After leaving AOL Time Warner, Steve Case switched gears and invested his time in everything but technology. One of his many projects includes Exclusive Resorts, the leading destination club which was acquired by Case’s Revolution LLC in 2004. Revolution’s latest venture – Revolution Places – is starting off big with an $800 million luxury resort in the rain forests of Costa Rica.

Unlike many other luxury resorts currently in the market, Revolution Places is making sure that Cacique is environmentally friendly and culturally authentic. Cacique will be an addition to Case’s Costa Rica investments, and architects will make sure that the environment is integrated into the resort’s design. Specialists such as Philippe Cousteau are lined-up to give advice on environmental issues. Solid-waste management programs will be enforced, and power will be generated by renewable resources.

Cultural preservation measures are also being taken by hiring local chefs, and featuring local retailers. Amenities of Cacique include a Miraval spa, an 18-hole Tom Doak course, and an Agassi-Graf tennis and fitness center.

Helium Report is pleased to see Case taking the next step with luxury travel. With issues like global warming becoming more imminent, it is important that the big players are taking the lead with ecotourism. See our previous coverage of luxury green vacations.

While Exclusive Resorts gave no comment regarding any residences at Cacique, they currently have 21 located on the Peninsula Papagayo. Quintess and High Country Club also have units available in Costa Rica for their club members.

History has shown that remote locations become quickly developed – recall Hawaii in the last twenty years. Case, however, is showing that a resort can be built which isn’t “too manufactured or theme-park-ish.” Case told the The Washington Post that Cacique “will be like the best of Hawaii without the parts us locals are not as proud of.”

Cacique is scheduled to open in 2010. To read more about Exclusive Resorts or to find destination clubs in Costa Rica, check out Helium Report’s directory. You can also download our Decision Guide to learn more about destination clubs.

Images from Exclusive Resorts’ Peninsula Papagayo residence