Where to take a ‘green’ Marriott vacation in Florida

Three Marriott Vacation Club resorts have been awarded with Florida’s Green Lodging designation, making it easier for travelers to enjoy an environmentally-friendly getaway to the orange capital of the nation.

The three awarded resorts (first in Marriott’s Vacation Club to receive Florida Green Lodging Program designation) are Marriott’s Grande Vista, Cypress Harbour and Crystal Shores on Marco Island.

“Now, more than ever, environmental stewardship is a critical part of delivering unforgettable vacation experiences to our Owners and guests and vital to the future of travel and tourism,” said Troy Asche, regional vice president of operations for the Florida-Caribbean region of Marriott Vacation Club. “By taking strategic steps to ‘green’ our resort operations, our collective efforts can make a huge impact on preserving our beautiful Florida environment.”

Known widely for its commitment to quality, Marriott Vacation Club has been a worldwide leader in vacation ownership for 25 years, with over 11,000 timeshare resort villas throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The club takes this leadership to the next level by demonstrating how responsible development and resort management can be a positive force for the environment.

Just last year, Marriott Vacation Club International launched the MVCI Green Initiative at its corporate headquarters with continued roll-out to its corporate offices and resorts worldwide, eliminating nearly 254,000 pieces of Styrofoam and plastic waste from landfills annually. As a continuation of these efforts, all 11 Marriott Vacation Club resorts in Florida are currently in process to receive the “One Palm” designation from the Florida Green Lodging Program with expectations to have nearly all resorts designated by the end of the year.

The states DEP-run Green Lodging Program provides the lodging industry with free technical assistance, encouraging hotels and resorts to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, resorts must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling.

“It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida’s environment,” said Deas Bohn, DEP Sustainable Initiatives director.

Marriott Grande Vista

Originally opened in 1997, Marriott’s Grande Vista sits on 164 acres in the heart of Orlando. The resort’s 900 one, two and three-bedroom villas boast various natural amenities, including hiking trails surrounded by native flora and wetlands.

For the golf lover, the Faldo Golf Institute and the neighboring Grande Pines Golf Club are each members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour offers guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by tall pine, oak and palm trees, only a mile from SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. Originally opened in 1990, guests have full access to the resort’s nature walks, barbeque and picnic areas, and other outdoor activities including bicycling and paddle boat rentals.

Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island

As the club’s newest addition, the 219 two-bedroom villas Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island opened its doors in March 2009 to boast the latest in architectural design both inside and out while integrating and enhancing the surrounding natural environment.