hoteliers that change the world

July 24th, 2014

Chris Blackwell, Island Outpost

Chris Blackwell, music mogul turned hotelier, founded the Oracabessa Foundation to protect Jamaica’s environment and youth. In the nearly 20 years since efforts began, it has increased coral growth by 47 percent on the once-barren reefs; helped hatch 13,000 sea turtles; introduced sustainable farming; and each year gives hundreds of school children a fighting chance through music programs, after-school sports, and job training. Some would also agree Blackwell changed the world when he discovered Bob Marley and Bono.

 

Joss Kent, andBeyond

Joss Kent is Africa’s answer to how to save the rhinos. Poaching is at an all-time high and there are few sanctuaries where the rhinos are out of harm’s way. andBeyond is leading the charge to move these nearly extinct, majestic animals to safer pastures…and it’s working. Rhinos without Borders is one of many world-saving initiatives helmed by Kent. Nature is precious.

 

Wilbert Das, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

In an effort to escape the constant buzz of the fashion world, former Creative Director of Diesel Wilbert Das first visited Trancoso, Brazil in June 2004 on vacation and was immediately taken with the people and environment. It became his mission to preserve it. Das worked with local artisans to build an 11-casa hotel, UXUA, using only natural resources and sustainable techniques. He also sources the majority of produce, spa ingredients, and artwork from the area. Das continues to support the village’s economy by employing locals almost exclusively and contributes a great deal to the local school system and Capoeira Academy so children in the village can have free lessons.

 

Leo Ghitis, Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens

For Leo Ghitis and his wife, Ruthy, it’s not just the beautiful flora and fauna that make the Arenal region of Costa Rica special – it’s the people. In addition to preserving the environment through practices such as recycling, composting, and energy efficiency, the hotel takes great stock in supporting the cultural and educational activities of the community of La Fortuna de San Carlos. From providing free transportation to employees and their families to donating more than $3,000 every month to the local school system and orphanage, Ghitis makes sure everyone feels like they are part of the Nayara family.

Leave a Reply

Categories

Archives

« »