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5 Ecoconscious Actions to Take on Your Next Caribbean Getaway
As ecotourism continues to gain importance for travelers, we’re looking at how sustainable resorts in the Caribbean are leading the charge in preserving seaside destinations’ environment and culture.
Since opening, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa has taken its impact on Grand Cayman’s environment seriously. As the first new property built on the island since 2006, the hotel made preserving the island’s environment, community, and cultural heritage one of its top priorities. Whether it’s mindful eating or getting in touch with nature, rounded up five ways you can tap into sustainable practices on your next eco-friendly trip.
According to a Harvard study, 17 million barrels of oil are needed to produce enough plastic to meet the annual bottled water demand. To combat the impact of bottled water, Kimpton Seafire developed a cutting-edge system for water efficiency. For example, their geothermal cooling system saves thousands of gallons of water each year compared to the conventional evaporating cooling process. This same concept is also used for their solar-powered LED lighting system. This sustainable Caribbean resort also saves about 26,000 gallons of potable water per day. This is accomplished by irrigating rain and cistern water and sending it through a state-of-the-art osmosis and filtration process.
This sustainable Caribbean resort’s Seafire Guardians invite you to help them regenerate the oceans. Whether it’s turtle protection or coral reef restoration, their interactive program is a pillar of Kimpton Seafire’s eco-education resources. Guests can join the Guardians on guided dives that teach them how to clean nursery trees and identify fish, coral, and sponges. Guests can also follow their guides through their sea turtle lighting program. This technology helps turtles journey ashore to lay their eggs during nesting season and return safely back to the sea, hatchlings in tow. Additionally, the Guardians offer guests a chance to participate in sea turtle launches and morning nesting walks to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Recycling is widely known as one of the best ways to protect the environment. Kimpton Seafire shows how important this process is as the first and only LEED Certified resort in the Cayman Islands. For example, the hotel repurposes glass and plastic after collection by transforming them into brick pathways that wind throughout the resort. The culinary team at Seafire also has a vegetable oil collection system for repurposing used cooking oils to create biodiesel. This fuel powers Cayman’s trucks and vehicles that drive and dive across the island.
“Taking care of our community is a core philosophy to Seafire.” – Steven Andre, General Manager
Speaking of dining, Kimpton Seafire sources produce from local farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the island’s economy. For instance, the resort purchases fresh West Bay coconuts for a delicious coconut ceviche found at its beachfront restaurant. They also rely on nearby Bodden Town to provide vibrant plant products used in dishes across the resort.
Similarly, this sustainable Caribbean resort also supports community development through its work with health and wellness organizations. Kimpton Seafire hosts and sponsors significant initiatives and societies within the community. These include the Cancer Society, the Cayman Heart Fund, Young Caymanian Leadership Association, the AIDS Foundation, and the Crisis Center. Their youth programs are particularly notable, offering internships and events that enable local children to compete in international culinary, athletic, or academic competitions.
Finally, Kimpton Seafire dedicates itself to supporting the Island’s cultural heritage. The resort is populated with commissioned artwork from local artists like the catboat that welcomes guests as they walk through The Living Room. This includes subtle fixtures including a wall of wattle, local ceramic work, thatch baskets, and island decorations. The Cayman Islands National Archive and local Caymanian families also provided this sustainable Caribbean resort photo collection. Looking for the perfect book to read beachside? The books in the library were all purchased from the local Humane Society and available to guests to borrow.
Looking to make a splash with your next Caribbean vacation? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor to start planning your sustainable Grand Cayman vacation
