caribbean sandos caRacol eco-ResoRt & spa pRactices sustainability, eco-touRism in mexico
Sandos caracol eco-resort & Spa has become a leader in ecotourism in Mexico. in 2011, the eco-resort continued its leadership in the sustainability trend in Mexico when it introduced 99 ecofriendly rooms that reduce carbon emissions by 70% and it became the first resort in Mexico to develop, build and utilize a ‘solar’ golf cart. The eco-rooms include ultra-efficient low energy air conditioning systems, solar water heating systems in place of gas water heaters, water recycling systems, internal LeD lighting, and furniture made of wood from certified forests. Sandos caracol’s completely solar energy-powered golf cart was developed and built specifically to transport guests around the resort. With six solar panels, the solar energy transformed to run the golf cart prevents the emission of 1,686 tons of carbon dioxide per year and is equivalent to having planted 34 trees. in December 2011, the resort will launch “Xcalacoco experience,” allowing guests to discover the Mayan culture in distinctive, natural surroundings. at Sandos caracol, Xcalacoco is a way of being, living and thinking, and the programming in the Xcalacoco experience allows guests to live Xcalacoco. activities include an eco tour and archaeology route on which guests can observe Mayan ruins, witness Mayan ceremonies, visit with a Mayan herbalist, help plant indigenous species significant to the Mayan culture, and participate in natural treatments and ancient rituals at the spa. Through adventures in nature and environmental activities, guests will learn to reconnect with nature, respect the planet and lead sustainable lives. Through its eco-club, Sandos caracol features eco-tours of the resort for both adults and children highlighting local flora and fauna, and indigenous species to the area, eco-friendly volunteer experiences such as sea turtle conservation, recycling and visiting with many of the animals cared for by the on-site veterinarian of the property—including a family of donkeys, Mayan honeybees, and tropical birds. Guests also have the opportunity to visit the naSa-developed Magic Planet experience, the first-of-its-kind interactive digital experience that teaches guests about the solar system, their responsibility in climate change and what they can do to protect the earth. sandos hotels & Resort, www.sandos.com 26 • noVembeR 2011
holiday shoppinG FRee-FoR-all at bolonGo bay beach ResoRt Guests can get gifts for everyone on their list without the stress, the cold or the fees when they escape to the US Virgin islands on a Holiday Shopping Free-for-all with bolongo bay beach resort. This special holiday shopping travel offer is available from black Friday, november 25, through December 22, 2011 and includes a free night on a 5-night stay in an Oceanview room for two (20% savings); two free roundtrip shopping shuttles to the best duty-free shopping in the caribbean; a free checked bag with a $50 per room credit toward airline checked baggage fees; and free souvenirs, to share or keep, with a $50 resort boutique credit per room. This five-night package is just $1,313 for two people, including all taxes and service charges. St. Thomas and the US Virgin islands is a shopper’s paradise, offering the best duty-free shopping in the caribbean. Travelers can save on electronics, jewelry and designer goods often priced lower than the US mainland. US residents receive a $1,600 duty-free allowance. Once they have shopped, guests can relax in a beachside hammock or have fun in the sun with complimentary non-motorized water sports including Hobie cats, windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boards and more. it’s easy to escape to the US Virgin islands for holiday shopping. no passports are needed for US citizens and there are many direct flights available to St. Thomas. bolongo bay beach Resort, 800-524-4746, www.bolongobay.com
el doRado spa ResoRts & hotels and azul hotels by kaRisma appoint RichaRd RodRiGuez diRectoR oF sales and maRketinG el Dorado Spa resorts & Hotels and azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet inclusive properties located throughout the riviera Maya, Mexico, have announced the appointment of richard rodriguez as director of sales and marketing. rodriguez will focus on sales and marketing strategies and will oversee several of the company’s key tour RichaRd RodRiGuez operator accounts, with the goal of increasing sales through innovative marketing initiatives and promotions. rodriguez brings 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry with 18 years in sales and marketing. rodriguez joins el Dorado Spa resorts & Hotels and azul Hotels by Karisma following seven years as director of leisure sales and marketing at Occidental Hotels & resorts. During the span of his career, rodriguez has held numerous positions including director of travel industry marketing for Doral Golf resort & Spa, regional destination manager for Travelocity.com, and director of marketing for GOGO Worldwide Vacations. el dorado spa Resorts & hotels and azul hotels by karisma, 866-527-4762, www.karismahotels.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News