TRAVEL Part III: How to “Blue” Your Business & Make More Green; Beyond Green Eco-Resorts – by Gil Zeimer, ScubaStoryteller.com and Zeimer.com, San Rafael, CA As a PADI Open-Water Diver for nearly 40 years, Gil has published more than 110 articles in over 25 magazines and websites, plus another 170 newsletters about his experiences. He’s also a two-time skin cancer survivor.
This series has presented “blue” initiatives that can make your business more sustain- able and help increase your bottom line. Part III focuses on “the planet’s most sustainable hotels, resorts, and lodges” and how their col- lective mission helped them build their brand.”
Beyond Green member properties are enacting essential change through innovative ocean research initiatives, inspir- ing community partnerships, and engaging educational pro- grams. These efforts provide travelers –– especially divers –– with a deeper understanding of and connection to the ma- rine ecosystem and the impact of human activities. Here are a few examples of their resorts that offer scuba diving and snorkeling… The Turtle Inn (Placencia, Belize) combines luxury and unspoiled beach beauty to create an idyllic refuge for relax- ation or adventure. It’s been honored by the Condé Nast Traveler “2025 Gold List,” plus Travel + Leisure 500 “World’s Best Hotels 2024.”
A Passion for Embracing Travel as a Force for Good: More divers, especially high-end clients who value sustain- ability, want to experience something new… something unique… something worthy of their destination. Guided by a passion for embracing travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of more than 50
meticulously vetted properties across over 20 countries that exemplifies leadership in environmental steward- ship, cultural preservation, and com- munity engagement. In addition, this brand aims to transform the global travel industry by setting new standards where sus- tainability is integral to every guest experience. Through collaborative efforts and leadership initiatives,
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Martin Krediet, General Manager, adds, “Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this 25-room beachside hideaway in 2001 and saw their role as conservators to preserve the pris- tine natural environment. They have strongly supported Belize’s commit- ment to ecotourism and continue to explore new technologies to benefit these isolated resorts.”
each member property undergoes a vigorous vetting process based on over 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a family-owned company operated by Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green offers a new way to experience gen- uine hospitality, making it easier for environmentally minded travelers to find the perfect eco-friendly accommo- dations and empowering them to select among the world’s best resorts. CEO Lindsey Ueberroth summarizes her company’s mis- sion by saying, “Beyond Green reflects the shared commit- ment of our member properties to transforming travel into a force for good. Together, we are creating a space where travel truly makes a positive impact –– for people and the planet.” Sparking a Wave of Action Toward Essential Change:
There are seven Beyond Green-approved lodges and re- sorts among The Family Coppola Hideaways. A simple 5% fee added to each guest’s folio at the two Belize Hideaways –– The Turtle Inn and the Blancaneaux Lodge –– provides financial assistance to The Belize Community Fund. It en- compasses an impressive list of sustainable efforts from ridge to reef to assist, support, and raise funds for various programs. These include buying a roof for the local bas- ketball court, soccer teams, arts festivals, fishing tourna- ments, the local marathon, wildlife cameras for research,
and building new classrooms for schools. Other sustainability projects encompass:
MarAlliance: Explores, enables, and inspires conser- ▪ vation action for threatened marine wildlife and their critical habitats with local communities. These consist of shark, turtle, and protected areas research, satellite tagging and tracking, and education. Some tagged tur-
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