Sunscape Casa del Mar |
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| SUNSCAPE CASA DEL MAR IS 2005'S GREEN HOTEL OF THE YEAR |
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2005 12:28 PM |
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Hotel: Sunscape Casa del Mar |
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Playa Bayahibe, Dominican Republic -- Next up: an ecological reef park at this environmentally sensitive resort in the Dominican Republic PHILADELPHIA -- July 7, 2005: Caribbean beauty is worth preserving -- at any price. That's why Sunscape Casa del Mar works hard to balance business savvy with social and environmental consideration. Small wonder it was named Green Hotel of 2005. The Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and American Express honored this Dominican Republic property -- part of AMResorts -- in the large hotel category. "Being environmentally conscious is not only important to the community, but it also makes good business sense," says Dee Rodriguez, Vice President Establishment Services, American Express Latin America and Caribbean Division. The CHA award examines five criteria: environmental management and stewardship; infrastructure; awareness; conservation; and health and safety. A dedicated "green team" tackles these challenges at Sunscape Casa Del Mar La Romana in Bayahibe. Here are some highlights of the hotel's energy management and conservation plan: ENERGY Low wattage light bulbs in halls, offices and rooms. Switches cut the energy and the air conditioning when the guestrooms are vacant. Photocells in the garden and public areas illuminate the lights at dusk. Solar panels heat the hot tub. Chillers recycle hot water. WATER CONSERVATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT Meters monitor intake and outtake constantly. Sink pedals curb water waste in the kitchens. Irrigation run-off recycles to the garden sinks. Toilet-tank devices reduce each flush by 1.5 gallons. A treatment plant filters gray water from the laundry, kitchen and other public areas. Cleansed liquid pipes into fountains and irrigates the garden. Guests are invited to reuse towels and sheets. Another plant transforms sewage into clean water, returned to the subsoil. Hotel staff collects the garbage from nearby roads and highways. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECNOLOGY Aqueducts channel the village's domestic sewage to the hotel's treatment plant. A garden preserves indigenous plants, many of which feature in traditional medicines. A park surrounds the resort's natural spring, so guests can enjoy nature and an ecological spa. Park plaques educate guests about plants' scientific names, as well as their role in Caribbean culture. Builders employ windfall in structures like the kids' tree house, bridge, tables, signs and other decoration. At present, Casa del Mar is constructing an ecological reef park. HEALTH & SAFETY Safety plans prepare the resort for earthquake, hurricanes, fires and catastrophes. A purchasing policy promotes low-impact and biodegradable products and equipment. OTHER AWARDS Green Globe 2004 Green Globe 2005 Environment Ministry 2004 Sunscape Casa del Mar trains personnel to consciously protect the environment. "We all agree that we must learn how to sustain our environmental resources," comments Daniel Hernandez, general manager, Sunscape Casa del Mar, "so they continue to provide benefits for people and other living things on our planet. That's why we implement strong and creative ideas to ensure that future generations will have equal opportunities to the resources that the Caribbean offers. "We must do more than simply discuss our environmental problems. We must work together as a team like we are. Our slogan at Sunscape Casa del Mar La Romana is "together we can (juntos podemos)." About Sunscape Resorts & Spas The fun never stops at these tropical all-inclusive hotels, which appeal to families, couples and singles. Sunscape Resorts & Spas are characterized by vibrant colors and a wide array of amenities, including live entertainment, fully equipped spas, premium brand products and exceptional service. Guests also enjoy state-of-the-art fitness centers, and numerous bars and a variety of specialty restaurants. These dynamic resorts -- bracelet-free all-inclusives -- offer extensive kids' activities, big-screen TV entertainment on the beach, and themed beach parties for adults and children alike. Sunscape Resorts & Spas is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, a collection of 145 unique and culturally elegant luxury hotels in 100 popular destinations worldwide. Vacation packages to Sunscape Resorts & Spas are available through leading tour operators in North America, Mexico and Europe. For information and reservations for Sunscape Resorts & Spas, visit www.sunscaperesorts.com, or call 1-866-SUNSCAPE. About AMResorts AMResorts is a regional leader in Mexico and the Dominican Republican. The group predicts more than $225 million in revenue in 2005, while operating more than 4,265 hotel rooms by year's end. Opened in 2001, AMResorts runs three all-inclusive brands. Secrets opulent five-star properties cater to adults only, targeting upscale singles, couples and honeymooners. Dreams offer couples, friends and families luxury in the most highly desired locations. Finally, Sunscape resorts are characterized by vibrant colors, spirited personalities and a wide array of amenities. The company operates Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, Mexico; Secrets Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico; Secrets Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico; Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Mexico; Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, Cancun, Mexico; Sunscape Punta Cana Grand, Dominican Republic; Sunscape Casa del Mar, La Romana, Dominican Republic; Sunscape Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya, Mexico, Sunscape Tulum Riviera Maya, Mexico; and Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana. AMResorts is a privately owned hotel management company with headquarters outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
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