5 unique resort eco experiences
Looking to venture off the beaten path on your next getaway and explore your destination? We rounded up some of our favourite resort eco experiences where you can get in touch with nature. From swimming in natural cenotes to biking through pristine islands and rescuing baby turtles, read on for our top picks.
The ultimate eco lover’s paradise, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is nestled between lush jungle and the pristine shores of Riviera Maya. This resort is a tropical oasis with natural coves throughout the grounds and architecture designed to fit in seamlessly with the area’s natural surroundings – you can even dine at a restaurant built into a cave! Included in your stay is unlimited access to the nine Xcaret Experience Parks where you can try out a wide range of eco-activities like ziplining through fire, jumping into cenotes and taking a wildlife cruise through a natural rivers where you can spot howler monkeys, tapirs, flamingoes and more.
Every year in Cayo Largo, turtles lay their eggs on the beach and two months after the eggs have hatched, the baby turtles are released into the sea. The beach at Sol Cayo Largo resort is one of the most popular spots in the area for releasing turtles. When you visit the resort during turtle hatching season (between April and October), you can help baby turtles make the journey from their nest on the beach into the Caribbean Sea!
Try out a range of exciting eco activities for all ages at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Riviera Maya. This unique resort is situated on a picturesque beach near Playa del Carmen within the lush jungle landscapes that the Yucatán Peninsula is known for. There are several cenotes - natural pools that are most commonly found in this area of Mexico – throughout the resort grounds where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. You can also try out a range of other eco experiences including peaceful boat rides through the mangrove forests, hikes through the jungle, visits to the resort’s waterfall and more. Off resort, you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with whale sharks! From May to September you can hop in the warm waters to snorkel alongside whale sharks which migrate to the coast off of Cancun and Riviera Maya during the summer months.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most famous eco destinations – even though it makes up just 0.03% of the world’s surface area, it’s home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity. You can stay at the newly-opened Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica, the first all inclusive resort in the Americas for this iconic brand that overlooks Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and the majestic Gulf of Papagayo. The resort offers exclusive PH Experiences™ where you can explore all that Costa Rica has to offer, like the Blue River excursion where you’ll hike through the rainforest and keep an eye out for exotic flora and fauna.
Located just off the coast of Cancun is Isla Holbox, an island oasis in the protected Yum Balam Natural Reserve. This peaceful car-less paradise is the ideal place to soak in Mexico’s natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle of popular resort areas. You can stay right on the island at Villas HM Palapas del Mar, an intimate oceanfront resort with luxurious amenities and world-class service. The resort offers complimentary bicycle rentals, so you can tour the small island’s untouched landscapes with ease. After a day spent exploring, soak in a picturesque sunset from the resort’s breathtaking infinity pool – you might even catch a glimpse of whale sharks in the distance!