So you're looking for a resort that is powered by solar, reuses the water from the laundry for landscaping, uses environmentally cleaning products, and is an all-inclusive resort in Mexico? That can be problematic as most resorts used by major tour operators aren't exactly what I would classify as green. For those looking for a truly green eco-resort, a specialty tour operator is needed. However, I'm delighted- ecstatic actually- to announce El Dorado Resorts Pasión por el Medio Ambiente (Passion for the Environment) program!
Recently, the El Dorado Resorts sent out a press release outlining some of the green initiatives taking place at their resorts. The El Dorado Resorts are the epitome of luxury in the Rivieria Maya so it's refreshing to see a resort offered by most of our major tour operators leading the way to be more sustainable. While by no means are they 100% eco-friendly, it's the first mainstream resort I've seen that's taken real steps towards sustainability and I'm excited to see more of it!
As a side note about these resorts, they are owned by Joe and Delores Martinez who have worked very closely with us in the past to create the Banana Project. The program allowed travelers to bring down needed supplies to Cancun area schools in their spare luggage, Delores helped orchestrate the distribution and confirmation from the schools of their supplies. Unfortunately the baggage fees have put quite a damper on our project :(
Here's the press release!
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma, a collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties along the Riviera Maya, Mexico, announced the launch of Pasión por el Medio Ambiente (Passion for the Environment), a program derived from the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI), designed to encourage guest and staff participation in environmentally sustainable practices. “As a destination priding itself on beautiful surroundings, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels is taking the necessary steps to ensure a balance between supporting the tourism industry and preserving the extraordinary natural environment of the Riviera Maya,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels by Karisma. “With the implementation of Pasión por el Medio Ambiente, we are extending the Gourmet Inclusive philosophy to include environment consciousness. We strive to foster togetherness between tourism and our ecosystem by encouraging our guests and staff to make environmentally sound decisions that support the initiatives set by MARTI.”
After learning of MARTI, hotel management took the initiative to create Pasión por el Medio Ambiente. Since its inception, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels has passed several noteworthy milestones including implementation of solar panels throughout its properties. Running completely on solar power, El Dorado Maroma is 100 percent invested, while El Dorado Seaside Suites operates at 70 percent and El Dorado Royale at 40 percent solar power efficiency. Additionally, El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels has implemented quality controls over towels and sheets, restroom sensors and the use of green cleaning suppliers like Johnson Diversery. At El Dorado Royale, landscaping efforts will utilize recycled water from chemical-free laundry services provided by the resort. Among sustainable practices implemented, a major recycling initiative is also underway. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels has taken extensive measures to ensure that all garbage is separated and recycled properly including dangerous waste, organic items, glass and paper. Employees are encouraged to bring in recycled goods from home once a week, which are processed on property.
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels employees have undergone an extensive training program outlining the MARTI initiatives and illustrating the benefits derived by its implementation. By employing sustainable hotel guidelines throughout its properties, environmental consideration will be incorporated into the daily practices of guests and local staff, encouraging them to educate friends and family on the value of sustainable practices including water and utility conservation, as well as the numerous benefits of recycling in Riviera Maya.
Rates at El Dorado Royale begin at $293 per person, per night for a Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suite including the Gourmet Inclusive experience, while El Dorado Maroma’s rates begin at $253 per person, per night for a Swim Up Jacuzzi Suite. El Dorado Seaside Suites’ rates begin at $263 per person, per night for a Swim Up Jacuzzi Suite.
