Eco-Friendly Resorts of the Riviera Maya

Blue seas meet green initiatives at these beachfront retreats in Mexico

By Alexis Hilts

On the eastern side of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula lies a roughly 75-mile-long tropical haven. The Riviera Maya, stretching from just south of Cancun in Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, near Tulum, offers visitors wonders such as the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, and Chichen Itza, one of several sites of ancient Mayan ruins. With its soft, white-sand beaches caressed by the Caribbean Sea, verdant jungles, alluring history and bustling resort towns, this strip of Mexican coast attracts visitors of all kinds. But, the region's rich culture and abundant wildlife make it a particularly ideal spot for eco-enthusiasts.

Nature lovers can soak up their surroundings in the Riviera Maya's variety of ecological attractions. Some might take a wildlife tour, go bird-watching or kayak in the biosphere reserve at Sian Ka'an, or "where the sky is born," a preserve boasting more than 1 million acres of land. Others might opt for marine life encounters in national parks such as Xel-ha Lagoon and Chankanaab Bay. Or maybe getting the royal treatment in a treetop spa sounds like the ideal nature retreat.

Whatever kind of ecotourist you may be, the Riviera Maya has the setting -- and the environmentally friendly resorts -- to make your perfect getaway. Taking the work out of your search for premier green hotels, we've compiled the following resorts known for their commitment to practicing sustainable tourism. Green travelers -- from serenity-seekers looking for a therapeutic spa vacation to nature- loving sports enthusiasts -- will find sanctuary in these eco-friendly places. To price a stay at any of them, consult the resort department of Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925.

Hacienda Tres Rios

The all-inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios is a prime example of how it's unnecessary to sacrifice creature comforts for an eco-conscious vacation abode. About six miles north of Playa del Carmen, the resort contains 273 luxurious marble-floored suites, most including Jacuzzis for two and spectacular ocean views. Tucked away in Tres Rios Nature Park, canopies of mangrove trees surround three natural rivers and 10 cenotes -- deep freshwater sinkholes -- that are ideal spots for snorkeling or a refreshing dip.

Visitors spend their days on the beach or taking part in scheduled activities, such as bicycling, fruit carving, wine tasting or learning Spanish. Kids are welcome to take part in the children's program at the Hacienda, which hosts treasure hunts, games and beach fun. And to keep your mind and body in shape while on vacation, there's yoga, Pilates, meditation and a traditional Mayan purification and relaxation ritual -- temazcal -- offered at Ya'ax Che spa. Looking for extra perks? Guests have access to a nearby equestrian and polo center, yacht club and private jet rentals.

Green profile: The hotel's Green Team, a group including scientists and environmental experts, conducted studies for two years in order to ensure an eco-responsible design. Gabriel Santoyo, the chief environmental officer at the Hacienda Tres Rios, says this ecological strategy from the hotel's inception is unique. "Sustainable design, sustainable construction and sustainable operation -- that makes us special," he says.

The resort implements a comprehensive green plan, from producing fresh water at its own desalination plant to using hot air recycled from air-conditioning units to heat the hotel's water. It has earned a Green Globe Certification, a recognized standard for meeting certain environmental requirements. Guests can help with reforestation efforts by planting their own mangrove trees.

The hotel works to improve its community by assisting local businesses with sustainable development and supporting area organizations, such as the Golden Years Club for the Elderly, which provides various cultural and recreational activities for Cancun's seniors.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

Distinctive touches lend elegance to this intimate boutique resort about 20 minutes from Cancun's airport. From daily complimentary champagne and fruit baskets to the hotel's decor -- enhanced with items handpicked from the owner's worldly travels -- the all-inclusive Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita seeks to pamper its guests.

But pampering at the Zoetry goes beyond its embellishments; the resort also emphasizes holistic wellness. Included in the Endless Privileges program are services for self-enrichment, such as healthy organic gourmet fare, an antiaging medical diagnostic and a wellness consultation with a specialist in the Wills System -- an approach to well-being centering around practices such as stress reduction, weight management, techniques for insomnia relief and meditation. The hideaway's 22,000-square-foot spa offers a wide range of treatments and is a certified thalassotherapy (saltwater hydro-therapy) center. Guests also can enjoy a variety of classes, tennis, windsurfing, kayaking, yoga and nearby golf, scuba and snorkeling excursions.

Green profile: The Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita demonstrates its "socially responsible and environmentally sensitive philosophy" through its recycling program, production of organic fertilizer, beach-cleaning campaigns and protection of the native turtle and blue crab populations.

The resort is a member of the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism partnership, which works to support environmental conservation and local economic development for communities in and around UNESCO World Heritage sites. Community-oriented programs, like workshops teaching local children the importance of protecting their environment through making handmade recycled-paper crafts, are a key element of the hotel's green program.

Upcoming sustainable tourism plans include the creation of a green area, with space for nature walks and a small organic farm where guests can learn about the hotel's green growing principles -- and later taste the results in one of the resort's restaurants.

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