Mexico: Good Vibrations—Eco-Friendly Vacays in Mexico

LA CASA LAPLAYA VIEWGood Vibrations—Eco-Friendly Vacays in MexicoBy Lydia GregoryFor eco-conscious travelers, Mexico offers diverse opportunities perfect for a responsible getaway. Hoteliers have created accommodations that not only focus on your client’s well-being, but also consider sustainable practices such as environmental stewardship and community support. Read on for three escapes that are good for mind, body and planet. Trending Topic “We are witnessing a shift in the preference for wellness in travel, with a growing demand from travelers for a personalized vacation that incorporates sustainability, wellness and convenience,” says TJ Abrams, VP, Global Wellbeing Business for Hyatt Hotels.SECRETS“Trends we are seeing now include multi-gen wellbeing retreats, mindful meetings, amenities dedicated to optimizing sleep and gastronomical experiences that emphasize healthy, organic and locally sourced ingredients. This evolution in travel preferences signifies a prioritization in holistic health and environmental responsibility. As these trends continue to grow in travel, so will Hyatt’s The Inclusive Collection, with innovative and comprehensive wellness experiences that align with the evolving desires for sustainability, health and personalized luxury,” he says. The brand, it can be said, is looking at this in a holistic manner. “Hyatt offers tailored experiences and cultural immersion opportunities that incorporate sustainable practices,” says Abrams. “Last year, Hyatt launched its Wellbeing Collective, a collection of 30+ Hyatt properties around the globe that provide unique wellbeing offerings and experiences to meet the specific needs of guests.... Inclusive Collection’s Impression by Secrets brand, which caters to the ultra-luxe traveler, is part of the new Wellbeing Collective and offers a safe haven for those seeking properties that embrace the local culture and preserve the natural environment.”HYATT QUOTE He shares the example of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, which supports the “Saving Our Sharks Foundation,” a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of sharks through conservation research, education and advocacy, and adds their newest resort, Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, addresses these trends through tailored offerings that incorporate sustainable practices, from yoga and holistic spa treatments to temazcal ceremonies and excursions to local cenotes. “While all of our brands include some type of sustainability initiative, our Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts perfectly embodies wellbeing, curating a soulful journey for guests that focuses on enrichment and holistic practices,” he says in closing. “Every Zoëtry resort is meant to be a sanctuary designed to nourish and revitalize the senses through its architecture, artwork, gastronomy and environment.” Boutique Wellness & SustainabilityThe award-winning La Casa de la Playa is one of Grupo Xcaret’s crown jewels when it comes to accommodations. “We are committed to delivering an unforgettable Exclusively Your Way experience, making certain that every guest at La Casa de la Playa and Muluk Spa feels right at home,” says Rodrigo Motavelazco, Sales Director for Hoteles Xcaret. The property has only 63 oceanview suites with 24/7 butler service and tailor-made curated experiences, including a private romantic dinner at Cenote Rio Azul, a guided caving tour at Xplor park or a purification ceremony at Xel-Ha park, among others. Fine dining is also a part of well-being that this brand takes seriously. “Guests can enjoy a selection of culinary experiences thoughtfully curated by Grupo Xcaret’s Culinary Collective comprised of some of Mexico’s most renowned and world-class celebrity chefs who combine traditions from a variety of cultures, including Chef Martha Ortiz and the Rivera Rio brothers, recently renowned by the Michelin Guide,” says Motavelazco. Guests of this hotel will also have access to restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte, including the one-Michelin-starred HA’, whose chef, Carlos Gaytan, was the first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star.Sustainability in Action: If you know anything about the group itself, you know sustainability runs in its blood. “As part of Xcaret’s commitment to sustainable tourism, La Casa de la Playa features eco-integrated architecture where sustainability meets luxury, and design that delivers a harmonious coexistence with nature and makes efficient use of resources such as natural lighting and locally sourced materials,” he shares. Xcaret is also what he calls a multiplier platform of Mexican art, meaning each space at La Casa de la Playa is decorated with Mexican art, fostering sustainable economic development within Mexican communities.MYAKOABA SPA ROOMA Holistic Experience“Fairmont Mayakoba offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to guests seeking renewal, adventure and eco-friendly travel,” says General Manager Jacco van Teefelen. The property itself is located on 240 acres of tropical forest intersected by canals deep in the Riviera Maya, which in and of itself breathes relaxation into any vacation. And there’s news: “Our newly renovated Fairmont Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility, offering a range of treatments designed to refresh and revitalize your mind, body and soul. A highlight of our new offerings is the traditional Temazcal ceremony, an ancient Mayan purification ritual conducted in a specially designed sweat lodge. Guided by a knowledgeable shaman, this transformative experience cleanses the body and spirit, leaving you feeling renewed and rejuvenated.” The spa’s private treatment rooms overlook the treetops of the mangrove forest and include a couple’s spa suite. It also features Mexican gardens, outdoor Swiss showers and whirlpools in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The rooftop has a vitality pool and a sea-mineral soaking pool. “Our spa menu features unique treatments and experiences based on local traditions and flora. From Fairmont Spa signature experiences to Mayan rituals using local herbs, essential oils and extracts, each treatment is designed to promote healing and renewal,” adds Teefelen. “Complement your spa experience with yoga sessions on the beach or a quiet moment in our peaceful garden spaces. Our holistic approach to wellness ensures that every aspect of your visit contributes to your overall well-being and renewal.” The treatments are a perfect complement to a day of activity, whether it’s a guided kayak tour down the waterways, snorkeling in the nearby coral reefs or an 18-hole morning on El Camaleon Golf Course, the first PGA Tour outside the U.S. and now home to LIV Golf. Sustainability in Action: Since it opened, the resort has been known for its sustainable practices. “We are deeply committed to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. Our resort is part of the Rainforest Alliance and has received numerous awards for our environmental efforts. We have implemented various initiatives to minimize our ecological footprint, including energy-efficient practices, waste reduction programs and sustainable food sourcing,” he explains. “Guests can participate in eco-tours that highlight our conservation efforts and learn about the local ecosystem through educational programs. In addition, our Coral Reef Restoration program, in collaboration with Oceanus, allows guests to visit and help harvest corals back into the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world.” Contact InformationFairmont Mayakoba: fairmont-mayakoba.comLa Casa de la Playa: xcaret.comThe Inclusive Collection: hyattinclusivecollection.com

COVERINCLUSIVE GATE 1INCLUSIVE GATE 2-3INCLUSIVE GATE 4Table of ContentsSANDALSSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADAdvisor Speak: Making Waves in Cruise SalesIndustry Insights: USTOA puts Responsible Tourism Front and CenterCaribbean/Mexico: Island Hopping—Caribbean UpdateMexico: Good Vibrations—Eco-Friendly Vacays in MexicoCAYMANS ISLANDS SCCAYMAN ISLANDSINCLUSIVE COLLECTION SCINCLUSIVE COLLECTION ADINCLUSIVE COLLECTION SPREADPALLADIUM SPREADOnsite Review: Grand Palladium Punta Cana—Four Resorts in OneCruise: All-Around Wellness—For the Planet and Your ClientsOceania’s Marina is Back in ServiceOCEANIA SCOCEANIA CRUISESOnboard Review: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse PointNorth America: Two Las Vegas Giants Put Focus on Healthy FutureMGM SCMGM RESORTSOnsite Review: Disney Magic Meets the BayouTURKISH AIRLINES