Ecologically-Sustainable Resort Residences on Riviera Maya Offer Opportunity to Own

It’s not just the lush jungles that make Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba green; the resort is the most forward-thinking, sustainable luxury enclave in the region, setting a new global standard in resort development. Known for its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship throughout Asia, Banyan Tree has made its foray into the Americas within Mayakoba, a new private development composed of four leading hoteliers, spanning over a mile of prime beachfront along the Caribbean Sea on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

The secluded Mayakoba Resort complex was purchased by Spain-based master developer Obrascon Huarte-Lain (OHL), nearly 15 years ago. During this time, OHL worked with environmentalists to develop the region’s most progressive, eco-friendly resort community, unparalleled in the luxury sector. Today, the Mayakoba Environmental Advisory is a team of biologists who oversee and guide development within the community to minimize environmental impact. The team has successfully preserved 228 plants from 40 families and 108 species all indigenous to the area. The Mayakoba nursery also boasts over 306,000 native plants.

"Mayakoba has set a new precedent for beachfront development in Mexico. I have been working with the resort to preserve and protect flora and fauna and have been happily encouraged by what I’ve seen," states Hector Alafita, project manager and biologist with GPPA, an environmental consultancy group. "Mayakoba is proof that luxury development and sustainability can beautifully co-exist."

Fully accessible via electric water taxis, effectively mitigating noise and fuel pollution, Mayakoba is composed of a tapestry of canals and lagoons that traverse through Mangrove jungles to every corner of the resort, allowing residents and guests to serenely travel on these aquatic pathways from hotel to spa to beach.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba will offer guests the opportunity to partake in their corporate Green Imperative Fund (GIF) which provides financial support to local community- and environment-based projects. Guests are invited to be a "partner" through a small contribution of US $2.00 per room night, under an "opt-out" arrangement. Banyan Tree matches their contributions, dollar for dollar, to develop the Green Imperative Fund.

Also directly supporting the local community is Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s retail arm, Banyan Tree Mayakoba Gallery and Elements, which showcases the finest artwork and crafts from local and regional artisans. Banyan Tree Gallery’s business ethos center around four core values: sustaining village development, conserving natural and cultural resources, showcasing ethnic crafts and culture, and educating and motivating stakeholders. Based on "retailing with a difference," Banyan Tree Mayakoba Gallery and Elements will feature handcrafted and museum quality art, silver, paintings and sculptures.

Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba is offering the limited opportunity to purchase at this eco-friendly sanctuary. Imbued with a fresh blend of Eastern and Western influences, each private villa is shielded from neighboring villas by natural flora and fauna and features its own private, full-sized pool, as well as:

Outdoor bathtubs and showers
Spacious poolside terrace
Private garden
Separate living pavilions
Large private pool sundecks
Spa Villas feature massage decks
The larger villas feature separate bedrooms with loggia living rooms for maximum privacy

The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses.

Mayakoba is situated just south of Cancun on Mexico’s prized Caribbean coast – the Riviera Maya. A mere 40-minute drive from the towering hotels of Cancun visitors will discover a completely different experience. Here, nestled in a lush natural paradise, lies Mayakoba, a truly unique resort destination. Mayakoba is comprised of four luxury resorts, each featuring a range of culinary and spa experiences. An 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, El Camaleon, managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offers players an ever-changing terrain that moves gracefully from mangroves to the sea. Created to harmonize with the unspoiled tropical forest, Mayakoba is connected with a series of lagoons enabling guests to wander effortlessly from place to place through the resort using the "lanchas" (covered boats) as well as a network of trails. Mayakoba is a luxury destination like no other where you are immersed in unspoiled natural beauty and the mysteries of an ancient civilization.