These days, travelers want to experience nature without feeling like they’re doing harm to the pristine settings they visit. Fortunately, clients heading to the Mexico Caribbean can choose eco-resort accommodations that spoil guests without spoiling the environment. Here are two top picks.
Almaplena Eco Resort & Beach Club
For clients with a sense of adventure, Almaplena Eco Resort & Beach Club is the spot for them. This tiny, eco-friendly boutique resort — shrouded in lush jungle — is situated two hours south of Tulum, on a seemingly private stretch of sugary beach near the border of Belize.
Located near the town of Mahahual, Almaplena has just eight rooms, all of which are right on the beach. It’s all about the indoor-meets-outdoor concept at this property, which features lots of terraces, balconies and patios. The hotel calls itself “rustic chic,” but the light, airy guestrooms hardly seem rustic with their large canopied beds, huge windows and natural decorative touches such as driftwood end tables.
The resort’s dining area is connected to a small living room, both of which open up to a large patio — a perfect spot to sip one of the hotel’s many freshly made cocktails. Daily breakfast is included, and consists of fruit, eggs any style, granola and coffee, while lunch and dinner menus feature ceviche, grilled meats and homemade pasta.
Almaplena is entirely eco-friendly, meaning rainwater is collected for cooking, drinking and daily use. A wind turbine creates the property’s energy, and although there are no air conditioners, ceiling fans and the ocean breeze keep the resort cool and comfortable. The lounge and dining area doubles as a beach club by day, which is open for guests but can also be accessed by the public. However, there’s a limit of 20 visitors per day in order to keep the beach eco-friendly.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean coast will see a new resort in the Riviera Maya this December with the opening of Hotel Xcaret Mexico. The property will offer a new all-inclusive concept that focuses on eco-luxury. There will be five accommodation experiences spread throughout the resort — each one in its own building — including family accommodations; luxury family guestrooms; adults-only rooms; adults-only luxury suites; and spa and wellness guestroom options.
In addition, the resort will feature 10 restaurants and eight bars scattered among pools, rivers and coves. The resort’s Muluk Spa will offer a temazcal experience, a relaxation lounge, a hydrotherapy circuit, saltwater isolation cabins and treatments in natural underground caverns.
Since Hotel Xcaret is the first hotel from Experiencias Xcaret, the company that manages several eco-parks in the region, resort guests will receive complimentary access to its nature parks and tours, as well as free dining in each park. The parks include Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xoximilco, Xenses and Xplor, as well as tours of Xenotes, Xichen, Tulum and Coba.
As far as eco-friendly goes, Hotel Xcaret has received EarthCheck Certification in Planning and Design. The resort also uses advanced methods for efficient use of water and electricity. Hotel Xcaret shares the initiatives that Xcaret Park has set forward with respect to social and environmental responsibility, as well.
The Details
Almaplena Eco Resort & Beach Club
www.almaplenabeachresort.com
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
www.hotelxcaret.com
