Playa del Carmen is a young, small city in Mexico, surrounded by the best of the spectacular natural surroundings of the Riviera Maya. The beautiful views and the abundance of nature here have captured the attention of resorts, which are now working to support the conservation of the flora and fauna of the area. From relaxed casual hotels to luxurious complexes, check out our guide to the top 10 eco-hotels.
Sandos Caracol is an eco-resort where you can enjoy a natural cenote, rivers, and animals living in freedom. All the activities are designed to disconnect you from urban life and help you to feel closer to nature. You can learn about the region’s flora and fauna and the Mayan culture through shows inspired by its culture and history, eco-tours, and photographic safaris. Delicious international cuisine is available in each one of its six restaurants, each with its own special atmosphere. There is a big waterpark with slides for the children, a spa, a well-equipped gym, two swimming pools, and an exclusive beach club.
El Dorado Royale green house | Courtesy of Karisma Resorts de México.
El Dorado Royale’s private beach offers you an ideal combination of luxury and ecology in the Mexican Caribbean. It has 15 swimming pools, some with swim-up bars, one of them a natural salt pool. The all-inclusive resort practices sustainable tourism through education and by using environmentally friendly technology. Thanks to its Sea Turtle Conservation Program, 14,164 turtle eggs have been moved to safety, enabling the survival of 11,650 hatchlings. Events to take care of our planet include beach cleansing day, mangrove cleansing, and recycling events every month. In addition, the hotel is part of the Kan Kanaan Project, which aims to place underwater structures in locations that offer much-needed new habitats to marine life. The hotel also has its own greenhouse so that you can enjoy fresh fruits without chemicals. The pristine beach, excellent service, and fancy restaurants and bars make this four-diamond resort a favorite destination for beach weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Located in a nature park, this all-inclusive resort works with a sustainable tourism model to protect the ecosystem of the area, aiming to be a leader in the field of luxury eco-tourism in Mexico. What once was an ecological park is today an outstanding resort nestled by the shore of the Caribbean Sea. In the area there are three rivers and ten cenotes, housing 131 animal species and 120 plant species. The services of Hacienda Tres Rios include a classy spa, fine dining, and thrilling tours through the jungle.
Itaka Glamping gives its guests a unique ecological experience. They can experience the calm of nature, immersed in the atmosphere of the Mayan jungle, without missing the comfort of modern services. Eco Itaka Glamping has abundant green areas and a swimming pool, and cabins with walls made of thermal curtains, to regulate the temperature. Even in the middle of all this nature, you’ll be very near to a grocery store, a drugstore, and a market, and it’s only six minutes’ walk to the beach.
Mahékal Beach resort is an eco-tourism complex with luxurious service and a genuine Mexican atmosphere in a calming natural environment. You can enjoy the fresh waters of the beach, practice aqua sports, or just chill out in the crystalline swimming pool. It’s cheap and easy to hire a bicycle if you would like to take a ride into town. Be sure to make time to book some of the amazing treatments available at the spa.
Viceroy Beach Front Villa | Courtesy of Viceroy Riviera Maya
Enjoy the luxury and natural wonder of a resort immersed in the Mayan jungle. Viceroy Riviera Maya is surrounded by tropical views and is designed to make you feel far away from everyday stresses; relaxation and a good mood are guaranteed. Every part of Viceroy is designed to make you feel connected with nature. The = beautiful Xcalacoco Beach has stunning white sand and an exclusive pier where you can get a beauty treatment. Hotel activities include barbecues, Mayan culinary experiences and a Mayan ceremony.
Ocean Breeze is a boutique hotel with a golf course and a fitness center with a breathtaking view of the turquoise sea. The location is one of its best points, as it’s near to Tulum, Chichén Itzá y Cobá.
This stunning resort is nested in a luxury gated community, surrounded by forest. Fairmont Mayakoba has parking at the entrance, and inside the complex, guests can only move around by golf car, boat, bicycle, or by walking. There is a dazzling beach with the biggest reef in the world and special designated forest trails. Mayakoba has four restaurants featuring sustainable menus; even the lobsters are captured by special techniques, to guarantee sustainability. There is a spa and an adventure park.
This hotel takes care of both the culture and the environment. Maya del Carmen has a health and anti-dust mite certificate to guarantee its guests clean and disinfected mattresses, which are also orthopaedic, so that you can get a great rest. As a sustainable hotel, it also promotes respect of the Mayan community, and employs to its people. In addition, all the rooms have been decorated by the children of the Buctzotz village.
The turquoise waters and white sand where this hotel is located have been called one of the best ten beaches of the world by the Travel Channel. The natural surrounding and the excellent service on offer here both promote an ambience of comfort and luxury. This sophisticated resort takes care of ecology through its Passion for Sustainability Program, promoting respect of the local culture as well as conservation of ecosystems. Some of its activities that aim take care of the environment include reducing chemical usage and waste production, and the use of eco-technology.
