Being asked to join an exclusive community is always an honor. When that recognition is received for doing an outstanding job of practicing sustainable tourism, that’s cause for celebration–which is exactly what the Chabil Mar Resort team did after learning that the staff and the resort were awarded Green Globe certification.
“This has already been a banner year for us at Chabil Mar, so being notified of our Green Globe certification was like icing on a cake,” said the resort’s Marketing Manager Larry France. “This is no lightweight designation. It’s given only to those in the tourism industry practicing the highest levels of sustainability. At Chabil Mar, we take seriously the beautiful environment surrounding us and we are eager to help with global initiatives that keep the planet pristine for future generations.”
To earn this recognition, an applicant must meet 44 core criteria and fulfill 380 compliance indicators. Only those able to document their achievements, improvements and green efforts are eligible to be awarded Green Globe certification, and thanks to the efforts of management and staff alike, at Chabil Mar, that goal has been achieved.
“Receiving this designation is just a first stop for Chabil Mar,” explains France. “We will be reviewed twice per year by third-party independent auditors to make sure that we are living up to our promise to remain as ecologically responsible as we are tourist-centric. From our lush tropical gardens to kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles we provide so guests can travel from place to place without expending carbon emissions, our green earth commitment has become a priority for us.”
As the only guest-exclusive resort on the Placencia Peninsula, Chabil Mar undertakes unusual measures to promote sustainability, including choosing suite furnishings decorated with locally-grown Belizean hardwoods from trees that are regularly replenished. Wildlife reserves and ancient Mayan ruins are considered treasures so when guests are taken to these locations, guides stress the critical nature of the world’s finite resources.
In addition to being awarded Green Globe certification, Chabil Mar resort is the recipient of numerous awards on a peninsula that is no stranger to worldwide notoriety: Placencia was named “Leading Beach Destination” at the 2015 World Travel Awards held in Bogota, Columbia and Chabil Mar’s laudits include nine years topping TripAdvisor award categories and a “Choice for Luxury” designation by Fodor’s.
“Too often, people say that it’s impossible to balance luxury with conservation and sustainability, but Chabil Mar is proof that not only can this be done, but done in such a way that visitors return again and again for first-class hospitality and service. We’re proud of our efforts and we intend to keep up our commitment to sustainability in every way possible,” adds Mr. France.
For more information about the resort or its Green Globe Certification, please contact Larry France at chabilmar@comcast.net or https://chabilmarvillas.com/.
