Top 5 Eco Friendly Villas in the Riviera Maya, Mexico
Written by Rebecca Mildenhall.
The Riviera Maya’s ecosystem is as fragile as it is unique, which is why millions of people from all over the world choose to vacation here or call it their second home. Whether you prefer exploring the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the cool refreshing water of the cenotes or vast escarpment of jungle. Whether you like to party, relax or consider yourself a bit of a history buff, the Riviera Maya really does have something for everyone.
The Mexico Tourism Board tells us that Cancun airport (the gateway to the Riviera Maya) is the number one airport in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a new record of over 25 million people passing through in 2018. To counteract the effects of such large quantities of tourism and create a positive change within the region we first must change our story, there is no better starting point than with the villas we include in our portfolio. Realizing how much of an impact the built up environment has had on the natural environment Maya Luxe is committed to switching our current villas to become more eco conscious and carefully vetting new developments making sure they share the same vision for the Riviera Maya’s future. We have chosen our top 5 eco villas designed especially for the responsible traveler below:
Villa Verde
Tulum, Aldea Zama | View Listing
Villa Verde is an architecturally designed tropical retreat with care and attention in every detail to give you the ultimate sense of comfort, peace and tranquility. The beauty of the Mayan Riviera is at your fingertips with the home close to Tulum beach, beautiful cenotes, and the town of Tulum. This home showcases the ultimate in tropical living with long expanses of wide open space there is a beautiful connection between the indoors and the outdoors. The living area fully opens to the pool. The master bathroom has an open air bathtub in the garden – soak and watch the stars. The open rooftop is the ultimate sunset spot with jungle views. The Villa has ceiling fans in all bedrooms and common areas with air-conditioning only in the bedrooms it is encouraged for night time use. As well as providing guests with bicycles to get around Tulum Town and beach club areas.
Casa Selva
Xpu-Ha | View Listing
Casa Selva is more than a state of the art, self sustainable eco-luxe home. It is somewhere you can connect with mother nature as its wild and savage jungle vegetation frames the house. All rooms are carefully designed to make the most of the day, bouncing natural light to illuminate the rooms. It also has its own energy plant adjusting to your specific energy requirements. Built in tall jungle, only a few minutes away from one of the world’s best-kept shorelines, Xpu Ha, with it’s white coral sand and endless blue Caribbean water. You may encounter spider monkeys, ocelot, jaguars, lizards, deer and of course the common coati, the long-tailed raccoon. With consideration for the environment, the villa has been equipped with brand new, state of the art, energy plant technology meaning even deep in the Maya jungle, you’ll never run out of energy. Enjoy the house to the maximum comfort and rest assured knowing it leaves a minimal ecological footprint.
Casa Nalum
Sian Ka’an | View Listing
Located inside the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an, this beautiful villa rests along the white sandy beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. The barrier reef is just at swimming distance, and at the back of the property the lagoon brings you to ancient Mayan canals. The house sets new standards of eco-design and comfort with a completely natural aesthetic that blends into its surroundings. The house has many open areas where you can relax, read a book or sunbathe. The roof terrace has exceptional views of both the sea and the lagoon, in which the sun sets. Air conditioning is available only in the bedrooms encouraged for night time use to adhere to ecological restrictions of the reserve.
Jungle House
Tulum | View Listing
Placing the Jungle House on wooden stilts not only transports guests to the very heart of the jungle – both physically and mentally – but also ensured local flora and fauna went untouched in the construction process. Sustainability means life for future generations and integrity for the current one. Elevating the structure encourages the growth of jungle plants around the treehouse and ensures the building does not interfere with nature. Inside, locally sourced materials and recycled wood mingle with simple furnishings, while white macramé detailing gives the structure a special charm and unique appearance. The windows offer 360 degree views over the lush jungle and the jade-blue waters of the Caribbean. Fusing the beach with the jungle was an important element in the location of the structure.
Casa Madera
Tulum Beach Zone | View Listing
Casa Madera emerges from the dense natural greenery to stand free on high rocks, deeply breathing the fresh breezes of the Caribbean. An intricate piece of beach architecture constructed primarily of wood, the building is irrefutably one of the most unique, meaningful, and comfortable accommodations on Riviera Maya. The “wooden house” is the outcome of collaboration by a number of architects, engineers, landscape designers and interior decorators, united in their vision of home as an uninterrupted organic continuum, living space intimately interlinked with nature and culture.The interior of Casa Madera is an ample showcase of traditional arts and crafts collected around Mexico, coming primarily from the artisans’ villages of Quintana Roo. The goal is to preserve and promote the indigenous cultures, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
You can do your part by avoiding single use plastics and using reef safe sunscreens, shampoos and body wash, both when you’re on vacation and when you’re back at home. Help us protect this paradise we call home so we can all continue to enjoy it for years to come.
