Travel Responsibly while Enjoying a Luxurious Holiday at Careyes
Understanding the effect you have on places during your globetrotting journeys and trying to make that effect positive is vital for maintaining the environment, wildlife and local communities. Responsible travel is something we should all be aware of in order to minimize the harmful results our actions have on the planet.
From its beginning 40 years ago, Careyes, the family owned exclusive resort located on the south Pacific coast in Jalisco, Mexico, has understood this approach. While the extravagant tourist hotspot is known for providing guests with a luxurious getaway, it’s also known for its green and sustainable practices, as well as its non-profit the Careyes Foundation. The organization has helped improve the well-being of the local community in four main areas: Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation, Sports and Recreation, English Language Training, and the Contemporary Art and Community Program.
Here’s just some of the wonderful things they’ve done:
-Focused their philanthropic efforts on protecting the endangered sea turtle population. In 1983, only 11 turtles would lay eggs on the Careyes coast each year. Now, more than 2,000 sea turtles come to nest on Playa Teopa annually, thanks to the Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Center.
-Created programs in the ten rural villages surrounding Careyes, reaching a population of more than 7,000 people. The Foundation’s dedicated team of staff and volunteers have built strong relationships in the local communities, creating partnerships that are truly cooperative and, therefore, sustainable.
-Taught local children bike polo, hiking, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, while instilling an appreciation for nature and the importance of respecting the environment.
-Started the Children’s English Book and Lessons Program (CEBLP) in the rural coastal region of Costalegre, which comprises Careyes and its surrounding villages, and is predominantly reliant on the tourism industry as the major source of employment. This makes it essential for children to become bilingual in order to pursue a variety of meaningful careers and contribute to the development of their communities.
-The Careyes Foundation has partnered with a team of specialists to develop the Beyond Borders series; a set of customized, English-Spanish workbooks tailored specifically to the educational needs of the children of Costalegre. Our team of volunteer teachers follow the curriculum’s natural language learning instructional methodology to deliver biweekly English lessons to over 1,200 children.
In addition, Careyes limits outdoor lighting at night to conserve energy and avoid the light pollution that detracts from the stars, their villas are built to maximize cross ventilation (which reduces the usage of air conditioning), and all roads have been constructed by hand with rock or dirt so asphalt isn’t used.
The resort is comprised of private villas with large infinity pools overlooking the ocean, bungalows, ocean castles, casitas, five al fresco restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine, and the Careyes Polo Club, complete with two regulation-sized Bermuda grass fields.
Careyes is a premier destination where you can partake in an array of outdoor activities such as yoga, whale watching (in season), exploring the surrounding jungles, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, tennis and horseback riding. Or you can simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings while leisurely strolling and relaxing on unspoiled beaches.
It’s a magical, yet ethical experience, complete with five-star hospitable service and plenty of adventure!