Island Properties - An Inherently Ecological Land Form

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Chicago, IL, September 11, 2009 — While real estate developers on the mainland often struggle with the economics of sustainable initiatives, island properties inherently lend themselves to environmentally responsible design. While not many island developers explore sustainability as a common sense strategy, there are some who are on the vanguard of sustainable practices - and reaping the economic benefits.

In the Fiji Islands, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort recently installed a new wastewater system using local coconuts and recycled bottles to protect their picturesque lagoons. Cala Mia, the boutique eco resort in the Gulf of Chiriqui, harnesses Boca Brava Island’s year-round sunshine to be entirely solar-powered. And future Panama island resort The Resort at Isla Palenque plans to treat its wastewater on-site and use grey water for irrigation of landscaping and their organic farm.

“When you’re developing on the mainland, sustainable options may appear to be too costly compared to traditional methods,” says Ben Loomis, President of Amble Resorts, the ecologically and culturally sensitive real estate development company behind The Resort at Isla Palenque. “But on an island the cost differences may shrink or even reverse, making alternative energy and sustainable design an economically sensible choice.”

As Loomis points out, importing and transporting supplies to islands is expensive and logistically difficult, promoting a “do-it-yourself attitude.” For example, Isla Palenque will grow much of their own produce on the island to ensure easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables without importing them from the mainland. Building materials are also difficult to bring to island development projects, encouraging Isla Palenque to grow some of their own building materials on the island: palm leaves for thatch and bamboo for furnishings and design finishes.

Power presents another challenge to island developers. Since diesel is dirty and connecting to mainland grids is not always an option for island resorts, Isla Palenque plans to take advantage of the natural island resources by generating a substantial portion of their electricity from on-site solar and wind power - both plentiful on tropical islands. And the eco resort will minimize dependence on air conditioning, the largest power drain in the tropics, by incorporating building designs that utilize natural, passive cooling techniques.

“We were pleasantly surprised to find Amble Resorts asking us how best to maximize the use of renewable energy resources,” says Rick Reikenis, Principal of East Bay Group, the coastal, civil, and utility engineer assisting Amble with Isla Palenque. “By being so forward-thinking and making the needed investments up front, Amble is taking the long view, understanding that the principal beneficiaries will be the residents and guests of Palenque.”

Isla Palenque: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2009-Isla-Palenque-Resort.jpg

About Isla Palenque

Amble Resorts’ new Panama real estate project, The Resort at Isla Palenque, will be a secluded and sustainable resort community with a unique boutique hotel, ingeniously designed residences, and sumptuous amenities. For more information about Amble Resorts or their new island resort, Isla Palenque, visit http://www.islapalenque.com.

Other press releases from Amble Resorts

• Amble Resorts Signs West Paces Hotel Group to Manage World-Class Panama Resort Project: Isla Palenque - March 9th, 2010
• Panama Enjoys Growing Reputation as Hot Vacation-Home Destination - February 8th, 2010
• More Adventure Opportunities Sought by Travelers - January 26th, 2010
• Progressive Luxury Resorts Make Walls Obsolete for the Traveling Elite - January 6th, 2010
• Fishing by the Rules: Sport Fishermen Embrace Sustainable Techniques - December 10th, 2009
• Geotourism Engages Travelers in Authentic Cultural Experiences - December 1st, 2009
• Backpackers Pave the Way for a Wide Variety of Tourists to Flock to Panama’s Gulf of Chiriqui - November 16th, 2009
• Panama Emerges as a Prime Location for Close-To-Nature, Low-Density Resort Development - November 5th, 2009
• Whale Watchers Find a Bevy of Opportunites for Observation Along the Pacific Coast of Panama - October 5th, 2009
• In the New Age of ‘Conscious Consumption’ Travelers Seek Vacations With Real Meaning - September 1st, 2009

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