A stately “green” pleasure dome decreed: Xanadu Island Resort

LOS ANGELES, California – Xanadu actually exists and is not just an imaginary paradise first penned by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

LOS ANGELES, California – Xanadu actually exists and is not just an imaginary paradise first penned by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Xanadu Island Resort is an idyllic tropical island property located on the island of Ambergris Caye off the north coast of Belize in the Western Caribbean. The eco-friendly resort lies in lush greenery overlooking the second largest barrier reef in the world and the Caribbean Sea. Romantics, adventurers, families and travelers are enticed to Xanadu by the diving, watersports, an enthralling treetops canopy walk and excursions to caves and sites of ancient civilizations.

The owners of Xanadu Island Resort have factored sustainable development into all aspects of its operations. From the start the resort was planned to incorporate its natural setting into its design and was built amidst native trees and vegetation. The resort is home to abundant wildlife that includes raccoons, blue land crabs and hermit crabs, iguana, and different species of birds and lizards.

As a Green Globe Gold Member, the resort has been re-certified over five consecutive years. Xanadu combines being green with excellent hospitality and service, and is proud to have been named The Americas Best Relaxation Retreat for 2015 by the World Boutique Hotel Awards as well as LUX Island Resort of the Year – Belize.

Cathy Alchin, Manager at Xanadu Island Resort said, “The owners and staff at Xanadu Island Resort are very pleased about our re-certification with Green Globe. Being green is an ongoing process requiring a lot of thought about everyday activities that will affect the future of not only our little piece of paradise but the surrounding environment and community as well.

“Since inception it has been the desire of our owners that the property remains as natural as possible and that all activities contribute to this. There is a fine balance between being green and providing guests with the amenities they are looking for and this requires us to be innovative,” added Cathy.

The resort continues to protect the surrounding environment and contribute to its ongoing survival. In recent times Ambergris Caye has been subjected to an influx of Sargassum Sea Weed. Xanadu Resort has installed a net that catches and stops the seaweed from reaching the beach shores thereby reducing sand erosion and the need for collection and removal by resort staff.

Five of the resort’s six buildings are monolithic dome structures designed to withstand strong hurricane winds. The domes are also known for their effective insulation properties that help reduce energy usage. Other energy saving measures include double paned, large windows that provide natural light in rooms and keep rooms cool. In addition, hot water in guest rooms is warmed by solar panels powered by the sun and Zero Energy units that transfer heat emitted from air conditioners to heat the water.

Xanadu’s reverse osmosis plant is the primary source of non-drinking fresh water at the resort. It is used to treat brackish water from two onsite wells and seawater thereby conserving water resources. Rainwater is also collected to supply water for the waterfall feature and irrigating gardens.

Xanadu Island Resort takes an active role in community development. The resort regularly provides donations including financial assistance to sports teams, animal welfare groups, social welfare groups and children’s activities. Used linen, furniture and other items were donated to REMA and Mama Velma’s organization in support of abused women. Furthermore, the owner of Xanadu, Judy Sheinbaum, organizes an annual Art Sale with proceeds assisting women in need in San Pedro.

Watch the Green Globe video here to find out more about the Monolithic Dome tropical island resort

Click here to view sustainability plans.

About Green Globe Certification

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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