In March, the Salterra Resort & Spa opened its doors in South Caicos, a luxurious beachfront destination distinguished not just by its whitewashed architecture and high-thread-count linens, but by its commitment to sustainability—an increasingly essential aspect of the Caribbean hospitality industry.
Salterra integrates sustainability into all layers of its operations, emphasizing renewable energy, water conservation, and support for the local community. This ambitious approach aims to position the resort as a benchmark for sustainable hospitality within the Turks and Caicos Islands and the broader Caribbean region.
Harnessing Renewable Energy
A key element of Salterra’s sustainability efforts is collaboration with FortisTCI to implement a 400-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. This system is expected to generate 700,000 kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power around 70 U.S. homes—thus offsetting 20% of the resort’s emissions.
Additionally, the resort’s landscaping favors native plants such as sea grapes and thatch palms, effectively reducing the need for irrigation in a region with limited rainfall. Potable water is produced on-site using a reverse osmosis process, casting a spotlight on the importance of water conservation.
Innovative Waste Management Practices
Waste management is particularly pressing in South Caicos, where many islands resort to open-pit landfills. Salterra is actively developing a comprehensive waste management system aimed at diverting refuse from these landfills. This initiative includes strategies for separating waste streams, exporting recyclables, and investing in biodigestion technology for food waste. Even small changes, such as phasing out synthetic rubber gloves in kitchens, emphasize the resort’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
Supporting Local Fisheries
Given South Caicos’s heritage as the fishing capital of the islands, Salterra is focused on re-establishing a more localized and transparent seafood supply chain. Partnering with FisherFolkFirst, a nonprofit dedicated to small-scale sustainable fisheries, the resort aims to reduce its reliance on imported seafood that usually comes from opaque and environmentally harmful supply chains.
This initiative not only enriches the culinary experience for guests but also contributes to local economies and complies with environmental regulations, creating a win-win situation for both hospitality and sustainability.
Beyond the Resort: Community and Environmental Initiatives
Salterra’s commitment to the environment extends beyond its boundaries. Prior to its opening, the resort co-founded the South Caicos Coral Reef Consortium (SCCRC), focusing on coral restoration and resilience research. The consortium has established coral nurseries and an off-site lab, successfully replanting hundreds of corals in local reefs.
Working alongside partners like the School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies and the TCI Reef Fund, Salterra strives to improve coral adaptability in the face of climate change challenges.
Aiming for Accredited Sustainability Certification
Salterra is actively pursuing accredited sustainability certification, viewing it as a vital tool for building credibility around its environmental efforts. This commitment is underscored by the challenge of transforming an existing hotel—East Bay Resort—into a model of sustainability.
While criticisms about “greenwashing” loom in the hospitality sector, Salterra aims to strike a delicate balance between meaningful action and superficial claims. Greenwashing remains a risk; however, Salterra emphasizes that genuine efforts are essential for the well-being of the planet.
Ultimately, the goal at Salterra is not just to rethink sustainability but to integrate it into luxury experiences seamlessly. As more travelers seek eco-friendly options in their vacations, Salterra aims to demonstrate that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, paving the way for a redefined travel experience rooted in environmental stewardship.
