Yahoo Finance Here's a sneak peek of Leonardo DiCaprio’s eco-resort in Belize
Leonardo DiCaprio’s island resort in Belize is starting to take shape after renderings of the environmentally friendly project were released earlier this week.
The images show ultra-modern villas that will line Blackadore Caye’s palm tree-lined beaches.
Lead design architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who is known for his work with luxury resorts Aman and One&Only, reportedly modelled the accommodations after the Belize’s ancient Mayan ruins.
The renderings of the minimalist villas subtly evoke Central American pyramids, with thatched roofs over sleek interiors made from wood and marble. They also show infinity pools and other luxury perks.
In total, the resort will have 36 residential estate homes and 36 rentable bungalows across the island’s 104 acres, all of which will be completely powered by renewable energy.
However, plans for overwater bungalows were scrapped after six months of meetings with locals and stakeholders.
“The final design reflects the input of the surrounding community on every aspect of the project, including even the removal of overwater structures, which garnered great design acclaim, but caused concern for just a few local environmentalists,” said a statement from Blackadore officials.
The resort will also house a research station geared towards studying climate change, habitat change and restoration.
“(It will be) the world’s leading example of green hospitality with an aim to restore and revitalize the surrounding ecosystem,” a spokesperson told Yahoo 7Be.
DiCaprio, who stars in and helped produce the climate change documentary “Before the Flood,” purchased the property with Jeff Gram, the owner of another private island resort in Belize, for $1.75 million.
The island, which is about a 45-minute boat ride from Belize City’s international airport, was a popular spot for fishermen and suffered from deforestation, an eroding coastline and overfishing, all of which are issues that DiCaprio is hoping to reverse.
