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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
Luxury resort coming to Hunter Valley will have longevity spa
Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels will open a new luxury resort and tourism destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia.
Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort to host wellness festival Alma near emerging Blue Zone in Sicily
The annual wellness festival dedicated to wellbeing, culture, longevity and human connection, called Alma, will be hosted by Rocco Forte hotel, Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy.
Feisal Jaffer becomes chief development officer for Capella Hotel Group
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer as the company ramps up its global expansion of both its Capella and Patina brands.
Industry mourns the loss of Les Mills, a founding father of fitness
Les Mills, whose name became synonymous with one of the world's leading fitness brands, has passed away peacefully at the age of 91.
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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
Luxury resort coming to Hunter Valley will have longevity spa
Private hotel owner and developer HVL Hotels will open a new luxury resort and tourism destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia.
Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort to host wellness festival Alma near emerging Blue Zone in Sicily
The annual wellness festival dedicated to wellbeing, culture, longevity and human connection, called Alma, will be hosted by Rocco Forte hotel, Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy.
Feisal Jaffer becomes chief development officer for Capella Hotel Group
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer as the company ramps up its global expansion of both its Capella and Patina brands.
Industry mourns the loss of Les Mills, a founding father of fitness
Les Mills, whose name became synonymous with one of the world's leading fitness brands, has passed away peacefully at the age of 91.
HCM News: Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
+ 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...]

Why future-ready in-house laundry is the new luxury spa essential
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
Swissline by Dermalab

Inspired by the science of cellular rejuvenation and driven by the desire to optimise skin health an [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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