Bay Gardens Resorts: Leading St Lucia’s Sustainable Tourism
Nestled in Rodney Bay Village, St Lucia, is Bay Gardens Resorts’ collection of three unique Caribbean properties. Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Bay Gardens Hotel, and Bay Gardens Inn are all award winning resorts and renowned for quality service and accommodations.
Each of the three resorts has recently been recertified by Green Globe for their sustainable operations and management. The Bay Gardens Resorts’ properties have also achieved Green Globe Gold status for more than 5 continuous years of certification and are seen as sustainability leaders on St Lucia.
Saint Lucia has become well known for its promotion of nature-based tourism. The tourism industry is the major economic contributor and underpinned by the island nation’s rich biological and geographical diversity. The many natural attractions include the volcanic mountain twin-peaks of the Pitons, with their waterfalls and hot springs. St Lucia has also been successful in protecting and re-establishing many endangered animal species, including leatherback turtles which nest in Spring, and the Jacquot parrot bought back from near extinction and designated the national bird.
The management and staff of Bay Gardens Resorts believe that as a major player in St. Lucia’s tourism industry they must do everything in their power to protect the environment for future generations. The resort group takes this responsibility beyond their property borders and endeavours to cooperate with neighbours and suppliers to develop their business and contribute to community in a sustainable manner.
A key example of this approach is Bay Gardens Resorts successful breakfast club for local school children. Two local schools benefit from the program with food provided by the resorts. This initiative seeks to assist families by alleviating the burden on parents and guardians as well as reducing absenteeism.
As part of the Bay Gardens Resorts’ mandate to act responsibly and to enhance the development of St Lucia, purchasing of produce and other food items, as well as all other consumables, must consider environmental and social factors. Furthermore, the resorts feature a farm-to-table menu which reduces total food miles, stimulates regional development and minimises environmental impacts.
Day-to day, single-use packaging has been phased out in favour of biodegradable vessels and utensils made from wood, paper, compostable plastic or sugar cane bagasse. Polystyrene (Styrofoam) products are no longer in use at any of the properties. Each of the resorts also has an ongoing energy reduction program with energy efficient appliances and lighting installed, along with occupancy sensors to shut off devices not in use.
Bay Gardens Resorts has from inception had sustainability as a priority and is committed to continuous improvement, driving the process through direct mandates from upper management and support of staff and the surrounding community.
Contacts:
Sanovnik Destang
Executive Director
Bay Gardens Resorts
Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay Village,
P.O. Box 1892, Castries, Saint Lucia
Phone: +1 758.457.8559
Mobile: +1 758.720.3521
sdestang@baygardensresorts.com
www.baygardensresorts.com
Bradley Cox
Director Communications
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
Phone: +1-310-337-3000 ext. 105
Skype Direct +1 760 536 6581
Mobile +61 400 848 746
bcox@greenglobe.com
www.greenglobe.com
