Escape to Green Jamaica

It's still a bit cold here in D.C. (oh springtime, where art thou?), and I can't think of a better way to escape the rainy weather than by heading to the beach.

Half Moon resort in Jamaica has some great green options for travelers wanting a bit of sustainable luxury. Located on Jamaica's northern coast on a two-mile stretch of private beach, Half Moon is the first hotel to be listed in the Caribbean Hotel Association’s Green Hotel Hall of Fame, and for good reason. The resort uses nontoxic laundry detergents and fresh, local ingredients in products at its 68,000-square-foot Fern Tree Spa, and its staff is trained to ensure awareness of environmentally friendly practices. The restaurant has its own herb and vegetable garden (as well as fresh mangoes, lemons, and bananas), there's a "plant a tree" program for newlyweds, and the hotel has an extensive water treatment plant.

One of the unique things about the resort is its solid waste management program. Half Moon's own upholstery shop takes fabric scraps from old cushions, drapes, and furniture and makes them into dolls for the resort's Anancy Children's Village or into bedding for the Equestrian Centre.

I'll be on the next flight to Jamaica, and will bring my eco-friendly sunscreen, of course.

Photo: Half Moon Resort

Comments

[Ernestine]

Oh what memories. In one of my other lifestyles I visited about 12 times. This was over 30 years ago.
I can still hear the ocean at night, taste the seafood, remember sitting under the stars at night for dinner, walks on the beach,
the friendly people and on and on.
Had a husband and 4 children.
Now mom is alone.
I want so to return.
Need a traveling companion.

[Kango Suz]

What a great move forward in creating a green environment. I teared up when I read about the tree planting program for newlyweds- what a great way to celebrate a new life! Also, a great business idea for the resort where people will want to return and visit 'their' tree for years.