Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s Executive Director, Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, along with the Paradores Owners Association President, Tomas Ramirez announced the opening of 12 new EcoSuites at Parador Combate Beach, located at El Combate Beach in Cabo Rojo. With this new expansion, the parador will include a total of 48 elegant rooms, in configurations to accommodate two to six people. This innovative expansion was completed with recycled materials; sustainable technologies and equipment designed to save energy; and a substantial reduction in costs and construction time. The total investment in this new project exceeds $275,000, creating 10 direct jobs and 15 indirect jobs during the construction phase and should generate three to five new positions to support it.
"This is a sign of commitment to the environment and sustainable development in the country’s inns. The Paradores brand is diversifying and is proving to be strong and competitive in the market. On the other hand, we are further diversifying our offer," said Rivera Rocafort.
The primary construction process consists of converting containers (wagons) ISO load, 40 feet long; into beautiful rooms, where they can accommodate up to 4 adults.
"This type of construction results in a 60 percent savings in time and up to 50 percent reduction in the total cost of construction. For this project, we installed an anchoring metal base so the wagons remained leveled, and well anchored with screws, welded at several points, so they adhere to each other and the existing structure. Once anchored, each wagon is covered with a special sealant manufactured in Puerto Rico, with the ability to lower the temperature inside the car to 15 degrees. An expert removes the doors of each wagon, creating the need to prepare the exterior facade and interior decoration with moisture resistant recycled materials,” said Parador Combate Beach General Manager, Xavier A. Ramirez.
Over 90 percent of construction materials, appliances, equipment, doors, windows and furniture were purchased, manufactured, and installed by local entrepreneurs, mainly from Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Hormigueros and Mayaguez. The furniture was manufactured and tailored by two carpenters, from Bayamon and Cabo Rojo.
Since 2011, when it began the process of remodeling and expansion, Parador Combate Beach has invested about $575,000 in the implementation of various eco-friendly technologies and equipment, reducing the use of water and energy up to 40 percent; including the installation of a system of photovoltaic panels, which produce up to 50 percent of the electrical energy that rooms consume. Currently, they have 10 types of rooms to accommodate the diverse expectations of guests visiting the region of Porta del Sol.
In addition to being eco-friendly, this type of construction has the advantage that the containers provide structure, walls, floor and ceiling. The only thing left is insulation, for noise and temperature; and additional services, such as electricity, water, sanitation, and cable TV.
Tomas Ramirez, president of XJTT Hospitality Inc. indicated that this innovative concept is the result of a comprehensive study of this technology, and several projects with other applications that have been performed throughout the world with the support of the engineer, Humberto Mendez, who oversaw the design of the project.
"We wanted to do something innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, since we are literally in the ecotourism capital of Puerto Rico and within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge," said Ramirez.
