Hastings beach resort in Barbados
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Being responsible to the local community and to the environment is extremely important to the owners of Amaryllis Beach Resort. This family-run hotel was recently approved for its Green Globe Certificate in recognition of its responsible practices and as part of this programme offers a variety of themed events throughout the year highlighting authentic local arts, culture, food and drink. The hotel recycles rain water for irrigation of it’s extensive tropical gardens covering 5.5 acres, hot water is recovered from the air conditioning plant and then used in the laundry with minimal chemicals. All housekeeping and kitchen chemicals are environmentally friendly, and a full time Environmental Officer is employed to improve sustainability throughout the operations. Guests are encouraged to participate in water and electricity saving programs, low energy light bulbs are used throughout the hotel, oils are collected and recycled, and office paper is shredded and used for farming.
Community
Amaryllis works hard to support the local community, local supplies are bought where possible and only local staff are employed. Guests are invited to experience the local foods and culinary traditions by way of participating with the staff to learn about mixology by preparing and cooking local cuisine. All entertainment provided at the hotel is employed from within Barbados There is a vast choice of steel bands, dance bands, fire eaters and limbo dancers who the hotel employ to entertain the guests on a regular basis. Any events or activities on the island are actively promoted and local history shared with the guests where possible. There is the Rum and Rhythm festival that takes place in November where visitors can enjoy a host of local dishes and rum from a large number of local participants all within a party atmosphere, entertainment is provided by local bands and artists. One of the main events on the island is 'Crop over' taking place end of July/August. This is a vast carnival that the entire island takes part in with many bands grouping together dressed in their chosen themed outfits form a procession and dance through the streets, the party will continue for over a week ending with competitions for the best steel Band and best dressed band. There are an abundance of handicraft businesses and the hotel welcomes the vendors to the hotel. Amaryllis also consistently supports schools and organisations.
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