SUSTAINABILITY
“A hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The hotel employs cutting edge technologies, policies, and programs which set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations.”
Those words are from Green Key Global, which awarded a 5 Green Key rating to Sugar Reef Bequia in 2013, confirm our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism that provides quality and luxury to our guests. We work to conserve the environment, improve the well-being of the local residents, and protect and enhance opportunities for the future.
It begins with Sugar Reef Bequia’s beachfront setting on a 65-acre working plantation, a key source of the many local and organic goods used in our operation. As Uncommon Caribbean magazine wrote, “The priceless treats here are almost all sourced directly from the fruit trees, gardens, and beehives spread throughout the property… You’ll enjoy tasting the difference that truly fresh fruit… can make.”
Our staff is trained in our environmental policies. We work together to conserve natural resources, decrease and manage waste effectively, and monitor and reduce the use of non-renewable resources. We use solar power, collect rainwater, operate grey-water systems, and we take recycling of plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminium cans seriously.
We are very proud to practice a strict no plastic straw policy in Sugar Reef Cafe. We switched over to natural bamboo straws that we grow on our plantation. The bamboo is freshly picked daily by our gardeners and the natural straws are cut and shaped by our bartenders on demand.
Sugar Reef Bequia is also committed to supporting local businesses and the local community. We encourage our guests to support our environmental and community efforts. Local and antique furnishings fill the hotel. We work directly with farmers and fishermen on Bequia and St. Vincent to serve the freshest local fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables. We employ over 20 local Vincentians throughout the year.
We sponsor the local Bequia United cricket team and support charities and non-profit organizations including Action Bequia, Rise Up Bequia, Bequia Threadwork, The Hub Collective, and Bequia New Year’s Fireworks.
Sugar Reef is a proud member of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, which promotes environmental and social management of natural and heritage resources within the hospitality industry.