Our Commitment.
From the very beginning, sustainability has been embedded into Calabash’s DNA and central to every decision we make. We’re committed to pushing the envelope with the wider tourism industry on future-focused solutions and with our local community on island-wide initiatives that generates a lasting positive impact.
Our approach is a 360º framework; from water conservation to producing our own energy, sourcing local ingredients to consciously reducing waste.
We all have our part to play. We don’t view sustainability as just another box to tick, but a lifetime commitment and a necessary undertaking to leave our world in a better place than we found it. Local action leads to global solutions. The following is an overview of the initiatives we’re working on to reduce our impact.
Local. Regenerative. Seasonal.
A ‘Farm-to-Fork’ ethos, all of our menus are produce-led, driven by what’s readily available on the island, championing the flavour-rich bounty of Grenada’s rich volcanic soil.
The majority of our fruits, vegetables and spices are sourced from our family organic-certified farm, L’Esterre, at the north of the island. The farm practices regenerative techniques agroforestry and intercropping which naturally builds nutritious soil, making for healthy & flavourful crops. We also have longstanding relationships with local producers, suppliers and fisherman, all of whom we have handpicked for their high quality and low-impact production methods.
The Garbutt sisters expand on this topic in more detail in this video.
Water Conservation
With the knowledge that freshwater sources globally are depleting, as a small island we have our part to play in recycling and conserving water as much as possible.
A key part to our solution is through rainwater harvesting, which channels collected rainwater to the hotel’s laundry facility and garden irrigation system. We also encourage guests to reuse beach and bath towels to further reduce water consumption. In 2021, we were awarded ‘Water Efficiency Champions’ in the Tourism sector by the Climate Resilient Water Sector in Grenada Project by GIZ.
Closing the loop
As far as possible, we have minimised our use of single-use plastics and materials. We partner with a local water company on a return-and-refill scheme in glass water bottles for all drinking water. As well as composting kitchen scraps to feed our vegetable garden, the excess seaweed cleared from our beach is turned into fertiliser on our family farm, which produces the majority of our fruit and vegetables.
Solar energy
It is no secret that Grenada has an abundance of year-round sunshine. Harnessing this, in 2018, we installed a solar farm on the property which produces a third of its operating electricity.
Biodiversity
In 2020, we introduced bees on our premises and on our family farm to encourage pollination. In addition, our executive head chef Ramces and his team share enthusiasm in foraging interesting and unusual ingredients discovered throughout Grenada. Working creatively with these ingredients, they educate guests about new and exciting varieties in an interactive way.
Creating demand for diverse produce is our way of protecting Grenada’s natural biodiversity. Our Food & Beverage Director, Beth Garbutt, further impresses ‘It is our responsibility to get our guests excited about changing habits to normalise sustainable attitudes to food. If avocados or mangoes aren’t in season, you won’t find them on our menu..’
Community
Having a tight-knit community both behind-the-scenes and front-of-house is elemental to Calabash’s success, with longtime staff members spanning over decades, the Calabash team today are a proud family of over 120.
Beyond our premises, we work collaboratively with neighbouring hotels on the island on local educational and recycling initiatives.
Experiential Travel
Grenada is defined by its lucious natural beauty and rich culture. We encourage our guests to immerse themselves with these aspects of Grenada. Having family roots bound to Grenada, we have built strong connections within our island community and invite our guests to experience this deep sense of connection during their visit.
Explore our experiential offerings.