24.2 Master Planned Beach Resort Destination Checklist – Part 2 – Natural Environment

This subject check list covers the first of the 5 main subjects from the Master Check List - Components of the Ideal Master Planned Beach Resort Destination.  These subject check lists are by no means comprehensive, but more like a shopping list with brief explanations as reminders.  This check list series actually goes hand in hand with an earlier series I posted on Integrated Master Planning for Destination Development.   This check list would actually be similar to some of the outlines for the phase of Environmental / Site Analysis in the Integrated Master Planning methodology.    

Clear waters and white sandy beaches the basic ingredients.

Private coves with beaches ideal for boutique hotels.

Agricultural landscapes such as rice terraces can provide scenic views.

Mangoves serve environmental purposes and are good tour features.

Clear waters and abundant marine life makes snorkeling a must do activity.

The natural environment and its beauty is so important and is the most important asset to any Beach Resort Destination.  It is important that the natural resources are properly evaluated, documented, managed and put to highest and best use without over stressing the environment beyond its natural carrying capacity.  As we know with some infamous cases of beach resorts so polluted by sewage it no longer becomes a place where tourists are willing to swim and hence the end to the whole destination. 

Being dependent on nature, this subject check list of Natural Environment is probably the list that most needs to be inherent to a location and intact for the development of a Beach Resort Destination to be viable.  It is highly unlikely (although not completely impossible) that most of the features below can be manmade!

A.      NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

No.	Aspects	Features	Implications
1.	Climate	Tropical Temperature	Year round temperature should be warm enough to make beach activities attractive.  Temperature should be above 24 degrees Celsius.
		Rainfall	Tropical rains can give a fresh cooling environment, but if seasonal rains are nonstop for days or weeks, could result in low season.
		Wind	Cool breezes are welcomed, but excessive winds combined with tropical rains can limit the use of outdoor spaces even if covered.  Good for wind and kite surfing.
		Extreme Conditions	Typhoons, monsoons, etc. if too frequent or too extreme could result in having certain times of year labeled no travel / no operations seasons.
2.	Coastal Environment	Sandy Beaches	A must!  Powder white sand considered the most attractive.  One long stretch at least 2km is ideal for a main public beach and town.
		Private Coves	Makes good locations for boutique hotels or other unique experiences.
		Rocky Headlands	Adds variety to the shoreline.  Usually associated with the ends of private coves.
		Tide Pools	Usually low tide conditions ideal for viewing small marine life.
		Off Shore Islands	Provides picturesque vistas from the near shore developments.  Also can become a destination for tourists, usually associated with good coral reef snorkeling locations.
		Mangrove Estuary	More diversity to the shoreline, the mangrove provides a breeding ground and nursery for young fish and prawns.  Also serves as filter for inland water runoff.
		Coastal Forest	Important feature in maintaining shoreline stability and avoiding coastal erosion.
3.	Marine Environment	Water Quality	Free of industrial and human waste pollutants.  Visibility enough to clearly view coral and marine life will make snorkeling and diving enjoyable.
		Marine Life	Off shore or nearby coral reef and marine life is a major tourist attraction.  Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite is a real negative activity / impact.
		Surf Conditions	Generally calm water is universally attractive.  Wave, wind and kite surfing in certain locations or time of year is an added feature.
4.	Inland Environment	Flat Lands	A good stretch located next to a long stretch of sandy beach is good location for a beach town and can become the heart of all activities.
		Hilly Topography	Rolling hills behind the flat areas in front of the beach and some areas slopping down to the beach are ideal for accommodations to take advantage of views to the water.
		Forest	Inland areas with unique flora and fauna are added attractions.  Waterfalls and rivers / streams provide tourism opportunities.
		Agriculture Land	Certain agriculture lands could make picturesque landscape views to add to give variety to sea views, ie rice terraces.  In addition agriculture activities can be interesting tourist activities.

Copyright: Jiwa Studio Pte. Ltd. 2012

Link to other parts of the series:

Master Planned Beach Resort Destination Checklist

Part 1 – Overview

Part 2 – Natural Environment
Part 3 – Access / Proximity
Part 4 – Development Products
Part 5 – Supporting Infrastructure and Services
Part 6 – Destination Management

Jiwa Studio, Singapore

April 2012