A staunch eco-activist Leonardo DiCaprio is transforming a small island off the coast of Belize into an eco-resort and conservation area. After purchasing the 104-acre Blackadore Caye nearly 10 years ago for about 1.75 million dollars, he has recently teamed up with NYC-based Delos developer Paul Scialla to create the luxury resort, the plan is to make this a “restorative island”, which refers to both calming effect it will have on visitors, and how the island itself is being replenished.
Blackadore Caye has suffered from overfishing and coastline erosion over the years, the latter of which has been exacerbated by the over-harvesting of its native mangrove and palm trees. The eco-resort will be created as an enormous arc-shaped platform in the water, which will dual as a protective cover for fish shelters and man-made reefs beneath it. Plans are underway to remove invasive plant species so the land can be reforested with its indigenous mangroves, and a nursery is being built on the island that will grow native marine grasses.
The luxury resort set to open in 2018, will be called “Blackadore Caye, a Restorative island” and will certainly be a blend of eco-stewardship and luxury living in addition to the guest villas, there will also be a number of private luxury residences for sale around the Caye, ranging in price from $5 million to $15 million.
Posted at – 1am on 10 April 2015
