The 13 Most Sustainable Hotels in the Caribbean

We have employed local people to build and create Castara Retreats. Whilst the style of the accommodations is unique, we ensured the construction process derived from local labour, materials and practice. Some 40 people from the village helped build Castara Retreats, and take pride in what they have helped achieve.

The island of St Barth has ideal sunshine throughout the year. in order to make full use of this sunshine, the Manapany Hotel transforms this solar energy to produce hot water.

The resort’s water network, autonomous in both its supply and treatment, does not diffuse any wastewater into nature.

We favor using eco-friendly products and methods such as steam cleaning and biodegradable detergents both for the rooms and the laundry.

The resort produces its own water and only electric cars are used to get around the 4.2- acre property. No chemicals are used in cleaning and maintenance, only steam and natural products. All hotel towels are made from bamboo, with only natural fibers.

The resort has been called “a glowing example for all Caribbean hoteliers.” Among our many environmental initiatives are:

• Switching to greener, eco-friendly types of paper for its resort marketing materials, by which Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort has been able to save 82 trees, as well as reduce waste water by 37,617 gallons, solid waste by 2,315 lb and greenhouse gases by 7,936 lb.
• Ensuring we have the lowest per-occupied-room electricity usage of all hotels in Aruba. (Source: Central Bank of Aruba study by Deloitte)
• Reducing our carbon footprint by sourcing local suppliers and products made on Aruba.
• Solar panels heating water for guest rooms and the laundry.
• Water reducers, which cut down water flow by 60% in all showers and faucets, and low-flow toilets.
• Sink and shower water treated and reused in the gardens.
• Bulk purchasing and use of in-room dispensers delivering genuine Aruba Aloe freshly made shampoos, conditioners and lotions instead of individual packages in plastic containers.
• Using biodegradable and environmentally friendly detergents.
• Subsidize thousands of spay & neuter surgeries to reduce the problem with overpopulation and abandoned dogs and cats on island.

Rosewood Tucker’s Point green initiatives include a wastewater treatment plant, solar hot water plant, seawater reverse osmosis plant, thermal solar hot water system (Bermuda’s largest installation to date), and the introduction of solar cars on the property.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth is committed to creating a unique, luxurious and natural experience that helps to sustain the planet, conserve wildlife and habitats, and reduce carbon emissions. The hotel has developed a long-range plan for preserving and protecting the land and sea surrounding the hotel. The initiative will also create programs that allow guests to get up-close-and-personal with the natural surroundings – from wildlife viewing and monitoring to educational and restoration-oriented activities.

Our commitment to sustainability not only involves the efforts to maintain the White River Fish Sanctuary but includes fosters on going initiatives all throughout the hotel. This also includes the responsibility to spread environmental awareness in our local communities and with guests. We’ve made a pledge to increase marine life buy 500% in the next 5 years and we believe we can make a greater impact by influencing those who travel to our shores as well. Sustainability has ripple effects and we believe small acts (even while traveling) can make a significant difference. Here are some the ways you can help too:

• Recycle – We propose drinking from personal water bottles while traveling on vacation instead of choosing plastic bottled water or juice options. Another way to support this is to choose hotels that have a current recycling program.
• Dim or reduce light usage – While on vacation dimming or watching our consumption of utility usage is usually the last thing on our minds. Simple acts such as turning out the lights when leaving your room can have a great impact on the monthly utility readings.
• Be mindful of AC usage – It’s surprising how reducing the air conditioning temperature by a degree or two lowers the consumption of energy. Sustainable hotels, Jamaica Inn included, train housekeeping staff to set the default standard temperatures before, during and after guest arrival and departures to avoid high energy consumption.
• Ditch the straw – Jamaica Inn for the past two years have sourced biodegradable paper straws for usage on property to reduce the overall waste produced by plastic straws. We encourage travelers to make responsible choices while dining to curtail waste.
• Don’t print your boarding pass – technology allows us to have convenient way and means to receive travel passes either via email or text. Try choosing this option the next time you travel.

Due to its consistent efforts to contribute to a more sustainable future, Caribe Hilton is a proud recipient of Green Key.