Surrounded by 206 acres of jungle, mangroves and freshwater cenotes, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has been designed to exist in harmony with this beautiful environment. With 539 luxury suites, gourmet restaurants and bars, a convention center, a state of the art fitness center and a sumptuous spa, we are keenly aware of how our presence affects the environment and its eco-systems.
We make it our priority to safeguard the idyllic beauty of the Riviera Maya, and reduce our impact through the implementation of green initiatives. And we continue to evaluate the management and preservation of our environment.
As a significant source of employment in the area, Grand Velas Riviera Maya promotes the professional development of our employees and works with local suppliers who engage in environmentally sound practices. We adhere to the highest standards of waste reduction by establishing protocols that are reflected in our use of eco-friendly products and renewable resources.
Created an artificial reef with breakers to preserve the beach. We clean the sand daily of any foreign debris. Additionally, teams of more than 30 employees are organized monthly, to thoroughly clean, sweep, dig and sift the sand for extra cleaning.
Waste Separation
Designated containers are strategically located for recycling garbage around the properties. Additionally, we recycle burned cooking oils to a supplier for conversion to biodegradable fuel.
Supporting Local Recycling Programs
Local companies are in charge of processing glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, and toxic material to handle their recycling, and proper disposal.
Organic Waste
Food waste in optimum conditions is donated to local farms.
Composting
Raw food waste is stored and mixed with soil to create a natural fertilizer for our gardens. To accelerate the process, we make use of composting worms.
Plastic Use Reduction
In all of our properties 100% biodegradable avocado seed straws are offered, as well as glass containers and jars for liquids, as an alternative to help reduce the use of plastic bottles. 1.6 million plastic straws are eliminated annually.
Sea Turtle Protection and Preservation Project
Measures are taken to protect sea turtles that lay their eggs on our beaches to allow for safe nesting. Preservation of the Mayan jungle taking care of approximately 90 plant species and regular planting of trees.
Onsite power stations reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources. Additionally, Velas has partnerships with power suppliers that provide solar and wind energy.
Reverse osmosis desalination plants
Our operation is self-sufficient. For every liter of drinking water we are able to reuse 600 milliliters for general purposes, while 400 milliliters are returned to the ground to help preserve the environment. Wastewater treatment facilities allow us to water outdoor gardens and natural environments surrounding the properties.
Solar Panels
Water is preheated with solar energy, saving around 45% of gas.
Mindful Laundry Process
Laundry facilities include a water treatment plant to efficiently filter soap water, which is then used for rinsing, saving 30% of the water utilized in the entire washing process.
Suite Design
Accomodations were designed at conception to be energy efficient. Installed double glass windows keep heat out while state-of-the-art air conditioning equipment reduces pollutant emissions and minimizes energy consumption overall. In addition, each suite's electronic key serves as a lock to turn power on or off when accessing or leaving the suite.
Velas Resorts is committed to generating jobs within the regions at which the resorts have presence. We maintain a 3:1 staff to guest ratio at Velas Resorts in comparison to maybe 1 employee for every 3-4 guests at other hotels and resorts.
Our landscapes
We have adopted stretches of road landscaping in our destinations that support the cities' maintenance for visitors and residents alike.
Reforestation Projects
We reforested more than 20,000 trees when building Grand Velas Riviera Maya to protect the flora and fauna of the region, preserving the natural habitat of a total of 104 animal species and 53 types of plants and trees. This was the first project in Mexico to be approved on land with mangroves.
Our Staff
The staff is periodically trained in environmental initiatives, to create a "green" awareness to be applied not only at the hotels, but also at home.
Our kids and teens' facilities and programs are second to none and encourage the use of recyclable material with fun and ingenious crafts that give our youngest guests smart ideas of how to reuse and follow recycling tips at home.
Among the activities that can be enjoyed at our hotels, guests can participate on ecological tours to learn more about the onsite flora and fauna.
Insuite, guests have a turndown card that invites them to place it on the bed only when they wish their sheets and towels to be replaced.
Sense of place
We also pay major attention to exclusive experiences for guests off property that give back to the community. We offer experiences in everything from our food & beverage and spa to family bonding activities, romance and soft adventure that not only create extraordinary moments for guests but also support local partners. Wherever possible, these are inspired by Mexican history, culture and traditions, which impart a rich sense of place.
