By Fatima Sultanova, Regional B2B Manager, HSG International
When I close my eyes and think of my work, my mind doesn’t go to an office. It goes to the north of a Caribbean island, where lush rainforest meets the turquoise sea. I picture the incredible beauty of Levera Beach and the quiet dignity of a coastline that serves as a vital nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles.
This natural splendor is the heart of the Grenada National Resort (GNR). From the start of this landmark project, we faced a profound question: How do you build a world-class destination in a place of such outstanding natural beauty without compromising its soul? Our answer lies in a philosophy of respect, with a principle of stewardship guiding every decision.
We are not just visitors here; we are partners with the land, seeking to create a resort that honours its exceptional character. This philosophy is woven into every blueprint, construction phase, and long-term goal.
Designing with Nature, Not Against It
This commitment is nowhere more evident than in the design of Grenada’s first 18-hole championship golf course. We partnered with the world-renowned architects Robert Trent Jones II, a team that shares our devotion to a “light touch” approach. It has been a delicate dance between ambition and preservation. Instead of imposing a design through massive, disruptive earthworks, their team masterfully routed the course to follow the land’s natural contours.
The course flows organically along ridges, dips into verdant valleys, and opens up to spectacular seaside bluffs. Playing a round here will be more than a game; it will be a journey through the unique topography of northern Grenada. This method preserves the landscape and creates an authentic experience that feels as if the course has always belonged there.
Smart Sustainability in Practice
Our philosophy is summarised by three simple ideas: build with the land, reuse what we can, and protect the coast.
“Reusing what we can” has led to powerful innovations on-site. By making our own bricks and crushing stone directly at the resort, we can process materials excavated during construction and immediately reuse them. This approach dramatically reduces truck transport, cuts our carbon footprint, and minimises noise and dust—a practical solution for a truly resourceful construction process.
We also have a sacred responsibility to “protect the coast.” With the fragile ecosystem of Levera Beach so close, our planning is meticulous. Work near the shoreline is carefully sequenced to minimise disturbance, and we have implemented strict erosion-control measures to manage runoff and keep the coastal waters pristine. Throughout this, we work in close partnership with Grenada’s Planning and Environmental Bureau, whose guidance is integral to our success.
Our Unwavering Commitment for the Future
As construction continues, our mission remains steadfast: to maintain a light footprint and unwavering compliance with all environmental standards. Long term, we envision a resort that becomes a global benchmark for sustainable luxury, proving that a symbiotic relationship between development and nature is possible.
We are building more than a resort. At GNR, we are cultivating a lasting legacy where luxury and the environment can thrive in perfect harmony.
