World’s First Non-Profit Luxury Eco-Resort Announced

The Cacao Pearl, Palawan was just announced a couple of days ago and if it lives up to the hype it should be pretty darn cool – well, if you happen to be rich and possibly very well-known. The new resort was designed exclusively for Cacao Resorts by former film art director, Antonio Calvo (“Love Actually,” “Alexander”, “Pride & Prejudice”.) and is basically 60 off-plan private residences await “discriminating investors,” who want to own a chic eco-home with a conscience and investment-grade security with an option to buy, re-sell or rent.

Basics:

The Cacao Pearl will be the very first first non-profit and luxury eco-resort community to commit 100 per cent of operating profits to environmental protection and social improvements. The resort is being built on a 124 acre private island in the Calamianes archipelago, at the northernmost tip of the Palawan Biosphere Reserve in the Philippines.

Already “eco” sounds fishy because the The Cacao Pearl will, in a sense be taking over the entire island, which is an eco-nightmare in itself unless proper building and land management methods are used. It’s easy to destroy habitats once people arrive on the scene. However, according to the announcement here are some of the perks:

• The island is full of lush rainforest and towering coconut trees plus over a mile of clean beaches.
• The area will be a stunning eco preservation area within sailing distance of two UNESCO World heritage sites & four marine reserves.
• Decor and style will be eco-chic and low-impact.
• Sustainable development will be used.
• The resort will also offer a designer homes for buyers with a zero carbon cost, 5 stars service, an infinity pool, wreck & reef diving, a secluded destination spa, organic gardens & bar, restaurant, and private media rooms.
• 100% of the resort’s net operating profits will be used to support local environmental and social programs.

Joel Cere, CEO of Cacao Resorts sums it up with this,“Forget old luxury, welcome green luxury… Cacao Resorts is offering eco-aware urban escapees the luxury of private island home ownership with the launch of a truly guilt-free investment… In a world of homogenous, over-developed concrete destinations, disinterested developers, fake themes and over-priced mini-bars, token green gestures and disenfranchised communities, Cacao Resorts provide an authentic experience for the grown-up backpacker, a guilt-free option for the traveler with conscience, a breath of fresh tropical air for sophisticated urban escapees.”

Cacao Resorts is being developed with partners Barefoot Investments and Abode Management. You can read much more about it in their pdf briefing.

[image via Cacao Pearl]