DiCaprio takes lead role as eco-developer in Belize

LEONARDO DiCaprio has long been known as something of an environmental activist.

Now he is putting his money where his mouth is, building a multimillion-dollar eco-tourism resort designed to help transform a small island off the coast of Belize.

The actor, a keen scuba diver best known for roles in Titanic and The Wolf of Wall Street, bought the 42ha Blackadore Caye almost a decade ago with a partner for $1.75-million (about R20.5-million) after falling in love with Belize.

“It was like heaven on earth,” he told the New York Times.

“And almost immediately, I found this opportunity to purchase an island there.”

Now he has unveiled plans for an ambitious resort of sprawling villas and infinity pools from where a small number of wealthy guests can watch the sun set.

He has teamed up with Paul Scialla, the chief executive of New York development firm Delos, for the environmentally friendly development, which is expected to open in 2018.

His “restorative island” blueprint envisages villas set ISLAND HEAVEN: Leonardo DiCaprio atop a platform arcing through the water, along with artificial reefs to protect marine life. Marine grass will be grown in a nursery to support a manatee conservation area.

The aim is to reverse environmental damage that stems from overfishing, deforestation and an eroding coastline.

“The main focus is to do something that will change the world,” DiCaprio said.

“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 ground-breaking in the en- vironmental movement.”

The project will be well positioned to tap into the growing market for luxury eco holidays.

In order to stay, guests will be put through an ecology orientation programme, said the New York Times. And plastic bottles will not be allowed on the Central American island, located about 45 minutes by boat from Belize City.

But that does not mean visitors won’t be comfortable. Each of the 68 guest villas will have access to a few kilometres of secluded beach, according to the report. And although prices for a holiday have not yet been announced, some of the villas will be for sale at up to $15-million apiece.

“The goal was to create something that wasn’t contrived — a tiki hut or some image of a Hawaiian getaway — but rather the history of the place, the Mayan culture, with a more modern approach,” said Jason McLennan, the lead architect and designer. “We want to change the outlook of people who visit, on both the environment writ large and also their personal wellbeing.” — ©