PRESS RELEASES
Eco-Destination Comprised of Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont and Rosewood Hotels is recognized with Top Certification for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Development
November 07, 2019
Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico – Mayakoba, a destination synonymous with sustainability in the Riviera Maya, recently obtained certificates ranking its performance as the highest level that a company can obtain in Mexico reaching level two in Touristic Environmental Quality from Mexican government officials at the Agency of Environment Protection (PROFEPA). The performance level is evaluated through an environmental management system with defined performance indicators assessing the successes of its business management, caring for the natural environment, and contributing to the social and cultural development of the local community as determining factors.
The destination has been a part of the National Environmental Audit Program of PROFEPA since 2013, receiving recognition as a performance level one every two years upon regular evaluation. This is the first year that Mayakoba has obtained a level two status.
Mayakoba has implemented new equipment to help improve environmental indicators over the years in order to secure its newly recognized level two status. In 2017, the destination implemented an innovative and comprehensive project to rehabilitate its coastal ecosystems, using sustainable technology and processes in collaboration with Dutch and U.S. companies. Today, the destination boasts one of the cleanest beaches in the region. Mayakoba and its hotels are certified for minimizing their ecological footprint, supporting local workers and communities and leading the way in forward-thinking initiatives. A passionate team of architects, biologists, geologists and engineers continue to protect life and beauty on property by maintaining its ecosystem of endemic species.
“We are proud to celebrate this recognition as we’ve worked to refine our processes and interactions with Mother Nature to take a leading role in responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism,” said Borja Escalada, CEO of RLH Properties. “Being the first to hold this level in Quintana Roo and only the fourth in Mexico, Mayakoba sets a shining example for other destinations in Mexico to follow and signifies the destination’s commitment to maintain and improve the level of environmental performance.”
Mayakoba has been recognized as a leader in world-class sustainable tourism development since 2011 by the Rainforest Alliance and World Tourism Organization. They have obtained the Ulysses Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Sustainable Standard-Setter Award from the Rainforest Alliance. The Rainforest Alliance has certified the Mayakoba hotels for eight years through standards recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Recently, the destination rated above 96% in the last re-certification for Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood. The Rainforest Alliance certification program aims to conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihood through three fundamental pillars: environmental protection, equity and economic viability of the company.
About Mayakoba
Nestled in the Mexican Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a 620-acre destination surrounded by the natural beauty of lagoons, jungle, tranquil waters and a sugar sand beach. Four meaningfully placed luxury hotels can be found within Mayakoba — Andaz Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba and Rosewood Mayakoba — each with distinct personalities and amenities, perfectly complementing one another. Within the coveted destination are a wealth of lifestyle experiences including four acclaimed spas, more than 23 restaurants with eclectic cuisines and a village square that serves as an event space modeled after the historic Colonial plazas in Mexico. In addition, guests have access to a three-mile-long nature trail and spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by renowned architect and PGA TOUR legend Greg Norman, which is home to the Mayakoba Golf Classic, first PGA TOUR tournament in Mexico.
About RLH Properties
RLH Properties is a Mexican holding company dedicated to the acquisition, development and asset management of luxury and ultra luxury hotel assets and associated branded residential assets. RLH Properties was established in Mexico City on February 28, 2013 with a focus on activities exclusively related to the high-end segment of the hotel business. Thus, it focuses on the acquisition and development of high-end segment hotel assets located in cities and on beaches that are situated in the main urban centers and tourist destinations in Mexico and Spain. RLH has strategic locations that are difficult to replicate, with various barriers to entry and that are in low supply relative to current and potential demand. RLH has a flexible business model that seeks investment in AAA hotel assets operated by various internationally prestigious hotel brands. Currently RLH owns four resorts within Mayakoba, the Four Seasons Mexico City, the Villa Magna in Madrid and the One&Only Mandarina set to open in the second quarter of 2020.
