2024-05-04T20:00:41-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/125294062/jason-f-mclennan-selected-to-design-leonardo-dicaprio-s-restorative-eco-resort Justine Testado 2015-04-15T12:16:00-04:00 >2018-01-30T06:16:04-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/tv/tvxx7x74n2wudjce.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>When it opens to guests in 2018, 'Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island' will feature the trappings of many luxury resorts, with sprawling villas, infinity pools and stunning sunset views. But the 'Restorative' in the title refers not just to the impact the island might have on visitors, but to the island itself. Blackadore Caye has suffered from overfishing, an eroding coastline and the deforestation of its mangrove trees, and the partners mean to put it back to rights.</p></em><br /><br /><p>After co-purchasing the unpopulated Blackadore Caye off the coast of Belize for reportedly $1.75 million in 2005, actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently revealed plans with Delos chief executive Paul Scialla and lead architect <a href="http://www.jasonmclennan.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason F. McLennan</a> to build an eco-conscious resort dubbed "Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island&rdquo;, slated to open in 2018. The resort's design will follow <a href="http://living-future.org/lbc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Living Building Challenge</a> standards and include Delos' signature health-conscious amenities for guests. It'll also feature artificial reefs, fish shelters, and plant nurseries to what the partners say will eventually restore the island.</p><p>While the millionaire-friendly resort could propel Belize's economy, it brings up the debatable topic of ecotourism and its legitimacy. As it seems, giving money to an environmental conversation program isn't vogue enough for the rich and famous.</p><p>Related:</p><ul><li><p><a href="http://archinect.com/news/article/124917488/looking-at-all-sides-of-the-pier-55-offshore-park-development" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Looking at all sides of the Pier 55 offshore park development</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http://archinect.com/news/article/48002291/obscenely-rich-tech-folk-are-still-building-their-island-utopia-off-the-coast-of-san-francisco" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Obscenely Rich Tech Folk Are Still Building Their Island Utopia Off Th...</a></p></li></ul>