10 eco-friendly Cancun resorts redefining sustainable travel in Mexico
Banyan Tree Mayakoba prioritizes sustainable design — Photo courtesy of Mayakoba
Cancun and the greater Riviera Maya, renowned for its weather, pristine beaches, and fantastic cuisine, are also frontrunners of sustainable tourism. Along its crystal blue coastline, these 10 resorts in Cancun and the surrounding area that prioritize eco-friendly practices offer an array of experiences for families, couples, and singles.
La Casa de La Playa
La Casa de la Playa, a gem in the Riviera Maya, embraces sustainable tourism — Photo courtesy of La Casa de la Playa
Tucked away from the bustling tourist spots, La Casa de La Playa is one of the best adults-only options in Riviera Maya. The boutique resort is adorned with structures and decor crafted by Mexican artisans. It features a chocolateria for guests that sells artisanal Mayan cacao, ice cream, and more.
On the eco-friendly front, the resort offers guests transportation in private Tesla Model Xs and embraces sustainable tourism at all Xcaret properties and water parks.
Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya
Rosewood Mayakoba prides itself on sustainable design and practices — Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya is a family-friendly Mexican oasis well-known for its commitment to sustainability. Enjoy kid-friendly activities such as pizza-making, Spanish and Mayan lessons, scavenger hunts, and more.
Offering villa, suite, and private residence options, the resort is committed to sustainable waste reduction and water conservation practices.
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Atelier Playa Mujeres
The tranquility at Atelier Playa Mujeres stands out among Cancun resorts — Photo courtesy of Daniel Kellegan
As far as all-inclusive Cancun resorts go, Atelier Playa Mujeres is a top-tier option with over 20 restaurants and bars offering worldwide cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Asian. This adults-only property is excellent for singles or couples traveling to Mexico. Boasting 429 suites and personal butler service, the Cancun resort is about 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport.
Committed to sustainability efforts through its Eco-Social Awareness, the resort focuses on no single-use plastic, beach cleaning, and sea turtle preservation.
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Sandos Caracol Eco Resort
The all-inclusive Sandos Caracol Eco Resort makes a splash with the whole family — Photo courtesy of Sandos Hotels and Resorts
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a family-friendly, all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that boasts a water park and nonstop fun for the whole family. Things to do with kids include swimming in the jungle cenotes, taking the littles to the kids club, scuba diving, and more.
Just 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the resort prioritizes eco-tours, an animal rescue farm, and tree planting.
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Palmaïa: House of AïA
Palmaïa: House of AïA leases its solar panel energy as part of its sustainable practices — Photo courtesy of Imani Bashir
One of the most unique experiences just outside Cancun in Playa del Carmen is Palmaïa: House of AïA. This wellness resort features all oceanfront suites, perfect for couples, singles, and families.
Menus are carefully curated, offering guests plant-based options in addition to traditional foods. Guests can find their calm through various spa options, yoga and meditation, and sound healing.
Its sustainable practices include zero plastic bottle usage and leasing energy it generates from on-site solar panels.
Who was voted the best?: Best Adventure Tour Operator (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Villas include private plunge pools at the Viceroy Riviera Maya — Photo courtesy of Viceroy Riviera Maya
The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a fantastic Playa del Carmen resort with over 40 standalone private villas. With the all-inclusive option, guests receive a personal butler, a percentage off spa services, and a villa with an outdoor shower, plunge pool, and terrace.
The resort is also pet-friendly, offering guests’ fur babies (under 20 pounds) an upgraded luxury experience and unique amenities like treats and personalized meal options. As part of its sustainability practices, Viceroy Riviera Maya uses low-flow water fixtures and eco-friendly products in guest and public restrooms. It also has a robust recycling program.
Nizuc Resort & Spa
Nizuc Resort & Spa is the perfect place to practice the art of doing nothing — Photo courtesy of Nizuc Resort & Spa
Located less than 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the Nizuc Resort & Spa is a 29-acre resort offering more than 200 suites and private villas. This family-friendly resort grants guests a calendar of events and classes, such as Cuban Trio Jazz Latin, an adult tennis clinic, paddle board yoga, and more.
Nizuc is keen on protecting the mangroves and actively participates in the EarthCheck Certification, which focuses on sustainability in tourism.
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Unico 20º 87º Riviera Maya
This all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya features three breathtaking pools, a wellness spa, and more — Photo courtesy of Unico 20º 87º Riviera Maya
The adults-only Unico 20º 87º Riviera Maya offers many perks. From minibars personalized for your visit to five restaurants, five bars, poolside and beachside service, and land and water sports, it takes all-inclusive to a new level. The resort offers tequila tastings, cooking classes, and beautiful accommodations with swim-up options or ocean views.
The Vacation With A Cause program is an excellent opportunity for guests to volunteer and bring donated items to local and surrounding communities.
Who was voted the best?: Best Fishing Charter (10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024)
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba features serene waterways — Photo courtesy of Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is an out-of-this-world experience. The family-friendly resort in Playa del Carmen is made up of villas and suites with perks like heated plunge pools, direct access to the beach, lagoon access, and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba holds multiple sustainability certifications from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, as well as an EarthCheck Certification.
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Hotel Xcaret Arte
The all-inclusive resort Hotel Xcaret Arte blends with the natural landscape — Photo courtesy of Hotel Xcaret Arte
Hotel Xcaret Arte is a unique all-inclusive resort in nearby Playa del Carmen that offers access to over eight parks for fun, sun, and adventure. The resort has more than 900 adults-only suites, 10 different dining experiences, and an extensive spa menu that includes massages, purifying rituals, body treatments, and more.
Hotel Xcaret Arte prides itself on integrating the natural landscape into the resort and its sustainable water, power, and waste disposal practices.
