5 Star Mexico Resorts: Green Environmental Practices

In our environmentally conscious society, even Mexico vacation travelers are looking for resorts that compliment their environmental concerns.

Topping the list of ecologically minded resorts in Mexico is Palace Resorts Mexico, with 13 high-end all-inclusive properties located throughout Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Riviera Nayarit, and Punta Cana. Palace Resorts set the standard in five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations, has also made the move to be environmentally friendly.

These 5 star resorts provide all-inclusive Mexico vacations and have integrated the steps to earn Certificado de Calidad Ambiental Turística, (certificate for environmental quality in tourism) from Mexico’s protection environmental agency – PROFEPA (Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente) for complying with the environmental regulations, as well as gives back to the community.

Below are some steps the company is taking to make their resorts more environmentally friendly.

Palace Resorts Environmental Committee
In an effort to salvage natural resources and render more green areas throughout all of its resorts, Palace Resorts has created an environmental committee, “Comité Ambiental Palace Resorts”, whose mission is to preclude and control pollution and debasement of the environment through the efficient use of the resources with the aim of sustainable development.

To that end, the committee works with all the resorts to educate personnel on caring for the environment, reduce the sum of waste and trash generated, promote the purchase of environmentally friendly products, implement a recycling and trash sorting program to reduce waste, regulate emissions from all the resorts to reduce their carbon output, administer a series of “green areas” at all the properties, implement the use of “green signs”, which include the original names and descriptions of the plant life currently planted, and much, much more.

Paperless Technology
In an effort to reduce the amount of paper used, Palace Resorts has invested in state-of-the-art electronic technology and posted electronic schedule boards throughout all of the resorts, thus eliminating the use of printed schedules. Additionally, Palace Resorts offers online reservation and confirmation of all accommodations, as well as an online resource where guests can book tours, rental cars, tee times and spa treatments.

Saving Energy
Palace Resorts has made it a priority to economize resources, not only in the public spaces, but also in all the rooms at many of its resorts. Over the last three years, the company has been working to install state-of the art “light switches” that are triggered by inserting your room key. When the room key is inserted in the provided slot, the lights and the air conditioning in all the rooms can be controlled individually. However, when the room key is removed, everything turns off, thus decrease the expenditure of electricity.

Reuse & Renew
With 12 all-inclusive resorts and more than 6,000 rooms brand-wide, Palace Resorts has enforced a linen reuse program that reduces its carbon footprint and the use of natural resources.

Giving Back To The Community
Over the last two years, Palace Resorts has implemented a system where all the unused food at its restaurants is donated to local food banks and shelters throughout the regions where they function. Through this program, Palace has not only reduced waste but has helped feed the less fortunate in its communities.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Palace Resorts has made the commitment to reduce its use of bottled water throughout all of their resorts. To this end, the company has installed a state-of-the-art water filtration system at each of its properties that will not only reduce its dependency on bottled water but also help the resort irrigate the grounds. However, in the instances when bottled water is preferred, Palace Resorts provides 1 ½ liter bottles as opposed to ½ liter bottles in effort to provide additional servings and cut down on the accumulated waste from the 1 serve containers. Furthermore, with the consent of event organizer, Palace Resorts is working to provide pitchers of water versus water bottles during all event coffee breaks. Lastly, to further reduce waste, Palace Resorts is working to implement a comprehensive recycling program throughout all of the resorts.

Saving Indigenous Wildlife
Palace Resorts is pleased to support an integral protection sea turtle program that is working to establish protection efforts along the 7 miles of beach on the coast of Quintana Roo state. In three camp sites located at Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, Cancun Palace, Beach Palace and Sun Palace, that have been specifically authorized by the SEMARNAT (Mexico’s Environmental and Natural Resources Agency), Palace Resorts has saved 117,676 sea turtle eggs since the programs construct in 2005. The purpose of the program is to not only preserve and protect the eggs that sea turtles come to shore to lay, but to also provide environmental education, training, investigating and unendingly evaluation of this majestic creature and work together so that they may carry on and thrive for years to come.

Palace Resorts’ “Green Thumb”
In effort to enrich and establish “green areas” that are representative of the natural vegetation throughout all of the Palace properties, Palace Resorts has established several environmentally friendly nurseries at the Centro de Distribución Palace (Distribution Center) with roughly 200,000 indigenous plants that represent a cross section of species collected from the jungle, wetlands, mangroves and coastal dunes. This distribution center offers several services, including performing as a temporary home to local plants that are relocated during construction or restoration of properties, a cultivation center used to nurture replacement plants to those that become damaged or unhealthy and to offer a base of operation where the Palace team of gardeners can work to renovate and foster the future health of natural vegetation, coastal thickets, mangroves and dunes that serving as natural barriers in event of storms and hurricanes.

At each of the Palace Resorts, guests are provided with sumptuous, yet affordable accommodations, fine cuisine, 24-hour room service, top shelf drinks, stunning entertainment, wireless Internet, non-motorized water sports and unlimited select tours. Palace Resorts’ unparalleled level of service and comfort found at each property makes them a leader in providing world-class resort vacations in Mexico.

Now, with their commitment to the environment, Palace Resorts have added yet another reason why Palace Resorts all-inclusive resorts are a favorite among travelers looking for all inclusive family resorts and Adults Only All Inclusive Resorts Mexico, Caribbean: Adult All Inclusive Vacation Best Deals

All-Inclusive Mexico Vacation Resorts Catering to Families

Families interested in vacationing in the Mexico and the Caribbean should consider choosing an all-inclusive resort. All-Inclusive resort vacation offer something for everyone in the family resort category. Kids are kept busy with activities, while parents can relax, get pampered or indulge in a favorite sport. Since everything is already built into the price of the vacation, parents will never wonder 'How much more will this cost', as the kids ask for more activities or beverages.

The price of an all-inclusive resort usually includes all of the following, making it an excellent value for families.

Children's Programs - most resorts offer a kid's program for ages 4-12 years old, while some even offer programs for infants and the sometimes hard to please 'teens'. The programs can vary dramatically, so check with each individual resort regarding their program.

Meals & Drinks Included - clients can choose from a myriad of eating venues, everything from buffets to gourmet restaurants. Families enjoy the option of grabbing a quick bite from the buffet or poolside snack bar. It is important to check with the resort to see their individual policy for 'all-inclusive' meals and drinks since some have limitations and specific hours in which drinks are included in the all-inclusive package.

Family Activities - scavenger hunts, nightly entertainment and guest talent shows are just a few of the activities available for guests staying at an all-inclusive resort.

Water Sports - most include non-motorized water sports. Not all include unlimited use of water sports, some limit the use to one hour or once a day. You can check with the resort for their policy regarding non-motorized water sports.

Spas/Fitness Centers - offer some grown-up pampering for Mom and Dad.

One of the favorite all-inclusive resorts offered through KokoTravel.com is the 5 Star Palace Resorts with multiple resorts in the Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico areas.

The Palace Resorts Mexico all inclusive vacations offer families and couples alike the ultimate in relaxing, casual vacations and Koko Travel offers these resort vacations at affordable rates. By renting the Palace Resorts Members' weeks, you receive all the benefits of the Palace Resorts Premier Memberships without the obligation of purchasing your own timeshare.

Your all-inclusive Palace Resorts Vacation will provide you with...

All Food And Beverages in any and all of the Mexico Palace Resorts
restaurants and bars... Stay at one Palace Resort and Play at them all!!!
One Massage per person per week stay

One Manicure per person per week stay

One Pedicure per person per week stay

20% off additional Spa Treatments

10% off purchases made at any Palace Resorts gift shops

Up to $1,500 in room credit that may be used for spa treatments, golf, select tours, room upgrades...

Unlimited access to non-motorized water sports, including kayaks, paddle
boats, snorkeling gear, etc...

One Scuba lesson per person per week stay

Airport transfers on arrival and departure

Free transportation between all of the Palace Resorts in Cancun, Mexico

Discounted car rental

Priority room assignment and check in
Fabulous accommodations and service!

Each of the Palace Resorts offers a different experience and atmosphere to provide the perfect experience for vacationers. Some of the resorts are specifically aimed at family vacations while others are designed for adults only.

There is simply no question to the value of booking your Palace Resorts All-Inclusive Mexico vacations through KokoTravel.com

Mexico Vacation Deals Nearby Great Cenote Diving Area

The Riviera Maya has some of the worlds best kept secrets. Few know the greatest secret of all. There is more diving diversity here than anywhere else in the world. How could that be possible?

As if the amazing Caribbean Sea and the abundance of affordable caribbean vacations wasn't enough to lure divers to Playa del Carmen, this area also offers a truly unique feature - the cenotes. Diving in a cenote is an other-worldy experience, and it is easy to understand why the Maya held the cenotes sacred.

To dive the cavern of a cenote, you only need to be Open Water Certified.

The Yucatan peninsula is a giant limestone slab that was once coral reef. For millions of years, rainwater carved the porous stone, creating beautiful caves decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. The peninsula is penetrated with miles and miles of cave systems.

After the end of the ice age the water level rose around the world and thus the caves got filled with water. In some places the roof of the cave has collapsed, creating a sinkhole that works as an entrance to the cave. Such a sinkhole is called cenote, which comes from the Mayan word dzonot.

The cenotes are filled with fresh water, so amazingly clear it feels like you're floating around in air. 'Like being an astronaut', is what many say. The experience is difficult to describe and photos don't do it justice. It's just one of those things you must do!

There are many all inclusive Mexico vacation and european options available in the heart of cenote country in the Rivera Maya.  Two of the best resorts is the area is Aventura Spa Palace and the Grand Mayan Resorts Mexico Rivera Maya.  The Aventura spa is located near Puerto Aventuras.  The resort provides easy access to many cenotes.  The Grand Mayan Resort is located just north of Playa del Carmen.

There are two distinct forms of cenote diving:

Cave Diving

Swimming into a cave beyond the reach of natural sunlight.

Cavern Diving
Staying in sight of the entrance of a cave within the realm of natural sunlight.

To cavern dive a diver must either be a certified cavern diver or be accompanied by a certified cavern diver. Most accessible cenotes open to the public are equipped with a permanent line to serve as a reference on a tour.

There are a number of reasons that make cenote diving attractive to the diver:
Diving conditions are not effected by weather.
Moderate water temperature [77f].
Barely discernable currents.
Large caverns and passageways.
Excellent underwater visibility.


Cenotes open to the public include:

Chac Mool (Claw of the Jaguar)

Location: 22 km south of Playa Del Carmen/Almost across from Puerto Aventuras.

Description: 2 cenotes. Large cavern zone with beautiful views of jungle from inside cavern.
Open: 10-5 daily.
Facilities: Bathrooms, Restaurant.
Snorkeling: Yes. Larger of 2 cenotes offers view to large room.
Entrance Fee: Yes.


Ponderosa (El Eden)
Location: 3 km south of Puerto Aventuras.

Description: Exceptionally beautiful. Short walk on path takes you to Coral Cenote, which has a large island in the center of it.

Open: 10-5 daily.
Facilities: Bathrooms
Swimming: Very easy access. Nice overhang with tree that can be scaled to jump into cenote.

Snorkeling: Excellent. One of the most popular snorkeling sites. Unlimited visibility. Wide variety of fish, eels, turtles & aquatic plant life.

Entrance Fee: $5 US.


Chikin Ha (Points of Direction)

Location: 5 km south of Puerto Aventuras just before Xpu-Ha/Across from Barcelo Maya Hotel/Long way down bumpy road.

Description: Footpath through jungle will take you to some other cenotes – one is big & almost dry with lots of fossils.

Facilities: None.
Swimming: Can swim through tunnel to underground air chamber.
Entrance Fee: Yes.

Kantun Chi
Location: Just past Chikin Ha Cenote.

Description: 4 mostly half dome cenotes (Kantun Chi, Zaskaleen, Uchil Ha, Zazil Ha) along a series of light jungle trails. Most remote one has ancient looking Mayan temple next to it. Several tours stop here.

Facilities: Restaurant, bike rentals, horseback riding, small zoo.
Swimming: Not very inviting.
Snorkeling: Yes. Rental equipment available.
Entrance Fee: $10 US.

Cristalino
Location: Just past Kantun Chi/Close to highway.

Description: Beautiful, very primitive & rarely visited. Good for hanging out. Will probably have place to yourself. Likely to see more locals than tourists.

Facilities: None.
Swimming: You can dive into cenote from 3.5 m (15 ft) tall ledge.
Entrance Fee: 25 pesos.

Azul
Location: Just past Cristalino Cenote/Close to highway.

Description: In light jungle setting with more open air/sunlit than Kantun Chi, which creates more algae.

Facilities: Snackbar.
Entrance Fee: 30 pesos.

Taj Mahal

Location: 26 km south of Playa Del Carmen/5 km south of Puerto Aventuras/Just south of Xpu-Ha.

Description: 4 interconnected cenotes.
Open: 10-6 daily
Facilities: Bathrooms, Restaurant.

Snorkeling: Advanced. Requires swimming 5 m underwater under a rock wall to come into a large open cave with that has light shining through from ceiling above.

Entrance Fee: 40 pesos.

Dos Ojos (Hidden Worlds)

Location: 48 km south of Playa Del Carmen/3 km south of Xel-Ha/On right 4 km down dirt road.

Description: Part of Nohoch Nah Chich cave system. Location of filming for Imax Journey into Amazing Caves documentary.
Open: 10-5 daily
Facilities: Bathrooms, restaurant.
Snorkeling: Superb. Very popular. Stalagtites & Stalagmites everywhere.
Entrance Fee: $10 US/$25-40 US for snorkel tours.

Temple of Doom (Calavera/Skull)

Location: 2 km from Tulum on road to Coba on right/Very rugged rocky unmarked jungle path approximately 50 yds from road.

Description: 3 holes in ground (one 30 ft & two 4 ft in diameter) create skull shape, hence the name. Shaded by thick jungle canopy.

Facilities: None

Swimming: Great. 10 ft drop down into cenote. Rope swing & ladder – though may want to bring your own rope just in case.

Gran (Sac Aktun/White Water)
Location: 5 km from Tulum on road to Coba on right.

Description: Ladder steps lead to half moon shaped cenote decorated with small passages & openings. One of most popular sites. Good for all ages. Shallow on one side/deep on other. Famous for brilliant speleothem decorations & crystal clear water.

Open: 10-5 Daily
Facilities: Bathrooms
Snorkeling: Fun. Fantastic. Spectacular. Paradise.
Entrance Fee: 50 pesos.

Car Wash (Aktun Ha/Water Cave)
Location: 8 km from Tulum on road to Coba/4 km past Gran Cenote on left.

Description: Can drive right in approximately 30 m (100 ft) to cenote & locals used to wash vehicles here, hence the name.

Open: 9-5 Daily
Facilities: Bathrooms
Swimming: Very easy access. Like a small lake. Good. Fun.

Snorkeling: Good in winter months. Too much algae growth in warmer months. Many small tropical fish.

Entrance Fee: 20 pesos.

Cristal (Naharon)
Location: 4 km south of Tulum on right.
Facilities: Bathrooms
Swimming: Great
Snorkeling: Great
Entrance Fee: Yes. Includes entrance to Escondido across the street.

Escondido (Mayan Blue)
Location: 4 km south of Tulum on left/Across from Cristal Cenote/2 km walk in Jungle.
Description: Tarzan & Jane style. Beautiful, crisp, clear, secluded. One of least known.
Facilities: Bathrooms
Swimming: Good
Snorkeling: Good. Some great stone formations.
Entrance Fee: Included in Cristal entrance fee.

Cenote diving is one of the most unique experiences on the planet. Many accomplished divers say that cenote diving in the Rivera Maya is the best diving experience that they have ever experienced.