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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
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and Spa.
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
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DIARY

 

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Uniting the world of spa & wellness
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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
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and Spa.
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
Healing sanctuary Tulah Clinical Wellness opens in Kerala
Tulah Clinical Wellness, a holistic wellness destination, has officially opened in the hills of northern Kerala, India.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai creates Global Wellness Day programme rooted in nature
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day (GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

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...]

Spa Life – where spa leaders grow together
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Pearl Tree

Pearl Tree was established in 2014 by Soraya and Sarry Jouzy with a mission to champion personal w [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
09-12 Jun 2026

W3Spa EMEA

Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa, Portugal
+ 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
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PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS