Green way of life in Ochos Rios at Jamaica Inn

LOS ANGELES, California – Jamaica Inn lies on a pristine crescent-shaped beach in the town of Ochos Rios in Jamaica.

LOS ANGELES, California – Jamaica Inn lies on a pristine crescent-shaped beach in the town of Ochos Rios in Jamaica. Manicured gardens surround secluded antique-appointed suites and cottages, each with breath-taking views of the Caribbean Sea. Rainforest, rivers, and waterfalls are situated nearby waiting to be explored.

Green Globe recently recertified Jamaica Inn for the second consecutive year.

Close to nature, the management team and staff have been involved in various projects and initiatives that protect the environment and delicate eco-systems. Two annual events The Sea Turtle Recovery Program and Earth Day bring staff and guests together in efforts that celebrate biodiversity at this beach paradise.


As a part of its CSR programs, Jamaica Inn facilitates both on and off site turtle hatching sessions to spread awareness about the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle that includes participation in the turtle hatching process. Sea turtles travel to Jamaica Innโ€™s beach and nearby Oracabessa beach to lay their eggs during late August to November each year. Guests can experience the miracle of watching and helping a nest of baby turtles (on average 100 turtles per nest) make their safe passage to sea.

Jamaica Inn works alongside Mel Tennant, the hotelโ€™s turtle expert who has spent many years working on The Oracabessa Turtle Bay Project and Sanctuary. His work ensures there is a protected fish sanctuary off the waters of Jamaica Inn and that the survival of the rich ecosystem continues with the rehabilitation of coral reefs and the protection of marine life in general. It is also due to Melโ€™s ongoing passionate work with The Oracabessa Turtle Project that more than 100 nests and 16,000 recorded hatchlings per year can now be seen on the side of the island where Jamaica Inn is located.

Another popular activity is International Earth Day Tree Planting. Jamaica Inn team members participated in a tree planting activity on Earth Day on April 22 this year. A total of 14 palms were planted in the gardens of the Clear Water villa. Managers, supervisors and other Jamaica Inn staff members enjoyed lending a helping hand to create a cleaner healthier more sustainable environment. In a few years, staff as well as guests will be able to see the rewards of their labor with increased shade coverage that will foster animal and plant life habitats on the property. It is through the hotel teamโ€™s continued support of onsite green efforts such as this that sustainable goals can be realized.

Kyle Mais, General Manager at Jamaica, said: โ€œToday we worked together to do more than just a green act, we joined forces on this small initiative to improve our way of life. Going green is no longer a trend but a methodology that should extend itself to the way we live and operate especially within the tourism industry. We must do everything we can to reduce our negative impact on the environment. Climate Change is real. Each and every one of us must play our part to help increase our sustainability. Monumental change begins with small steps to conserve and reduce our carbon footprint.โ€

Resource management is another priority for this island property. Solar panels were installed in both 2014 and 2015 to offset some of the hotelโ€™s electricity requirements. In addition, an onsite compost heap produces fertilizer from food scraps, mulch and other organic matter for the propertyโ€™s extensive lush gardens. Furthermore, to reduce waste and increase operational sustainability the hotel has recycle bins to separate plastics and cardboard items for recycling purposes.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Green Globe is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .



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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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