The Benefits Of “Green” Resorts

Today’s catch phrase in every area of our life is, “Going Green”.  And, for good reason. There is nothing wrong and absolutely everything right with doing the same old things in a new and better way.  Sometimes it costs more, sometimes less, but overall Going Green is always better for our planet.

As it relates to my area of expertise, resort real estate, Going Green is a relatively new concept that is garnering favor with developers, buyers, vacationers and the press. Resorts are springing up in all corners of the globe, and usually in environmentally sensitive locales. This happens as these sites are always the most beautiful and tranquil places where we can go to reconnect with ourselves, our families and nature. Secluded beach cottages. Island escapes. Mountain-top retreats. Mega-Yachts (yes even these are going as green as they can).

So why are these luxury lifestyle resorts Going Green?  What are the benefits to the developer, the resort guests, the real estate owners, and those in the local community?  I am a list guy, so here is my TOP TEN list of the benefits to Going Green:

1. Long term energy and water savings
2. Reduced maintenance costs
3. Retaining the pristine nature of the location – water, air, flora and fauna
4. Maintaining clean water and soil levels, or even improving them in many cases
5. Marketing advantage over non-green competition
6. Showing the local community the importance of the environment in which they live.  Helping them strive for these goals betters the community in the short and long term resulting in a better quality of life
7. Less greenhouse emissions resulting a better air quality (no matter how you feel about global warming, this is a good thing for all of us)
8. Reduced solid waste
9. Potentially higher resale values / appreciation
10. Preferential mortgage programs from Green Homes

These benefits have an immediate impact today and when maintained throughout the life of the project have benefits that reach well into the future.

With this list of benefits in mind, let’s hope that all developers bring Green properties to the market.  And while that does away with any competitive advantage and makes my TOP TEN list a TOP NINE list, we all win under this scenario.

The High Cost of Not Having to Choose.

It is hard to choose sometimes…Italy or Greece; Fillet or Lobster; Bentley or Rolls Royce; Golf Course or Marina.  A chalet in Telluride.  An oceanfront villa in Anguilla .  A loft in New York.  All of these are wonderful.  And each asks you to make a choice.  All tough decisions.

Now, as it relates to resort real estate, many luxury resort communities have decided to make life easier on prospective purchasers and offer every amenity imaginable within their gates. Golf Course(s).  Marina.  Beach Club.  Fitness Center.  Spa.  Equestrian Center.  Tennis.  Basketball Courts.  Chapel.  Fishing Guides.  Concierges.  Fitness Instructors.   Valets.  Planes.  Boats.  Wave Runners.  Kid’s Camps.  Restaurants.  Retails Shops.  Fire Station.  Medical Offices.  Grocery Store.  Business Center.

You get the idea.  All of these amenities make life a pleasure, but all come at a very high price.  Thus, only the ultra-wealthy and elite can afford a home there.  Resort home prices have sky rocketed from the late 1990’s to today – some of it based on supply and demand, but most of it is related to the level of services and amenities reaching once unimaginable heights.

With the state of affairs today, I am asking you to choose.  Please take this survey to see how key amenities rank.  Thank you in advance.