(NAPLES, FL) March 17, 2008 – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed the Bellasera
Hotel to the Florida Green Lodging Program. Bellasera is the
first condominium resort (and the fifth property overall) to be
designated in Collier County.
“Bellasera is proud to be designated a member of the Florida
Green Lodging Program,” said General Manager Steven McIntire.
“Even more meaningful is the fact that this effort was
completely driven by our hotel’s staff members, who
conscientiously took it upon themselves to put together this
program of improved waste reduction, energy efficiency and clean
air quality. Not only does our management team appreciate their
efforts, but I know that our guests will, as well, as they’ll be
able to adopt the same green practices here at the resort that
many of them are already utilizing at home.”
The Florida Green Lodging Program provides voluntary guidelines
for lodging properties to help conserve natural resources and
prevent air pollution. At Bellasera, “green practices” involve
a number of recycling and improved energy efficiency, water
conservation and air quality programs. For instance, hotel
guests and staff have the opportunity to recycle not only glass,
plastic, cans and paper, but also batteries, cell phones, print
toners, ink cartridges, florescent bulbs, appliances and
computer equipment. The hotel also participates in FPL’s
innovative “Sunshine Energy” environmental program to produce
clean electricity generation. In addition, the property has
improved its water conservation measures through low flow
plumbing fixtures; it cleans its air handler units frequently
and utilizes energy-efficient programmable thermostats and air
filters; and purchases green cleaning products and laundry
detergents.
“The Bellasera had already implemented many of the best
management practices we were looking for,” said local DEP Green
Lodging Coordinator Laura Comer. “They have now expanded their
recycling services and actively involved their suppliers,
services providers, and guests which exponentially increases
their positive impact on the environment and the local
community.”
Bellasera will now join the growing list of Florida Green Lodges
that can benefit from vacationers and meeting planners seeking
environmentally conscious lodging establishments. To show
support for the program, last year Florida Governor Charlie
Crist signed an executive order mandating all state agencies and
departments hold meetings and conferences solely at designated
Green Lodging facilities. With the addition of the Bellasera
Hotel, the program now has 105 designated properties statewide.
Coinciding with its Green Lodging announcement is the opening of
Verde, the new spa at Bellasera which will offer 100% organic
products and services. Promoting harmony between nature and
body, Verde will be a center for therapeutic healing and
wellness where reducing their environmental footprint will be a
top priority. By providing an eco-friendly spa experience, the
Verde staff hopes to show how guests can incorporate both
relaxation and sustainability into their everyday lives.
The only luxury resort in the area to feature condominium suites
with full home amenities, Bellasera offers 100
designer-decorated studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.
Bellasera also features a heated outdoor and spa, fitness
center, room service, concierge service, luxury poolside cabanas
and Zizi, an exquisite Mediterranean restaurant and lounge
offering al fresco dining under the stars.
Bellasera Hotel, one of six distinctive properties in Southwest
Florida’s SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection, is located at
221 Ninth Street South in Naples. For reservations or
information, call 800-625-4111 or visit
www.BellaseraNaples.com.
