Playa Viva in Mexico stands as a shining example of regenerative hospitality, embodying the principles of positive environmental and social impact that the Regeneration Collection seeks to promote. This eco-luxury boutique hotel goes beyond mere sustainability, actively working to restore and revitalize its local ecosystem and community.
Located on the Pacific coast near Zihuatanejo, Playa Viva operates with a holistic approach to regeneration. The resort runs entirely off-grid, generating 100% of its energy from solar power, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy and minimal environmental impact. But Playa Viva’s efforts extend far beyond its own operations.
The resort’s ReSiMar watershed regeneration project exemplifies its dedication to ecosystem restoration. This initiative focuses on education, permaculture, water conservation, marine life protection, and reforestation. By implementing regenerative permaculture methods on 20 acres of land, Playa Viva not only supplies its own organic produce but also aims to transition the entire watershed to these sustainable practices.
Playa Viva’s commitment to community well-being is evident in initiatives like the Juluchuca Women’s Cooperative. This project empowers local women by providing training in organic production, permaculture design, and land regeneration techniques, while also challenging traditional gender roles in farming.
The resort’s approach to marine conservation is particularly noteworthy. By offering guests experiences like turtle releases and fishing trips with local fishermen, Playa Viva creates transformative interactions that benefit both visitors and community members. These experiences align perfectly with the Regeneration Collection’s vision of hospitality as a force for positive change.
Architecturally, Playa Viva showcases sustainable building practices. The resort utilizes renewable bamboo as a primary building material and incorporates local materials like clay pigments for wall finishes. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also creates a unique aesthetic that enhances the guest experience.
Perhaps most importantly, Playa Viva integrates its regenerative practices into the guest experience. From welcome tours explaining the resort’s ethos to farm visits and cultural events, guests are immersed in the regenerative mission. This aligns with the Regeneration Collection’s belief that successful regenerative projects must balance environmental restoration, community well-being, and economic viability.
Playa Viva’s success in implementing these regenerative practices while providing a luxury experience demonstrates that the hospitality industry can indeed be a catalyst for positive environmental and social change. It serves as an inspiration and a model for the kind of innovative, regenerative concepts that the Regeneration Collection aims to nurture and promote in the hospitality sector.
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