separate species of banana. The golden apple is the one to learn. “The Jamaicans call it June plum,” Lionel told me, “but we call it golden apple.” Green or ripe, they blend the flesh into a drink, and you end up with two different juices off the same tree.

Lorylin runs the herbs. Celery, chives, oregano, two kinds of parsley, basil, lemongrass she still calls fever grass, mint, sage, rosemary, thyme and anise. “Most of our herbs we use for tea,” she told me, picking as she talked. She is a member of the island’s Horticultural Society and sells cuttings at the garden shows, so the beds are kept the way a show garden is kept.

Can you actually eat from the garden as a guest?

Yes, and that is the whole point of staying here.

Lamblion lets guests pick what is in season, with no charge and no list of rules. “We say that our guests can pick foods when they’re in season,” Lionel said, “not put any restrictions on anybody.” The only ask is that you do it mindfully, because a breadfruit tree feeds the household too.

Lionel will often tour you himself, which is the part I cannot stop thinking about. He moves through the trees by touch now. “Even though I can’t see, I come and feel around, and I can,” he said. There is a plan, half started, to label every plant with its local name, its scientific name and what it heals, so guests can walk the garden and read it like a guide.

This is the forest bathing the wellness world keeps selling, except nobody here calls it that. When I brought it up, Lionel was honest. “I don’t think a lot of people come specifically for that,” he said. “But from time to time people will come and remark about how it is.” You feel the green before you have a word for it.

Is Lamblion a sustainable place to stay?

Yes, and it is certified, not just claimed.

Lamblion Apartments is Green Globe certified, the third party sustainable tourism standard, and the systems behind it are real. Lamblion runs on solar power, harvests rainwater, composts its waste back into the beds, and stocks the apartments with vegan soaps and proper recycling.

The water side matters more than it sounds in a dry island. “Rainfall is everything,” Lionel said, more than once, because everything he grows depends on it, and the rainwater they capture is what keeps the garden and the apartments going between showers. This is a stay that practises the self sufficiency it talks about, run by the family who built it rather than a chain.

Can you drink the water in Antigua?

Antigua's tap water is mostly desalinated and supply can be tight, so plenty of visitors drink filtered or bottled to be safe.

At Lamblion the answer is softer, because you are drinking rainwater from the tanks and, if Lionel is about, coconut water straight off the tree.

He cut one open for me with a machete and showed me how to drink it without a cup. “You basically position your lips so they create a seal around the edge,” he said, and the water goes straight in. Then he eats the jelly, or saves the older nuts for oil and grated coconut for dumplings. Nothing on this property goes to waste.

Is Antigua expensive, and does self catering help?

Antigua can be expensive, which is exactly why a self catering rental earns its place.

The all inclusive resorts are priced for honeymooners, and eating out adds up fast. A Lamblion apartment gives you a full kitchen, and the garden gives you mangoes, greens, herbs and fruit for the cost of picking them, so your food bill drops to almost nothing for the part of the week you cook.

You can check dates and book Lamblion Apartments through Expedia here, and the full verified listing has the facts, the certification and the map in one place. Come for a cheaper, quieter Antigua, and let Lionel hand you a coconut. See you in the garden.

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The post Antigua Vacation Rental You Can Pick Fruit appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Adagio Stratford London: Yes, Book the Cheap Studio in East Village

Queen of Vitality — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 06:25:25 +0000

Adagio Stratford London: Yes, Book the Cheap Studio in East Village

A four star aparthotel with a kitchen, a neighbourhood that runs a third green, and the laundry coins I would warn you about.

Yes, Adagio Stratford London is worth booking, for the value and the address, not the eco badge

I lived in the tall building across the street from Adagio for years, up in a penthouse, so I hold this neighbourhood in high regard.

So no, I am not neutral about this one. Book it. Adagio Stratford London is a four star apart hotel in East Village, the corner of Stratford the 2012 Olympics built out of nothing, and it is the cheapest studio with a kitchen of its own I have found in this part of the city. A night runs as low as sixty to seventy five pounds, under the Hilton next door.

That tall building was The Stratford, where I paid three thousand one hundred a month for a loft with a 360 view that did something unreal at sunrise and sunset, two restaurants downstairs, and West Ham players in the lift most mornings. So when I send you across the road to a studio at seventy five pounds, same neighbourhood, same park out the window, take it from someone who knows exactly what this postcode is worth.

I am back in London after losing my granny. And if I have to be in this city, it is east London, every time. Nothing else is this connected, nothing else has this much going on, and nowhere else feels the way Stratford feels to me.

This is not a flythrough off a press kit. I booked a studio, cooked in it, slept in it, ran the six pound laundry, sat down for the breakfast, and filmed the lot. Everything below is what I actually found.

Where should you stay in London near the Olympic Park?

Stratford, and East Village specifically, the part with the park folded into it.

The 2012 Summer Olympics was hosted right here, and before that there was nothing. That is the thing visitors miss about this address. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the parkland the Games left behind, and Adagio sits inside it, minutes from the London Aquatics Centre and the stadium. West Ham fans, the ground is right there. Everyone else gets the runners, the cyclists, and more grass than anywhere this well connected has a right to.

Thirty seven percent of East Village is green space. You feel it on the walk to the door before you could put a number on it.

What is east London like for tourists?

Quiet, green and full of prams, not the old reputation.

East Village is a place for young professionals and young families. That is how I would describe it, and it shows: apartments, cafes, a refill store for the zero waste crowd. Westfield Stratford City sits close enough that I could see it from the studio window, holding a cinema, bowling, food, and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, where you can take a drink, co work, and not get moved on. The older Stratford Shopping Centre is a short walk past it, still loud with market vendors, there long before Westfield arrived. No aparthotel sits closer to Westfield Stratford City than this one.

What kept me here for years was the mix. East Village is properly diverse, Hackney Wick is a short ride one way, and old Stratford sits right beside the new build, so the gentrification never fully scrubbed the culture out. On a good morning I would get on the bike and loop through East Village, across the Olympic Park and over the bridge to Victoria Park, then back, barely touching a road I did not want to be on.

Whether that suits you depends on what you came for. I would not put a first time tourist who wants Big Ben out the window here. I would put the one who wants to live like a local for a week.

What is the best way to get around London without a car?

Trains, and so many that owning a car here looks like a mistake.

You would be crazy to rent a car with all of these options. Stratford Station, Stratford International, the DLR, buses, a coach station that runs to the airports, and the Underground on the Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth and Overground lines, all of it on Transport for London. Coming from Heathrow, the Elizabeth line runs straight across to Stratford with no changes, which is about the gentlest airport arrival London gives you.

You do not need a car whatsoever. That fact carries most of the sustainable mobility the brochure takes credit for, because the trains are what keep the cars off the road, not the towel cards.

What is the difference between an aparthotel and a hotel?

The kitchen. An aparthotel hands you a hob and a hotel does not.

I chose an aparthotel over a hotel for one reason and it was the kitchen.

The kitchenette is the whole reason I was drawn to this space in the first place, because I can source my own food locally and cook up local produce. A hotel decides what you eat. An aparthotel hands you a hob and leaves you to it. Adagio fits a small, fully kitted kitchen into each of its 136 studio apartments, hob and fridge and dishwasher and recycling split three ways.

So I shopped the way I do at home. British organic produce, in season, carrots and turnips and garlic and leek and kale, my own organic lentils, pink Himalayan salt, a habanero. Cooked my own dinner in it. I am plant based and I cook for myself wherever I land, for the quality and because food transparency is the whole of my work. For any stay longer than a night, that is the argument for cook for yourself, self catering accommodation in a city that charges you for breathing.

Is Adagio London Stratford worth it?

For the money, yes, and I will not skip the caveats.

The studio had high ceilings and a thermostat I could actually work, and the soundproofing caught me out on a road this loud. I could not hear a thing, with the red buses and the black taxis sliding past the near floor to ceiling window like a silent film of London.

What I would tell a friend before they book:

Twin beds, clean. Ask for a double if you like to splay out. I scanned for bedbugs out of habit and found none.
The desk takes a laptop and little else. No second monitor.
There is a Nespresso machine, which is a shame. Nestlé is a horrible company we avoid at all costs, even when it is free.
The soap and body wash are not non toxic. Pack your own.
The gym is small, clean and modern, open twenty four seven.
Laundry is six pounds in coins, coins only, which is steep. Drying is free, which reads like an apology. Take cards.
Parking is around sixteen pounds a night. I would not.

Breakfast is where it slipped. I went down for the coffee and peeped at the spread Adagio bills as local products. It did not look good. Standard continental misery. What is on that table is what every hotel runs, so after the coffee I went back up and ate what I had cooked.

Rates move, so get a current quote, but you can check prices and book Adagio Stratford London through Expedia here. Sixty pounds for a studio with a kitchen does most of the convincing on its own.

Is Adagio Stratford London actually an eco hotel?

No, not exceptionally. It does the basics and stops there.

I do not think Adagio are doing anything exceptional at all. This is the bare minimum that everybody should be doing, so I would not classify it as an eco hotel.

I want to be fair to it though. Adagio Stratford London holds Green Key certification, which is what lands it on most lists of sustainable London hotels, and it does the basics properly. No single use plastics in the studio, and I looked. Water saving fixtures on the taps and shower. Energy efficient appliances, smart climate control, common areas kept to government temperature guidance, and rooftop planting and green space built into East Village around it.

None of that moves me, and I have thought about why. It is the floor. A group this size, Accor and the Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs Group, could drag the rest of the industry up with it and has decided the minimum will do. So I would not book Adagio for the eco badge. I would book it because the studio is cheap and clean, the trains sit under your feet, the neighbourhood runs a third green, and the kitchen lets you eat the way you want to. Different reason, truer one. It still belongs among the more honest sustainable stays across Europe in our directory, and the verified facts and booking details live on our Adagio Stratford London listing.

My pick, plainly: the cheap studio, the kitchen, the trains, the green. I would stay again, and I no longer have a window across the street to do it from. See you in East Village.

The post Adagio Stratford London: Yes, Book the Cheap Studio in East Village appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Negril or Montego Bay Which Is Better

Queen of Vitality — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:23:55 +0000

Negril or Montego Bay Which Is Better

Black Owned Hotels, Resorts & Lodges, Caribbean, Eco-Stay, Jamaica

Which is better and nicer out of Negril, Montego Bay to decide where to stay for your trip to Jamaica

A comprehensive guide to choosing where to stay our of Negril or Montego Bay for your trip to Jamaica

Let's start with why you have chosen to come to Negril versus Montego Bay, or Ocho Ricos for your holiday

Here is the short version before the long one.

Choose Montego Bay if

it is your first trip to Jamaica
you want convenience, structure
a short transfer from the airport.

Choose Negril if

you want Seven Mile Beach a
slower pace
somewhere you can settle into for a week

Even though I was invited to stay in a huge suite in Half Moon Bay, I took a look and decided to spend thirteen nights in Negril mid May 2026 instead. Ten at Charela Inn on Seven Mile Beach, and three at Le Mirage on the cliffs.

I accidently stayed in Montego Bay before and even with the perks I get, I couldn’t do it again.

What actually separates the two isn’t complicated:

Montego Bay is movement, traffic, airport proximity, big resorts
Negril is slower, more spread out, more beach-focused
Montego Bay feels like arrival and logistics
Negril feels like settling in and forgetting the schedule a bit

Which is better montego bay or negril

For convenience, Montego Bay is better then Negril.

For a proper escape, Negril is better then Montego Bay.

Montego Bay wins on logistics, nightlife and the sheer number of rooms, which is why it suits first time visitors and short stays.

Montego Bay makes sense if you want everything easy from the moment you land, this is popular with the all inclusive crowd.

Negril wins on beach, atmosphere and the feeling of being somewhere that has not been flattened into a brand, which is why it suits longer, slower trips.

Negril makes more sense if you don’t want staff in your face all the time, nothing to do (literally) but beach time, and fewer decisions.

I lean Negril, but I will hand Montego Bay the rounds it deserves below.

Where is montego bay?

Montego Bay sits on the northwest coast of Jamaica, built around Sangster International Airport, which is why it is the island’s main entry point.

Most people heading to Negril, Ocho Rios or anywhere on the north coast land in Montego Bay first, although I came from Kingston to Negril which was smooth too.

Is montego bay safe vs Negril?

If you are asking is Montego Bay safe for tourists, is Montego Bay safe to travel, or is Montego Bay safe for Americans, the practical answer is yes for the resort areas, with normal city caution.

I spent almost a month in Jamaica and never felt unsafe, from the sleep beaches, to the deep country side and downtown Kingston.

For official advisory, the US State Department Jamaica puts the country at Level 2 scary, exercise increased caution, the same band most of the Caribbean falls in.

If you follow those warnings this is the official link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jamaica-travel-advisory.html

Crime in Montego Bay would unlikely see you because the resort coast, and the tourist towns are patrolled. Remember tourism is Jamaica’s top earner.

So is Montego Bay dangerous or unsafe, and is it safe to walk around Montego Bay?

Treat it like the working city it is. Keep valuables in the room safe, use a hotel taxi or the Knutsford coach rather than an unmarked car, and stay on the strip and known routes after dark rather than wandering inland.

Negril is smaller and quieter and tends to feel even more relaxed. No hint of a feeling of anything close to fear.

A Negril hotelier gave me the only rule he thought mattered, which was simply to use your sense, and for both towns that about covers it.

Things to do while visintg Montego Bay Tourist destination

Travel Guide: Tours, Beaches, Shopping, Restaruants in Montego Bay

Most of Montego Bay is built around easy day trips and organised activity. That’s why I said it’s great for convinience and first timers because Montego Bay keeps its best things to do close together, which is part of its appeal.

The Hip Strip on Gloucester Avenue is the walkable centre for bars, craft shopping and restaurants.

Doctor’s Cave Beach is the classic swim, clear and calm, though small, gated and usually busy.

The bigger Montego Bay tours venture out from town:

the Luminous Lagoon at Falmouth
bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae
Rose Hall Great House

Everything is easy to book and easy to reach the same day, which is exactly why Montego Bay works as a base.

what to do in Montego Bay vs Negril?

In Montego Bay you tick things off a list.

In Negril you do not have a list.

The most popular things to do in Montego Bay are organised and need a taxi or tour, while the best things to do in Negril are slower and mostly within a walk or a short route taxi, long days on Seven Mile Beach, sunset and cliff diving at Rick’s Cafe out on the West End.

Worth knowing the West End is not silent though as you might expect.

Jet skis pass, the odd Ferrari branded one, and now and then a boat party sails through, so do not expect total quiet right on the water.

Beaches Montego Bay vs Negril?

For beaches, Negril wins, and it is not close.

Negril Seven Mile Beach is one of the best stretches of sand in the Caribbean, long enough to walk for an hour and still find a quiet patch, with calm shallow water and a clear run to the sunset.

Montego Bay beaches like Doctor’s Cave and Cornwall are pretty and convenient but smaller and more enclosed, usually tied to a resort or a paid entrance.

If the beach is your main reason for visiting Jamaica, stay in Negril, on the beach.

Tours in Montego Bay vs Negril?

Montego Bay is the better base for tours on logistics, with operators running the Luminous Lagoon, the great houses and the long day to Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios almost constantly.

Negril tours are fewer but more scenic, built around the water:

Negril snorkeling over the reef
a boat to the Blue Hole
glass bottom coastal trips.

I’d say pick Montego Bay for variety and volume, Negril for the ones you will actually remember.

Restaurants in Montego Bay vs Negril?

Montego Bay has the bigger dining scene, from the famous jerk at Scotchies to international menus on the Hip Strip.

Negril runs smaller and fresher, with beach grills, West End seafood and proper farm to table kitchens, so for real Jamaican food rather than a buffet, Negril is the better bet as you’d likely be at a local spot on the beach watching sunset.

I am whole food plant based, and Jamaica cooks with a lot of butter, so I ask a lot of kitchens to leave it out.

In Negril I ate at Rasta Ade’s Ital kitchen and Charela Inn’s fine dining restaurant.

At Charela Inn the kitchen handled it without fuss every time, and I lived on stew peas, sweet potato, breadfruit and big farm to table salads.

The produce comes off the owner’s own farm in the hills, which I drove up to see to verify that their “farm to table” statement it is not a marketing line.

When I asked him about the food, he said the family eats every meal there themselves, and he would not put anything in front of a guest that he would not eat. You can literally see the family eating there every night when you stay there!

Where to stay in Montego Bay?

If you want to stay in Montego Bay, you are mostly choosing between big all inclusive names.

The Riu cluster is enormous, from Riu Reggae Montego Bay to the adults only blocks and Riu Montego Bay all inclusive. Sandals Montego Bay, Secrets Montego Bay, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Breathless Montego Bay cover the all inclusive couples market.

Zoetry Montego Bay, Jewel Grande Montego Bay and Hotel Riu Montego Bay sit higher up the price ladder, with smaller picks like S Hotel Montego Bay and Catalonia Montego Bay nearer town.

Add Montego Bay Wendover and the wider Montego Bay resorts and Montego Bay all inclusive options and you have a lot of brochure ready choice.

This is where Montego Bay earns its place though. Resort haters might think this is overboard but believe me, they get full!

For a first time visitor who wants the pool, the buffet, the activities and the entertainment all on site and decided before they land, Montego Bay is built for exactly that.

Done for you, no planning required, and there is nothing wrong with wanting that on a first trip.

Where to stay in Montego Bay?

My own picks for where to stay are both in Negril, and both are verified on the website, Charela Inn and Le Mirage.

Charela Inn is the beachfront family and couples hotel on Negril Seven Mile Beach with its own farm to table restaurant, where I spent ten nights.

Le Mirage is a twelve room clothing optional cliffside hotel on the West End, where I spent three.

Negril has its big all inclusive resorts too, Royalton Negril, the Riu and Couples Swept Away among them, and they are perfectly good, but these two smaller places are the ones I send people who like boutique luxury freedom to.

How Montego Bay hotels is different to Negril

Montego Bay is scale. Big buildings, big infrastructure, big everything.

Negril is smaller, more individual places doing their own thing.

The clearest way to compare the difference is four hotels, two each side.

Half Moon in Montego Bay which I turned down, is the grand option, a manicured estate near Rose Hall with golf and acreage.

Sandals Montego Bay beside it is the slick adults only all inclusive minutes from the airport.

Both are excellent at being big. Everything is on site, there is zero need to leave and actually venture out into Jamaica.

In Negril however, Charela Inn is a small beachfront hotel one family has run for over forty years, and Le Mirage is smaller still, twelve clothing optional cliffside rooms.

Three of Jamaica’s four dedicated clothing optional hotels are in Negril, which tells you how private that end of the coast is.

There is no doubt that where Montego Bay does scale, Negril does intimacy.

One honest note on Le Mirage. Since it is clothing optional, and even though I went au naturalle and felt completely comfortable as there were only 4 staff members, it is something you may not want to see (naked people strolling around).

There was an older couple during my stay at Le Mirage there and they were sweet though (and nude)!

Resorts, Hotels, Lodges quality in Montego Bay vs Negril?

Across those four examples, the difference is not quality so much as intent.

The Montego Bay resorts win on amenities, because the properties are huge and the chains spend to compete.

The Negril hotels win on presence, service and a sense of place. I asked the man who owns the two Negril hotels why anyone would leave a brand new five star on the road for a small boutique hotel.

His answer was that it is not the bed, because a bed is a bed and a beach is a beach, it is the atmosphere and the environment you create that make it work. Forty odd years in the trade, and that was the whole of it.

Jamaican owned resorts and hotels in Montego Bay

Most Montego Bay rooms belong to international groups, so more of the money leaves the island.

The Jamaican owned hotels I recommend are both in Negril, run by the same family, and the owner told me the whole thing started by accident.

They were farmers, his wife could cook, and people kept turning up at the weekends until the house was more guesthouse than home.

So they made it a business, started with a small five table restaurant, and it grew into a beachfront hotel over four decades.

Choosing Jamaican owned keeps more of your money with Jamaican families, staff and suppliers, and you feel it in the welcome.

Eco Friendly, sustainable resorts and hotels in Montego Bay

If sustainability matters to you, the small Negril places beat the giants on substance rather than signage.

At Charela for example the solar runs the hot water and the electricity, partly on principle and partly because, as the owner put it, the power prices here are outrageous and the summer kitchen was unbearable without it.

Rainwater comes off the roofs through a softener and a filter and into your glass, with the overflow doing the laundry, and kitchen scraps go to goats and staff pigs rather than the bin.

My favourite detail is the shade: no plastic parasols, just coconut palms, which he says are more natural, more sustainable and, unlike an umbrella, eventually give you a coconut.

Montego Bay or Negril for couples?

Both destinations work for couples, just in different ways.

Montego Bay gives you the effortless adults only all inclusive, Half Moon and Sandals among the easiest to book.

But for a honeymoon or a cute couples getaway I would choose Negril every time, for the sunsets off Seven Mile Beach and the privacy of the cliffs.

I saw so many couples in love while I was staying Negril, it made my heart melt. I also saw this one couple eating lunch patties at Charela fighting, but still left holding hands!

Montego Bay or Negril for families?

For families, the big Montego Bay resorts make a strong case, with kids’ clubs, pools and entertainment laid on plus a short transfer with tired children.

Negril answers with the calm, shallow water of Seven Mile Beach, which suits young swimmers, and small family run hotels that actually keep an eye on your kids.

The Charela owner put it well, that children relax there because the staff watch them without anyone being uptight about it.

One firm exception: please do not bring children to Le Mirage, which is adults only and clothing optional. Charela is the family choice in Negril.

Montego Bay or Negril for solo travelers?

For solo travellers like me (108 countries visited!), Negril is the easier, warmer choice.

The big Montego Bay resorts are comfortable but built around couples, families and groups, so you can feel like the odd one out.

At Charela I saw plenty of solo female travelers and male travelers looking completely content by themselves.

I struct conversation with many of them and they all expressed how much they were glad with their decision to be there.

How far is negril from montego bay

Negril is close to Montego Bay, on the western tip of the island, so the road only runs west.

The journey is around 80 kilometres, roughly 50 miles, and takes about an hour and a half, more in traffic.

The drive follows the A1 coastal road through Hopewell, Lucea and Green Island, with the sea on one side and green hills on the other most of the way. It is scenic, and does not have many potholes.

How far is Montego Bay airport to negril

Montego Bay Airport to Negril is around 80 kilometres, roughly 50 miles, perhaps a little over since Sangster International Airport sits on the edge of Montego Bay.

You should plan on roughly an hour and a half by road depending on the day.

Arrange your Negril transfer before you fly so a driver is waiting when you land or take the Knutsford Express bus which is located at Montego Bay airport and is cheap, safe and easy.

How far is Montego Bay to negril tourist destinations

Taking the hour and a half journey from Montego Bay to Negril, Seven Mile Beach is the first part of Negril you reach from the airport side, while the West End cliffs and Rick’s Cafe sit a little beyond the town roughly 30 mins, so add a few minutes if your hotel is out on the cliffs.

How much is a taxi from montego bay to negril

A private taxi from Montego Bay to Negril usually costs somewhere around US$70 to US$100 one way for up to four people, though it changes with the operator, the season and your exact hotel, so treat it as a ballpark and confirm the fare before you set off. A return is roughly double.

Book through a licensed company, with JUTA the recognised association, or use your hotel’s regular driver rather than an unmarked car. Private taxis usually have red lisence plates in Jamaica.

One small thing that says a lot: I took a route taxi from Le Mirage into the West End, a couple of minutes’ wait and two hundred Jamaican dollars, but on the way back the driver would not take anything for it, so smile sweetly!

how far is negril from Montego Bay by car

By car Negril to Motego Bay is the same 80 kilometres or so, about an hour and a half in normal conditions, on a road that is safe and genuinely scenic, with roadside Ital sip stops if you want to break the trip.

Given a private taxi runs around US$70 to US$100, self driving only makes sense if you actively enjoy island roads.

How to get from montego bay to negril by bus

Knutsford Express is a public bus that takes you from Negril to Montego Bay airport in under 2 hours. I am always amazed that Knutsford Express is cleaner and more punctual then any bus journey I’ve taken in Europe. Some even have wifi.

This bus is the cheapest reliable option with clean and air conditioned, running from the Negril office to the Montego Bay airport terminal in under a couple of hours.

Timetables and current fares are on their site, and you can book a seat online in advance, which I would.

How much is a shuttle from montego bay to negril?

A shared shuttle is the budget route, usually around US$25 per person each way, slower because it stops at several hotels.

The Knutsford coach costs about the same and is more comfortable, while families and groups are better off in a private car at around US$70 to US$100.

Prices move though, so get a current quote rather than trusting an old figure.

How far is kingston from montego bay

I experienced the bus journey on Knutsford Express from Montego Bay Airport to Kingston. Wow it was busy and hot, but everyone got a comfy seat and the bus has wifi.

Kingston is on the far side of the island, so this is a journey rather than a hop, around 110 to 120 miles and about four hours on the inland highway, longer by coach.

It is too far for a beach day trip, so if Kingston is on your list, give it its own nights. I stayed a week in Kingston and it still did not feel like enough.

Verdict: Is negril or montego bay better

My verdict is simple. Montego Bay is the right pick for a first trip when you want it all handled, a short transfer and everything on site.

Negril is the better choice for a longer, slower holiday and the best beach in Jamaica. I like quiet and I move slowly, so Negril wins for me, but I would happily send a nervous first timer to Montego Bay to ease into international travel.

Once you settle on Negril, the next problem is that there are around 150 hotels and resorts on Expedia alone.

So here is where I would put you: a small beachfront place with its own farm to table restaurant, live music a couple of nights a week, a garden full of plants, room for families, couples and solo travellers, and a Jamaican family at the desk.

That is Charela Inn. When I asked the owner the single best reason to come, he said you come to find a bit of peace and to get back in touch with the part of yourself most people lose touch with.

One practical warning before you book. I went in the middle of May and several days were genuinely too hot, even for me, and I have travelled most of the Caribbean.

For reliable weather, aim for the dry season between December and April.

Have fun!

The post Negril or Montego Bay Which Is Better appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Best Clothing Optional Hotels in Jamaica Verified Full Guide

Queen of Vitality — Sun, 31 May 2026 04:46:53 +0000

Clothing Optional, Eco-Stay, Jamaica

Best Clothing Optional Hotels in Jamaica Verified Full Guide

Recommendatons for Top Nudist Resorts in Jamaica, Clothing Optional All Inclusive Adults Only Vacations, and Hidden Gem Boutique Hotels in Negril

Find your perfect intimate clothing-optional vacation by comparing the best clothing optional Jamaica vacations, from high-energy all inclusive beachfront adults only resorts to off the beaten path Negril boutique cliffside nudist hotels with breathtaking ocean views.

Quick Links

Your Guide to Naturist Resorts, All-Inclusive Vacations, and Hidden Gems in Jamaica

There are four clothing optional hotels and resorts in Jamaica

Choosing the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica is not about finding the “top” spot. It is about knowing yourself.

Because all of these options are distinctly different, the “best” one is simply the one that matches your personal definition of freedom.

Whether you are looking for an intimate clothing-optional vacation or a high-energy party, the four dedicated naturist-friendly spots on the island offer entirely different vibes.

Hedonism All Inclusive Negril Nude Clothing Optional Resort Reviews

At Hedonism II Negril Jamaica, everything goes.

You are naked all of the time.

You eat nude, walk around nude, and swim nude. Nudity is embraced at all times as a philosophy of continuous pleasure.

What is Hedonism II?

Hedonism II jamaica is a “pleasure-seeking utopia” where guests can embrace their desires in a non-judgmental environment.

Expect gourmet hedonism ii all inclusive resort dining, premium top-shelf cocktails, and a variety of pools and hot tubs.

The property offers both clothing-optional and fully nude beach and pool areas. It is also home to a world-famous “Playroom,” a sensual sanctuary designed for couples and invited guests to explore their fantasies in a safe, participatory setting.

If you are curious about Hedonism II sex or the level of intimacy allowed, the resort provides a strictly regulated, safe space for adults to explore their boundaries.

How many rooms at Hedonism II?

The resort features 280 guest rooms housed in two-story buildings, all designated as either clothing-optional or nude-friendly.

Where is Hedonism II located?

It is situated on the northern end of the world-famous Seven-Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Hedonism II is approximately 88 kilometers (about 55 miles) from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

How to get to Hedonism II?

Travelers typically arrive at Montego Bay Airport and take a pre-arranged airport transfer. You can also take the Knutsford express from Montego Bay airport to Negril, then take a taxi or route taxi to Hedonism II.

Official airport transfers to Hedonism II offer both shared shuttles and private transfers, ensuring a seamless, air-conditioned ride directly to the resort gates.

What happens at Hedonism II?

Expect complete freedom at Hedonism II. Like I said, pretty much anything goes.

While certain indoor areas like the lobby, gift shop, and restaurants require clothing, the beach and pool areas are where the Hedonism II nude lifestyle truly shines.

Whether you want to participate in water sports, enjoy live nightlife and theme parties, or simply relax in the sun, the resort caters to those who want to live life to the fullest without the constraints of the outside world.

What to expect from privacy at Hedonism II?

If you are looking for hedonism ii negril photos, hedonism ii pictures, or hedonism ii photos, please be aware that the resort maintains a strict privacy policy.

As per Hedonism II rules, photography is heavily restricted or entirely prohibited in many common areas to protect the anonymity of guests.

Do not expect to find candid hedonism ii review imagery online; privacy is the ultimate luxury here.

Hedonism II deals and vacation packages

You can click this link to see exclusive hedonism ii deals, hedonism ii packages, and comprehensive hedonism ii vacation packages.

Whether you are planning a trip to hedonism ii negril jamaica, or simply comparing hedonism ii resorts and hedonism ii resort jamaica options, planning ahead ensures you get the best value for this unique hedonism ii review experience.

My Hedonism II review

Personally I prefer quiet intimate clothing optional hotels. But for everyone else, Hedonism II is a high-energy, social environment where the Hedonism Negril day pass is a popular option for those staying elsewhere who want to get a taste of the action.

If your idea of an all inclusive adults only vacation involves non-stop entertainment, a massive beach, and a total disregard for traditional social boundaries, this is the landscape for you. It remains the most famous of the clothing optional all inclusive resorts on the island.

Planning your clothing optional vacation to Jamaica ahead ensures you get the best value for this unique Hedonism II experience. Be sure to check out my article where I review the best clothing optional hotel in Jamaica.

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Le Mirage Cliff Side Ocean View Negril Nude Clothing Optional Hotel Review

At Hedonism II Negril Jamaica, everything goes.

You are naked all of the time.

You eat nude, walk around nude, and swim nude. Nudity is embraced at all times as a philosophy of continuous pleasure.

What accomodation is Le Mirage?

Le Mirage is an adults-only, nudist or clothing optional boutique hotel with the fewest rooms of any similar property in the area. Each of the twelve rooms has undisturbed views of the Caribbean.

I stayed in a deluxe room on the third floor with a full panoramic view of the ocean.

The room is spacious and comfortable, with a large balcony, a king bed, a fridge, and a shower with real pressure.

How many rooms at Le Mirage?

Le Mirage is the boutique hotel with the fewest rooms in the area, totaling only twelve.

This small size ensures that there is no overcrowding and that there is always ample space to relax, as they cater strictly to their own guests.

Where is Le Mirage located?

Le Mirage is situated on the iconic West End cliffs of Negril, Jamaica. It is distinct from resorts located on Seven-Mile Beach.

While it offers a secluded cliffside experience, guests are welcome to spend a day on Negril’s sparkling 7-mile beach at the sister property, the Charela Inn, where towels and beach chairs are provided.

How to get to Le Mirage?

Travelers typically arrive at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

From there, you can take the Knutsford Express to Negril, then hire a local taxi or route taxi to reach the West End.

Private transfers are also available to ensure a seamless, air-conditioned ride directly to the resort.

What happens at Le Mirage?

Le Mirage is the best clothing optional hotel for people who want non-all-inclusive privacy.

Newbies to the clothing-optional lifestyle, couples seeking discretion, and solo travelers love Le Mirage because it is not an “organized scene.”

Since Le Mirage is not an all-inclusive resort like other clothing optional all inclusive resorts, you won’t find staff hovering. You are left alone to your own devices, which is the beauty of the experience.

What to expect from atmosphere Le Mirage?

The owner of Le Mirage told me that he observed Jamaica becoming more conservative, they made a quiet, intentional decision to go the opposite direction, not toward Hedonism Negril and not toward the freakiness.

They went toward privacy, freedom, and a continuous relationship with the sun and sea. The property sits proudly on a cliff in Negril on Jamaica’s western end, and is designed to be a property that reveals itself slowly.

Most of the staff have been there over a decade, and the small, dedicated team knows the property and across the years, the staff make you feel as if you can too. It is a quiet alternative to Hedonism II in Negril and a true off the beaten path Negril accommodation.

Le Mirage deals and vacation packages

If you are comparing the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica options or looking for a hidden gem resort in Jamaica, the best strategy is to book directly through the official Le Mirage website.

Booking directly ensures you receive the most accurate information on room availability and pricing, and it is the most reliable way to secure your reservation at this boutique property.

My Le Mirage, Negril review

I have spent my fair share of time exploring the island, searching for that rare sense of total liberation.

I found it tucked away on the cliffs of Negril at Le Mirage. It was not a typical “resort” experience, and that is precisely why it works.

I absolutely love that this is not a clothing-optional all-inclusive resort.

Because it only offers breakfast, you are free to explore things to do in the West End of Negril.

It is a still space next to the sea, providing a calm and inspiring environment where work, or simply relaxation comes easily.

If you are seeking a romantic adults-only cliffside getaway, Le Mirage offers a rare, unfiltered connection with nature that you simply won’t find at the larger, walled-off resorts.

Grand Lido Negril is A Boutique Naturist Resort Review

The Grand Lido Negril offers a sophisticated take on the clothing-optional lifestyle.

Unlike the larger, high-density resorts in the area, this property focuses on an upscale, adult-only environment where discretion and high-end service are the standard.

It feels more like a private club than a typical resort, catering to travelers who want the freedom of a naturist vacation without sacrificing luxury or comfort.

What type accomodation is The Grand Lido Negril?

Every guest is treated to personalized butler service, which handles everything from restaurant reservations to delivering refreshments to your lounge chair.

Because it is part of a larger resort complex, guests get the best of both worlds: the quiet, private “au naturel” enclave of Grand Lido, plus full access to the amenities, expansive dining options, and entertainment at the neighboring Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to be dressed when visiting those shared areas.

How many rooms at The Grand Lido Negril?

The property is purposely intimate, featuring a total of 26 ocean-facing suites.

This low room count is why the resort feels so quiet and uncrowded.

You aren’t competing for space by the pool or dealing with the noise levels typical of a massive property, making it a great fit for those who want a calm, peaceful retreat.

Where is The Grand Lido Negril located?

You’ll find the resort on the northern tip of Negril’s famous Seven-Mile Beach.

It sits on a secluded stretch of the coastline, tucked away from the main public access points.

It’s about a 70-kilometer drive from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, generally taking around 75 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

How to get to The Grand Lido Negril?

Most guests fly into Montego Bay and book a private car transfer. It’s the easiest way to travel after a flight, as the driver meets you at the arrivals terminal and takes you directly to the resort.

If you are on a budget or prefer public transport, the Knutsford Express bus runs regularly from the airport to the Negril terminal, where you can easily catch a local taxi for the final short leg of the trip.

What happens at The Grand Lido Negril?

This is a place for “au naturel” relaxation, not a high-intensity party scene. The focus here is on comfort, good food, and high-quality service.

You can spend your days lounging by the private pool, reading on your balcony, or enjoying a cocktail delivered by your butler.

Because the property is so small, guests often find it easy to strike up conversations, but there is no pressure to participate in organized activities. It’s a space where you can simply be yourself in a beautiful, respectful environment.

What to expect from atmosphere The Grand Lido Negril?

Expect a calm, elegant, and very private vibe. The resort is strict about its etiquette so photography is banned to ensure everyone’s privacy, and you’re expected to use your own towel at all times.

Guests frequently praise the staff, particularly the butlers, who are often highlighted in reviews for being incredibly attentive. It feels like a private sanctuary where the focus is entirely on your comfort.

The Grand Lido Negril deals and vacation packages

To get the best experience and the most transparent pricing, book directly through the resort’s official website.

They frequently offer package deals that include your airport transfers or added perks, which is often easier than trying to book through third-party sites.

Since they have so few rooms, they don’t often need to offer massive discounts to fill capacity, so booking early is the best way to secure your preferred dates.

My The Grand Lido Negril, Negril review

The real draw here is the combination of total freedom and premium luxury.

Having a butler makes a massive difference, you truly feel pampered. The suites are modern and clean, and having a private balcony with an ocean view is the perfect way to start the morning. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a “liberated” vacation that still feels like a high-end, 5-star experience.

Great Huts Eco Lodge Review, A Boutique Naturist Resort

Great Huts Eco Lodge is a unique, nature-based retreat perched on the cliffs of Boston Bay in Port Antonio.

The property functions as an eco-resort that blends African-inspired architecture with the lush, tropical jungle of eastern Jamaica.

Great Huts Eco Lodge offers an authentic experience for travelers of independent mind, artists, and nature lovers who prefer an environment centered on sustainability, heritage, and total relaxation rather than traditional luxury.

What type accomodation is Great Huts Eco Lodge?

Great Huts Eco Lodge is a collection of rustic-chic huts and treehouses.

The lodgings range from simple, naturally ventilated bamboo structures to villa-style rooms equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning.

Great Huts Eco Lodge provides a raw, authentic connection to the outdoors, utilizing handcrafted stone and wood assemblies that allow guests to feel as though their living space is a part of the jungle landscape.

How many rooms at Great Huts Eco Lodge?

Great Huts Eco Lodge features 21 units.

This small inventory allows the property to maintain a peaceful, community-oriented atmosphere where the focus remains on the surrounding flora and the cliffside views of the Caribbean.

Where is Great Huts Eco Lodge located?

Great Huts Eco Lodge sits at 8 to 10 Boston Bay in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

The resort occupies a prime position on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Eastern Caribbean and is within a five-minute walk of the world-famous Boston Bay Beach.

How to get to Great Huts Eco Lodge?

Travelers typically arrive at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

From Kingston, guests often arrange a private car transfer for the scenic drive along the coast to Port Antonio.

Great Huts Eco Lodge can also assist in organizing shuttle services for those arriving via Ocho Rios or other major transport hubs.

What happens at Great Huts Eco Lodge?

Great Huts Eco Lodge encourages guests to embrace a slower pace of life.

Days are often spent surfing at the nearby beach, practicing meditation on the dedicated yoga deck, or snorkeling in the natural tidal pools.

Great Huts Eco Lodge features a central Safari Deck that serves as a communal hub for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, frequently hosting cultural showcases and local performances.

What to expect from atmosphere at Great Huts Eco Lodge?

Great Huts Eco Lodge offers a serene, “au naturel” atmosphere where privacy and freedom are highly valued.

The environment is rustic and intentionally unrefined. Great Huts Eco Lodge celebrates the convergence of nature and heritage, ensuring that every guest feels a sense of spiritual and physical reset.

Staff are noted for their warmth and local insight, helping to curate a stay that feels less like a hotel visit and more like an immersion into the natural beauty of Portland Parish.

The Great Huts Eco Lodge deals and vacation packages

For the most accurate pricing and seasonal availability, check the official website of Great Huts Eco Lodge directly.

Direct booking often provides the best opportunity to secure specific huts or treehouses that match your preference for ventilation or air-conditioned comfort.

Planning ahead is highly recommended, as the intimate size of Great Huts Eco Lodge leads to frequent sell-outs during peak surfing and holiday seasons.

My Great Huts Eco Lodge review

The stay at Great Huts Eco Lodge is unlike anything else in Jamaica.

Sleeping in a bamboo treehouse, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the ocean, provides a level of peace that is hard to find in more developed areas.

Great Huts Eco Lodge is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to trade standard hotel amenities for a profound, unfiltered connection with the environment.

Which Clothing Optional Vacation Is it Right for You?

Best adults only all inclusive resorts for the ultimate Jamaica vacation

Nudity is a refusal to perform the dressed, composed, presentable version of yourself. Whether you choose the privacy of a boutique nudist resort vs large all-inclusive resort, or a hidden gem resort in Jamaica, the result is the same: an uninterrupted connection with nature.

Are there private nude beaches in Negril?

Not officially, as is it legal to be nude in public in Jamaica?

The answer is no, public nudity is illegal. However, at these four resorts, you are in a safe, private, and legal bubble. If you are a newbie, check the Clothing Optional Recommendations for Newbies – Jamaica Forum, but honestly?

Take the leap. Le Mirage is waiting for those who want to be looked after by a team who knows to leave you alone. What remains is only the freedom to connect, uninterrupted, with the sun and the sea.

The best clothing optional hotel in Jamaica, and the Caribbean.

I have spent my fair share of time exploring the island, searching for that rare sense of total liberation. I found it tucked away on the cliffs of Negril at Le Mirage. It was not a typical “resort” experience, and that is precisely why it works.

Le Mirage is an adults only, nudist or clothing optional boutique hotel. As the owner observed Jamaica becoming more conservative, they made a quiet, intentional decision to go the opposite direction, not toward Hedonism Negril and not toward the freakiness. They went toward privacy, freedom, and a continuous relationship with the sun and sea.

The post Best Clothing Optional Hotels in Jamaica Verified Full Guide appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

The Best Negril Hotel, Villa and Resort Recommendations For Your Stay in Jamaica

Queen of Vitality — Tue, 26 May 2026 22:41:46 +0000

Black Owned Hotels, Resorts & Lodges, Eco-Stay, Jamaica

The Best Negril Hotel, Villa and Resort Recommendations For Your Stay in Jamaica

Choosing a quiet hotel with a beach front, that is black owned hotel, that offers farm to table meals on 7 mile beachfront

Queen of Vitality
May 26, 2026

Where to stay in negril Jamaica

These are all the elements

All rooms at Charela Inn share the same striking exterior.

White-washed walls, terracotta rooftops (with solar panels), and those signature deep-red arched awnings that make the building impossible to miss from the beach.

It’s the kind of architecture that feels like the South of France decided to put down roots in Negril. The European charm with Caribbean soul is framed by swaying palms on the beach and lush tropical gardens right outside your door.

They all have a mini fridge, coffee maker and some rooms have bath tubs.

With just 59 rooms across four room types, Charela Inn is designed to exactly for people to relax and unwind while feeling at home.

That is a rare intimate boutique cosiness that larger properties simply can’t replicate. Compare that to a resort like Sandals with over 200 rooms and nearly 10 restaurants, or Hotel Riu Negril with over 400 rooms, and the difference isn’t just in numbers. It’s in how you feel when you’re there.

Where to stay in Negril for families

Charela Inn is a family friendly hotel in Negril that welcomes children of all ages, and spending time there, it shows. What struck me most was not any particular amenity or feature, it was the warmth of the staff.

I watched the staff at Charela hold babies as if they were their own while the parents sat at dinner unbothered, paying no mind because they simply trusted the people around them.

I saw mothers up on their feet, dancing with their little ones to the live music.

Looking around the property, the range of families there told its own story.

I observed young couples with brand new babies, still in that early haze of new parenthood, finding a quiet place to exhale.

I saw grandmothers with their grandchildren making Charela Inn the type of trip that becomes a memory for life.

And then there were the bigger gatherings, two branches of a family coming together at Charela to celebrate a great grandmother’s birthday, generations under one roof, the kind of reunion that needs the right setting to feel right. Charela gave them that.

The reason why Charela Inn is a great place for families to stay in Negril is because Charela itself is a family business.

If fact, I witnessed this for myself and you can also see proof for yourself! Mr Grizzle, and his family have all their meals together in the dining room.

What are activities for children staying at Charela Inn, Negril?

For children, there is plenty to keep them busy.

The courtyard pool is filled with blow up floats for the little ones to enjoy, and the rounded pool edges mean no sharp corners to worry about. Just be mindful that it does get deep, so swimming lessons or staying close to your child is always a good idea.

Nearby the the pool, there is the beach and the ocean right on your doorstep. I watched children building sandcastles in the sand, kicking a football around, and out in the water, snorkelling and peering at fish and stingrays drifting beneath the surface.

On Thursday and Saturday nights, the live reggae and jazz entertainment draws the whole family in, and more often than not, the children are the first ones dancing.

Charela Inn sits in a very safe part of Negril, so parents can hold onto their peace of mind knowing their children are in a secure environment, looked after by staff who clearly take that responsibility to heart.

Where to stay in Negril for couples

Charela is a place to love and be loved.

It looked like all couples were on. the best honeymoon while at Charela Inn in Negril.

Newlyweds we’re still glowing, and then guests who mentioned they had previously honeymooned at Charela years ago and simply never stopped coming back. That says everything.

Romance is built into Charela Inn without trying too hard so couples love this hotel.

Dinner at Le Vendôme under low light, French Jamaican cuisine, the sound of the sea nearby.

The gardens are full of flowers that make you feel like you have stumbled into somewhere truly special, kind of like a Disney kingdoms courtyard, simply blissful with magic hiding at each corner.

The beach, with uniquely planted dwarf coconut trees is naturally picturesque and gives a different experience you can only find here. Everywhere you look, there is shade, beauty and privacy.

Older couples were there too, some new to Charela, some returning, and for them it seemed like the perfect kind of settled relaxation. No noise, no chaos, just each other and a safe space that holds them gently.

When the entertainment comes alive in Negril at Charela Inn on Thursday and Saturday night something shifts with the couples.

Loved ones find their feet together, dancing closer to the house band, laughing louder and the spark between shines a little brighter under the warm Negril sky.

Where to stay in Negril for solo travelers

Charela Inn is equally a haven for solo travellers, and I noticed more solo female travellers than men, which tells you something important. This is clearly a safe space in Jamaica for female travellers.

One lady I came across was celebrating her forty-something birthday, though she looked no older than thirty, glowing in the way that only the right holiday destination can produce.

What was particularly lovely was watching the solo female guests naturally gravitate toward each other, sitting together, talking, bonding over shared meals and quiet afternoons. It was genuinely lovely to witness women loving women.

I noticed that this guest kept things beautifully simple. Mornings she was in the pool. And during the afternoons she was on the beachfront.

Then I’d catch her again at dinner at Le Vendôme.

She was officially on the “busy doing nothing” agenda. Just rest, and the quiet joy of having chosen well.

The solo men were there too, equally content, enjoying exactly the same things in their own way. That is something about Charela that seems to give every kind of traveller exactly what they came for, without them having to ask twice.

This is my honest review of the beachfront suite

So I’ve stayed in the most beautiful places on planet earth, across 107 countries.

You feel it in the details, the staff who know your name, the unhurried pace, the sense that nobody here is just doing a job. The whole place carries that warmth of something built with love and passed down with pride, and families recognise it immediately because it mirrors something in themselves.

Charela Inn is not all inclusive, and that makes it better

Charela Inn has heart. This hotel is run with the kind of care and personal investment that a corporation or chain simply cannot replicate.

You feel it in the details, the staff who know your name gives the sense that nobody here is just doing a job. The whole place carries that warmth of something built with love and passed down with pride, and families, couples, friends and solo travelers recognise it immediately because it mirrors something in themselves.

Get 25% off discount by booking directly with Charela Inn

Charela have been kind enough to offer a 25% discount if you follow the booking link below.

Supporting local businesses means helping them thrive so they can continue, and others can do the same.

The post The Best Negril Hotel, Villa and Resort Recommendations For Your Stay in Jamaica appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Where To Stay And Get Naked In Jamaica | Clothing Optional All Inclusive Resorts Recommendation Options

Queen of Vitality — Mon, 25 May 2026 05:49:33 +0000

Black Owned Hotels, Resorts & Lodges, Clothing Optional, Eco-Stay, Jamaica

Where To Stay And Get Naked In Jamaica | Clothing Optional All Inclusive Resorts Recommendation Options

Jamaica is hiding a luxury boutique clothing optional hotel on the cliffs of Negril that is completely unique to the other nudist all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica

Imagine a place in Jamaica where you can lie naked in the sun because you want to and nobody cares

Quick Links

Clothing Optional Guide

My Top Pick

Directions

No Hedonism

Why Go Nude?

About Le Mirage

Feeling Comfortable

Noise & People

Verified Review

FAQ's

Your guide to clothing optional Jamaica

Finding the best naturist hotel and clothing optional hotel in Jamaica

Jamaica has a selection of four dedicated adults only clothing optional hotels and resorts, alongside several naturist beaches where people can sunbathe, walk around, and swim naked.

Choosing where to stay and get naked in Jamaica is actually quite easy because each of the available options offers a distinctly different vibe.

I personally chose to stay at a clothing optional hotel in Negril, which I believe aligns most closely with the preferences of our readers.

You are likely looking for tranquility, deep relaxation, and the kind of total privacy you can only find at a boutique style hotel with very few rooms.

During my stay, I visited and spoke with other guests who frequent various nudist and clothing-optional hotels in Jamaica, and I am now able to provide a verified review of what I consider to be the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica.

Le Mirage is an adults only, nudist or clothing optional boutique hotel

Le Mirage is an adults only, nudist or clothing optional boutique hotel.

I interviewed the owner of Le Mirage to find out why, as a Jamaican he made a clothing optional hotel in Jamaica.

Mr Grizzle, Le Mirage’s owner observed Jamaica becoming more conservative, they made a quiet, intentional decision to go in the opposite direction, moving away from the typical Hedonism party scene and avoiding the manufactured freakiness found elsewhere.

Le Mirage went toward privacy, freedom, and a continuous relationship with the sun and sea.

That choice may be more important than it seems. The property sits proudly on a cliff in Negril on Jamaica’s western end and is designed to be a space that reveals itself slowly.

Each of the twelve rooms has undisturbed views of the Caribbean.

Respect is the absolute code here because the water is wild and there are no lifeguards, but the reward is an investment in a variety of ways to embrace the ocean.

The wild cliffside setting is beautiful with mature coastal geography that feels unmanicured and theatrical in the best way.

Most of the staff have been there over a decade, and this small, dedicated team knows the property so well that after a few days, they make you feel as if you do too.

The ultimate clothing optional Negril Jamaica experience

To experience the best clothing optional vacation, you need to make sure you are at a dedicated clothing optional hotel or resort where you don’t have to worry about your beautiful body being out in its glory while people look away or wonder why you are the only one naked. Because that’s not cool.

It is important to remember that for a genuine clothing optional Negril experience, a dedicated property is always the better choice.

Respect is the only rule, so let’s start with some clarification on the major all inclusive hotel brands.

Is Secrets, Jamaica is clothing optional?

Secrets in Jamaica is not exclusively a clothing optional resort.

While they are a premier destination for luxury, they do not cater specifically to the naturist lifestyle.

If you are looking for a true clothing optional experience, you will need to look elsewhere for a property that fosters a dedicated nudist environment.

Is Sandals clothing optional Jamaica?

Sandals resorts are not clothing optional.

But, the nudists are near to Sandals in Negril, they are situated next door to Hedonism II, where guests can sometimes purchase a day pass to experience the beach. Because Sandals is a standard adults only all inclusive, they do not permit nudity on their own property. If you choose a brand like Sandals, you remain in a dressed environment, making them quite different from a true naturist hotel or clothing optional Jamaica all inclusive resort.

Finding the best naturist hotel and clothing optional hotel in Jamaica

Choosing the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica first means deciding where you want to reside.

Port Antonio hosts a unique adults only clothing optional experience, located roughly 198 kilometers away from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

If you prefer the westside of Jamaica, clothing optional Negril is available at three primary resorts and hotels, which are located about 80 kilometers away from Montego Bay airport.

Bear in mind that these clothing optional resorts and hotels in Jamaica cater to vastly different types of travelers.

Hedonism II, for example, is famous for its high-energy, party-heavy nudity, while Le Mirage provides a much more intimate clothing-optional vacation.

Where Hedonism II offers a beach, Le Mirage is set against the dramatic cliffs.

The good thing for you is that all of these clothing optional Jamaica hotels and resorts are entirely different, meaning there is truly something for every kind of naturist.

Why this is my recommendation of the best clothing optional hotel in Negril

As Le Mirage’s owner observed Jamaica becoming more conservative, they made a quiet, intentional decision to go the opposite direction, not toward Hedonism and not toward the freakiness.

Le Mirage went toward privacy, freedom and a continuous relationship with the sun and sea. That choice may be more important than it seems.

Le Mirage sits proudly on a cliff in Negril on Jamaica’s western end, and is designed to be a property that reveals itself slowly. Each of the twelve rooms has undisturbed views of the Caribbean.

Respect is important, because the water is wild, and there are no lifeguards, but the reward is an investment in a variety of ways to embrace the water, in an infinite number of ways to appreciate ocean moods across the day.

The wild cliffside setting is beautiful, with mature coastal geography that is unmanicured, and theatrical in the best way.

Most of the staff have been there over a decade, and the small, dedicated team knows the property and across the years, the staff make you feel as if you can too.

Staying at the hotel with the fewest rooms in Negril

Choosing where to stay in Negril means navigating West End Negril hotels and resorts because West End Negril is full of luxury boutique hotels from The Caves to the Rockhouse Hotel & Spa and The Cliff Jamaica.

But you clicked this article because you want something more.

Yes, you want relaxation and a private suite with an oceanfront view but you also want to feel free and liberated, with genuine privacy.

Le Mirage is the ultimate hidden gem in Jamaica, offering an intimate experience that larger resorts simply cannot match.

While other properties cater to the masses, Le Mirage offers a boutique nudist resort vs large all-inclusive resort experience that keeps things quiet and personal.

It really is the hotel in Jamaica with the fewest rooms in this area, giving you an off the beaten path Negril accommodation that feels like your own private estate.

Le Mirage only as 12 rooms
Hedonism has 280 rooms
Grand Lido Negril has 26 rooms
Great Huts Eco Lodge has 21 rooms

Le Mirage is a boutique hotel with ocean views in Negril, Jamaica

At Le Mirage, I stayed in a deluxe room on the third floor with a full panoramic view of the ocean.

The room is spacious and comfortable, with a large balcony, a king bed, a fridge and a shower with real pressure.

There is a television that I never turned on. But I did peep into the garden room on the ground floor and it was stunning.

Infact, all rooms are facing the ocean so you can’t really go wrong at all.

If you are looking for a private villa with ocean view Negril, this boutique hotel with ocean views in Jamaica delivers exactly that, providing a romantic adults-only cliffside getaway that feels miles away from the world.

We like that detachment, alot.

How to get to West End Negril from Montego Bay airport

Where is Negril in Jamaica and how far is it from Montego Bay?

Negril is located on the westernmost tip of Jamaica and currently does not have an international airport. There are rumors that one is coming soon.

Montego Bay airport, known as Sangster International Airport, is the closest major hub and is roughly 84 kilometers (about 52 miles) away.

Getting to Montego Bay airport from Negril is very straightforward and you have plenty of options.

Planning your trip to Negril to and from the airport you can drive, get a private airport transfer to Negril West End hotels which may cost you $100+, or do what I did which is cheaper and still fast.

I took the Knutsford Express from the Negril Knutsford Express office on beach road, and it stopped inside Montego Bay airport.

The journey was easy, the bus was clean and the price was cheap. It is the most reliable way to navigate the transfer without the stress of haggling for a taxi.

Staying at a hotel near Rick’s Cafe

Rick’s Cafe is legendary and easily rated as the best place in West End Negril.

I was introduced to Tom, the president and he seems exactly like the right person to run Rick’s Cafe. That is how I got exclusve filming permission at Rick’s Cafe.

Rick’s Cafe is a short 5-minute walking distance from Le Mirage, making it the perfect hotel near Rick’s Cafe if you want to be close to the action while maintaining your sanctuary.

This is where you can take time out from the quiet crash of the ocean to enjoy the crowd.

Rick’s Cafe encompasses everything to do in Negril.

You can eat and drink from their full bar and grill, watch the famous local cliff divers take the plunge, listen to live reggae music with an eclectic local and tourist crowd, catch the most spectacular sunset on the island, and shop for souvenirs.

What is the time of year to visit Jamaica

I visited Le Mirage in Negril in May and it was very hot. Too hot on some days.

It’s not because I’m British born, I’m saying this as someone who has been to every Caribbean island vetting everything from eco stays to natural clothing brands and Jamaica, this time of year is hottest.

The best time to visit Jamaica for holidays is from mid-December to April.

This is when the island enjoys the most reliable dry season weather, perfect for an intimate clothing-optional vacation.

If you want to avoid the peak winter crowds while still enjoying fantastic weather, late April and May are excellent shoulder months with plenty of sunshine and lower rates.

Regardless of when you choose to go, the West End cliffside breeze ensures you stay comfortable while soaking up the sun.

Clothing Is Optional Without Hedonism In Jamaica

Clothing optional at Le Mirage is not hedonism.

Yes, Hedonism resorts are offered in Negril, but being nude at Le Mirage is fundamentally different from the larger clothing optional resorts in Negril such as Hedonism II or the Grand Lido Negril.

The difference is that hedonism is more than skin deep; it is a philosophy of continuous, high-energy pleasure, one which is often experienced permanently while nude.

Le Mirage provides the absolute freedom of baring your skin, without the constant associations of a high-intensity pursuit of pleasure.

The owner has no plans to make nudity a form of entertainment because the intention here is stillness. Le Mirage is a still space next to the sea without any distractions except the sun and the ocean.

Is Le Mirage worth the stay for naturists compared to Hedonism Negril?

Le Mirage usually comes up in the conversation before Hedonism II for a reason.

The funny thing is, guests often come to Le Mirage first, before deciding to visit Hedonism II.

They come to a quiet corner of the cliffs for the no tan lines and the serenity.

Then they graduate for the Hedonism II experience.

If you are debating which best clothing optional resort in Jamaica is right for you, consider this, Le Mirage offers a boutique nudist intimate stay with no staff or amenities running around you vs large all-inclusive resort experience that prioritizes your peace of mind over a party atmosphere.

Hedonism II Negril reviews

If you are reading Hedonism Negril reviews, you likely want to know what actually happens at Hedonism II.

At Hedo, the rule is that everything goes.

You are naked all of the time. You eat nude, you walk around nude, and you swim nude.

Nudity is embraced at all times as part of their lifestyle-focused environment.

It is a high-energy space where the “Hedonism Negril day pass” allows even those staying elsewhere to get a taste of their famous nightlife and events.

Le Mirage vs Hedonism II: Choosing the right clothing optional Jamaica all inclusive

Le Mirage is the perfect quiet alternative to Hedonism II in Negril.

It is perfect for someone who wants to go au naturel without the pressure of a scene.

While Hedo is about the crowd, Le Mirage is about the connection between you, the sun, and the sea. If you are searching for the best adults only all inclusive vacations that feel more like a private sanctuary, Le Mirage offers that rare blend of liberation and seclusion.

Why Nude Tourism Is Rising Worldwide

Ever since Forbes wrote that ‘Nakations’ are on the rise, clothing optional holidays have been growing strong ever since.

More and more people are looking for clothing optional hotels, resorts, or villas.

But nudity is not the point.

Freedom is.

Nudity is the decision to stop wrapping the body in polyester and synthetic fabrics from the moment you wake until the moment you sleep.

Nudity is an uninterrupted connection with mother nature. Sun on skin, wind on skin, and salt water on skin.

It is a refusal to perform the dressed, composed, presentable version of yourself.

Even if you spend just a few days at Le Mirage, you’ll know exactly what that means and how liberating it feels.

What is a clothing optional hotel?

A clothing optional hotel is a sanctuary that respects your right to be yourself.

This is why I strongly disagree with Business Insider’s review of clothing optional resorts because they specifically mentioned sex-inspired decor. Business insider are wrong for that.

You can walk around naked in all spaces as it is not just about the lack of fabric; it is about the presence of a mindset.

Clothing optional properties provide a secure, private environment where guests can enjoy the sun and sea without the pressures of societal judgment.

If you’re a nudist, or just love the au-natural option looking for a boutique nudist resort vs large all-inclusive resort, the core principle is the same, clothing optional provides a space where you do not need to wear clothes and leave behind the dogma and the stress of the “dressed” world and simply feel liberated.

Is it legal to be nude in public in Jamaica? Your naturist questions answered

Public nudity is actually illegal in Jamaica. Nudism laws in Jamaica are strict and should be followed.

Because of this, you should never assume you can walk around just anywhere without a swimsuit. This is why this article is important to read.

Naturist resort Jamaica properties and private beach clubs are specialized because they are so valuable.

Clothing optional hotels and resorts in Jamaica operate on private property, which allows them to create fully sanctioned, safe environments for au naturel sunbathing. You are perfectly safe and within the law as long as you stick to these designated areas.

If you are ever unsure, always look for the “swimsuit optional” signs before going nude.

Intimate clothing-optional vacation: Why travelers are choosing the West End

Travelers are increasingly gravitating toward the West End because it offers a much more authentic, intimate clothing-optional vacation than the crowded beaches elsewhere.

The West End is home to beautiful, quiet boutique hotels with ocean views in Jamaica that prioritize privacy.

It is an off the beaten path Negril accommodation experience that allows you to move freely between your room and the water without the “resort-style” crowds.

If you want a private solo experience or a romantic adults-only cliffside getaway where you can exist entirely in your own space, this is the side of the island for you.

Are there private nude beaches in Negril and is it safe?

To get naked in Jamaica, go to a clothing optional hotel because there are no truly “public” nude beaches where it is legal to be naked.

However, the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica will almost always have a private, cordoned-off section of beach or cliffside just for their guests.

Why embrace freedom nude at a cliffside hotel rather than a public beach?

Because at a private hotel like Le Mirage, you have security, privacy, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are in a protected space where you are free to exist exactly as you are.

Is Negril Safe To Travel?

After traveling to over 100 countries solo, I think everywhere is safe. But this is because my intuition is strong and I move like I’ve lived in any place for years.

Jamaica is a safe destination overall, especially the tourist areas. Just don’t watch Shotterz.

So when people ask, “Is Negril Jamaica safe?”, the answer is a resounding yes. For your own peace of mind if safety is a major worry, stay within the tourist zones and enjoy the areas managed by your hotel.

Boutique ocean view hotel, not a typical all inclusive Jamaican resort

Best adults only all inclusive resorts for the ultimate Jamaica vacation

Le Mirage not being anywhere close to a resort in Jamaica is genuinely part of the offer.

There is no kitchen, no buffet, no à la carte operation running across the property.

There is a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, so for other meals guests will have to venture out.

Luckily, the West End cliffs of Negril are not a difficult place to feed yourself.

Rick’s Café, the island’s most iconic hangout spot and cliff diving edge, is close enough to walk to and worth at least one visit for the atmosphere and music.

Sharks and Vibes, roadside eateries, are both nearby and serve proper Jamaican food with veggie and vegan options.

For anything further into town, route taxis run frequently along the West End Road and cost 200 JMD each way. They come often enough that waiting never really feels like waiting.

Best adults only all inclusive resorts for the ultimate Jamaica vacation

Le Mirage not being anywhere close to a resort in Jamaica is genuinely part of the offer.

While guests often compare this experience to the best adults only all inclusive resorts for the ultimate Jamaica vacation, the reality is that the intimate scale here is the true luxury.

There is no kitchen or massive buffet operation because the goal is to get you out into the heart of Negril, sampling the real local flavors that the big resorts often mask behind standardized menus.

You aren’t just booking a room; you are choosing a lifestyle of freedom that you simply cannot find at the larger adults only all inclusive resorts.

For courples, this is a very romantic adults-only cliffside getaways

Because it’s private, this property stands out as one of the most romantic adults-only cliffside getaways in the Caribbean.

Unlike the loud, performative atmosphere at many of the best adults only all inclusive resorts, the privacy here allows you and your partner to truly disconnect.

You are not fighting for a pool lounger or sitting in a crowded dining hall; you are watching the sunset from your own balcony in complete, natural peace. It is the perfect setting for a couple looking for an intimate clothing-optional vacation, tucked away in the serene beauty of the West End.

Will I feel comfortable at a clothing optional resort?

For solo travelers, you will fee very safe and secure going clothing optional at Le Mirage

For solo travelers, you will feel very safe and secure going clothing optional at Le Mirage.

I stayed a few nights there after my stay at Charela Inn, a beachfront hotel in Negril owned by the same person.

I feel like this is a typical hidden gem hotel in Jamaica, as Le Mirage accommodation is slightly off the beaten path in Negril as opposed to staying on the busy beach road.

I work remotely, editing Hold the Throne and working in documentary film production, so I am always seeking a good workspace.

Each morning I opened the laptop on the balcony without any of the usual resistance that working brings, because looking out over the cliffside and the Caribbean gave me a calm and inspiring feeling, so the work came easily even at a clothing optional naturist hotel in Jamaica.

Outside, I moved freely, nude as intended.

The staff made that easier than expected because they do not care at all that you are nude, in the most professional and reassuring sense of the phrase. It seems like they are simply long past the point of noticing, and once I understood that, I was too.

What followed was unhurried.

My time was spent meditating on the cliffs in the morning sun. I flowed through sun salutations on the cliffside with the waves crashing below. I absolutely love that this is not a clothing optional all inclusive resort because plenty of people are coming to Jamaica for their all inclusive adults only vacation, but Le Mirage strips that back to basics.

It means you can choose exactly what you want to eat for lunch and dinner, and you have the freedom to explore all the things to do in West End, Negril at your own pace.

For couples, this is a very romantic adults-only cliffside getaway

During my stay there was one other couple, also nude, and I never once felt uncomfortable.

I beamed with joy watching them in love with each other freely. Not in a sexual way either, just free.

You have to experience this to know what I mean. The outside world is so prudish, that makes it uncomfortable since it is quite the opposite of free loving.

We should never feel shame, and hide ourselves away from each other.

That is mostly what I loved while observing the couple, knowing that they are just comfortable in their own skin.

We kept to ourselves, each of us happy to exist in a beautiful adults only space safely.

That is the atmosphere Le Mirage gives, not an organized scene, not a party, just a mutually understood agreement to let each other be.

It creates the perfect environment for an intimate clothing-optional vacation, whether you are traveling as a pair or on your own seeking a hidden gem resort in Jamaica.

noise & people

It is no secret that I seek extremely quiet, isolated destinations.

So, noise is worth being honest about if you are planning an intimate clothing-optional vacation.

Le Mirage faces the ocean on one side and the West End Road on the other.

Out on the cliffs you hear nothing but the hypnotic crash of water and the wind. Inside the room, or on the road-facing side, cars pass and voices carry when the street is active. It is not constant, but it is present.

I would put it at a six out of ten for noise on that side during busier hours. At night, local dogs also bark nearby.

The answer is straightforward and also happens to be the better choice regardless, spend most of your time on the cliffside.

West End, Negril is a working coastline

Boats pass, sailing vessels, glass-bottomed tourist boats, and the occasional fishing pirogue.

If someone aboard looked in the right direction at the right moment, they could probably see you are naked.

It did not diminish the experience, but it is worth keeping in awareness, particularly on the lower cliffs.

For those researching nudist and clothing-optional hotels in Jamaica, this is simply the reality of cliffside living.

You are trading the total enclosure of a massive resort for a raw, authentic connection with the island.

If you want a private villa with ocean view in Negril that feels like an off the beaten path Negril accommodation, this trade-off is well worth it.

You are not at one of the generic adults only all inclusive resorts where you are walled off from reality; you are in the heart of the West End, living life, cliffside and au naturel.

My Le Mirage, Negril Clothing Optional Hotel Honest Review

People looking for all inclusive adults only vacations are invited to try something a little different. Book Le Mirage at the best rate Expedia, and let me know how it goes.

A clothing optional stay at Le Mirage is not a total removal from the world.

It is a managed distance from it.

Clothing optional, cliffside, adults only, and looked after by a team who have been here long enough to know to leave you alone. What remains is only the freedom to connect, uninterrupted, with the sun and the sea.

If you are still searching for the best adults only all inclusive resorts for your next getaway, I encourage you to reconsider the trade-off. Choosing this intimate clothing-optional vacation over the standard all inclusive adults only resorts gives you more than just a room, it gives you a sense of place.

Perhaps you are looking for the best clothing optional resort in Jamaica or simply looking for a hidden gem resort in Jamaica to reset your batteries, this cliffside sanctuary offers a rare, unfiltered experience.

You have now reviewed everything from the logistics of how to get to West End Negril from Montego Bay airport to the reality of why this remains the best clothing optional hotel in Jamaica.

Love, what is not to love about Jamaica? And the West End is calling, the sun is out, and the cliffs are waiting.

Ditch the polyester, skip the buffet, and discover the true meaning of freedom at Le Mirage going clothing optional.

Contact Details for Le Mirage, Negril

The post Where To Stay And Get Naked In Jamaica | Clothing Optional All Inclusive Resorts Recommendation Options appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

How These Four Non Toxic Underwear Brands DO NOT Contain Polyester, Spandex, TENCEL, Lyocell or Bamboo

Queen of Vitality — Thu, 07 May 2026 03:42:54 +0000

Natural Fibers

How These Four Non Toxic Underwear Brands DO NOT Contain Polyester, Spandex, TENCEL, Lyocell or Bamboo

Most “sustainable” underwear still contains plastic.

Finding underwear that is actually plastic-free is harder than it looks

Most “natural” brands still sneak in 5% spandex for stretch or use lyocell/bamboo which require heavy chemical processing.

If you are looking for zero synthetics and zero “semi-synthetic” rayons, these four brands are the gold standard, supernatural. They rely on natural fiber density rather than chemical additives.

Kent

KENT gained fame for creating the first verified compostable underwear. If you buried these in your garden, they would disappear in 90 days.

Materials: 100% Organic Supima Cotton. They replace standard elastic with a unique plant-based, latex-free elastic that provides hold without the use of spandex.

Ethos: A “Soil-to-Soil” philosophy. They believe what we wear should be able to return to the earth as nutrients.

Sourcing: The raw organic cotton is sourced ethically from Peru, but all manufacturing cutting, sewing, and assembly, takes place in California, USA, in family-owned factories.

Ethics: Made in Los Angeles, California. They are a B-Corp and use GOTS-certified organic cotton and dyes.

Sizes: Women’s XS–3XL; Men’s S–XXL.Pricing: Individual pairs are $24–$28, with “Trio” packs available for around $80.

Shipping: Primary shipping is within the USA. International shipping is available but typically carries higher rates and potential customs fees depending on the destination.

“Super natural basics that look good, feel good, and do good for the planet.”

Eco Aya

Ecoaya is a family-run operation focused on Andean heritage and total elimination of petrochemicals.

Materials: They use 100% Organic Pima Cotton.

Ethos: Their goal is a “Zero Contamination” supply chain. They manage the process from the farm to the final stitch to ensure no microplastics are ever released.

Sourcing: Truly a “Single Origin” brand. The Organic Pima Cotton is grown in Piura, Peru, and the garments are sewn in their own studio in Lima, Peru.

Ethics: They use GOTS-certified low-impact synthetic dyes or 100% natural plant-based dyes.

Sizes: Men’s and Women’s XS–XXL.Pricing: Basics start around $25–$45.

Shipping: They ship to the USA and the EU.

“We achieve what most consider impossible: clothing made with nature, not plastic.”

Cottonique

Cottonique is the “allergy-free” real deal. Cottonique design specifically for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) and severe eczema.

Materials: 100% Organic Cotton. Cottonique are strictly latex-free and spandex-free. Instead of elastic, they often use adjustable drawstrings or “rib-knit” textures that provide natural flexibility.

Ethos: Medical-grade purity. Cottonique avoid all resins, flame retardants, and harsh textile chemicals.

Sourcing: Cottonique operate their own dedicated manufacturing facility in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines.

Ethics: Cottonique are Microbiome Certified, meaning their fabric doesn’t disrupt the natural bacteria on your skin.

Sizes: Extensive range from XS to 2XL (select styles up to 3XL).

Pricing: Very accessible, starting at $15–$30 per pair, often sold in multi-packs.

Shipping: Cottonique offer free international shipping on orders over $100. For US-based customers, orders typically arrive within 5–6 business days.

“The only brand that offers a truly chemical-free experience for the most sensitive skin.”

Hemptees

Hemptees (Hemp & Hope) focuses on the raw utility and durability of hemp.

Materials: 100% Hemp or Hemp/Organic Cotton blends.

Ethos: Promoting hemp as the future of textiles because it requires significantly less water than cotton and zero pesticides.

Sourcing: The hemp is grown and processed in the Shanxi region of China, which has centuries of experience in hemp textiles.

Specific Ethics: Hemptees focus on fair trade labor and transparent European manufacturing, ensuring the farmers and weavers are treated ethically.

Sizes: S–XXL.

Pricing: Generally €20–€35 (approx. $22–$38 USD).

Shipping: Hemptees ship throughout Europe and internationally.

“Wear the change you want to see—natural, durable, and honest.”

The post How These Four Non Toxic Underwear Brands DO NOT Contain Polyester, Spandex, TENCEL, Lyocell or Bamboo appeared first on Hold The Throne | Ethical and Sustainable Brands Directory.

Why Luxe Eco Lodges are Rising in The Caribbean

Queen of Vitality — Wed, 06 May 2026 23:17:07 +0000

Eco-Stay, Black Owned Hotels, Resorts & Lodges

Why Luxe Eco Lodges are Rising in The Caribbean

Barbuda’s islands rugged Atlantic shore is filling the demand for a private oceanfront luxury eco lodge experience, one defined by total isolation, frigate birds, no wifi, and the courage to go off-grid.

It’s that rare sense of freedom we’re all searching for

“This is my ideal world,” Asha Frank told me, standing on the fifteen acres she holds through Barbuda’s communal land. “Because I control my destiny.”

Frangipani is a Barbuda eco lodge that runs on solar power. Asha and Afiya Frank own it. The two sisters built it on Two Foot Bay, on the wild Atlantic coast, and for ten days it gave me an entire shoreline to myself.

Yes. The whole coast. No neighbours, no wifi, no other footprints in the sand.

I went looking for clarity and I found a place that simply hands it to you.

“This is my ideal world”

“Because I control my destiny,” Asha said, “and the opportunity that I’ve been given, because I live in Barbuda, is the fact that I own this fifteen acres piece of property through our communal land system, which essentially is free land for Barbuda.”

“It’s very freeing. I control my hours. I control my time.”

That is not a figure of speech. On Barbuda the land is held in common, so Asha holds her fifteen acres without buying it, and that arrangement is what keeps this coast from being sold off. You can read the deeper story of Barbuda’s communal land if you want to understand why Barbudans guard it so fiercely.

Is the land in Barbuda really free?

Yes, for Barbudans. Asha put it plainly: the communal land system is “essentially free land for Barbuda.” Barbudans take a plot for a home or a business at no cost, and big developments need the community’s blessing.

That single fact is why a small beach house can sit alone on a coast another island would have filled with resorts.

“Being at one with nature, not trying to intrude”

I asked Asha what the vision was. She talked about the land more than the lodge.

“The vision that we have for this place is to share the way of life. Living in nature, being at one with nature, not trying to intrude.”

I asked her what not intruding looked like in practice.

“We use local plants, so we don’t import the beautiful palm tree. We have a local palm, so we use the local palm. We use the balsam, that literally just grows wildly. We don’t even have fencing. We have cows that are roaming freely, we have donkeys. It’s a give and take with nature. We take a little bit, we make sure we’re always giving.”

And she tied it to something larger, without a trace of preaching.

“On a global scale, it’s necessary to live like this, based on what is happening in the world with climate change. We as a people need to move collectively and look at the ways we can live at one with nature, less intrusive.”

From the UK to an island that slows the world down

Asha did not grow up here full time. I asked how she found moving from the UK to somewhere this remote.

“I have a connection with Barbuda in the sense that my father’s from here. So it is difficult, it’s not easy. Even when you leave for a short period of time and live in a place that is a metropolitan world, you change. There’s always that adjustment you have to make when you come back and live with nature.”

She reached for the one moment the whole world understood.

“If you look at what happened with Covid and the world just stopped, no flights, no planes in the sky. I saw an image where there was a deer walking through the city. It’s something that’s a hundred percent doable. It’s just slowing down, literally, and making more conscious decisions about living in a place that is not as fast pace as a city.”

What exclusive isolation actually feels like

Here is where I come in, because this is the part I kept talking about to camera.

I have been isolated before. You can be isolated at a waterfall or in a forest, and a lot of us can reach a waterfall or a forest. What I felt at Frangipani was something I call exclusive isolation, the kind that is a little trickier to get to and gives you the whole place in return. The last time I felt it this completely was on safari in Botswana, out with the animals, no synthetic noise, nothing fabricated, just the sounds the animals make. If you know that feeling, you will recognise it in my notes on Tuli Safari Lodge.

Frangipani gave me the island version. It felt like I had the whole island to myself. I used the beach as my office. I put a little table out at the shack, sat there (often with no clothes on, because there was truly no one to see), and any time I needed inspiration I just looked out at the ocean.

The only noise is the waves. And that is what offers clarity, absolute clarity. When you are caught up in annoyance you cannot restructure the way you think. When you have that clarity you can. That is what we seek as meditators, to clear the mind completely, and you can actually do it in a place like this.

Ten days, and not one neighbour

By the time I had to leave, I was quietly hoping the boat would be cancelled so I could stay one more night.

It was Thursday, and I had come the Monday of the week before, so I had been there about ten days. Truly peaceful. Truly, truly peaceful. You have no neighbours here, none whatsoever. It is just you, the only human being, and then you are among all the other beings: the fish in the ocean, the donkeys, the cows roaming around, the birds, the frigate birds.

Those frigate birds are the island’s signature. Barbuda holds the largest frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere over at the Codrington Lagoon sanctuary, and at Frangipani they just circle overhead like they own the airspace.

The balsam tea tastes like a softer neem

Asha had told me the balsam “literally just grows wildly,” so of course I had to try it.

This is the balsam tea. I tasted it and the closest reference I can give you is neem, except gentler. Neem smells stronger than this and tastes stronger than this, so picture neem with the volume turned down. A clean, green, local cup that grows a few steps from where you drink it.

Frangipani also keeps a small herb garden, an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen, and a firepit, so you cook slowly with what is there. I am plant based, and the larder suited me perfectly (they do provide lassos for guests who want to try for lobster, so message Frangipani directly if that is you).

Getting there, and who it is for

Frangipani sits at Two Foot Bay, about 9.4 km from Barbuda’s airport, and you reach the island by a short flight or the ferry from Antigua. Asha and Afiya meet you in person and settle you in before they leave you to the quiet. The lodge runs on solar, the water is harvested rainwater drawn from an onsite well, and there is no wifi.

The beach house has two rooms, one twin and one double. It is family friendly, and because the isolation is so complete, clothing is genuinely optional. The price sits at the investment end, and I will not pretend otherwise.

The other side of the island has its slow hum of high end development and celebrity backed beach clubs. The Atlantic side stays defiant. If you want the polished, serviced Caribbean, Antigua next door does it beautifully, and somewhere like Lamblion Apartments is a soft landing. Frangipani is the opposite end of that spectrum, and it knows it. Around it you can also walk the cliffs to the caves at Two Foot Bay, the only place in Antigua and Barbuda with Amerindian petroglyphs.

My reflection, ten days in

You can probably see I got significantly darker, and that was just being on the beach. More than the tan, it was being able to create. I edited footage from Antigua, from London, from Colombia, from Georgia, and for once I did it with absolute clarity, because the environment finally let me.

I have travelled to over a hundred countries, and Frangipani sits firmly in my top three most secluded places on earth. No people. Total silence. Just liberated privacy and an entire coast to dance and sing on, knowing nobody will see you.

And yes, I know what you are thinking, because I said it to my audience too: it is quite expensive. I am able to do this because you keep me going. So take it from me. Stay a week, brew the balsam, let the world go quiet, and then come back and tell me I am wrong.

Hugs,
QOV x

Explore more of our verified eco stays, or wander the rest of Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

This is a verified HTT eco-stay!

Loves, thanks for reading. Take it from me. I’ve traveled to over 100 countries, and Frangipani sits firmly in my top three most secluded places on Earth. No people. Total silence. Just pure, liberated privacy. I know the price point is an investment, but believe me, the experience is worth every penny. Stay for a week, get back to me, and tell me I’m wrong. Hugs, QOV x

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Eco-Stay, Black Owned Hotels, Resorts & Lodges

Why Luxe Eco Lodges are Rising in The Caribbean

It’s that rare sense of freedom we’re all searching for

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Apple X Arbaro Fund; Tree Planting and Offsetting Emissions

Queen of Vitality — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:02:04 +0000

Apple X Arbaro Fund; Tree Planting and Offsetting Emissions

Apple said "Every product. Every emission accounted for by 2030". It sounds like one of the most ambitious corporate climate commitments in the world.

But this is the lesser known reason why people (who know) are saying it's a scam.

Apple’s 2030 Climate Promise

By now, you’ve probably heard about Apple’s big plan.

By 2030, every Apple device is supposed to have a net zero climate impact.

Apple’s tree-planting projects, managed through the Arbaro Fund, are marketed as a “Restore Fund” for the planet.

However, evidence from the ground in Paraguay reveals a toxic reality that contradicts this green image.

Apple’s carbon offsetting is tied into a fund that ends soon: The Arbaro Fund is a private equity structure with a 15-year lifespan; it is designed for a financial exit, not permanent forest conservation.
Apple’s carbon offsetting is co-produced with timber revenue: These are not “forests” for nature; they are industrial wood factories designed to be clear-cut for commercial profit.
Apple’s carbon offsetting involves planting invasive species in foreign lands: The project replaces native ecosystems with Eucalyptus, an invasive, water-intensive species that creates a biological desert.
Apple’s carbon offsetting uses toxic chemicals: To keep these monocultures alive, massive amounts of glyphosate and other herbicides are used, creating a chemical-dependent landscape.
Apple’s carbon offsetting causes irreversible damage: The conversion of the Chaco and Atlantic Forest into industrial plots causes permanent, destructive changes to the soil chemistry and water table.
Apple’s carbon offsetting leaves children with generational medical damage: DNA “comet assay” tests performed by geneticists for the “Green Warriors” documentary found fragmentation in the DNA of local children—damage that is a precursor to cancer and genetic disorders.
Apple’s carbon offsetting poisons the environment: Chemical drift and runoff contaminate local groundwater and soil, creating a toxic “sacrifice zone” for the sake of distant carbon credits.
Apple’s carbon offsetting causes a loss of biodiversity: Sterile rows of a single tree species provide no habitat for native wildlife, leading to a total collapse of local flora and fauna.
Apple’s carbon offsetting causes a loss of local foods: Indigenous communities lose access to traditional foraging grounds, wild fruits, and honey, forcing a dependence on outside markets.
Apple’s carbon offsetting threatens native trees: The expansion of industrial plots encroaches on the remaining stands of native hardwoods and medicinal plants.
Apple’s carbon offsetting violates indigenous laws: The project has consistently bypassed the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process required by ILO Convention 169.
Apple’s carbon offsetting violates national laws: Operations frequently ignore Paraguayan Law 3742/09, which mandates 100-meter buffer zones and “living barriers” between spray zones and schools or homes.
Apple’s carbon offsetting doesn’t calculate to what Apple says: Independent analysis suggests the carbon accounting fails to factor in the emissions from chemical production, soil disturbance, or the eventual harvest and decay of the timber.
Apple’s carbon offsetting allows Apple to “offset emissions” and claim carbon neutral: This framework allows a trillion-dollar company to claim “Carbon Neutrality” on a balance sheet while the physical costs—poisoned water and damaged DNA—are offloaded onto the people of Paraguay.

Apple & Arbaro Fund Carbon Offsetting / Timber Deal

Apple’s Carbon Offsetting Strategy

To reach carbon neutrality, Apple relies heavily on carbon offsetting.

Instead of eliminating all emissions at the source, where the pollution happens Apple funds projects that are supposed to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

In theory, this balances out the pollution created by manufacturing, supply chains, and product use.

One of Apple’s key partners in this strategy is the Arbaro Fund a private equity fund focused on forestry investments.

And this is where things get questionable.

The Arbaro Partnership: Carbon Credits or Commodity Crops?

Apple has partnered with the Arbaro Fund, a private equity firm based in Luxembourg.

Together with Unique Forestry and Land Use, they are managing massive eucalyptus plantations in Paraguay and Brazil.

Here is the mechanical reality of the deal
The Investment: Apple pays for land preparation, irrigation, and herbicides.
The "Credit": Apple receives carbon credits based on estimated $CO_2$ capture.
The Reality: These aren't "forests" in the traditional sense; they are industrial monoculture plantations designed for profit.

The Arbaro Fund’s primary objective is clear: generate financial returns.

Apple’s objective is to reduce its reported emissions.

These goals are not aligned with long-term climate stability.

They are aligned with short-term accounting and profitability.

The United Nations Connection: The Green Climate Fund (GCF)

I'll never forget when I was in Bosnia and 'United Nothing' was grafitied around Sarajevo, oh.

The specific vehicle for these investments is often the Arbaro Fund, which is backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—the UN’s flagship fund for helping developing nations limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Here is the mechanical reality of the deal
The Investment (FP128): In 2020, the GCF Board approved a $25 million equity investment into the Arbaro Fund (Project FP128). This effectively gave a "UN Seal of Approval" to industrial eucalyptus plantations in countries like Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.
The Timeline & End Date: This isn't a permanent conservation effort; it is a time-bound financial product. The GCF-backed Arbaro Fund project has a completion date of October 30, 2035.
The Exit Strategy: Because this is private equity, the goal is to "exit" the investment by 2035. This usually means selling the mature timber plantations to the highest bidder—which could be another logging company or a biomass energy plant—raising questions about whether that "captured" carbon stays in the ground once the UN and Apple move on to the next project.

The Industrial Forestry Timeline

2014 – 2035

2014 – 2020: The Foundation

Thousands of hectares of eucalyptus are planted in the San Pedro and Canindeyú departments of Paraguay. At this stage, the project is a standard commercial timber operation, not a “carbon removal” initiative.

2015: Operations Begin

Industrial forest management and land preparation officially commence on the ground under what would become the Forestal San Pedro (FSP) framework.

March 12, 2020: UN Financial Backing

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board officially approves a $25 million equity investment in the Arbaro Fund (Project FP128), providing the institutional “green” seal of approval for these existing plantations.

July 21, 2020: The Corporate Pledge

Apple announces its goal to be 100% carbon neutral by 2030, explicitly stating it will rely on “nature-based solutions” to remove the final 25% of its carbon footprint.

October 27, 2020: Human Rights Conflict

Indigenous Qom leader Bernarda Pesoa is physically assaulted while protesting a eucalyptus plantation on ancestral lands in Benjamín Aceval.

The project (by Fundación Paraguaya) aimed to sell biomass and wood for the following 10 years without obtaining Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

April 16, 2021: The Restore Fund Launch

Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Conservation International launch the $200 million Restore Fund, scaling up the same industrial forestry models used by Arbaro to generate financial returns and carbon credits.

2022: Expansion

Forestal San Pedro continues acquiring and managing eucalyptus stands, including “silvopastoral” systems (trees mixed with cattle grazing), aiming for a total of 8,000 hectares of industrial plantation.

October 30, 2035: The Exit Date

The official completion date for the UN-backed Arbaro investment. This is the “end of life” for the fund, where assets are scheduled to be sold off and the investment cycle closed.

Human Impact of Carbon Offsetting Projects (real)

Bernarda's Story of Conflict and Violence

The following case involving Fundación Paraguaya (rather than Apple specifically) serves as a critical warning of what happens when industrial "tree planting" is forced upon indigenous territories.

Bernarda Pesoa is a leader of the Qom indigenous community in the Benjamín Aceval municipality of Paraguay.

For nearly three decades, she has defended her people’s right to their ancestral lands, lands that provide their food, medicine, and cultural identity.

What happened to Bernarda Pesoa In October 2020, Bernarda was physically assaulted by a group of approximately nine people after she stood in opposition to a eucalyptus plantation being developed on her community’s territory. The attackers, linked to proponents of the project, threatened to burn her home and continue the violence if she did not stop her resistance.

Why They Resist
The Qom people oppose these monocultures for the same reasons environmentalists are now questioning the "Restore Fund" model:
Destruction of Ecosystems: The plantation site was home to medicinal plants and native trees used for subsistence and traditional handicrafts
Environmental Degradation: Leaders warned that the eucalyptus monoculture would lead to the drying up of soil (erosion) and a critical loss of local biodiversity.
Resource Depletion: The community highlighted that the water needed to sustain these fast-growing trees would threaten the water security of the entire area.

The “Consent” Illusion

The lack of consent narrative is revolting.

Much like the corporate carbon projects we see today, the developer claimed they had an agreement with community leaders.

However, the Qom people maintain that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) was never properly obtained from all eight affected communities, a claim later confirmed by the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Peoples (INDI).

The Selling of Biomass

Biomass is simply organic material from plants, like these eucalyptus trees, grown specifically to be harvested and burned for industrial fuel or charcoal, a process that eventually releases all that “offset” carbon back into the atmosphere

The motivation behind this specific project was not pure conservation. Just like the Arbaro Fund’s timber business, Fundación Paraguaya’s explicit goal was to sell biomass and wood from the eucalyptus over a ten-year period.

Bernarda’s story is a reminder that when a company says “tree planting,” they might actually mean “industrial commodity crop”—and the people who live on that land often pay the price in blood.

Resistance of Qom Women Against Monoculture Plantations

On October 27, 2020, a significant protest and subsequent physical altercation occurred in the Qom indigenous community of Santa Rosa, located in the Benjamín Aceval municipality of Paraguay.

The event and its ongoing aftermath are defined by the following details:

Core Reasons for the Protest

Lack of Legal Consent: The protesters and the Paraguayan Institute for Indigenous Peoples (INDI) confirmed that the developers, Fundación Paraguaya, did not conduct a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process. This is a mandatory legal requirement under Paraguayan Law 1039 and ILO Convention 169 for any project affecting indigenous territories.

Environmental Destruction: The Qom women, many of whom are traditional artisans, argue that eucalyptus plantations dry out the soil and deplete water resources. They depend on the native ecosystem for medicinal plants and raw materials like carandillo fibers for their handicrafts.

Economic Exclusion: The project was reportedly negotiated with select leaders behind closed doors, creating a “business of poverty” that divided the community. Protesters argue the long-term environmental damage outweighs any short-term financial promises made by the foundation.

Escalation in April 2021 when Bernarda was attacked

These protests represent a broader struggle in the Paraguayan Chaco, where indigenous women are at the forefront of resisting industrial “green” projects that they claim bypass local laws and threaten their cultural survival.

Following the initial 2020 attack, tensions peaked again on April 17, 2021, when Bernarda Pesoa received fresh death threats via social media and audio messages.

Institutional Failure: Protesters pointed out that despite a court-ordered “no-contact” injunction against the 2020 attackers, the order was ignored.
The Demand for Safety: On April 20, 2021, the police attempted to hold a meeting in the San Francisco de Asís community. However, the protesters denounced this meeting because it was held in the territory of the aggressors, which they viewed as an act of institutional bias that ignored the safety and rights of the victims.

Carbon Offsetting Pesticides Are Poisoning a Generation

Think my loves. If you are planting a monoculture on an industrial scale, you are using an industrial amount of pesticides too.

Poisoning the ground. The food. The nature. The people.

A school is located just 30m away from one of Apple's offsetting plantations. That is illegal.

Schools in the Line of Fire

In communities like Santa Rosa, industrial plantations sit immediately adjacent to residential areas and local schools.

This proximity violates basic safety standards, as schools are frequently caught in the “drift” of chemical spraying.

Despite the marketing of these projects as environmentally friendly, they rely on intensive applications of glyphosate and other herbicides to ensure the rapid growth of the monoculture.

Violation of Paraguayan Law. This is illegal

But Apple are above the law, right?

The current situation directly breaks Paraguayan Law 3742/09, which regulates the control of phytosanitary products for agricultural use. According to the law:

A 100-meter buffer zone must be maintained for ground-based spraying near schools, health centers, and residential areas.
A 200-meter buffer zone is required for aerial spraying.
Barriers of protection (living curtains of trees) must be established to prevent chemical drift.

In many project sites, these barriers are non-existent or insufficient, allowing chemicals to settle directly on school playgrounds and family gardens.

The “Green Warriors” Investigation: Tests on Children

The documentary series “Green Warriors” (specifically the episode “Paraguay’s Poisoned Fields”) documented the physical toll of this proximity.

Working with a team of geneticists, the investigators conducted comet assays (DNA tests) on children living near these plantations.

Genetic Damage: The tests revealed that children exposed to the pesticides had significantly higher levels of DNA damage compared to those in unexposed areas.
The Findings: The study showed “comets” in the DNA of the children, a clear indicator of genetic fragmentation caused by chronic exposure to agrochemicals. This damage is a precursor to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and congenital malformations.

Critical and Irreversible Risks

Internal documents and independent assessments of the industrial forestry sector in Paraguay categorize these health and environmental impacts in severe terms.

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for major plantation funds often acknowledge that without stringent mitigation, the risks to local populations are:

Critical: Meaning the impact on human health and local water sources is of the highest priority and requires immediate intervention.
Irreversible: The genetic damage found in children and the long-term contamination of the soil and local aquifers cannot be easily undone. Once the biodiversity of the native Chaco is replaced by a chemical-dependent monoculture, the ecosystem services that the Qom and other communities rely on—such as clean water and medicinal plants—are permanently altered.

The irony of carbon offsetting emissions to sell more products, while poisoning people and the environment at the same time

The irony of “Carbon Offsetting” in this context is that while a corporation in the Global North claims a reduction in its carbon footprint, the children in the Global South are left with a permanent biological footprint of toxic exposure.

Irreversible Risk: Chemicals and Community Impact

The documentation for Foresta, one of the projects in Paraguay, is chilling.

The document explicitly lists the use of aggressive agrochemicals like glyphosate and fipronil as "high risk."

The impact is felt most by the locals
Health Hazards: There is a school located just 30 meters away from a plantation where children breathe in these chemicals daily.
Resource Depletion: These vast eucalyptus monocultures use staggering amounts of water, drying up local sources.
Violence: Local communities fighting to protect their native forests and livelihoods from these plantations have reported being met with threats and physical assault.

Toxic Chemicals and Public Health Risks

Project documentation linked to these plantations explicitly flags the use of agrochemicals as a high-risk factor.

Herbicides and pesticides, including substances like glyphosate and fipronil, are used at scale at plantations which are located extremely close to communities and schools.

Adults and children are exposed daily.

And according to the documentation, the risks are not temporary, they are described as having irreversible impacts.

Impact on Local Communities

For local communities, these projects are not abstract climate solutions.

They affect land access, food systems, and livelihoods.

Native forests are replaced with commercial plantations.
Agricultural land is lost.
Water sources are impacted.

And when communities resist these developments, there are documented cases of threats, intimidation, and violence.

This is the human cost of carbon offsetting at scale.

How Carbon Credits "Calculation" Actually Work

How Apple’s Carbon Credits Actually Work

Apple funds the development and maintenance of these plantations — covering land preparation, planting, irrigation, and chemical use.

In return, the projects generate carbon credits.

These credits represent the estimated amount of CO2 the trees are expected to absorb over time.

Apple then counts these credits toward its emissions reductions.

But there’s a critical detail:

These are not measurements of carbon already removed.
They are projections based on future tree growth.

How Carbon Credits Verified Through Verra & The VCS

The projects Apple invests in (via the Restore Fund) typically seek certification through Verra, the world’s largest voluntary carbon market registry.

The Methodology For Verifying Carbon Credits

Projects must follow the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

For monoculture plantations, this often falls under “Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation” (ARR).

The Conflict of Interest

Critics point out that Verra-approved projects are often audited by third-party firms paid for by the project developers themselves.

This creates a “pay-to-play” incentive structure where overstating carbon capture (to issue more sellable credits) is a recurring controversy.

The Additionality Question

To get onto the Verra registry, a project must prove “additionality”, that the trees wouldn’t have been planted without the carbon credit money.

If a timber company was already planning to plant eucalyptus for profit, claiming “carbon credits” for it is considered “double-dipping” by environmental economists.

The "Carbon Permanence" Problem: A Profit-Maximizing Scenario

The biggest secret of these offsetting projects is that they aren't permanent.

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing wood commodity. In these regions, the harvest rotation is typically 10 to 13 years.

Apple’s partner is a private equity fund. Their primary goal is to return money to investors, not to save the planet. If the timber market is high, these trees can be harvested, burned for charcoal, or sold as assets.

The Carbon Trap: If the trees are cut down, the captured carbon is released back into the atmosphere. This makes the carbon credits—which Apple uses to claim “neutrality”—completely worthless for long-term climate stability.

Eucalyptus is an invasive species - this is serious.

Eucalyptus Monocultures in Paraguay and Brazil

The biggest secret of these offsetting projects is that they aren't permanent.

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing wood commodity. In these regions, the harvest rotation is typically 10 to 13 years.

The projects linked to Apple’s carbon credits are primarily eucalyptus plantations in countries like Paraguay and Brazil.

Eucalyptus is fast-growing, highly profitable, and widely used in industrial forestry.

But it is also an invasive species in many of these regions.

These plantations are not diverse forests.

They are monocultures.

A monoculture is a single-species plantations designed for maximum yield, not ecological health.

The Carbon Offsetting Numbers Don't Add Up

According to Apple’s latest reports, their total emissions sit at roughly 14.5 million metric tons.

Meanwhile, the total carbon sequestered in the Paraguay projects is roughly 749,351 tons.

That accounts for only 5% of Apple’s emissions for a single year.

The scale is nowhere near where it needs to be, and the “sequestration” hasn’t even happened yet, it is a project built entirely on future assumptions and soil carbon estimates.

Even on paper, the carbon credit offsetting numbers don’t fully add up.

Apple’s annual emissions are in the tens of millions of metric tonnes.

The carbon credits generated by these projects represent only a small fraction of that total.

So even if everything worked perfectly — which it doesn’t — the scale is nowhere near enough.

The Problem With Carbon Credit Estimates

This is the core issue. Assumptions are not true.

Carbon offsetting allows companies to balance emissions on paper without reducing them at the source.

It creates the appearance of climate action while shifting responsibility elsewhere — often to regions with fewer protections and lower costs.

And when those offsets are tied to commercial extraction, the credibility breaks down even further.

So what is the solution?

The Bottom Line

Apples tree planting projects with Arbaro fund are:
Are tied into a fund which ends soon
Planting invasive species in foreign lands
Use toxic chemicals
Cause Irreversible damage
Poison the environment
Cause loss of biodiversity
Cause loss of local foods
Threaten native trees
Violate indigenous laws
Violate national laws
Don't calculate to what Apple say
Allow Apple to "offset emissions" and claim carbon neutral

Every day, people say carbon offsetting is a "scam,"

Apple may reach its carbon neutral targets on paper.

When people call carbon offsetting a “scam,” this is exactly what they mean.

Apple may reach its “carbon neutral” goals on paper, but the climate benefit is a mirage. If the trees are harvested or burned after the fund exits in 2035, the carbon goes straight back into the atmosphere.

What we missed

Did we even address…

The displacement of local communities and small-scale farmers who often lose access to land when it is consolidated into massive, fenced-off industrial forestry blocks?

Or the fact that these “forests” are essentially biological deserts, where the dense canopy of a single exotic species prevents the growth of native flora and fails to support local wildlife?

Or that the carbon “removal” being sold to us assumes these trees will stand for centuries, yet they are often destined to be harvested and burned for industrial fuel within a decade?

The light is that not all tree planting projects are the same.

The irony isn’t on me that I am writing this from a Macbook (bought for me by work partners).

The reason I’m bringing this up is because of awareness.

I have been filming at the mangroves in Colombia, British Virgin Islands and Senegal. I have good tree planting projects to share soon.

There are some good ones, absolutely. And with this awareness we can demand that companies like Apple redirect their investment into projects that restore native ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and prioritise long-term carbon storage over short-term returns.

Best Sustainable Laptops, Phones and iPads?

I’ve created an eco electronics directory of all of the latest laptops, phones and cases with their sustainability information.

But the reality is that.

Sustainable technology does not exisit.

Even if you buy a Fairphone, or an energy efficient Macbook

There is no such thing as eco tech.

That’s as far as we can go. “knowing the details”

But they all emit heavilly, they all send Africans into the belly of the earth to rip out cobalt, litium etc..

They all thrive on mass consumerism, upgrades and dependability.

So the Sustainable Electronics directory pages are all I can give right now.

REMEMBER to: Buy second hand if you can

What do I use?

This is nothing to celebrate since I’m dancing devils. But for transparency purposes.

Laptop: Macbook Pro M4
Phone: Google Pixel 7

With love and light

From me to you, with love and light

My loves, there is a lot here. Take this how you want. Now you are aware, go do your own digging.

I’m in a period of grievance for the year.

So instead of mass engagement, below are the sources.

With love and light, QOV x

Support my work

I am a missionary for mother nature.

Along with sharing information on my personal Instagram, YouTube and TikTok accounts

Right now im filming Season 1 of a show about ethical consumption, at the source – around the world.

I left the corporate world after over a decade at a C Level to devote my life to making a positive impact through at the source reporting and film making.

We’re doing this together.

So any amount helps me cover the logistics.

I promise we are making an impact.

I get 4-10 Million monthly views, and even if 1% of people make a change, that’s EPIC.