Everywhere you turn as of late, someone or something is telling you to definitely Go Green! In the past, going green meant with envy, but today people have gotten hip to the fact the environment is in trouble and it’s on us to aid ensure it is a better place.
Now, I’m no Greenpeace Activist, but I do my part. I recycle. I turn off lights. I even purchased those hideous spiral light bulbs for lamps in my house. With many people, these small life adjustments are adequate. For some who desire to achieve more, there’s surprisingly many things they could do to diminish their carbon footprint in the world.
Ever think about going green on your vacation? Recently, I visited Tulum, a small beach town about 90 minutes south of Cancun. While the jungle makes up over 90 % of the environment, it?s not exactly the green I’m talking about. For years, Tulum has been the host to a growing number of eco-friendly resorts. These resorts operate almost exclusively on wind and solar power though many do have gas or diesel powered back-up generators just in case. Most of the eco resorts do use wind and solar for the majority of their power needs.
In Tulum, these eco-cabana resorts line the pristine beaches leading into Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a 1.3-million-acre nature reserve stretching down the Caribbean coast. These resorts offer a range from rustic cabanas situated on the beach to luxurious adobe-style rooms. Smaller in comparison to the major resorts in Cancun however, most do not lack in amenities. Many resorts like Playa Azul and Los Lirios Cabana Resort and the super luxurious Blue Tulum Hotel offer full spa services from beach-side massages to skin treatments using natural Mayan skincare products. Almost all of them have restaurants that serve delicious, gourmet food well into the evening. The variety of options was a pleasant surprise!
My earliest trip to an eco-friendly resort was a couple of years ago in Tulum. I’m no camper, by any means, therefore when I read the brief list of gear to bring, my stress level went up a rung upon seeing flashlight as on the list of must-haves.
A flashlight? I thought. What’s up with the electricity? There is none later than 11pm, that’s what! Without hesitation, many people would on no account even consider staying in a place that doesn’t have full electricity running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nevertheless, I was desperate to get a escape. I figured I’d go to see what this whole eco-resort thing was all about.
It was 2006 and my first time in Tulum. I’ve been back 3 times since! My experience was incredible. Being at the seaside takes care of the worry that it will be too hot in the room without A/C. The lights being turned off after 11pm wasn’t an issue at all. I had my flashlight, nevertheless there were also Tiki torches lighting up the entire property, so yeah, electrical energy wasn’t greatly missed at all. Overall, my first venture into eco-tourism was no different than any other holiday I’d had in the past.
I should note that some of the eco resorts in Tulum do have 24 hour electricity, but you should definitely check those details before going if that is a priority for you.
The need to be green has reached way beyond the Greenpeace set. Think about it and think about doing greater than your part.
Liz Weber is a freelance travel writer visiting Tulum, Mexico specializing in information about Tulum Hotels , Playa del Carmen hotels and life on the Yucatan. If you are planning a trip to the Yucatan or the Tulum area feel free to contact Liz directly.
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