LEONARDO DICAPRIO has long been known as something of an environmental activist.

    He is putting his money where his mouth is, building a multimillion dollar ecotourism resort designed to transform an island off the coast of Belize.

    The actor, a keen scuba diver, bought the 104-acre Blackadore Caye almost a decade ago with a partner for US$1.75 million. Now he has unveiled plans for a resort of sprawling villas and infinity pools from where a small number of wealthy guests can watch the sun set.

    He has teamed up with Paul Scialla, of the New York firm Delos, for the development, which is to open in 2018.

    DiCaprio’s “Restorative Island” blueprint envisages villas set atop a platform arcing through the water, along with artificial reefs to protect marine life. Marine grass will be grown in a nursery to support a manatee conservation area and mangroves are to be replanted. The aim is to reverse environmental damage from overfishing, deforestation and an eroding coastline.

    “I couldn’t have gone to Belize and built on an island and done something like this, if it weren’t for the idea it could be groundbreaking in the environmental movement,” DiCaprio said.

    The project will tap into the growing market for upmarket eco holidays. Guests will be put through an ecology orientation program and plastic bottles will not be allowed on the island, located about 45 minutes by boat from Belize City.

    That doesn’t mean visitors won’t be comfortable. The 68 guest villas will have access to a mile of secluded beach. Although prices have yet to be announced, some of the villas will be for sale at US$15 million.

    “The goal was to create something that wasn’t contrived — a tiki hut or some image of a Hawaiian getaway — but rather the history of the place, the Mayan culture, with a more modern approach,” said Jason McLennan, the lead architect and designer.

    DiCaprio is developing a reputation as an outspoken defender of the natural world. Last year the United Nations appointed him climate change envoy and he is to produce documentaries about the environment for Netflix.(SD-Agencies)