BY Cayman Net News,

The Cayman Islands Planning Department has given the green light for the reincarnation of the legendary Cayman Diving Lodge, originally founded in the early 70s by Hall of Famer, Bob Soto.

The lodge was destroyed beyond repair in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan and had lain dormant while new plans were formed. During those four years tourism worldwide has awoken to the importance of Green Tourism and the attraction of vacations free of eco-guilt.

Studies show that, if service and quality remain equal, travellers will now choose the greener option.

Cayman Diving Lodge is registered with the US Green Building Council’s LEED Certification programme. This programme is based on a point system for each ‘Green Ingredient’ of the development, as an example; a minimum of 12.5 percent of the energy needs for the resort will be generated using renewable resources. Over 100 solar panels and a single Helical Vertical Axis Wind Turbine will be used to provide this energy.

Other Points are based on: site selection, alternative transport planning, storm water design, heat island effects, light pollution, water efficiency and reuse, energy performance, indoor air quality plus storage and collection of recyclables.

The new Lodge will be partially rebuilt on the old site, but now also includes the adjacent lot which more than doubles the white sand beach frontage. In addition to a restaurant and dive shop, the new resort will also feature an Organic Spa with a roof top garden terrace.

The resort will have 12 hotel style rooms and 12 condominium one-bedroom units. The 12 condominiums are available for sale as vacation homes and rental income investment properties.

The project developers are Stephen and Shannon Broadbelt, and Michael Condrey.

Architectural Design is by Icon Architecture and the Structural Design is by Small Engineering Ltd.

For more information and updates on this project, visit: www.divelodge.com.

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