Travel
Eco Friendly Luxury In The Mayan Riviera
By: Bijan Bayne   |    Posted on September 28, 2011   |   0 Comments

A little known fact among U.S. tourists, is that several major destinations in the Mayan Riviera, have had sustainable initiatives long before the term "green" found favor. Popular Playa Del Carmen water park Xel-ha, achieved the Green Globe Certified Silver status for its commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standard. Xel-ha not only offers hours of fun for swimmers, boaters and water sport enthusiasts, it boasts world-class recycling center, and an intricate water conservation system. The park has been recylcing for 29 years. All the food and refuse from Xel-ha's well stocked restaurant is recycled, and the staff cafeteria offers a healthy menu option. Food service staff take care to use different utensils and washing water for beef than poultry, and for fruit and vegetables. Each food type is stored in separate freezers to prevent contamination. Xel-ha's restaurant is a buffet cornucopia of salads, pastas, Mexican fare, sandwiches, ice creams and pastries.

Upscale hotels have also committed themselves to ecotourism. Playa Del Carmen's beautiful Hacienda Très Rìos, recently won four prestigious American Resort Development Association ARDY Awards for Quality and Sustainability. Hacienda Tres Rios is an all-exclusive property featuring 5 Star accomodations, a luxurious spa, French, Italian, Mexican and buffet dining options, a fitness center, and tour and activities from nature hikes and cycling, to a unique spiritual/sensory experience with traditional Mayan overtones. Wear swim trunks or a bathing suit for the latter. Guests will enjoy the convenience to the beach, attentive staff, and picturesque balcony views. On Saturday nights, the main lobby becomes a fun casino. The hotel is a short drive from attractions such sa Xel-ha, the ruins of Tulum and Coba, and Xcaret, a destination that is equal parts zoo, theme park, museum, and water park.

Should you visit Xcaret, arrive in the early afternoon if you plan on seeing the two hour nightly ampitheatre presentation of Mexican history, which begins at 7 p.m. Those who visit earlier, or with eldery or little ones, may find the day trip too long by the time the extravaganza begins. Enjoy the observation tower, the festive afternoon rodeo, tropical bird and butterfly pavillions, massive turtles, and the underground aquarium. The patient and observant will also spot leopards and so-called black panther. The park even features a dolphin encounter, and numerous water or canal rides. Bring a change of dry clothing.

Nearby, Grand Velas All Suites & Spa has its own greenhouse to grow the flora and fauna used for landscaping. The fabulous Fairmont Mayakoba resort complex is home to a Greg Norman golf course called   El Camaleon (The Chameleon). Mayakoba's Willow Stream Spa has 20 treatment rooms in a 20,000 square foot facility. There are five swimming pools for hotel guests. Las Brisas and El Puerto are both Four Diamond restaurants. A Discovery Club and Adventure Camp provide entertainment for children. Various areas of the property are connected by using covered canal boats called "lanchas". They are a great way to take in the natural surroundings, from mangrove to tropical forest to lagoons. The Rainforest Alliance has recognized Mayakoba for protecting its immediate environs. The most eco-friendly upscale hotels in Playa Del Carmen recycle their water for garden usage, and conserve energy via room key cards with automatic electricity on/off capability.

Such attention to preservation is admirable and progressive, and a departure from the often superficial image many U.S. tourists harbor of places such as Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. Here, some of the premier resorts realize the need to maintain the beauty of Quintana Roo's Mayan Riviera.