SoCal Terranea Resort announces commitment to green

(PRWEB) – Destination Hotels & Resorts’ Terranea Resort in Southern California is being created with the utmost sensitivity to its native environment and a guiding philosophy of ecological sustainability. Opening its doors in June 2009, the resort plans to bring its eco-friendly orientation into all aspects of its operations, including dining options with an emphasis on local and organic foods.

Terranea is an eco-friendly California resort committed to protecting the valuable coastal resources that define the Palos Verdes peninsula and make Terranea one of the most valued natural locations in the world.

The existing contours of the land and varied microclimates create diverse natural habitats and every effort has been made to blend the ecological and aesthetic characteristics of the surrounding landscape into the resort. No land mass is being removed from the area during the development of Terranea, and 40% of the materials from abandoned structures left behind by previous tenants are being recycled and used in site preparation of the new resort, and 65,000 tons of onsite rock was crushed to utilize under roads and walkways.

Terranea Resort’s sustainable environmental practices call for measures to protect open space, improve wildlife habitat and treat storm water. To protect and enhance local water quality, Terranea is implementing a series of environmental best management practices that include wet ponds, Bioswales and storm filters.

Terranea offers over 631,800 square feet of native habitat areas. One of the defining characteristics of the Palos Verdes Peninsula is the striking contrast between the texture of the native plants found on the hillsides and refined planting palette of the homes that abut these places. Together, the plants create a variety of intimate and social spaces that transition seamlessly from the interior to the exterior of the space

This sustainable California resort’s water quality management goals are to protect and enhance local water quality by reducing storm water pollutants to limit storm water flows and to conserve the natural areas of the site. Terranea’s pools will be treated with salt water in lieu of a fully chlorinated system. This process is both environmentally friendly and healthier for pool users.

Onsite stone has been quarried to use for stone veneer on the resort’s walls within the landscape. The Boral Clay Pavers made from two of the most abundant natural materials on the planet, clay and shale, will be used throughout the site. They will be sand set to allow for the infiltration of water into the ground. This improves local water quality and further reduces impervious surface paving throughout the project.

Fine Organic Dining
The fine dining restaurants at the eco-friendly Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes feature organic cuisine and contemporary food and beverage concepts.

Leading the culinary efforts is Blau & Associates, a highly successful restaurant consulting firm with a client list that includes top hospitality establishments across the globe. Founded in 2002, Blau & Associates is a strategic restaurant planning and development company that specializes in providing clients with the fresh, creative and sound business advice required to create exceptional food-and-beverage concepts.

Company founder Elizabeth Blau’s impressive foodservice career spans more than 23 years. During that time, Blau has and continues to blaze a culinary trail that most restaurant professionals only dream about. Based in Las Vegas, Blau is particularly well-known for helping to establish her home city as one of the country’s finest culinary destinations.

“Adding Elizabeth Blau and her team to Terranea’s pre-opening group is further proof that the resort will be offering up the finest amenities, service and facilities along the California coast – as well as some of the most intriguing cuisine,” stated Terri A. Haack, Executive Vice President and Managing Director.

Catering to an international palate, Terranea’s exceptional organic, fine dining restaurant venues combine the stunning ocean front locations with truly unique and contemporary offerings. The wide array of eco-friendly dining options include an intimate, free-standing restaurant with sweeping views of the coastline, an all-day dining room overlooking the main pool and terrace, and a casual dining and bar option on the edge of the outer most point of the property, boasting the resort’s most idyllic location for enjoying sunsets and whale watching while basking in the warmth of outdoor fireplaces. Lighter fare is available at a coffee boutique, the spa and pool areas. All of the resort’s organic restaurants in Palos Verdes feature indoor and outdoor seating.

Other eco-friendly resort practices implemented throughout Terranea include:

• Embrace the ultimate goal of zero-waste
• In year 1-3, attain at least 70% of waste not going to landfill
• Recycling program that includes paper, glass, plastic, metals and organic waste
• Adopt FLOSS philosophy for food: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Sustainable
• Purchase bio-degradable room amenity containers
• Provide organic dry cleaning services
• Create uniforms made of bamboo cotton or chemical free organic cotton, wool or hemp
• Purchase from “green” vendors and suppliers
• Utilize certified “green” cleaning products
• Printed materials on 30% PCW (post consumer waster) and made with wind-generated electricity
• Print with vegetable ink
• Paperless check-in and check-out
• Utilize Green-Key (recyclable, bio-degradable and produced from paperboard)
• Utilize earth-friendly paper and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper
• Energy efficiency program
• High-impact fluorescent light bulbs
• Water conservation program
• Utilize natural daylight
• Embrace DH&R Corporate Destination Earth initiatives

About Terranea
Just 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, Terranea is magnificently poised above the Pacific Ocean on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The eco-friendly resort property boasts a 582-room resort including a 360-room hotel with 20 bungalows and 32 suites. Also available are 50 ocean front casitas and 32 detached ocean view villas tailored specifically to individuals looking for a more intimate setting.

Terranea will be home to a nine-hole par three golf course and a world-class, 25,000 square-foot spa with 24 treatments rooms, a salon and a fitness facility. The property includes three unique swimming pools, one with children’s play area and a 140-foot waterslide. Three ocean view restaurants will offer a variety of food and beverage experiences including a casual, all-day dining restaurant, a free-standing signature restaurant and a cliff-side bar. Other amenities include a children’s center with interactive programs and several miles of on-property scenic bluff-top trails that connect to miles of resort trails. A secluded beach cove adds to the unique experiences at Terranea Resort. It will also offer 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space featuring 33 meeting rooms for social and business gatherings, many with views of the Pacific.

For more information, visit www.terranea.com.