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Belize's All-Green Resort First Built in Caribbean

Luxury Real Estate: The first eco-planned Caribbean luxury resort from inception to completion is being raised on the Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize, making the idyllic tropical paradise an official part of the phenomenally pervasive "green" consciousness of the 21st century. The Palmetto Bay Resort at Maya Beach, helmed by luxury property developer, Ravenspur Investments, is the first planned from inception eco-friendly resort to dot the Caribbean Islands.

Sustainable eco-driven technologies used by Ravenspur include geothermal- solar- and water-filtration technologies. It is projected that such methodologies will conserve 1,000 gallons of water daily when the resort is at full occupancy. The ensuing conservation of water is beneficial both environmentally and financially. It is a measurable example of how planning "green" protects the environment and saves money for owners too. The Palmetto Bay Resort is being raised on 16-miles of white-sand beaches and a picturesque view of the Maya Mountains. The first phase of the gated mixed-use resort, which includes 36 beachfront condominiums with floor plans from 1,100 up to 4,500 square feet, is under way.

Belize was selected as the building site due to its cultural diversity and lower cost of beachfront property compared to other Caribbean destinations, according to property developer Carlton Watson.

"Belize was chosen after researching dozens of beachfront markets around the world. The cost of beachfront property and the diversity of the country was like no other we researched."

Watson also sited that the ruins that trace the Mayan people back thousands of years and the jungle's perfect eco-system for animals and birds were significant factors in choosing Belize.

"The green aspects of our development were created to provide a saving on maintenance and consumption while leaving as small an impact on the environment as possible," Watson said.

Watson stated that the geo-thermal assisted cooling pays for itself in three years. The savings in water is achieved by capturing the water used in the showers and sinks into underground holding tanks, where it is filtered and used for watering the plants. A second underground tank will be used to capture rainwater to replenish the pool. Additionally, the sewer system water also uses recycled water.

Watson further added, "Belize is a secret paradise bursting with abundant benefits providing eco-conscious adventure and memories for everyone."

There will be two buildings that house the one- two- and three-bedroom condominiums. Designer Juilieanne Dobson, renowned for her work on Francis Ford Coppola's Turtle Inn, is the principal designer. The plan is to honor Caribbean and Mayan heritage and capture the ambience throughout in the residences and public spaces. Coppola's Turtle Inn is favorite luxury resort in Southern Belize regarded by many as the finest in the Placencia Village.

The Central American country of Belize is a British Commonwealth where the local population speaks fluent English. It is the area's diverse cultural heritage that many visitors find so appealing.

Owners at Palmetto Bay Resort will enjoy amenities on parity with four-and five-star hotels and resorts, such as a fitness center, several business centers, wireless Internet access, health club, fully equipped gourmet kitchens, large balconies with elaborate barbeque setups. Prices begin in the low $300,000 range. Call 866-930-4933 or visit www.PalmettoBayResort.com for more information on the Palmetto Bay Resort.

For LxM James Rothaar