LA TANTE, ST. DAVID’S, GRENADA—The recently opened Paradise Bay Resort & Spa in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean will buy carbon certificates to compensate the CO2 emissions from guest’s flights, as well as the transport on the islands. Guests do not need to sign in for this or pay extra; it is an automatic, externally audited program valid for all guests. Resort prices have not been increased because of this.
“We expect the extra costs for this Carbon Free Vacation approach will be compensated by higher guest loyalty,” says James Post, owner.
Paradise Bay Resort & Spa is the first resort in the world with a utility grade windmill. It produces more energy than the resort needs. The windmill, installed in March 2007, is still waiting for the local electricity company to interconnect and take the excess energy. The resort will then be better than zero carbon, considering car, bus and truck usage and fuel operated equipment.
The implementation date depends greatly on the interconnection date to the electricity network, but will definitely be before the end of 2007. Paradise Bay already made arrangements to allow standalone operation as early as November 2007 in case the electricity company, Grenlec, does not connect based on agreed upon conditions established in October 2006.
Community-Minded Approach
Paradise Bay hires and buys local as much as possible, and supports cultural and social projects. An example of social responsibility was the formation of an aid organization after Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, when the resort provided a wide area with food, water, vitamins, medicines, first aid, tools and Christmas presents. The restaurants use organic vegetables and meat, while the organic guest amenities are in eco-friendly containers.
The resort is located amidst thousands of acres of varied nature on a hill between two beaches. Nine villas are spread out in a half circle with unrestricted views. Five easy walks and intermediate hikes start from the resort. Local guides explain flora and fauna and climb in coconut trees for refreshing natural drinks. The resort offers guests a free on-demand shuttle service to the nearest taxi-bus station. It encourages guests to use these inexpensive and environmentally friendly taxi-buses instead of taxis or rental cars.
Go to Paradise Bay Resort & Spa.
