Featured Innovative Solutions
Renewable Energy: Corona Island goes beyond front-of-house sustainability measures that are visible to guests by installing solar panels on the roof of the staff quarters. These panels currently power more than 70% of the island’s energy needs. On clear days, during peak performance, the island will reach 100% powered by solar energy alone. This step is important for reducing and eliminating a reliance on diesel generators that emit carbon dioxide, and other types of dangerous particulate matter.
Locally-sourced: Corona and Oceanic Global worked closely with world-renowned Chef Christopher Carpentier to ensure all the food served on the island is hyper-local, with 92% being sourced from the nearest port in Cartagena. A special emphasis is placed on working with local fisherfolk to source responsibly-caught, sustainable seafood such as lobster, crawfish, and the “catch of the day.” Local fresh fruits and homemade baked goods made with local ingredients are also available between mealtimes. Beyond ingredients, the Corona Island team goes above and beyond by ensuring all construction and design features are made from natural, local, and sustainably-managed materials including patula pine, brava cane, guadua, bahareque, and straw.
Recycling: Even on a plastic-free island, Corona goes one step further to effectively recycle other organic and inorganic materials such as glass, metal, food, and paper. Recycling is separately collected with beautifully designed custom bins throughout the island to be responsibly sorted and treated on the mainland. Great care was given to ensure the recycling streams are compatible with existing waste management infrastructure in Colombia, and that all staff is trained to properly sort across the island.
Blue School: Led by a local expert, Lavinia Fiorireggio, the Blue School adds a dimension to the guest experience by including them in interactive and educational sessions. These programs include coral reef and mangrove revitalization, and specifically how restoring these habitats are critical in fighting against climate change. While snorkeling, the guests will identify coral bleaching and new coral growth, catalog marine species, and help preserve the structures by clearing away competitive algae. Guests will also journey through the mangrove forests—down windy water ways and through beautiful basins—and have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by planting mangroves.
Wildlife Protection: Sea turtles are a keystone species in marine and coastal ecosystems in Colombia, and come to the island every May to hatch their eggs. As part of a sea turtle restoration program led by Parques Nacionales Naturales, the Corona Island team checks in on the turtles, gives training for care every 1-2 months, and supports a program to treat sick turtles. The team also has protocols in place to protect other local wildlife and promote symbiosis by leading guest interactions with toucans, rainbow macas, peacocks, and a monkey family (including their recently born infants!).
Plastic-Free Amenities: While typical resort items such as shower amenities and minibar were replaced with refillable and reusable services, experiential elements were accounted for and avoided as well. This includes eliminating items like plastic floats, water toys, ping pong balls, playing cards, plastic frisbees, and plastic room cards. Instead, the guests were provided the chance to interact with the local wildlife and pristine scenery of their island paradise with a minimal footprint.
