Leonardo DiCaprio plans to build an ecotourism resort in an island off the coast of Belize.
- Apr 6, 2015
AceShowbiz - An actor who is also well-known as environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio is building an ecotourism in an island off the coast of Belize. DiCaprio bought Blackadore Caye, 104 acres of wild, with a partner a decade ago. Slated to open in 2018, "Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island" will feature the trappings of many luxury resorts, with sprawling villas, infinity pools and stunning sunset views.
The villas for guests on Blackadore Caye will be built atop a massive platform that stretches in an arc over the water, with artificial reefs and fish shelters underneath. The 68-guest villas will have access to a secluded beach, grassland and jungle. They have not announced the prices for a stay at the villas, but for those who prefer their own houses, 48 will be built on the island, with price tags ranging from $5 million to $15 million. The homeowners will pay a monthly fee for housekeeping, meals and other services.
The "Titanic" star admitted that he had fallen in love with the island ever since he stepped his foot for the first time on that island. "It was like heaven on earth and almost immediately, I found this opportunity to purchase an island there," he said to The New York Times. He added, "Belize is truly unique. It has the second largest coral reef system in the world, and it has some of the most biodiverse marine life, like the manatee population and almost every species of fish you can imagine. Then there are the Mayan temples and the culture."
DiCaprio wants to make a preservation for the island which has been damaged by several things such as overfishing, an eroding coastline and the deforestation of its mangrove trees. He wants to build an eco-conscious resort which helps put the island back to rights. "The main focus is to do something that will change the world. I couldn't have gone to Belize and built on an island and done something like this, if it weren't for the idea that it could be groundbreaking in the environmental movement," he said.
