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NEWS
Leonardo DiCaprio releases brand new images of groundbreaking eco-resort in Belize
POSTED 09 Nov 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan have created the design of Blackadore Caye Credit: Denniston International
Final plans and brand new renderings have been released for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ambitious eco resort and wildlife reserve off the coast of Belize.

The Hollywood star, Oscar winner and environmental campaigner wants the island of Blackadore Caye to become the world’s leading example of green hospitality. It has been conceived with the aim of restoring its fragile surrounding ecosystem, while offering guests a taste of luxury in a tropical setting.

DiCaprio and the Blackadore Development Group have spent the last six months gathering feedback from local stakeholders and citizens on the design of the resort, which has been created by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan.

The original plan to place some of the resort’s villas on a giant platform stretching in an arc over the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters beneath it, has been scaled back to appease local environmentalists. Blackadore Development said the decision to remove something that had “garnered great design acclaim” based on expert feedback demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the resort is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

The island’s infrastructure has been designed under a conservation framework developed by biologists and ecologists who have studied ways to support and preserve the island’s habitat and biodiversity during construction.

The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection. Mangroves will be replaced, invasive species removed and native species planted. This in turn is expected to enhance the soil and habitat, creating better conditions for reef and fish breeding.

The resort itself will feature 36 resort bungalows, 36 estate homes and a a protected wildlife preserve that covers over half the island. All power used will be sourced from renewable energy and water will be provided through rainwater collection and onsite water treatment.

McLennan has used geometrical concepts in his designs for the resort, with the proportions of buildings derived from mathematical proportions found in nature.

DiCaprio recently hosted Before the Flood, a National Geographic documentary about climate change, which can be viewed for a limited time here.
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his environmental campaigning Credit: Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
Luxury features will be combined with a strong environmentally sustainable focus Credit: Denniston International
The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection Credit: Denniston International
RELATED STORIES
  Leonardo DiCaprio unveils Belize eco-resort plans, designed by Jason McLennan


Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has unveiled plans to open an eco-resort on his private island in Belize, a partnership with New York-based real estate firm Delos, designed by lead architect Jason McLennan of McLennan Design.
  Amble Resorts acquires Belize island site


Amble Resorts has announced its plans to create an ecologically-responsible resort in Belize after acquiring an 80-acre (32.4-hectare) site on the island of Long Caye.
  Boutique jungle spa nears launch in Belize


A boutique spa called Jabulani will open in March 2009 in the heart of the rainforest at the Machaca Hill eco-resort in Punta Gorda, Belize.
MORE NEWS
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
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Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
RMA Ltd

RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company that can design, build and produce from a greenfield site upw [more...]
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FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
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23-26 Aug 2026

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29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Leonardo DiCaprio releases brand new images of groundbreaking eco-resort in Belize
POSTED 09 Nov 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan have created the design of Blackadore Caye Credit: Denniston International
Final plans and brand new renderings have been released for Leonardo DiCaprio’s ambitious eco resort and wildlife reserve off the coast of Belize.

The Hollywood star, Oscar winner and environmental campaigner wants the island of Blackadore Caye to become the world’s leading example of green hospitality. It has been conceived with the aim of restoring its fragile surrounding ecosystem, while offering guests a taste of luxury in a tropical setting.

DiCaprio and the Blackadore Development Group have spent the last six months gathering feedback from local stakeholders and citizens on the design of the resort, which has been created by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International and environmental sustainability architect Jason McLennan.

The original plan to place some of the resort’s villas on a giant platform stretching in an arc over the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters beneath it, has been scaled back to appease local environmentalists. Blackadore Development said the decision to remove something that had “garnered great design acclaim” based on expert feedback demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the resort is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

The island’s infrastructure has been designed under a conservation framework developed by biologists and ecologists who have studied ways to support and preserve the island’s habitat and biodiversity during construction.

The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection. Mangroves will be replaced, invasive species removed and native species planted. This in turn is expected to enhance the soil and habitat, creating better conditions for reef and fish breeding.

The resort itself will feature 36 resort bungalows, 36 estate homes and a a protected wildlife preserve that covers over half the island. All power used will be sourced from renewable energy and water will be provided through rainwater collection and onsite water treatment.

McLennan has used geometrical concepts in his designs for the resort, with the proportions of buildings derived from mathematical proportions found in nature.

DiCaprio recently hosted Before the Flood, a National Geographic documentary about climate change, which can be viewed for a limited time here.
Leonardo DiCaprio is known for his environmental campaigning Credit: Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
Luxury features will be combined with a strong environmentally sustainable focus Credit: Denniston International
The project will also seek to showcase how to stabilise a quickly eroding landscape through ecological shoreline protection Credit: Denniston International
RELATED STORIES
Leonardo DiCaprio unveils Belize eco-resort plans, designed by Jason McLennan


Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has unveiled plans to open an eco-resort on his private island in Belize, a partnership with New York-based real estate firm Delos, designed by lead architect Jason McLennan of McLennan Design.
Amble Resorts acquires Belize island site


Amble Resorts has announced its plans to create an ecologically-responsible resort in Belize after acquiring an 80-acre (32.4-hectare) site on the island of Long Caye.
Boutique jungle spa nears launch in Belize


A boutique spa called Jabulani will open in March 2009 in the heart of the rainforest at the Machaca Hill eco-resort in Punta Gorda, Belize.
MORE NEWS
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
RMA Ltd

RMA Ltd is a one-stop global company that can design, build and produce from a greenfield site upw [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
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