Green Globe announced recertification of the Spice Island Beach Resort on the island of Grenada in the southeastern Caribbean Sea.

The resort, located on world-famous Grand Anse Beach, is home to a multitude of environmental practices – from non-chlorine swimming pools and home-grown herb gardens to natural composting.

Chairman and owner of Spice Island Beach Resort, Sir Royston Hopkin KCMG, said, “Green Globe Certification is not only a smart business decision for any hotel since it reduces costs, it also increases environmental awareness within the traveling community which makes it extremely vital for any hospitality business. Our appeal in the Caribbean is vastly dependent on our natural resources. It is imperative that the necessary safeguards are in place so that we can preserve our rich eco-systems in order to ensure our long-term profitability.”

“At Spice we take pride in going above and beyond when it comes to minimizing our carbon footprint and promoting a harmonious natural lifestyle. We do it because it’s the right thing to do, and the traveling public rewards us for it with frequent stays and positive reviews,” added Sir Royston.

Spice Island Beach Resort was the first property on Grenada to receive Green Globe Certification in 2004. In a US$12 million renovation project, the hotel implemented green initiatives such as using solar rooftop heaters; an on-property desalinization plant to utilize water from the sea; and energy consumption reducing devices, such as energy saving bulbs, a close monitoring system on air conditioning usage, and timers and photo-cell systems on all outdoor lights. The hotel also lets clothes line dry to make less use of electric dryers.

In addition, Spice Island Beach Resort has a composting program in place, maintains a vegetable and herb garden that supplies the kitchen with fresh ingredients, and empowers employees as “Environmental Agents” by providing them with the necessary training and education on environmental practices and objectives. The resort features a Green Team comprised of staff supervisors and managers to oversee and implement the sustainability program.

Green Globe Certification’s CEO, Guido Bauer, said: “We are pleased to recertify Spice Islands Beach Resort located in this geographical gem. Visitors can soak up centuries of history, marvel at the island’s rain forest, and see beautifully- and brightly-colored fish among the coral reefs. The resort actively contributes to protecting this environment, for example, by replanting beach front trees, placing garbage containers along the beach, and organizing clean-ups of reefs and the surrounding Mourne Rouge area.”

Archeological treasures on the island include the bolder carvings of Duquesne Bay, and the National Museum in St. George’s, the Carriacou Museum, and the private Rome Museum at Walker are also home to rare antiques and collectibles.