How One Lagoon Is Changing into a Hub for Sustainable Tourism in Mexico

Standing on a dock overlooking Lake Bacalar—nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colours—I lastly understood why different vacationers had advised me this was essentially the most lovely place in Mexico. As I slipped into the crystalline contemporary water, I observed the way it appeared to alter from darkish blue to lavender, relying on the depth of its limestone ground and the place of the solar.

Positioned within the state of Quintana Roo, simply north of the Belize border, Bacalar hasn’t but drawn the eye (or overdevelopment) of common locations farther north within the state, equivalent to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. However curiosity within the space is rising, due to the city’s laid-back vibe—and the extraordinary colours of the 26-mile-long lagoon.

And whereas many on this neighborhood of about 40,000 folks see the advantages of inviting extra guests, they’re additionally fiercely protecting of Bacalar’s pure wonders. Along with the lake, these embrace seven cenotes, the water-filled sinkholes for which the Yucatán is known, and stromatolites, dwelling fossils regarded as among the many first types of life on earth. Scientists say sustaining the lagoon’s ecological stability is essential to the organisms’ continued existence.

Amongst these working to navigate these competing priorities are the eco-conscious hoteliers behind three new boutique properties. Aware of the toll mass-market success has taken on different elements of Mexico, these hospitality execs are sourcing supplies as domestically as attainable, using workers from the area, and selling soft-adventure actions that permit sustainability-minded vacationers to attach with nature whereas minimizing their affect. This previous September, I ventured to Bacalar from Mexico Metropolis to preview what’s in retailer.

The Intimate Oasis

Stepping via the carved picket doorways of Casa Hormiga felt like stumbling right into a temple backyard. Operated by Sofia Lynch and José Maria Padilla, an Argentine-Mexican couple who moved to the realm in 2009, the 18-room resort hides a clutch of thatched-roof concrete buildings and two swimming swimming pools amongst huge palms and different endemic vegetation, like lush birds of paradise. At Casa Ritual, the resort’s on-site spa, therapies typically incorporate regional customs and medicinal practices. My 2½-hour therapy started with a ceremonial cacao drink—a standard custom within the Yucatán—and ended with a rejuvenating natural soak in water infused with basil, rosemary, lemongrass, and slices of grapefruit. The following day I bagged a spot at La Playita, a membership on the lagoon that companions with Casa Hormiga. After my swim, the shaded restaurant patio was a really perfect place to take pleasure in a plate of fish tacos and take within the spectacular view. Doubles from $396.

The Fashionable Retreat

On arrival at Habitas Bacalar, I used to be ushered into the open-air reception space for a brief intention-setting meditation session. From there I adopted a protracted gravel path lined with native gumbo-limbo bushes to seek out the resort’s 35 A-frame cabins. Whereas some face the lagoon and others the jungle, the entire lodging have been constructed utilizing the rising model’s signature low-impact modular development to keep away from any main modifications to the land. Siete, the on-site restaurant, incorporates a largely vegetarian menu with seasonal substances sourced from distributors within the Yucatán, whereas the wellness middle focuses on Mayan-influenced therapies. It will possibly additionally prepare actions together with paddleboard yoga and aerial cross-training. Doubles from $400.

The Excessive-Design Haven

Mexican starchitect Frida Escobedo has constantly garnered reward for utilizing pure supplies to create placing architectural tasks, and her newest endeavor—the 22-room Boca de Agua, slated to open in October 2022—is already making a buzz. Each element of the resort’s design, together with sapodilla wooden licensed by the Forest Stewardship Council and limestone sourced from solely 31 miles away, has been chosen for its minimal environmental affect. And, as Mexico Metropolis–based mostly cofounder Rodrigo Juárez advised me, the resort can be partnering with world nonprofit Saira Hospitality to supply skilled hospitality coaching to the encompassing neighborhood to supply long-term, sustainable work alternatives. Charges not out there at press time.