Alaska's Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge, near Homer, Alaska, was recently recognized by the World Travel Awards as the #1 "Leading Green Resort" of the U.S.  This is the second consecutive year that the lodge received this honor.

In 1981, co-owner Keith Iverson opened his home as a full-service wilderness resort. He built solely by hand from driftwood that he collected from the neighboring beaches and a few supplies that he could afford in town - ten kayak-miles away. He milled the wood into lumber to build an extensive wharf and seven cabins that now grace the hillside of Sadie Cove. He lived without electricity for 16 years until he built a hydroelectric system from a truck alternator and a bank of batteries.

Randi met Keith in 1995 and the two were married in 1997. They began to run the lodge as a team and developed a small website with the help of a friend. As the years went on, the website became more extensive and the lodge became more successful until today when it has been voted by travel professionals, first place "Leading Green Resort" for 2009 and 2010. The lodge has also been nominated for first place as "Leading Green Resort of the World" for 2010 - results to be announced this month.

In winning this award, Alaska's Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge has risen above many other, much larger and more advertised accommodations showing that no matter how small a business might be, excellence in tourism is recognized and rewarded by its industry peers and previous visitors.

The most prestigious and sought-after award program in the travel industry, the World Travel Awards have been described by the Wall Street Journal as "The travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars." Winners are determined by independent nominations and votes from travel professionals, former guests, and private individuals. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is the first accommodation in Alaska to ever win this award.

Alaska's Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge has had an "eco" theme ever since its beginning. Located on a privately owned beachfront parcel inside Kachemak Bay State Park, Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is run solely on its own system of non-polluting hydroelectric and wind power. Recycling and alternative uses for everyday objects further reduce the lodge's impact and guests are encouraged to "take only pictures and leave only footprints" while experiencing a lifestyle that communes with nature and the local environment. 

The Lodge is now made up of five private cabins, a main lodge, a dining hall, a wharf, a log cabin sauna and plunge pool, organic gardens, and a year-round stream.  Four of the guest cabins are built from hand-milled dirftwood and the fifth cabin is a rescued 45-foot sailboat. She is made of mahogany, teak, and brass and has been around the world twice. She now sits on the beach at Sadie Cove complete with fireplace and private deck.

Over the years, Sadie Cove Lodge has been recognized as a leading green resort by many organizations and publications including Green Globe International, The International Ecotourism Association, Sustainable Travel International, CNN, Forbes, Conde Nast, Away.com, "E The Environmental Magazine," and many others. Lodge owners, Keith and Randi Iverson support local, national, and international environmental groups.