In the heart of Riviera Maya, Hotel Xcaret Arte stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury, blending eco-conscious design with Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage. At the helm of its sustainability efforts is Iliana María Rodríguez Cavazos, the Chief Sustainability Officer, who has been instrumental in shaping the hotel’s innovative approach to responsible tourism. In an exclusive interview, she shares how the hotel’s “Xostenibilidad” model integrates the pillars of People, Planet, and Prosperity to create a harmonious balance between social well-being, environmental care, and economic growth.
Iliana explains that the “People” pillar focuses on empowering employees and local communities. The hotel ensures fair wages, continuous training, and collaboration with Mexican artisans to showcase their work. For the “Planet” pillar, advanced water treatment systems, energy efficiency, and eco-integrative architecture preserve biodiversity. The “Prosperity” pillar emphasizes sustainable tourism, supporting local suppliers, and reinvesting in community projects.
One of the hotel’s defining features is its eco-integrative architecture, which required relocating and replanting 80% of the site’s trees and plants. Iliana highlights the challenges of maintaining this balance, from careful construction planning to innovative maintenance techniques like natural pest control and using native plants. “It’s a delicate balance,” she says, “but it’s at the core of who we are.”
The ALL-FUN INCLUSIVE® concept incorporates environmental education programs, such as Educate to Conserve, which immerse guests in the hotel’s conservation efforts. These initiatives enhance the guest experience by fostering a deeper connection to nature and a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Grupo Xcaret’s Sea Turtle Conservation initiative has released over 19 million hatchlings into the wild. Iliana emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies in achieving these milestones. “Collaboration is everything,” she notes, adding that community engagement ensures long-term success in conservation efforts.
Iliana addresses common misconceptions about sustainability in luxury hospitality, stating that it doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. “At Hotel Xcaret Arte, we’ve proven that sustainability enhances the guest experience by connecting them with nature and culture in an authentic way.”
For hospitality leaders aiming to build sustainable operations, Iliana advises integrating sustainability from the design phase. “Plan for energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-integrative architecture. Engage experts, collaborate with local communities, and ensure every initiative adds value for both the environment and the guest experience.”
Looking ahead, Iliana believes innovations like solar energy, advanced water recycling, and AI-driven resource management will drive the industry toward more sustainable practices. She also stresses the importance of cultural preservation, urging hotels to build genuine relationships with local artisans and communities to celebrate and support their heritage.
Through its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and cultural preservation, Hotel Xcaret Arte sets a new standard for the future of luxury hospitality, proving that eco-consciousness and opulence can coexist seamlessly.
