DESIGN
The coves , rivers , caves and jungle are present throughout the resort .
— underground chambers filled with water — as well as natural reserves and caverns that the company wanted to leave intact . The site plan incorporated those resources with features like a large , lush forest that separates two of the buildings .
The design team took its inspiration from the setting , bordered by the jungle and the Caribbean and dotted with caletas , or natural sheltered bays , connected by rivers . All guestrooms have a view of the beach , those bays and rivers or lush gardens . Despite its capacity , integrating nature into the layout and distributing guestrooms among five casas — compounds tailored to adults ; families ; wedding parties and conventions ; luxury travelers ; and spa and wellness fans — give the resort a more intimate character .
SOURCING SUSTAINABILITY The biggest challenge , Redko says , was building a hotel that not only respected nature but also showcased Mexican culture . An obvious solution was to source furniture and décor from manufacturers and craftsmen within the country , but efforts to bring Mexico to life at the resort transcended that . Guest bathroom tiles were hand-painted by members of
Xin-Gao offers Asian cuisine including teppanyaki , a robata grill , a Western tatami and a sushi bar .
a local community . Lamps that resemble oversized birds ’ nests were made by inmates at the prison in nearby Cancun . Turndown baskets with traditional candy are produced by Xochimilco artisans and a family from Jalisco , respectively . Chiapas seamstresses sewed cushion covers .
Food and beverage items also rely heavily on Mexican suppliers . “ Whenever we have to choose between a Mexican product or one from another country , we will always choose the Mexican product ,”
Redko explains .
Sourcing from within Mexico — almost two-thirds of Experiencas Xcaret product comes from Yucatan Peninsula suppliers — reduces the resort ’ s carbon footprint and supports the local economy . “ The bottom line is that we are dedicated to being sustainable , not only from an environmental point of view , but from a human perspective as well . We are creating jobs and teaching trades that will better the lives of Mexicans ,” Redko notes .
42 hotelsmag . com January / February 2018