Latest
issue
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Press releasesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
NEWS
Leonardo DiCaprio releases brand new images of groundbreaking eco-resort in Belize
POSTED 09 Nov 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan have created the design of Blackadore Caye Credit: Denniston International
Final plans and brand new renderings have been released for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ambitious eco resort and wildlife reserve off the coast of Belize.

The Hollywood star, Oscar winner and environmental campaigner wants the island of Blackadore Caye to become the world’s leading example of green hospitality. It has been conceived with the aim of restoring its fragile surrounding ecosystem, while offering guests a taste of luxury in a tropical setting.

DiCaprio and the Blackadore Development Group have spent the last six months gathering feedback from local stakeholders and citizens on the design of the resort, which has been created by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan.

The original plan to place some of the resort’s villas on a giant platform stretching in an arc over the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters beneath it, has been scaled back to appease local environmentalists. Blackadore Development said the decision to remove something that had “garnered great design acclaim” based on expert feedback demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the resort is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

The island’s infrastructure has been designed under a conservation framework developed by biologists and ecologists who have studied ways to support and preserve the island’s habitat and biodiversity during construction.

The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection. Mangroves will be replaced, invasive species removed and native species planted. This in turn is expected to enhance the soil and habitat, creating better conditions for reef and fish breeding.

The resort itself will feature 36 resort bungalows, 36 estate homes and a a protected wildlife preserve that covers over half the island. All power used will be sourced from renewable energy and water will be provided through rainwater collection and onsite water treatment.

McLennan has used geometrical concepts in his designs for the resort, with the proportions of buildings derived from mathematical proportions found in nature.

DiCaprio recently hosted Before the Flood, a National Geographic documentary about climate change, which can be viewed for a limited time here.
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his environmental campaigning Credit: Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
Luxury features will be combined with a strong environmentally sustainable focus Credit: Denniston International
The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection Credit: Denniston International
RELATED STORIES
  Leonardo DiCaprio unveils Belize eco-resort plans, designed by Jason McLennan


Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has unveiled plans to open an eco-resort on his private island in Belize, a partnership with New York-based real estate firm Delos, designed by lead architect Jason McLennan of McLennan Design.
  Amble Resorts acquires Belize island site


Amble Resorts has announced its plans to create an ecologically-responsible resort in Belize after acquiring an 80-acre (32.4-hectare) site on the island of Long Caye.
  Boutique jungle spa nears launch in Belize


A boutique spa called Jabulani will open in March 2009 in the heart of the rainforest at the Machaca Hill eco-resort in Punta Gorda, Belize.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
+ More news   

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs
Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
TLEE Spas + Wellness

TLEE Spas + Wellness is a globally acclaimed spa design and consulting firm created in 2010 by Tracy [more...]
We Work Well Inc

In 2019 Monica Helmstetter and Lucy Hugo founded the American hosted buyer event company We Work Wel [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA OPPORTUNITIES
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Leonardo DiCaprio releases brand new images of groundbreaking eco-resort in Belize
POSTED 09 Nov 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan have created the design of Blackadore Caye Credit: Denniston International
Final plans and brand new renderings have been released for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ambitious eco resort and wildlife reserve off the coast of Belize.

The Hollywood star, Oscar winner and environmental campaigner wants the island of Blackadore Caye to become the world’s leading example of green hospitality. It has been conceived with the aim of restoring its fragile surrounding ecosystem, while offering guests a taste of luxury in a tropical setting.

DiCaprio and the Blackadore Development Group have spent the last six months gathering feedback from local stakeholders and citizens on the design of the resort, which has been created by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan.

The original plan to place some of the resort’s villas on a giant platform stretching in an arc over the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters beneath it, has been scaled back to appease local environmentalists. Blackadore Development said the decision to remove something that had “garnered great design acclaim” based on expert feedback demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the resort is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

The island’s infrastructure has been designed under a conservation framework developed by biologists and ecologists who have studied ways to support and preserve the island’s habitat and biodiversity during construction.

The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection. Mangroves will be replaced, invasive species removed and native species planted. This in turn is expected to enhance the soil and habitat, creating better conditions for reef and fish breeding.

The resort itself will feature 36 resort bungalows, 36 estate homes and a a protected wildlife preserve that covers over half the island. All power used will be sourced from renewable energy and water will be provided through rainwater collection and onsite water treatment.

McLennan has used geometrical concepts in his designs for the resort, with the proportions of buildings derived from mathematical proportions found in nature.

DiCaprio recently hosted Before the Flood, a National Geographic documentary about climate change, which can be viewed for a limited time here.
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his environmental campaigning Credit: Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
Luxury features will be combined with a strong environmentally sustainable focus Credit: Denniston International
The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection Credit: Denniston International
RELATED STORIES
Leonardo DiCaprio unveils Belize eco-resort plans, designed by Jason McLennan


Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has unveiled plans to open an eco-resort on his private island in Belize, a partnership with New York-based real estate firm Delos, designed by lead architect Jason McLennan of McLennan Design.
Amble Resorts acquires Belize island site


Amble Resorts has announced its plans to create an ecologically-responsible resort in Belize after acquiring an 80-acre (32.4-hectare) site on the island of Long Caye.
Boutique jungle spa nears launch in Belize


A boutique spa called Jabulani will open in March 2009 in the heart of the rainforest at the Machaca Hill eco-resort in Punta Gorda, Belize.
MORE NEWS
Belgin Aksoy prepares to mark 15 years of Global Wellness Day on Saturday 13 June
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities that spark joy.
HUM2N opens longevity clinic at Six Senses London
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider, HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Mayrlife opens first hotel day clinic in partnership with Rosewood Vienna
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
KX Chelsea invests £15 million to upgrade its wellness offering
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth offers ocean-themed yoga for Global Wellness Day
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs
Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. [more...]

Embrace the chill: TechnoAlpin's Snowsky revolutionises post-fitness recovery with falling snow
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
TLEE Spas + Wellness

TLEE Spas + Wellness is a globally acclaimed spa design and consulting firm created in 2010 by Tracy [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

21-23 Jun 2026

Spa Life International (UK)

Midlands (Venue TBA), Liphook, United Kingdom
22-22 Jun 2026

World Bathing Day

Worldwide,
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS