The Caribbean’s great beauty is also very fragile, and the islands and waters of this popular tourism destination are highly threatened by climate change and other environmental problems. Warming ocean waters and pollution have devastated many Caribbean coral reefs, rising sea levels threaten low-lying islands, and overuse of resources presents obvious challenges on islands with limited ways to dispose of garbage -- much of it generated by tourists.
Fortunately, some travel and tourism companies in the Caribbean are taking the issue seriously by making their operations more environmentally sustainable. Hotels and attractions in 83 countries worldwide have been granted Green Globe certification for sustainability efforts that take into account the major environmental challenges facing the planet, including the greenhouse effect, water conservation, destruction of biodiversity, solid and biological waste, and corporate social responsibility.
Part of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Green Globe is supported by the United Nations Foundation. More than 75 resorts and attractions in 19 Caribbean nations have either been awarded Green Globe or are currently undergoing certification. To get certified, Caribbean hotels and attractions have made changes such as:
- Using solar rooftop heaters for all hot water needs
- Getting water from desalinization plants
- Using salt-based pool purification systems rather than chlorine
- Composting waste and raising their own vegetables for restaurant use
- Purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables grown locally and organically
- Incorporating native plants into landscaping
- Using energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs
- Putting outside lights on timers
- Turning off air conditioners when rooms aren't occupied
Lots of hotels offer similar rates and amenities, but if you want to help preserve the beauty of the Caribbean so your kids and grandkids can enjoy it, too, choose one of these hotels and attractions that have made a serious commitment to a greener planet:
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
- Curtain Bluff Resort
- Galley Bay Resort
- St. James’s Club Resort & Villas
- The Verandah Resort & Spa
Under certification:
ARUBA
BAHAMAS
Under certification:
- Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
- Club Med Columbus Isle
BARBADOS
- Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
- Atlantis Submarines – Barbados
- Blue Orchids Beach Hotel
- Coral Mist Beach Hotel
- Divi Southwinds Beach Resort
- Dover Beach Hotel
- Sea-U Guest House
- Southern Palms Beach Club & Resort Hotel
Under certification:
BELIZE
- Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
- The Lodge at Chaa Creek
- Xanadu Island Resort
Under certification:
BERMUDA
Under certification:
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Under certification:
CAYMAN ISLANDS
- Little Cayman Beach Resort
- Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Gardens
- Southern Cross Club
DOMINICA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Under certification:
- Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach
- Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace
- Viva Wyndham Tangerine
GRENADA
- Blue Horizons Garden Resort
- Spice Island Beach Resort
JAMAICA
- Rockhouse Hotel
- The Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall
- Half Moon, A Rock Resort
- Iberostar Hotel Rose Hall
THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
- Hacienda Tres Rios
- Iberostar Cozumel
- The Reef Playacar
- Iberostar Quetzal y Tucan
- Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya
- Viva Wyndham Maya
- Viva Wyndham Azteca
- Azul Sensatori by Karisma
- El Dorado Maroma by Karisma
- El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma
- Iberostar Playa Paraiso
- Azul Beach Hotel
- El Dorado Seaside Suites
- Hidden Beach Resort and Spa
PANAMA
PUERTO RICO
SAINT LUCIA
- Fond Doux Holiday Plantation
- Mago Estate Hotel
- Windjammer Landing
- LeSport, The BodyHoliday
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
TURKS AND CAICOS
- Club Med Turkoise