Hacienda Tres Rios is unlike most other luxury, all-inclusive, beachfront resorts along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Since opening in 2008 within the 326-acre Tres Rios Nature Park, the family-owned property has used its green surroundings and a commitment to sustainability to set itself apart, both as a model of responsible tourism development and a pioneer in eco-conscious tourism possibilities.
To visitors, the abundance of accessible nature is Hacienda Tres Rios’ most obvious credential. Ten cenotes; three pristine rivers; a network of well-maintained walking and cycling trails through a revived mangrove forest and jungle; and 1 mile of sandy beach sit amidst a nature reserve that’s home to more than 250 animal and plant species.
But there’s also more than meets the eye. The 273 suites, two swimming pools, three bars, five restaurants and spa are built so that they minimize the environmental impact by not disrupting the flow of underground water, thus preserving a healthy mangrove habitat and the wildlife it shelters. The delicate ecosystem is also not used by the hotel, which instead sources water from desalination plants, stores it in wells, and employs some of it in an efficient and integrated air-conditioning, water-heating and solar-power system.
These are elements of a sweeping environmental administration and management program that takes into account energy and water conservation in rooms and common areas; waste separation and recycling; and habitat monitoring and protection. All without sacrificing customer comfort, quality or modern-day luxuries.
“Preserving our resources and supporting our environment and community are our primary goals,” said Orlando Arroyo Marroquin, CEO of Sunset World Resorts and Vacation Experiences, which manages the hotel. “Our focus is providing great vacation experiences, and our sustainability practices are a key element of the overall experience.”
Guests use Segways to tour the resort’s organic farm.
Credit: 2019 Hacienda Tres RiosAlways Innovating
Never content with the progress already made, however, Hacienda Tres Rios continues to create appealing new guest programming in keeping with its sustainable agenda.
“With activities such as diving on our offshore reef, kayaking our cenotes and visiting our on-site nursery, we’ve made it seamless and fun for our guests to learn more about our environment,” said Annie Arroyo, brand and communications director for Sunset World.
Last summer, the hotel team developed a new farm-to-table program that elevates hotel food and makes it part of an immersive travel experience. Guests are invited on a Segway tour of the nearby organic, 3,700-acre Ethos Farm, which supplies the resort with fresh, sustainably grown vegetables, fruits, flowers and honey.
Visitors then choose seasonal produce and enjoy an intimate, multicourse lunch featuring the just-harvested ingredients.
For children, Hacienda Tres Rios recently launched a kids’ club program designed to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
The Kids Environmental Lesson Plans (KELP) are based on marine science activities that help participants explore their surroundings by reviewing important ocean health issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing and climate change.
A special favorite for all ages is the Sea Turtle Protection Program, which in 2017 helped conserve more endangered sea turtles than in any year since 2011. Managed in cooperation with the state of Quintana Roo, the program includes training and investment in materials for safe egg management away from tourism activities, as well as the release of baby turtles back into the sea.
The Details
Hacienda Tres Rios
www.haciendatresrios.com
