But we are environmentally friendly, says manager of Bermuda’s newest resort
By Andrew Clarke - Bermuda Sun
(News from 2000-09-01 Edition)
IF YOUR idea of being ‘green’ and close to earth involves sleeping on the dirt and hugging trees, you will be sorely
disappointed with the Daniel’s Head Village resort in Somerset.
Despite all publicity to the contrary, Bermuda’s newest — and arguably most alternative — resort, is not an eco-resort
at all, in the strictest sense of the term. The resort’s general manager, Richard Quinn, is eager to put to rest
a popular misconception. “We are not en eco-resort, “ he says, adding that the facility’s niche is simply to be
“environmentally friendly.”
Daniel’s Head Village was tagged early on as an earth lovers’ paradise. But take a stroll around the 19 acres of
what is arguably one of Bermuda’s best kept secret oases, and even the most casual observer will realize the resort
is alternative, yes, but wholly attuned to Mother Nature — well, no.
The Bermuda Sun took along environmental activist Stuart Hayward for a site visit, to assess just how closely the
operation is calibrated to the island’s flora, fauna and topography.
Mr. Hayward, readily agreed to meet us, en route to Somerset for his regular haircut (yes, his barber is “that
good”), for a look-see at the new resort. Naturally, he came by pedal cycle.
Mr. Hayward, who holds a Masters degree in Environmental Science, offered the following definition of eco-tourism.
“Ideally, eco-tourism would be a philosophy and practice in which the impact of tourists on the host eco-system
would be limited by their numbers and activities — most of which would focus on experiencing the environmental
treasurers of a destination. In my view, eco-tourism would be driven by the needs of the eco-system, not on the
economy or ‘what tourists want.’”
Caribbean Travel magazine’s ‘Eco-Portrait of the Caribbean’ has a more romantic slant: “The heart of eco-tourism
rests in a love of nature, wildlife and native cultures. If you enjoy being a part of nature... if you enjoy a
walk through acres of native flowers... if you enjoy isolation and that heavenly inner peace, you’ll enjoy the
reality of eco-tourism.”
Having made the short hike up and over the ridge leading to the ‘head’ upon which the tented village takes shape,
Mr. Hayward was struck by the question of sewage. Knowing that a visitor uses between three and five times more
water than Bermudians, he wanted to know how each of the vinyl-canvas-covered tents handled its disposal.
Mr. Quinn says each unit pumps its waste to one of three sewage treatment tanks designed by Eco-Systems: UK. Here
microorganisms “gobble up the waste like little Pac-Men,” before the grey water is filtered out through a customized
filtration system 130 feet below sea level.
In the future, sewage treatment will involve creating a wetland, in which hydroponic plants [they act as natural
filters] take the yucky stuff out of the waste matter.
Another concern that has been aired is the stability of the tent cottages themselves. Mr. Hayward says at first
glance, the aluminum framed units seemed sturdy enough. They sit atop large wooden stilts, which, Mr. Hayward says,
have less impact on the land’s topography than a conventional stone foundation.
Some builders we spoke to agreed with that view: While the tents themselves might “blow apart” in a hurricane,
the support platforms (the most expensive part of the rig) would likely remain in place.
Shaun Chassity of BCM McAlpine, who was erecting a platform — made of recycled wood-chip and plastic planking,
said the walkways over the water were not solidly attached to the land or the cottages. Instead, they are designed
to “give” with wind and water. In much the same way buildings are ‘earthquake-proofed,’ his view of the Daniel’s
Head cottages is that they “aren’t going anywhere too easily.”
Mr. Quinn said the resort had a procedure in which guests would be ushered into a large central building in the
event of a storm: The cost of replacing the tent cottages, he added, would be negligible compared to conventionally
built units.
“I guess we’ll have to wait to find out [whether the cottages will stay standing],” Mr, Hayward said. “Only time
will answer that question.”
Mr. Hayward was curious about the white coating around the support stilts that sit in or near the water. Noting
that the rounded lumber would likely have little effect on the water’s natural flow, he raised the question of
whether the coating was a potential contaminate.
Another worker on site told us the coating was fibreglass. Mr. Quinn said it has a duel purpose; to protect the
wood and to prevent chemicals in the treated lumber from “leeching out” into the water.
Aside from the usual water borne activities, guests will also have a choice of outdoor health and fitness-based
pursuits.
At the water sports centre, adjacent to the main beach, PADI dive instructor, Angela Sham (of Fantasea Water Sports)
who hails from Vancouver, says the focus is on non-motorized activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, snorkelling
and wind surfing. There are plans for a snorkel park, to facilitate self-guided tours of the Daniel’s Head reef.
Painted number tiles will be placed under the water to guide participants and provide information on marine life.
Ms. Sham says Daniel’s Head Village will be “magnificent” once construction is complete. It is already attracting
a clientele who are by no means “tree-huggers,” she says — they simply want outdoor pursuits at an affordable price.
Families and the “sport and fitness folk,” she added, would enjoy daily bike tours and nature walks. Ms. Sham also
notes the main beach (the resort boasts 10 in all) is safe for children.
Mr. Quinn says while the main beach is public and he welcomes Bermudians, he wants visitors to return their vehicles
to the parking lot once they have dropped off picnic gear and passengers.
There are plans for a craft market, and Mr. Quinn wants the nightlife to include slide shows and lectures on local
history and the environment.
Mr. Quinn concedes the resort has inadequate dining facilities: Currently, guests are given vouchers to eat out,
but a new restaurant and bar will be operational soon, he said. Predictably, the menu will be focus on “wholesome
foods” with natural ingredients.
Once inside the cool, white canvas tent units, the appeal of the concept comes to life. Whether you’re in a forest
green Hillside hideaway ($135 per night), a sandy-hued, Water’s Edge unit ($190), or a trendy Bermuda-blue toned,
Over-the-Water cottage ($250), the views are the same — fabulous.
Mr. Hayward seemed quietly impressed with the comfort level of the rooms. He noted the small-flush toilet bowls
in the bathrooms, but wondered whether the showerheads were also water-savers. Water is heated by a solar panel
mounted on the southern side of each tent cottage.
There was a queen-size bed, full three-seater futon (for the tag-along-the-kids vacation), European-styled wooden
ensemble furnishings and basic outdoor patio furniture. Each room has a canvas-door-covered closet with a mini-safe:
Alas, the ubiquitous mini-bar has obviously been deemed to be environmentally unfriendly and none were to be found
here.
Outside each of the tents, landscapers were busily filling, smoothing, planting and watering. Mr. Hayward was pleased
to note the liberal use of spruce trees along the shoreline. These would act as an effective — not to mention beautiful
— windbreak for the resort, he said.
Also, he liked the choice of prickly pear plants and the way in which steps were built without the use of concrete.
Hills have been shaped into step-formation and given character and strength with the use of felled tree-stumps
and wood-chips.
On his departure, Mr. Hayward had one last long look around and nodding approvingly - if not somewhat wistfully.
“If I were on vacation I might indeed want to stay here,” he said, adding that although he did not like the idea
of “throwing things away” and replacing them (in the event of storm damage), he was intrigued with the concept.
“It is certainly a departure from anything else we have to offer in Bermuda,” Mr. Hayward said.
Similarly, Mr. Quinn says there is real potential for luring visitors who want to try something a little different.
“Of course,” he adds, “guests are increasingly looking for value for money. We offer that, and an array of exciting
activities to go along with their vacation experience.”
And if the resort can live up to Mr. Quinn’s ultimate vision, chances are few will care whether they call it an
eco-resort or not.
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