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Thoughts of the Caribbean usually evoke images of white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise seas and endless blue horizons, but Oil Nut Bay, a lush resort community set on a secluded spot on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, adds another color to the list: green. Oil Nut Bay is all at once a luxurious Caribbean escape and a community designed to be sustainable, responsible and eco-conscious, making it a true "green" paradise.

Oil Nut Bay is the product of a concerted effort to create a tropical paradise offering the "best of the best" of everything. The new resort development is designed with an emphasis on family time, wellness and green living. The custom-built properties in Oil Nut Bay are intended to be enjoyed by families for generations to come, and the eco-friendly mindset behind the development speaks to this goal. Striving to be one of the lowest-density developments in the Caribbean, only 88 villas are planned on 300 acres despite permits for more than three times that number. This restraint not only ensures the exclusive ambiance of Oil Nut Bay, but also puts a smaller footprint on the land, disturbing less of the natural environment.

The community's developer, David V. Johnson, Chairman of Victor International Corporation, spent five years seeking what he considered the ideal 300-acre parcel. What he found was a private slice of Virgin Gorda paradise only reachable by helicopter or boat boasting rolling hills, miles of beaches and a picturesque, reef-protected bay. Victor International has a long tradition of developing environmentally progressive luxury properties in the States; they now endeavor to bring this expertise to the Caribbean.

Exclusivity and the enjoyment of a long-term real estate investment govern Oil Nut Bay. Freehold home ownership real estate opportunities include private estate lots, and beachfront and ridge top villas and lots, as well as two spectacular eight-bedroom homesteads. A spa and wellness center, fine and casual dining, full-service megayacht marina, multiple pools and a lively beach club will add to enjoyment of these homes. Owners also have full access to all the amenities at the adjacent high-end Biras Creek Resort.

Dr. Larry Oswald, CEO of Pure Eco and a key developer of Chrysler's electric car division, was tapped to oversee the community's eco-stewardship. Though efforts to bring green technologies to a remote location like the B.V.I. can be costly initially, Dr. Oswald estimates it will end up saving the resort community mega-money down the road. But saving money on energy costs isn't the only reason to be investing in green energy sources. "It's the right thing to do for the future," he says.

Dr. Oswald is taking advantage of the abundant natural resources this Caribbean gem has to offer. The community will utilize both wind and solar energy. Lights lining the roads, pathways, docks and used in landscaping will all be solar-powered, as will most of the hot water heaters at individual residences. Solar-electric generators will be installed on the roofs of each home and, when the power generated is not being used, it will be re-routed to supply energy to other areas in the community. Wind energy is also a primary power source, and two wind turbines (hidden from residents' view) could produce up to 1.5 megawatts of power at peak times. Beyond this, rainwater and grey water will be used for irrigation and seawater will be converted for potable use. Water will also charge the battery packs of the electric cars that will be used throughout the development.

Every community building at Oil Nut Bay will be built to 100% LEED Platinum standards, the highest LEED certification available. Individual homebuilders are encouraged to build their homes to LEED Platinum certification or similar standards. Dr. Oswald will advise residents and builders on how to maximize energy efficiency of new homes and how to "build green."

Environmental stewardship is about more than conserving energy-it's about living in harmony with the world around you. At Oil Nut Bay, this includes the beautifully designed Nature Center, which acts as an educational center for children and adults alike to learn about the various aspects of the natural environment the B.V.I. Staffed by marine biologists and environmentalists, the Nature Center fosters environmental education, creates research opportunities for monitoring the native wildlife and ensures the recreational activities available on the island are conducted in an ecologically friendly way.

"Going green" is more than a fashion statement; in recent years it has become a way of life, and a superior way of life at that. It's become apparent that luxury needn't be compromised for the environmentally conscious consumer who demands the best. Green technologies are changing the way we drive, the way we power our homes, and now, even the way we vacation. The green revolution at Oil Nut Bay delivers a socially conscious lifestyle without compromising on exclusivity, amenities or luxury, transforming this tropical paradise from a place you'll want to play to a place you'll want to stay.