Soak Up The Spring Break Sun At These 5 Eco-Friendly Luxury Resorts In Mexico
Sustainable Spring Break Resorts In Mexico
It may still technically be winter, but spring break is just around the corner, and now is the time to start making your holiday travel plans. Searching for eco-friendly resorts can be challenging though; it is often easier to find locally-owned B&B’s or eco-lodges.
So when we discovered these five incredible eco-friendly hotels just south of the border and on the beaches of Mexico, we couldn’t wait to share them. Some are even all-inclusive! With impressive sustainability models, environmental give-back programs, and a commitment to serving the local habitats and communities, these resorts are the perfect place for a luxurious, memorable, and—most importantly—sustainable spring break abroad. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Xinalani Retreat
Location | Puerto Vallarta
Eco | Organic & local materials, eco-tours, biodegradable bath products, recycled water
Features | 4 yoga studios, spa, vegan & gluten-free menu options, retreats & group packages
Nightly Rate | $210+
If you are looking for something a little more this spring break, book a stay at Xinalani Retreat—a serene, beachfront eco-chic resort on the west coast of Mexico that is only accessible by boat. Believing that vacations should be less about tv and air-conditioning and more about nurturing our wellbeing (margaritas included), the resort offers guests a secluded and natural place to rest and care for their bodies, minds, and souls.
At Xinalani, sustainability and ethical tourism is of the utmost importance. Aside from its strict environmental sustainability model, the eco-resort is dedicated to creating job opportunities for the local community, as well as providing scholarships and training for those interested in hospitality careers. Further, the casitas are not only designed for zen and ultimate relaxation, but they are furnished by local artisans.
For a magical, relaxing, and truly restorative spring break getaway, check in to the Xinalani Retreat. Make sure to leave your electronics at home though—this is a space to disconnect and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Learn more about the Xinalani Retreat
Azulik Hotel
Location | Tulum
Eco | Minimal electricity, farm-to-table menu, on-site clothing boutique with sustainable & fair trade designs
Features | Adults-only, beachfront, mosaic baths in each villa, seaside Mayan spa & healing packages
Nightly Rate | $500+
How does spring break in a cliffside villa overlooking the Caribbean Sea sound? How about a large private terrace to watch the sunrise as you sip local coffee and listen to rainforest birds sing? If all of this, alongside warm sand, Mayan apothecary, and a farm-to-table menu sounds good to you, book your spring break stay at the Azulik Hotel in Tulum, Mexico.
At Azulik, there are 48 private ecological villas hand-constructed from fine wood—and each one has minimal electricity. This is not only to help you disconnect and rest your mind, but because of the nearby turtle nesting ground; the cabins are lit solely by candles. Take a Mystical Wander Excursion to experience the magical and wild secrets of the Maya jungle, and nourish your body with one of the four spa packages designed to align with earth’s four elements: earth, wind, water, and fire.
Azulik is perfect for couples, as it is quite romantic, but it’s also a great place for those looking to rest and recharge near the sea. A sustainable and environmentally conscious luxury resort, we highly recommend it for your spring break stay.
Learn more about the Azulik Hotel
Hacienda Tres Ríos
Location | Playa del Carmen
Eco | Renewable cooling & water systems, solar power, ecological toiletries, room motion sensors to conserve energy, Titanium-clad water desalination plant, compost & recycling
Features | All-inclusive, family friendly, beachfront, 326-acre nature park, perfect for weddings & groups
Nightly Rate | $230+
Located in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Ríos is a premier luxury resort committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism practices. A recipient of numerous awards—including the Skål International Ecotourism Award and the Developers & Builders Alliance (DBA) Community Advancement Award—this vacation destination successfully blends all-inclusive comfort with strict sustainability practices.
One such practice was the construction of the resort and the 257 spacious hacienda-style suites. Using local materials, Hacienda Tres Ríos was built 2.8 meters above ground to ensure natural water flow continues with minimal impact on the property. Moreover, pre-fabricated, off-sight construction helped to reduce dust contamination and further protect the natural environment.
Guests at Hacienda Tres Ríos can anticipate a vacation experience that includes sun, sand, and the Caribbean jungle. Because the resort was founded on an ecological park—exclusive to the hotel—guests are able to see firsthand the conservation projects and protected area where more than 130 plant and animal species live. Boating, snorkeling, walking, and bike tours are available to best experience the area.
If you have been dreaming about Caribbean waters and luscious jungles for your spring break getaway, definitely check out Hacienda Tres Ríos. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing, yet meaningful vacation.
Learn more about Hacienda Tres Ríos
Cuixmala Luxury Hotel
Location | 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta
Eco | Menu prepared using ingredients from the on-site organic farm, turtle protection program, 25,000-acre nature & wildlife reserve
Features | Beachfront, on-site boutique with artisan products, yoga & eco-activities, family friendly, perfect for weddings & groups
Nightly Rate | $550+
Whether you are searching for privacy or adventure, wildlife encounters or culinary delights, Mexico’s premier eco-friendly resort is a fantastic place for spring break this year. Originally built as a family estate, Cuixmala Luxury Hotel is now an exclusive and romantic boutique resort situated mere feet from the crashing waves of the Mexican Pacific. A recognized establishment for its sustainable and organic farming practices—as well as its commitment to nature conservation—the resort has received numerous awards including the Global Vision Award, the Virtuso Ltd. Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award, and the World Responsible Tourism Award.
Guests of Cuixmala can spend their days relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, or participating in the property’s extensive list of adventure activities: yoga, surfing, golfing, and tennis—to name a few.
Guests can also explore the properties protected habitat where endangered animals and over 270 species of birds live. They can also participate in helping biologists as they safely guide turtle hatchlings to the sea through the Turtle Protection Program. Both are popular activities.
Learn more about the Cuixmala Luxury Hotel
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
Location | Playa del Carmen
Eco | Rainforest Alliance Certification, recycling, water treatment plant, environmental education program, on-site plant nursery, compost, solar panels
Features | All-inclusive, beachfront, aqua park, yoga & eco activities, family friendly, weddings & groups
Nightly Rate | $260+
For a family-friendly spring break getaway, consider a visit to Sandos Caracol Eco Resort—an award-winning resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. With an all-inclusive nature package (called all-nature), guests can participate in seven tours—one for each day of the week. These eco-tours include everything from swimming in mangrove forest rivers to cooking traditional Maya recipes and learning about local heritage. Moreover, the tours are suitable for couples, individuals, or for the entire family.
At Sandos Caracol, there are 3 areas in the resort: The Family Section, The Select Club, and The Royal Elite. The eco-resort also includes an all-ages water park (constructed without harming the natural habitat), numerous environmental education programs, 15+ restaurants and bars, a wellness spa, and a kid’s zone. Right on the beach and only steps away from Caribbean waters, its proximity to lush jungles and unique ecosystems promise a diverse and adventure-packed vacation.
Additionally, we love that Sandos Caracol is committed to gender equality, anti-discrimination, and creating a safe and nurturing workplace for employees. If you are looking for a large-scale, all-inclusive eco-resort for spring break, visit Sandos Caracol. And don’t forget to plant a tree through the on-site “Plant A Tree” program to commemorate your stay!
Learn more about Sandos Caracol
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kayti Christian, a staff writer for The Good Trade, is a storyteller, creator, activist, and avid traveler hailing from Colorado, now living in London. With 30+ stamps in her passport, she is passionate about responsible tourism and is always looking for new ways to be a more conscious traveler. She is currently pursuing her MA in Creative Nonfiction Writing at City, University of London.