We just had a guest explain to us their sustainable vacation day, a fun recollection of their first day in Tulum for vacation and a great indication that something is going right in the world. This sustainable vacation day was planned by our guests, derived from their research on this blog (thumbs up) and from some recommendations from others hanging on the beach. The news is spreading, and sustainable vacations are a reality in our little hood as we like to refer to it as. It helps that the hood is one the ocean, beside one of the largest biospheres in Mexico, and within a small distance of organic markets, local fruit markets, caring chefs and the most beautiful tropical jungles. WE picked the hood for this reason, the hood is doing what we knew it could, providing sustainable vacations for guests without really thinking about it. That is cool, that is what we are aiming for. That is what makes this area, special.
My sustainable vacation south of the border
This was pretty easy. Right off the bat, it has to be stated that this sustainable vacation day took very little planning. The biggest challenge was finding a true sustainable hotel that was really looking to make a difference and was making a difference. We found it, love it and are so happy we made this choice. The physical building is truly environmentally sound, the wind cools your room, the sun provides electricity, plants support the beach and local restaurants bring their wet garbage for composting.
So this was my sustainable day. Woke up to organic coffee and sat on the terrace reading my book and taking in the breeze. A shower was next, with biodegrable shampoos and conditioners supplied by the hotel. I was told after that it was made locally. Even better. My super great boyfriend ran into town and bought some mangoes, pineapple, watermelon and papaya! Fresh fruit on the terrace and some quiet time with my favorite person in the world, my boyfriend!
We changed in our bathing suits, grabbed our sunscreen and off to the beach we went. That took all of 3 minutes to do, and into the ocean we went. The shower was not needed as this ocean dip was glorious! We swam for an hour, mesmorized by the clear water and the difference in temperature. I later found out from Jimmy that the fresh water cenotes lead out to the ocean, fresh water eing cooler than salt water and the cenotes that have alack of sunlight, keep the water cool.
When we returned to the beach, other guests said hello and we started to swap stories. I grabbed my suntan lotion and our new friends quickly offered an eco friendly suntan lotion solution. Silly me, I did not even think. Truly a mistake not to bring eco suntan lotion. Do I want to be the one to pollute the blue water that was staring back at me…NOT!
As the day continued so did our sustainable choices. I finished my book, I still read paper books, and passed it forward to our new friends. Our fruit peels were added to the Casa de las Olas community compost, our fun was supplied by the ocean and the beach, some of the best fun I have had in a long time, running the waves, body surfing, snorkeling off the beach, and giving myself an amazing exfoliation from the sand on the beach!
Cocktails on the terrace were great and we had them by candle light. Electricity was an option, but really the candle light was the best option. We went out to a local restaurant called Hartwood, and really had the best dinner! Eric the Chef picks as much organic produce he can find, he hand picks his pork and the atmosphere, super cool, super romantic and super special.
What happens after dinner, remains between me and my boyfriend! But it was a sustainable activity! 
So the day was the perfect sustainable vacation for us. We needed no outside stimulation, televison, iphones, atv’s, cars were not needed. This day was all about enjoying what was right there, using all the natural entertainment that was right smack in front of us.
Tomorrow we will venture on kayaks into the Sian Kaan, enjoy our fruit and coffee in the morning, take a late afternoon trip into town to the organinc market and find a cute hole in the wall in town for tacos, quesadillas and beer. Could life be any better? Could we have contributed more to decreasing our carbon foot print any less? Dont think so and it felt great going to bed to the sound of the waves, the wind creating a natural lullaby and sleeping with a big fat smile on our faces from such a glorious and simple day!
Thank you Casa de las Olas and especially Jimmy for creating such a blissful and wonderful day! Our vacation week was more than we imagined, hoped for and we will be back!
