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Thursday, July 31, 2008

PREFAB FRIDAY: Retreat to an Ewok Eco Sphere in the Trees

by Haily Zaki
What if we told you you could own a piece of your very own tropical island eco-resort - and do so with an awesome Ewok-meets-Aarnio eco-sphere hanging treehouse? Not only is Our Planet Retreats building bubblicious eco spheres in the trees of exotic and far flung places, but they make owning one a plausible reality. Through smart design and creative, communal financing, this innovative company has figured out a way to help you buy in for less than a tank of gas.

Our Planet Retreats, an innovative UK-based company, is building eco-resorts in gorgeous pristine locations like the Phillipines, Vanatu, and Papua New Guinea. Visiting guests stay in simple floating spheres in the trees that are reached by spiral stairs. Crafted from fiberglass and built by locals, each sphere can accommodate up to 4 people. The first resort is comprised of 12 spheres. Other sustainable features include small solar panels and solar water heating systems.

To get involved the steps are simple. Buy a share or buy a sphere. One share costs $30 and one simple, unfurnished sphere costs $2,500. Fully furnished spheres are also available at a higher price tag. Once Our Planet Retreats has raised $55,000, the first retreat will start paying back dividends and they’ll start opening additional eco-resorts (they’re currently at $40,000). Locals will be employed by the eco-resorts and be encouraged to buy shares as well, giving them a vested interest in the project and helping infuse the community’s economy.

+ Our Planet Retreats

+ Free Spirit Eco Sphere



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