The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Thursday that Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park is the newest member of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World Program. Eagle Cottages is the seventh in the U.S. to be so recognized. There are only 55 lodges in the program worldwide.
The National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World is a collection of Lodges that invite guests to discover some of the most treasured places on the planet while helping to protect those places for future generations. Each property is hand selected and must share a strong commitment to sustainable practices and to protecting natural and cultural heritage. The guest experience at each lodge must be intimate and exceptional while inspiring guests to connect with the destination in a meaningful way and also to play a part in safeguarding it for future generations.
Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park is a collection of 11 cottages contributing to ADCNR’s commitment to define Gulf State Park as an international benchmark of environmental and economic sustainability demonstrating best practices for outdoor education, recreation and hospitable accommodations.
“I could not be more excited about Eagle Cottages becoming part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection,” said ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “This is an affirmation of Gulf State Park, the Department of Conservation and the state of Alabama. Teaming with National Geographic will help highlight the natural resources, culture and heritage of our state, and it will benefit the people of South Alabama. National Geographic is a way to further expose all that we have to offer in Alabama including the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, the Red Hills Salamander habitat, the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge and many other unique treasures. Sustainable tourism is the fastest growing segment of tourism and will be a game changer for our state.”
To learn more or book a cottage at Eagle Cottages, visit www.eaglecottagesatgsp.com.
For a generation of Alabamians, Gulf State Park was a favorite vacation destination. The facilities however were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. Gov. Kay Ivey was tasked with rebuilding the facilities as a world class luxury resort. Ivey and ADCNR were tasked with restoring and enhancing the greatness of the state’s most popular state park while minimizing the impact on the fragile coastal ecosystem.
The cottages were part of that overall rebuild effort that included miles of board walks through the wetlands, a new state fishing pier, four restaurants and the new Gulf State Lodge and Conference Center that opened last winter after a 14 year absence.
National Geographic Travel creates authentic, meaningful and engaging travel experiences through National Geographic Traveler magazine, National Geographic Expeditions, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, digital travel content, travel books, maps and travel photography programs.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions — Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
