The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas to Support Earth Hour 2015 With Memorable Guest Experiences

ST. THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS--(Marketwired - Mar 4, 2015) - On Saturday March 28, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas will stand in support of Earth Hour, one of the world's biggest initiatives to encourage awareness of global warming and the environment. At 8:30pm local time, millions of people and businesses around the world join together to turn off all non-essential lighting: a symbolic showing of support for the environment.

While all non-essential lighting is turned off, the luxury St. Thomas resort will host a candlelit BBQ and bonfire on the beach, wherein guests will be welcomed onto the hotel beach for a dinner of freshly caught fish and tropical drinks, surrounded by just tiki torches, candles and a bonfire to provide lighting. 

In addition, the young and the young at heart will be welcome to join the family resort's Ambassadors of the Environment on the beach for an hour of stargazing with telescopes, as trained naturalists teach about the constellations and the nighttime Caribbean sky, with special appearances by both the moon and Jupiter. They are also welcome to enjoy s'mores at the bonfire.

This showing of support for the environment is especially meaningful in the Caribbean Islands, which are inherently climate sensitive.

Bernd Kuhlen, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas comments, "I'm looking forward to showing our support for this great initiative while also providing a unique and memorable Caribbean experience for our guests. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is committed to working toward a more sustainable future, and this is event is a great way to show our commitment here in St. Thomas, as well as enhancing the guest experience."

Earth Hour efforts are part of a larger initiative on the part of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to integrate environmental sustainability through business, including architecture and construction, hotel operations and procurement. Participating in Earth Hour is in-line with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company's CSR program, Community Footprints. Environmental responsibility is a key pillar of the program, and the global strategy includes water and energy conservation programs, recycling initiatives, sourcing environmentally preferred products, and increasing organic dining and spa options.

The candlelit beach BBQ and stargazing will take place at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas on Saturday, March 28 from 7pm, and lights will be turned off 8:30pm-9:30pm. The occasion is open to both guests of the resort and day visitors interested in supporting this deserving initiative.

About The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Great Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is a secluded hideaway on a 30-acre beachfront estate with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. The resort offers a variety of luxurious amenities including lavishly designed presidential suites and guest rooms; four distinctive ocean-front dining choices; a full-service spa; a 53' luxury catamaran, the Lady Lynsey; and for those visiting by sea, the resort offers moorings, allowing guests to access this ultimate lifestyle destination by sea or air. For further information and reservations, please call (800) 241-3333 or access the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com/StThomas. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RitzCarltonStThomas.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).