Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico ) — Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital proudly announce that Audubon International– the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – has approved Esencia to pursue its highest accolade in environmental stewardship: the Signature Platinum Certification. Set on 2,000 acres of tropical natural beauty on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, Esencia is a new cosmopolitan coastal community that seamlessly integrates hotels, branded residences, and amenities across a sensitively designed master plan at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. In a rare endeavor, the Developers are pursuing certification for the entire development, positioning Esencia as the world’s largest Signature Platinum community by acreage.
“Esencia is one of the few developments globally chosen to seek our Signature Platinum certification,” said Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “This esteemed recognition will represent the pinnacle of environmental sustainability, encompassing every facet of the development. Audubon International is proud to support Esencia in leading the way to create a holistic and lasting model of environmental stewardship across all areas, including residential, retail, hospitality, beachfront, conservation land, and the golf courses.”
Jamie Reuben, Principal of Reuben Brothers, added: “We are making a significant investment in the responsible development of Esencia. Through our pursuit of the Signature Platinum certification, we are ensuring every aspect of Esencia meets the highest sustainability standards. Our aim is to create not just a full-fledged destination that enhances the natural beauty of Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, but a case study for responsible luxury communities worldwide.”
Will Bennett, CEO and Managing Partner of Three Rules Capital, commented: “Our partnership with Audubon International is a testament to our commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and our goal of creating a community that flourishes today and preserves and enhances the natural environment for future generations. We are proud that the Signature Platinum certification will highlight the ambitious vision for Esencia that has guided us from the very beginning.”
Nestled within a unique tropical ecosystem along three miles of pristine beachfront, the $2 billion+ Esencia development seamlessly integrates a high-design collection of private residences, amenities, and hotels. Anchored by renowned operators such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Esencia sets a new standard for luxury living and hospitality. Once complete, the year-round development will feature 900 branded residences and 500 luxury hotel keys, complemented by signature amenities and experiences for leisure, wellness, culture, and everyday living, including two golf courses (one of which is designed by Rees Jones), hiking and biking trails, spa and wellness offerings, sports and racquet clubs, an equestrian center, a bilingual K-12 school, a health and emergency care facility, a vibrant town center, an array of culinary offerings, as well as beach access and bespoke services overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Designed by Puerto Rico’s leading architecture firm, Álvarez Díaz & Villalón (AD&V), in collaboration with global master plan architects EDSA Florida, Esencia is thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings, 75% of the site will be dedicated to active and passive recreation, conservation and public use, while 10% will be dedicated to new infrastructure and vertical construction will be limited to 15% of the site. Powered by 100% renewable energy, Esencia is a self-reliant community with its own power infrastructure, setting a new standard for sustainable living.
In line with the developers’ commitment to conservation and resilience, Esencia will pursue the prestigious Audubon International Signature Platinum Certification. Throughout this process, Esencia will work closely with Audubon’s expert team of environmental scientists, wildlife biologists, development specialists, and community planners to integrate sustainable principles into all aspects of design, construction, and operation. Audubon International will conduct site visits before, during, and after construction to verify that their environmental sustainability guidelines and principles have been implemented.
Please visit EsenciaPuertoRico.com
for more information and register to receive updates about the project.
To learn more about how your local golf course, community, lodging property or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051
About Audubon International
An environmentally focused non-profit organization, Audubon International offers members education, technical assistance, numerous certifications, and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play. Its certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both its members and their communities. For more information visit www.auduboninternational.org
About Reuben Brothers
Reuben Brothers is a global leader in real estate investment, development, private equity, debt financing, and venture capital. Over the past twenty-five years, the business has built a world-class portfolio of properties in the most sought-after markets across the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe. The Group’s extensive real estate holdings are diversified, spanning residential, office, retail, hotel, and infrastructure assets worldwide. Key investments include Cambridge House, Admiralty Arch, The Twenty Two, and Burlington Arcade in Mayfair; The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, and The Twenty Two in New York; W South Beach in Miami; The Vineta in Palm Beach; Century Plaza in Los Angeles; Hotel La Palma in Capri; Esencia in Puerto Rico. Ancillary businesses include London Oxford Airport, Arena Racing Company, and Newcastle United Football Club. The philanthropic arm, Reuben Foundation, was formed in 2002 and makes essential contributions to the advancement of healthcare and education globally, as well as the arts. For more information visit www.reubenbrothers.com
About Three Rules Capital
Three Rules Capital is a global real estate development company specializing in pioneering luxury residential and resort communities, with operations in Puerto Rico. Founded by Will Bennett and Roberto Ruiz Vargas, Three Rules Capital reflects both integrity and luxury pedigree. The partners bring an extensive track record of partnering with leading hospitality brands to create one-of-a-kind destinations. This has included overseeing the structure of equity investment, construction, and development of major resort and residential projects throughout Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Portugal, and New York. For more information visit www.threerulescapital.com.
Vic Williams
Public Relations Representative
Audubon International