THE CONSCIOUS TRAVELER'S PARADISE: DOMINICA'S COULIBRI RIDGE REDEFINES SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
Coulibri Ridge showcases how luxury can coexist with environmental responsibility, offering a unique and unparalleled experience. |
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THE CONSCIOUS TRAVELER'S PARADISE: DOMINICA'S COULIBRI RIDGE REDEFINES SUSTAINABLE LUXURY
Coulibri Ridge showcases how luxury can coexist with environmental responsibility, offering a unique and unparalleled experience. |
Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - Dominica - Industry economy
- Hotel opening - Sustainability
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-05-22
Coulibri Ridge, a luxury resort dramatically perched atop a mountain overlooking Soufriere Bay, is one of the Caribbean's boldest sustainability stories.
This 14-suite, fully off-grid sanctuary redefines eco-luxury, blending deep environmental stewardship with discreet indulgence.
Born from over two decades of research and vision, Coulibri Ridge was designed as a working model for a self-sustaining future. Powered by the sun and wind, nourished by filtered rainwater, and built with hand-chiseled stone by local craftsmen, the resort is a case study in regenerative travel and community resilience.
But it's not just a blueprint, it's a dream destination. Here, sustainability doesn't mean sacrifice. Indeed, the 285-acre resort welcomes guests to experience a new level of sustainable luxury, proving that discreet indulgence and genuine sustainability can go hand in hand.
Coulibri Ridge has set a new standard for sustainable tourism by operating entirely offgrid, utilizing solar energy as its primary power source, supplemented by wind turbines. These wind turbines are specially designed to have minimal impact on local flora and fauna.
Rainwater, primarily collected through the resort's unique roof design, undergoes distinct purification processes.
For guest suites, it is purified by a filtration and UV sanitization process, providing chemical-free drinking water throughout the resort. For the two shared, chlorine-free pools, a separate purification method of copper ionization is employed. Collected rainwater, including that from drains and gutters, is also a key component of the resort's greywater system, used to irrigate the gardens and much of the on-site produce served in the restaurant.
Inside the suites and all common areas, guests will find recycled teakwood, and ceilings are constructed from 100% recyclable, mold-resistant aluminum. The resort's meticulously planned exterior, designed to stand up to hurricanes, earthquakes, and humid conditions, was built to be integrated into the natural landscape, allowing guests to truly feel connected with the land.
The resort's exterior was developed from the island's sourced stone and was constructed entirely by local community members who today continue to service the resort in all capacities.
A strong focus on community is an integral part of Coulibri Ridge's DNA.
The resort was conceptualized and constructed to support the local community and offer opportunities for locals to become part of its success. This symbiotic relationship was particularly apparent in 2017 when Coulibri Ridge was nearly ready to welcome its first guests.
Unfortunately, Category 5 Hurricane Maria had other plans. While the resort suffered minimal damage due to its deliberate design, the village of Soufriere was decimated. During this challenging time, Coulibri Ridge took the opportunity to temporarily step back from its own works to help the locals rebuild and become more resilient, including reconstruction of the pontoon and a new school for the residents' children.
“Coulibri Ridge is more than a luxury resort; it's a testament to our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Dominica while providing an unparalleled experience for our guests,” says Maleva Blanchard, General Manager.
“We've meticulously designed every aspect of the resort to minimize our environmental footprint and promote a sustainable future. The practices used to build and operate Coulibri Ridge are meant as a blueprint to help communities become self-sustainable.”
Coulibri Ridge is a member of Beyond Green, a global portfolio of the planet's most sustainable hotels, and has already been the recipient of numerous accolades including the 2022 Grand Prix of Design for "Hotel and Tourism Development," Hotel of the Year 2023 by AFAR, Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List 2023, and Fodor's Finest Hotels 2023, among other industry recognition.About Coulibri RidgeCoulibri Ridge is a 14-suite off-grid discreet luxury resort perched atop a mountain ridge in southern Dominica, just minutes from Soufriere Bay where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The brainchild of Canadian-born entrepreneur Daniel Langlois, Coulibri Ridge was designed as a long-term research project in how to respectfully develop and operate a modern, self-sufficient eco-resort that is closely intertwined with the local community. Solar panels fuel all the resort's power needs, water is generated entirely by filtered rainwater, much of the restaurant's produce is grown on-site, and the resort's hurricane resistant exterior was constructed by locals from hand-chiseled rock sourced from the property. On-property amenities include two infinity pools, two dining rooms, a yoga pavilion, spa, two boardrooms, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.About Beyond GreenGuided by a passion to embrace travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of some of planet Earth's most sustainable accommodations, representing more than 50 hotels, resorts, and lodges across 22 countries. Dedicated to creating a more purposeful way to explore the world, Beyond Green connects conscientious travelers with properties committed to the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; the protection of natural and cultural heritage; and the enhancement of social and economic well-being in local communities. To ensure these standards are met, each member property undergoes a rigorous vetting process based on over 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Owned and operated by Preferred Travel Group, the family-owned company that also manages Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide, Beyond Green offers a new way to experience genuine hospitality, benefiting both people and the planet.About Preferred Travel GroupOwned and operated by the Ueberroth Family, Preferred Travel Group is the parent company of brands and programs such as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and PTG Consulting, representing more than 1,100 hotels, resorts, and residences across 90 countries, in addition to a global portfolio of destination marketing organizations and tourist boards. With more than 350 seasoned associates situated across 35 countries, the company connects independent hotels, hospitality companies, and destinations to key markets worldwide through strategic branding, sales, integrated marketing, revenue management, distribution services, and other consultancy services. Fueled by its brand promise, Believe in Travel, the company and its hotel and travel brands champion an unwavering belief in the transformative power of travel and its ability to enrich lives, inspire a greater respect for the planet, and expand hearts and minds to other cultures and ways of living.
 Coulibri Ridge
Photo credit © Coulibri Ridge
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