Green Resorts' Development

An overarching ecological perspective drives Knut Willand, a Norwegian native and the developer of Eden Caribe in the Dominican Republic.

Willand’s philosophy is one where nature set the rules. For example, one of the principles is never to cut down an old tree. “The architect has to consider the impact on vegetation before he begins,” explains Willand. “If we have to cut down young trees, we plant new ones. We use only renewable energy: sun, wind and water. We treat all sewerage and black water with the Biodisc treatment system. We recycle the treated water and use it on the gardens. All garbage will be recycled where possible.

“We try as much as possible to use materials that are environmentally friendly. For example using natural stones, and making wooden fences from coconut palm trees that have been blown down by storms and strong winds. All houses are low energy properties, which means they are built with high-quality insulation. All road construction, digging and moving of materials like sand, stones and earth is done by hand, using no machinery, in order to minimise the environmental impact." Property prices start from £67,500.

In Belize, Central America, British company Someplace Else is developing a project covering almost 1,000 acres of sub-tropical rainforest. Currently under construction, Belize Reserve is an eco-resort that incorporates a wildlife reserve and a conservation and research centre. Natural springs and a river ensure water self-sufficiency; prices start from £35,000 for a one-bedroom house.

On the Cape Verde island of Santiago, Sambala Resort is a new eco-project in development where one-third of the land parcel has been designated for the nesting of indigenous turtles, allowing them to return freely to nest in the safety of a biological corridor. Social responsibility is part of the ethos too. Sambala has funded the construction of a school on the island, and employs 450 local people

Sustainable features of the resort include all properties are built using recycled steel from American cars such as Cadillacs. a biological RO desalination plant has been commissioned and is designed to recycle over 80 per cent of the waste water which can be used for irrigation purposes, and furniture packs are compiled from sustainable FSC certified reclaimed teak from colonial hospitals in India and other renewable materials.

ECO TEA !

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Conventional methods of boiling drinking water, such as the overfilled kettle, often result in surplus water being discarded and unnecessary energy being used to heat the excess. With filtered boiling water available instantly from the Zip HydroTap at the touch of a button, the user can dispense the exact amount required each time.

Taurumi

TAURUMI - Tradition of Polynesia
For Polynesians, ever since ancient times, massage has always been part and parcel of their traditional medicine, philosophy of life, ancestral practices and customs.
In their vernacular, they call it TAURUMI.

TAURUMI - in the Polynesian tradition, is to embrace the whole individual in a holistic expression of spirituality, energy, spoken word and especially touch

TAURUMI - is to touch or massage, to offer the possibility of love, of growth and of opening oneself up to all the facets of life. And so since birth, their baby ma’ohi are frequently massaged and these long gentle massages allow them to become aware of their own bodies. The head is shaped, arms and legs lengthened and the scalp is enriched with monoï oil. The child acquires a psychological and physical equilibrium – a prelude to life’s adventure.

TAURUMI - is all about prevention. It helps maintain good health and acts as a therapeutic complement…all life long.

TAURUMI - Polynesians attach a great importance to body odors – they apply themselves with monoï and decorate themselves with garlands and sweet-smelling flowers. In former days their women folk would spend a long time combing their hair and dressing it with tamanu oil as well as nourishing and purifying it with sandalwood infused monoï.

TAURUMI - today is the respect of a massage tradition jealously guarded by each family: only its members know how to work on the invisible lines that criss-cross the body and allow the free flow of energy.

Why not let yourself be carried away by the magic of TAURUMI ?