Dominica has region’s first eco-friendly hotel

Dominica has opened the first Caribbean property to join Beyond Green’s global portfolio of sustainable hotels. Coulibri Ridge located in Petit Coulibri, in the south, has that distinction. 

For eco-aware travellers, Beyond Green offers a curated way to discover, plan, and enjoy adventures that align with their responsible travel values and aspirations.

As a member of Beyond Green, Coulibri Ridge fits the three pillars of sustainable tourism – environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics, protection of natural and cultural heritage and contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities. It also adheres to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism criteria and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Coulibri Ridge, which initially opened in October, is the result of more than 20 years of research and design. The 14-suite discreet luxury resort is fully off-grid, using solar energy as its main power source, supplemented by wind turbines specially designed to have minimal impact on local flora and fauna. Rainwater, collected primarily through the resort’s unique roof design and purified by ultraviolet light and copper ionization, is funnelled to guest suites and two shared, chlorine-free pools. Drains and gutters collect rainwater and greywater can be used to irrigate the resort’s gardens and a small farm is set to open this year.

The hotel is the brainchild of Quebec-born entrepreneur Daniel Langlois. He said: “Building Coulibri Ridge has been a labour of love, and we are beyond thrilled to welcome guests this winter and for many years ahead. We hope that our environmentally sustainable model enthuses our guests and stimulates them to consider how they could institute similar practices into their own lives and, hopefully, apply elsewhere as well.”