Construction starts on first eco-resort in Saint Lucia CASTRIES, St Lucia -- Construction has now started and development is well underway at the first eco-resort in Saint Lucia at Freedom Bay, which is setting new standards in sustainability and style for the region. The government of Saint Lucia is pleased that, after a dry spell of five years, investors are once again, gaining the confidence to start major developments. Aiming to set a new benchmark in ethical luxury, the 60 acre development and hotel is anticipated to open in March 2015. In Saint Lucia, the Pitons represent the most prominent landmark on the island and this prime site at Freedom Bay has lush tropical forest with endemic birds and trees and a white sandy beach within its own bay. The topography undulates upwards from the beach offering impressive views of the Petit Piton, Soufriere and the Caribbean Sea. The resort will include three restaurants and a champagne jetty bar, a rain forest spa and wellness centre, one and two bedroom hotel villas, and 12 private residences. The hotel’s restaurants will offer international cuisine from fresh local produce with unique dishes centered on the concept of health and well-being. Hotel guests and owners will also be able to sample Creole cuisine prepared in a traditional fire pit in the Organic Garden Restaurant. As guardians of the protected Piton Management Area (PMA), the government is in continuous dialogue with the Freedom Bay hotel developer (Affinity Real Estate) ensuring that all progress is in line with legal guidelines and the prime minister has issued an official press release with details. Affinity Real Estate has promised to limit impact on the environment and to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the area. Founder of Freedom Bay, Robert Whitton said: “Freedom Bay is engaging with the community through its social responsibility and environmental protection programmes, hospitality training and job creation. We are also holding regular meetings in the local community and as a result have just constructed a stairway to allow safe public access to the Malgretoute Beach so locals can visit the beach more easily and safely.” Traditional and sustainable building techniques will be applied throughout the hotel and private estate, such as hand-chipped stone used from around the resort for foundations and cladding. All the timber frame construction will use only woods from regional sources and certified reforestation programmes. The design incorporates the latest in bioclimatic technologies such as solar, bio-fuel, geo-thermal cooling techniques and natural ventilation. All waste will be collected and separated, while any food waste from the restaurants will be recycled for energy or given to local farmers for animal feed. Rainwater will also be harvested and wastewater will be captured, treated and the effluent used for irrigation whilst automated and remote energy controlled systems will reduce electricity usage. These initiatives mean that residents and guests can enjoy authentic luxury but with a conscience. caribbeannewsnow
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 21:57:24 +0000
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