Being a sustainable development at Casa de las Olas we are great supporters of sustainable tourism. What we love about the Tulum area is the amount of sustainable tourism activities that guests can participate in. One of our favorites is Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes are the number one sustainable tourism activities on the coast and are unique to this area, not only in Mexico but also the world.

Why cenotes are sustainable tourism

Cenotes are naturally made fresh water pools that are part of over 790 kms of cave systems that are throughout the area. The cenotes are the opening where the cave comes to the surface. The cave systems here in the Riviera Maya are fulled with limestone formations making the cave system one of the most decorated in the world. The caves are also completely submersed in water to the formations stay protected from outside elements but are also not continuing to form due to being submersed in water. The formations only form when the limestone is exposed to air. Once submersed they cease to form making the limestone formations even more precious.

Cenotes are part of sustainable tourism for many reasons.
1. They are a natural part of the landscape and are a part of the environment.
2. Land owners are local residents, they are not government owned so paying the entrance fee to these natural wonders supports local residents and in most cases local Mayan families

3. Cenotes are a large part of why the jungle on the Mayan Rivera exists. Plant root systems use cenotes for fresh water. The jungle could only exist with the help and eco-partnership of the cenotes.

4. Cenotes and the cave systems continue to be a large part of the local culture. Mayans build their communities around cenotes. Mayans also used the cave systems hundreds of years ago to hide from invaders, and travel through the dense jungle.

5. Cave divers travel from all over the world to explore the caves making this area of Mexico a hub for cave and scuba divers. It has helped to shape the culture of the area since the 1980’s.

6. Fresh water is extracted from the cenotes for residential use. Cenote are the only supply of fresh water.

Cenote Dos Ojos system map for snorkelers

We are advocates of the use of local guides, but some snorkelers want to experience cenotes on their own.  It is part of the adventure and thrill of a new country. Local guides are very knowledgable in the history of cenotes, the best places to snorkel, the best way to maneuver the centoes and for novice snorkelers, you will get a snorkeling lesson and assistance.

The drive to Dos Ojos is about 5 km on the federal Highway to the center of Tulum. Pay your fee per person at the entrance and be ready for a long drive into the parking area. The road is rough, the jungle dense but fun. We do not recommend taking a collective and walking to the cenote. Too hot, the jungle is too dense and it will take about an hour or so to walk in.

Once you are in the parking area of the cenotes, there are two areas to snorkel. As per the map, it is best to do one and then the other moving between the two cenotes on land. Divers move between the two areas underwater , the passages are too long for a snorkeler or free diver.

As sustainable tourism goes, we don’t think you can get that much closer to sustainability than a cenote. It fits all the parameters of sustainable tourism, environmental, economic, human and cultural. Check it out and have some fun!! It is one of the coolest experiences you will have.

We are finding more and more single travelers booking at Casa de las Olas in the past months. Single travel is becoming more popular as we find young professionals are venturing out on vacation when they can find the time, which these day seems to be less and less. Tulum is a very easy place to get to as a single traveler and it travel culture makes it easy to meet others who have done the same.

Since Tulum became a travel destination over 30 years ago, it has been known as a great spot for single travelers. The area is chill, people are friendly and the area is super safe. Mexico City it is not and as a single traveler can have a great vacation and learn a ton about the area at the same time.

Tips for single travelers in Tulum

1. Be open to meeting other people – Conversations happen everywhere and be open to stories, conversations and other people when traveling in Tulum. This is where many people find their best travel tips and other people to share travel experiences.

2. Put most of your travel budget into your accommodation. Eating, public transportation, tours and vacation activities can be done inexpensively. The largest part of your budget will be your accommodations and it is worth the planning.

3. Spanish is not required – In the Tulum area most travelers can navigate through the area without speaking spanish. The cool thing is someone is always around to help with language skills when you need it. Spanish is spoken everywhere you go but people are great at hand signal communication, photos, or finding someone who does speak you language to help with your needs.

4. Single travelers meet great people on tours – Many single travelers do one tour and then find other travelers with similar interests that they can hang with or share rental car costs with to discover other parts of the area. Tours are the first meeting place for many and can jump start an adventurous vacation off the tour grid.

5. Pubic transportation is a great way to go! – We really believe in the efficiency of local transportation from a cost perspective and from an environmental perspective. Save some cash, meet other travelers and know that your experience is enriched by using these services.

6. Romance is always a possibility- No one really wants to ask this but we are going to put it out there. With the various single travelers in Tulum Romance is always a possibility. With the beautiful beach, the glorious evenings, great restaurants and the chill atmosphere, romance is normally up there. If you are not looking for it, it wont come your way nor will it effect your vacation, but lovely places sometimes sprout lovely relationships.

Online forums support Tulum as a solo travelers destination. It is easy to get to, provides a really beautiful atmosphere, there is lots to do, or lots not to do. Singe travelers are welcomed in Tulum so if you don’t have a travel partner, no worries that are hundreds of single travel partners in Tulum to enjoy your vacation with.

Check out Tripadvisor or Facebook for comments on single travelers enjoying their vacation in Tulum and especially Casa de las Olas.

Before we go into the origin of the word Yucatan, it is important to define where the Yucatan is. When looking at a map of Mexico, specifically the eastern part on the Caribbean side of Mexico, there are two areas that are referred to as the Yucatan, the state of Yucatan and the Yucatan peninsula.

 Yucatan Peninsula and the State of the Yucatan

The state of the Yucatan is in the southwest part Mexico. The capital city is Merida and is surrounded by the neighboring states of Campache to the west and Quintana Roo (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chetumal) to the east and north. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern portion of the state. The state has a large population of Mayan communities and has architectural influences in the larger cities from the Spanish. Unlike Quintana Roo, The State of the Yucatan has a long and colorful history that is fascinating, too deep to tackle in this blog post.

The Yucatan Peninsula is the entire Peninsula (land Mass) that includes the following states; Campeche, Yucatan. Quintana Roo,  land . When the Spaniards landed on Mexican soil in the southeastern part of Mexico they named the entire area that is now three states the Yucatan Peninsula. After many wars and the independence of the area in the 1800’s the Peninsula was separated into states with one state retaining the original name of the area, the state of the Yucatan.

Where did the term Yucatan come from

There are many theories as to where the name Yucatan came from. The common theme between the theories is the Spanish interpretation of what the Mayans were saying. One theory states that when the Spanish asked what is the name of the area when first landing in Mexico in the 1500’s the Maya, responding in Maya said, we don’t understand your language. The Spanish then assumed that the answer to their question was the name of the state and it was then called the Yucatan based on the Spanish pronunciation of the Mayan words that were spoken.

Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500’s it is stated by historians that the area was called el Mayab, which when translated means a few. The area did have a few settled colonies Chitzen Izta, Ek Balam, and the Maya called it ‘the Few’ based on the various colonies that had been built.

More theories exist as to how the term Yucatan came into existence and it all boils down to miscommunication and not understanding the Mayan language. The Spanish name has now stuck and the area is still referred to as the Yucatan Peninsula (combined states in the area) and the state of the Yucatan. Though wars were fought to divide the area and state lines clearly have established the division of the area, many refer to the land mass as the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico has a fascinating history that we continue to read about and further our knowledge of the area. Is there an area of Mexican history that you would like us to write about. We love to be prompted find new facts and your suggests are welcome!

Viva Mexico! If you like this post share it on Facebook! Education is power and travelers to the area can always enrich their vacation with interesting facts!

Most people look forward to Saturdays as it is generally a non-work day, a family day or a chore day. Casa de las Olas looks forward to Saturday for the organic market held on Saturdays in Frida’s Hostel. This is an exciting day for us and as soon as things are looked after, off we go with many guests in tow as market day is one of the best days of the week.

Organic Market in Tulum has a few surprises

The organic market in Tulum opens late, at 1 pm or so… and it is small. This is a growing project that is becoming a popular shopping option for visitors and locals. It is personal, people who sell their items are passionate about what they do and you will find some traveling artists join in when they are in the area to put up their art for sale. There are some regular vendors and there are some surprises each week. For the Riviera Maya, this is a real treat to have organic producers of some hard to find food items that makes our day!

Regular vendors at the Tulum Organic market

Sprouts – sunflower and chick pea sprouts are always at the market. They are fresh, crunchy, yummy and make a delicious salad!

Greens – Mixed greens, arugula, lettuces of  various types, sold by the bag and flavorful! The producer of the lettuces has salsas, mango being one of the house favorites, hummus and other spreads. All organic, all really wonderful.

Granola – The granola guy, all ingredients including the honey are organic. Simply the best organic granola tasted to date. It leaves us speechless every time we eat it.

Vegetables -  The Vegetable guy has different vegetables each week, kale is one rotation and onions are another rotation. Faithfully he is there every week and his stuff goes fast !

Honey – fresh organic honey. Could life get any better?

Baked goods – not the same person each week and sometimes the baked goods are savory and sometimes they are sweet. Last week it was a delicious spinach pie. The week before some heavenly carrot muffins.

Directions to the Tulum Organic market

Super simple. The organic market is located on the highway in Tulum at the southern edge of the town. Frida’s Hostel hosts the market in their back garden so park your car, or walk from town. Walk through the front reception at Frida’s and you are there! Entrance is free prices are fair if not good. You will not be able to find anything like it on the coast unless it is a one day annual event. Frida’s is located on the map where the red X is across from El Carmello which has gret tacos! The 109 highway is the beach road in Tulum or what is also referred to as the Coba road. Check out out photos below to see more of the Tulum Organic Market. Have you been there, let us know! Would love to hear your reviews.

With Tulum being a bit off the grid and not like other cities in the Riviera Maya, airport transportation is perceived as a challenge. Once the mystery of Tulum travel is explained, the trip from the Cancun international airport to your Tulum accommodations is easy. Knowing your options and what each option provides makes it easier. HItch hiking is not what we are proposing though there are some great options for many different travelers.

Travel options from the Cancun airport to Tulum

1. Private airport transfer – This can be arranged through most Tulum hotels at the time of booking. Depending on where your hotel is located a return private transfer ranges from 175 usd to 225 usd for up to three people. Groups of 4 or more could cost 20% more but is a nice per person rate when you are traveling with a group. This service will be your personal pick up and drop off to your Tulum hotel with no stops (unless you want them) and a car waiting for you. If you are arriving late at night, this is the only way to go. If you have had a long flight, the best way to go.

2. Rental Car at the airport- This is only recommended if you know the area, know where you are going and know the highway rules in Mexico. Typically airport rental car pick ups for new guests to the area is not a fun adventure. The wait can be long for your car, the process is different than you are used to and driving for the first time after a long flight tough. We do recommend that you rent a car while in Tulum for flexibility we just do not recommend the hotel rental car pick up.

3. Public Transportation – For the sustainable traveler or the adventurous traveler, public transportation is dreamy in Mexico when you know how to do it. The ADO buses are big, cold and have videos. The ride is smooth and relaxing and they are on time! To get from the Cancun airport to Tulum it is best to take the Playa del Carmen bus that runs each hour to Playa del Carmen and then switch to the Tulum bus right in the Playa del Carmen terminal. Airport buses run until 8 pm and Tulum buses run until 1 am (though the last bus out of Playa is crowded and packed!) The cost is great 10 usd per person from The Airport to Playa and then 5 usd from Playa to the center of Tulum. If you are staying on the beach in Tulum the maximum you will be charged to get to a Tulum beach hotel is 10 usd. Bus schedules can be checked online on the ADO webpage and they really do run on time with not a second to spare!

4. Collectivos – The collectivo option, public transportation that consists of small 12 passenger vans, used to be an option from the Cancun airport but is not anymore. Some transportation operators get you to commit to their service with the promise of a collectivo for 34 usd a person but you will find that this service will not transpire.

5. Taxi – All we can say is expensive. A one way taxi ride for 3 people to a Tulum beachfront hotel will be minimum 195 usd. That is not including the return. If you are arriving late at night, the price may be even more. The taxi ride to Playa del Carmen is 90 usd, another small fortune for a one way ride. The other issue is, most cab drivers do not know where the hotels are in Tulum so we do hear stories of cab drivers getting lost as they are not familar with either Playa del Carmen or Tulum or other cities for that matter. Cancun they are pretty good at, but the coastal cities are not their expertise.

Whether you want to have private transport, or public transport both are a great way to go. If you are traveling from afar and it is your first time to the area, take  private transport. If you know the lay of the land pubic is a great way to go and our preference as the federal buses are super comfortable and dependable.

What is your preference for airport transportation? Let us know on the Casa de las Olas fan page so other guests and soon to be guests learn from your experience.

Who would have known. We started drinking Agua de Jamaica years ago because we like it. The Michocan juice and ice cream stores all over Mexico carry Jamaica as a cold drink not a hot tea. It is yummy, great on a hot day and inexpensive. A one litre agua de Jamaica for 12 pesos (1 USD). To cut down on the sugar and with the help of some local friends, it is now made at home! The health benefits are astonishing. Better than vegetable juices, more antioxidants than cranberry or pomegranate! We were converts before we researched the health benefits but now we are loyal consumers of Jamaica Water!

What is Jamaica?

It is a flower known to many as the Hibiscus to us it is the Jamaica, that grows in many Caribbean countries including Mexico. Gardeners like to plant them to attract bees, butterflies and humming birds. Hibiscus tea can be found in many north of the border grocery stores and when you brew it you will discover the redness this flowers bears.

The Jamaica juice is the same color. It is a powerful red, easily made and is basically a hibiscus herbal tea that is chilled. But it tastes so much better here! the flavor is rich and fruity, a little savory and a little sweet. Flowers are beautiful and in abundance in Mexico. Love the health benefit of this local treat!

In the pueblo of Tulum Jamaica it is pronounced Hymyca in Spanish. And it is locally made and locally sold.

Health Benefits of Jamaica

Jamaican is high in Vitamins and Minerals with powerful antioxidant properties. It helps lower elevated blood pressure, bad cholesterol and detoxify the entire body.

Antioxidant levels in Agua de Jamaica are higher than vegetable juice, tomato juice and orange juice; and compares to Cranberry Juice and Pomegranate Juice with more antioxidant levels than these juices.

The antioxidant properties in Jamaica juice helps provide our bodies with protection against free radicals, molecules which cause heart disease, stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, premature aging and cancer. Jamaica juice also helps flush the prostate, the liver, kidney and bladder.

Since Jamaica is high in electrolytes such as chloride, magnesium, potassium and sodium, the tea or juice can be used to replenish electrolytes in the body after exercise, a day in the sun or a long day on the beach.

Aqua de Jamaica Recipe

1 ¼ cup of dried Jamaica Flowers
3 cups of water
4 cups of water to make 2 quarts of the final drink
½ cup of sugar
Ice cubes

1. Place the dried flowers in a small pot with the 3 cups of water. Bring them to a boil. Boil them for about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat.
2. Set aside for at least 4 hours or overnight with the flowers and water together.
3. Bring to a boil the 4 cups and water and sugar until the sugar dissolves and let cool.
4. Strain the liquid into a pitcher and add the 4 cups of water and sugar. You can adjust the added water if you feel it is to tart to your palate.

Have other health benefits that we missed in our description of Agua de Jamaica? Let us know what your additional health benefits are and your recipe for Jamaica juice!

Many travelers are still confused about sustainable tourism and sustainable travel and we don’t blame you. It is tough to navigate between the messages, hotel certifications and news out there. But really we do know what it is and we love to share what we know! If you know Jimmy, you will know that he is a sharing kinda guy! So if you are unclear, no fault for yours the messages these days are confusing and hard to follow. So lets see if we can shed some light on sustainable tourism. Whether or not you think it is important is up to you. For us it is our number one, numero uno priority.

Sustainable travel and tourism is pretty simple

Sustainable travel is looking out for suppliers who are protecting and taking these four factors into consideration. Environmental, human, financial and cultural factors of the countries that deliver the travel services. The planet. In its totality. Everything that makes up the planet as we know it.

Eco travel is concerned with the environment only, Sustainable travel takes the environment, the people who live and work in the country, economic factors of the local travel area, and cultural factors into consideration.

So when you travel, look after the environment of your destination as if it was your own, buy local, play local, purchase locally and support locally. Do as the Romans do and find out what the culture of your destination is all about.

As the globe gets smaller many visitors expect other countries to mirror their home country. Half the fun of travel is the discovery, the understanding, the learning and appreciation of how other cultures, countries, environments exist. When you dig deep into the cultural psyche of a new country or even a neighboring state, it is fascinating to see how people live, eat, work, and build community.

Sustainable travel and sustainable tourism opens up these experiences to you. It really opens up your heart to other ideas and new ways of seeing things.

How can you apply sustainable tourism and travel principles?

Tree hugging certification is not required. Sustainable travel has been around for a long time and sustainable tourism was a belief held by many generations just not  labeled as such.

From the minute you book your flight to discovering ways get to your hotel, to choosing your hotel and planning your vacation, you can choose the sustainable way or….not. Check the environmental and human resource policies of your airline. Check the building practices of your accommodations and their waste, energy and water management. Find local tours that use local guides. Choose tours that highlight the local flora and fauna. That could be the mountains, the ocean, fresh water systems, snow, sun….your destination will determine the highlights.

Talk to people. Talk to people who live in the area you are traveling to, talk to people once you arrive. Residents and travelers love to share their insights and discoveries. Just because something is number 1 on Google does not mean it is the best sustainable choice. Dig a bit deeper and get real opinions from real people who share similar beliefs.

Casa de las Olas believes in sustainability and practices it

I have never seen Jimmy hugging a tree but he is passionate about sustainable tourism. Local he knows and local is what he chats about and recommends. His continued focus at Casa de las Olas is the environment, the staff, the great guests that add to the culture of Casa de las Olas and buying local; whether it be food, furniture or fruit. If you are at Casa de las Olas on a Saturday, the first thing that comes up is Market Day, organic market day in Tulum and Jimmy will captivate you with his description of the granola, greens and sprouts that are all organic and can only be purchased on a Saturday.Think of Jimmy as your one stop sustainable travel and tourism guy and guide. He has done his research and guests get the rewards!

If you like sustainable travel and tourism do a shout out on Facebook and like Casa de las Olas. We are sustainable in every way and no tree hugging is required. It is just about enjoying a super vacation in a super interesting town in a super interesting country where some of the most beautiful beaches in North America are at your doorstep!

Shrimp tacos, fish tacos, seafood tacos, you name it they have it and conveniently located on the highway when you enter Tulum from the north. It would be safe to say, it is the first taco place you hit when you are driving from the airport, Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Tulum. If you ask you taxi driver nicely, and offer him a 12 peso taco or two, bet he will stop for you and wait for some seafood tacos!

Seafood tacos are a Mexican specialty

Urge Tacos does it right and they are cooking up some pretty amazing seafood tacos that is loved by both  locals and visitors. It is casual, open air, no walls but seating, a roof and plastic chairs and tables. They open in the afternoon to the early evening (so no breakfast shrimp tacos) and it is generally busy! Sit and eat your authentic Mexican tacos there, or take them to go and eat them on the balcony or the beach at Casa de las Olas.

Seafood tacos at their best with a salsa bar

Seafood tacos are battered shrimp or battered fish or a combination. Guacamole is fresh, the ceviche to die for and the salsa bar one of the best we have seen. Take your pick of  their homemade salsas that range from coconut to mango, the marinated red onions, habanero to pico de gallo. Have not met a disappointed customer/diner yet. Fresh? Did you ask about Freshness? Fresh as can be and would not doubt if the local fisherman are supplying the fish daily as they return from their fishing expeditions in the mornings before Taco Urge is open.

This is Authentic Mexican food

If you want authentic and are craving Mexican food, this is a great place to start! Service is fast, food is fresh, staff are super bien! and you will have a delightful experience. Que rico los tacos de Urge Tacos! If you don’t feel like tacos there is whole fish, seafood cocktails, shrimp cocktails, and more seafood based dishes!

Have you been to Urge Tacos in Tulum? Show them some love on Tripadvisor and post a review. While you are at it read the Casa de las Olas reviews on Tripadvisor and see if this is the place you want to hang out in while in Tulum on vacation.

The Mayan language is being rejuvenated in the Mayan culture and throughout the region. Like other indigenous languages, it was shunned upon to speak Maya at school, in public places or with friends as the indigenous groups did not want to be discriminated against. Like Native American cultures in Canada and the US, ancient languages are being taught in cultural centers, schools and colleges to revive the traditions for these cultures.

Five Mayan Words you can use while visiting Tulum

When people travel they like to have some basic language skills that they can use in the country that they are visiting. More and more visitors to the Tulum area are learning a few Mayan, not Spanish, words to enhance their traveling experience in this Mayan community.

1. Thank you – Dios bo’otik (Spanish- Gracias)
2. You are welcome – Mixba’al (De Nada)
3. No – Ma’ (Spanish – No)
4. What is your name? – Bix a k’aaba ? (Spanish – Como se llama)
5. How are you? – Bix yanilech? (Spanish – Como esta?)

There is no direct translation for the word Hello in Maya so there is an equivalent Ba’ax ka wa’alik which means what do you say. There is also not a direct translation for the word Yes. A Maya would rephase the sentence to confirm a thought or idea in the positive.

Pronunciation of Mayan letters and vowels

Most letters are pronounced as in English, except that the following are always pronounced as follows:

a, like the a in father. (short a)

b, silent if at the end of a word, pronounced if in the interior of the word.

e, as the a in lake. (long a)

i, as the ee in feel. (long e)

o, as the o in bowl. (short o)

x, the sh as in show.

• Some consonants have an accent mark after them and are pronounced quickly with quick expulsion of air. The best way to describe this is form the letters in your mouth as you normally would, but at the very beginning, force them out quickly.
• Pronouns, I, you , we , they, are single letters in most cases. I is In, you is A, he, she and they are U.
  

if you try to speak the language but totally fumble, mayan people just respect that you are trying. Mexicans also are very gracious when you are trying to speak Spanish and do not pronounce or use the correct word. It is this patience and graciousness that is found to be most appealing in the Mexican culture. Just try and see the reaction that you receive.

Join us on Facebook and try and write or speak those words on your profile and see who responds…in Maya! The video below shows you how Maya is pronounced so you can practice before you come to Tulum.

Bird's eye view of the Tulum jungle and eco system

We received an email from a guest a few weeks ago that had a glorious letter attached. One of our guests has recommended Casa de las Olas for Leed Certification, an environmental certification for our villa’s environmental and sustainable building practices. WOW! This certification was developed by the US green Building Council in 2000 and only has 21 Mexican based businesses certified, with only one business categorized as Platinum. Well there will be two Platinum businesses in Mexico soon as the villa scored 90/100 in the application process!

What is LEED certification?

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is redefining the way we think about the places where we live, work and learn. It is internationally recognized and provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Highlights that prove the sustainable development of the villa

The cover letter submitted by our guest sums up our beliefs and commitment to sustainable building and sustainable tourism and sustainable building practices.

The application highlights:

Integrated Pest Management, Erosion Control and Landscape Management Plan: Our on-going gardening is working and the dune will not experience erosion due to the garden that continues to thrive at Casa de las Olas.

Site Development – Protect or Restore Open Habitat: This was too long to share, but we are very proud to know that our efforts to protect and restore open habitat was recognized.

Water Efficient Landscaping: Gray water is used to irrigate the many indigenous plant species on the property.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance: Scored very high for this!

On-site and Off-site Renewable Energy and Emission Reduction: Casa de las Olas is 100 percent solar powered (3,000) watts. It is backed up with a 5k Honda generator and supplemented with solar powered flashlights when necessary.

Sustainable Purchasing – Ongoing Consumables: All soaps and shampoos are bio-degradable and locally produced. All food is purchased within 100 mile radius of the site. All lighting fixtures, furniture and décor items were created by local Mayan craftsmen.

Solid Waste Management: Food waste is collected and composted on a daily basis. Seaweed is raked and composted on a daily basis. Staff encourages a high level of reuse and recycling on the property.

Green Cleaning – Sustainable Cleaning Equipment: All cleaning is conducted by hand and green cleaning products are bought locally for all property cleaning.

Innovation in Operations: Irrigation water is also produced through the bio-generator septic system that screens all the waste to create usable gray water. The site has been maintained and restored with indigenous plant species. Plant propagation is practiced through cutting of these native plants. Restoration of the dunes and stabilization of other areas of erosion on the property were achieved with the propagated plants. The Mexican Caribbean coastline is pristinely preserved with daily removal of the garbage that accumulates.

Innovation in Operations #2: Casa de las Olas has 100 percent natural ventilation. The design of the structure incorporates passive air flow within voids constructed in the structures walls. Casa de las Olas is completely cooled and heated naturally by the sun, sea, and wind, which does not impact ozone depletion or climate change.

Sustainable building practices are achievable!

The best part about this application is that we can share what we have done to make Casa de las Olas a sustainable building in the heart of Tulum, Mexico. As we continue to incorporate more projects and refine the building and guest services to reflect our desire to be sustainable in all areas, we will share our stories. The new herb garden is coming along and the organic waste program that we have in the villa has enabled this herb garden to become reality.

We have clearly outlined our policy on sustainable development and sustainable tourism on our website. Feel free to read through how we build upon our sustainable practices in all four areas of sustainability: environment, people, economics and culture.

if you are curious about LEED and what they do listen to the video about the organization.