September in Mexico is always a festive month in preparation for its Independence Day holiday on September 15 and 16, but this year, September is extra special because Mexico celebrates 200 years of independence from Spanish rule and 100 years since the end of the Mexican revolution.  All month long, establishments in states across Mexico are decorated in the colors of the Mexican flag:  green (symbolizing independence), white (religion), and red (union), and will present unique activities in honor of its bicentennial and centennial.

Mexico’s State of Quintana Roo

The state of Quintana Roo, where Hacienda Tres Ríos is located, is one of them.  This beautiful state was once part of the Mayan-controlled Yucatan Peninsula, which became a separate territory in 1902 and a Mexican state in 1974.  It was named after Merida lawyer, Andres Quintana Roo and his wife Dona Leonara Vicario, who were strong supporters of Mexican independence.  Also influential in developing Mexico’s official declaration of independence, A. Quintana Roo actively contributed to the foundation of the new Mexican government.

Bicentennial Festivities

In honor of Mexico’s independence and its bicentennial, the festivities begin on September 1 and continue for 30 days, including singing, dancing, eating, drinking, and participating in historical-cultural events.  Every year, Independence Day celebrations begin the evening of September 15 when citizens meet in zocalos (town squares) cheering and toasting to their independence with cervezas (beer), waiting for the official introduction of the holiday.  Near 11:00 p.m., a city representative rings the symbolic liberty bell and repeats Father Miguel Hidalgo’s historic “grito” or call to action.  The people respond by shouting, “viva la independencia” and “viva Mexico,” and the celebrations are underway.

Riviera Maya Celebrations

For these remarkable festivities − not to mention the pleasant seasonal temperatures − September is an ideal time to visit the Riviera Maya, Mexico.  This is an extraordinary occasion to participate in a rare, authentic Mexican holiday that includes folkloric songs, dances, costumes, and traditional Mexican food and drinks.  There’s no better place to experience a rich cultural and luxurious vacation than at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park.  Special activities will be held at the resort during the entire month of September.

At 12:30 p.m.
Mondays: Soups of Mexico (Alebrije)
Tuesdays: Chocolate Origins (Alebrije)
Wednesdays: History of Black Corn (Casa las Islas)
Thursdays: Chile Tasting (Terraza Martini)
Fridays: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parade (Lagoon)
Saturdays: Flavors of Yucatan (Terraza Martini)
Sundays: Mexican Handcrafts (Pool)

At 3:30 p.m.
Mondays: Piñatas (Garden) *3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: Tequila Festival Tasting (Sports Bar)
Wednesdays: Mole-Traditional Mexican food-History (Terraza Martini)
Thursdays: Mexican Marinates (Hacienda Grill)
Fridays: Mexican Fusion Cuisine (Casa las Islas)
Saturdays: Pre-Hispanic Parade (Pool)


EVENING Entertainment
Fridays at 9 p.m. Traditional Mayan Show in the esplanade.
Saturdays in the evening, Mexican Folklore Show in the theater
Sundays, a Mexican party in the esplanade at 6:30 p.m.

Live a real Mexican experience while enjoying the finest of luxury, surrounded by 326 acres of pristine nature at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park.

Nothing says Caribbean vacation like a refreshing, colorful cocktail in vibrant blues, reds, or oranges. Chef Oscar Orbe shares his recipes with us for the perfect drink to cool down in those hot summer days.

When you’re in Hacienda Tres Rios, just ask for a Blue Lagoon.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. In a glass with ice, add vodka, lemon juice, natural syrup and blue curacao liqueur.
2. Stir.
3. Add a lime slice with cherry for garniture.
4. Enjoy!

And for those who prefer their drinks without alcohol, make sure to try the Hacienda Tres Rios Fruit Punch.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. In a glass with ice, add orange juice, pineapple juice, grapefruit  juice and grenadine.

2. Stir.

3. Add a citrus skewer and enjoy!

Tulum will beat to the sweet sounds of the Latin Jazz Festival hosted by the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Committee. The free concert will be held in the town’s square.

This extraordinary beachside concert will take place in Tulum on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The acclaimed Riviera Maya Jazz Festival hosts a summer concert every year in Playa del Carmen and the annual festival in November in Mamita’s Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.

The Latin Jazz Festival will feature the Araya – Orta Latin Jazz Quartet, Eddie Palmieri, and India.

The 8th Annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival will be held on November 25 to 28 and will feature Aguamala, Al Di Meola, Armando Manzanero, Eldar Djangirov, Eugenia Leon, George Duke, Hiram Gomez, Incognito, Ivan Lins, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern & Dave Weckl, The Manhattan Transfer, Troker, Yekina Pavon.

When you first see the orange, rocky letters of the Riviera Maya’s Xplor Park, an interaction with nature is not what comes to mind. But this incredible adventure and discovery experience not only invites you to have an adrenaline rush with zip lines and jungle explorations, it’s also an invitation to uncover nature in a new dimension.

XPLOR activities – Combining Nature & Adventure

ZIPLINES ::  The swift wind impregnated with sticky humidity and a subtle touch of rain hits your face slightly as you slickly glide through cables across the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. The luscious greens under your feet and blues above give you an spectacular view during your exciting ride in the Xplor Ziplines. With two routes and 14 lines to travel, this park attraction provides a subtle touch of adrenaline while at the same time, putting you in a position to breathe new air. Despite the initial nervousness of heights and security, being suspend on air by the park’s certified zipline system gives you an incredible journey through nature.

AMPHIBIOUS :: After exploring the jungle from above, head down under and explore fascinating pathways and secret grottos on board powerful amphibious vehicles. These vehicles will take you riding through the jungles of the Peninsula, allowing you the opportunity to explore the natural wonders and mysterious caves and let your imagination run wild. Whether you want to ride by yourself and enjoy the quiet and serenity of being one with nature or ride with someone else, nature and adventure merge into one.

UNDERGROUND :: Hanging from the ceiling like natural chandeliers, the stalagmites and stalactites of the underground river in Xplor transports you to a different time and stillness only nature can provide. The incredible beauty of these natural formations reflecting on the chilled water reconnects you with the liveliness of nature. You can explore these awe-striking natural surroundings by taking a dip in the chilled waters and swimming 437 yd in the subterranean rivers of Xplor. The rock formations created naturally over 65 million years reflect ever so coolly against the 77 F degree water. You can also explore the amazing beauty of these underground caves by rowing 601 yr on a raft.

Xplor Adventure Park provides a unique exploration of nature with 7 circuits that invite you to explore, discover, and fulfill your nature and adventure needs. Xplor Park is located approximately 20 minutes from Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort.

Have you ever been? Tell us, what’s your favorite activity?

Everyone chooses to travel for different reasons.  Some venture into travel with the idea of adventure; others seek to find connections with group tours; some crave the hot nightlife of vibrant cities; and others simply want to get away, relax and be pampered.  In a world with approximately 190 countries, the options are endless. But endless travel destinations like Cancun and the Riviera Maya in Mexico offers travelers not only a beautiful destination, but the ideal getaway for relaxation and pampering with a spa vacation.

Spa Vacation :: Choosing Correctly

Although some hotels may offer spa treatments that will surely help you relax, not every hotel has a full-service spa on site for that perfect relaxation getaway you seek.  Choosing a resort with a comprehensive spa and wide range of services is vital for the perfect spa vacation. As far as choosing a spa vacation, there are important things to consider when planning your dream spa vacation. For example, the longevity of the resort, the quality of the spa facilities and products, and the type of services offered at the spa.

Ya’ax Che Spa :: In harmony with nature

This resort spa offers both traditional and innovative treatments that combine advanced spa technology with healing techniques from ancient Mayan civilizations of the region.  “Ya’ax Che” refers to the Mayan tree of life, which symbolizes man’s connection to nature.  In keeping with the Mayan belief that pain is the result of disconnection, spa treatments focus on reestablishing the balance between a person’s mind, body, and spirit with nature.

Spa Resort :: Investing in World class

A genuine spa resort should be part of a financially sound, successful company that invests in a world class spa. A destination spa should provide a relaxing, pampering experience while you enjoy a luxury vacation and a total immersion in healthy living. The right spa resort for you should feature aerobic activities, fitness centers, and a unique menu of treatments. It also should feature quality, natural products with top of the line technicians with specialized training in spa techniques to provide the most effective results.

Spa Services :: Reconnecting body, mind, & spirit

Ya’ax Che Spa* offers a wide variety of spa services, providing not only personalized individual services but also custom designed spa packages, including established treatments such as:

• Massages for couples under the moonlight
• Reflexology for head, hands, and feet
• Zen hot stones therapy
• Detoxifying or purifying body wraps
• Mineral or 100 % Natural wraps
• Complete beauty and health facials
• Mesoamerican Temazcal Treatment

*Additional fees apply

Tell us, how do you choose your ideal spa treatment?

“La Música es una parte integral de cualquier experiencia de viaje, no hay nada como sentarse en la playa a escuchar excelente música bajo las estrellas” – Director de Marketing del Fideicomiso de la Riviera Maya.

El Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya se consolida como una fusión entre la música jazz a través de sus distintas expresiones y el destino turístico más hermoso: la Riviera Maya. Los extraordinarios conciertos tienen lugar a la orilla del mar en el Club de Playa Mamitas en Playa del Carmen, uno de los sitios más populares para vacaciones en el Caribe Mexicano.

En el 2009, el Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya atrajo a más de 50,000 visitantes al destino turístico mexicano con jazzistas de talla internacional como Herbie Hancock, Spyro Gyra, Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes y muchos músicos locales.

La 8va edición del Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya, se llevará a cabo del 25 al 28 de Noviembre de 2010. ¡No se puede perder esta maravillosa experiencia!

Nota: El 4 de Septiembre habrá un concierto especial previo al Festival de Jazz en Tulum con Araya, Eddie Palmieri e India.

EVENTO: 8vo Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya

CUÁNDO: Del 25 al 28 de Noviembre del 2010

DÓNDE: Club de Playa Mamitas en Playa del Carmen, ubicado a 15 minutos de Hacienda Tres Ríos.

QUIÉN: Aguamala, Al Di Meola, Armando Manzanero, Eldar Djangirov, Eugenia Leon, George Duke, Hiram Gomez, Incognito, Ivan Lins, John McLaughlin, Mike Stern & Dave Weckl, The Manhattan Transfer, Troker, Yekina Pavon y muchos más…

The beach has been a favorite pastime since we can remember. Here we present some old photographs of fashion, activities, and more from more than 100 years ago. Which one is your favorite? Do you have any old photographs?

Photos courtesy of http://evilclownvalley.com/how-beaches-looked-100-years-ago

Green Globe certifies Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort two years in a row with a score of 95 percent, one of the highest scores from green hotel and resorts world wide.

After an extensive review by Green Globe International, Hacienda Tres Ríos is accredited with receiving one of the highest Green Globe grades world wide. The Green Globe certification is an indication to travelers that a resort implements environmental safe practices.

The announcement was made by the President of Green Globe Latin America, Romeo Dominguez, who visited the resort for the announcement. “It is remarkable to see a luxury beach resort apply such high standards for the sound management of its natural resources  − 120 plant species and 90 animal species − and for its training programs that benefit both employees and the community,” said Dominguez, who manages the sustainable tourism network and green business travel with a presence in 50 countries.

Romarico Arroyo Marroquin, vice-president of Development and Financing of Tres Ríos received the Green Globe Certification. “Hacienda Tres Ríos is the best example that sustainability and tourism are compatible and we are convinced that this is the right way to be responsible,” said Arroyo Marroquin after an explanation of the resort’s eco-friendly practices.

Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort has been built 9+ feet (2.8 meters) above sea level on stilts that allow for natural river flow. The resort was creatively designed to reduced electricity consumption from air-conditioning by 38% and from lighting by 70%.  In addition to using 100% biodegradable products and recycling 100% of solid waste, the resort’s custom-designed operating systems reduce water consumption by 40%.

“Not only did we receive recertification, but we did it with an incredible 95% compliance.  I know of no other hotel in the world that has achieved such a high grade so soon after opening,” said Gabriel Santoyo, Chief Environmental Officer of Tres Ríos.  Santoyo directed the practices that have enabled the resort to achieve this international recognition.

While for many traveling green or eco-friendly travel means backpacking and camping in the jungle, some travelers have become accustomed to the luxury and comfort of their vacations. Studies show that consumers have increased their preference for brands that proved to be ethical, charitable, and eco-friendly.

But how can a luxury resort remain socially responsible and still sustain the preservation of nature?

The dictionary defines sustainable as “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged” and luxury as “a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort.”

With this in mind, Tres Ríos has developed its mission around this concept. This green resort in the Riviera Maya serves a model for luxury travel and sustainable tourism and has been recognized nationally and internationally for its efforts.

We present our top sustainable tourism practices.

1. PLATFORMS To avoid changing the underground water flow, the foundations of all buildings have been set on permeable rock bases and elevated platforms.
2. INFRASTRUCTURE All permanent infrastructures will be placed at least 165 feet away from the shoreline, at least 65 feet away from all cenotes, and at least 35 feet away from the site’s three rivers.
3. CONSERVATION All vegetation to have been determined as environmentally valuable will be designated as a conservation area and no construction is allowed near the site. With that, more than 150 acres of mangrove and jungle have been preserved.

4. WATER FLOW Detailed geo-hydrological studies determined the direction of underground water flows, the precise depths from which drinking water should be extracted, and the depths to which residual and treated waters should be injected to avoid contaminating the aquifer, land and marine ecosystems.
5. CANALS Specially designed canals will operate and maintain themselves. This high rate of water exchange will ensure the proper balance of nutrients and oxygen fro healthy plan and water life which in turn will creates new underwater and shoreline mangrove habitat for numerous birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans.

6. MANGROVES The ongoing mangrove clean-up and reforestation program will rehabilitate over 20,000 m2 of damages to mangroves caused by Hurricane Wilma.
7. ROADS & PATHWAYS Tres Ríos is built using a series of digital models to identify roads and pathways to avoid affecting the flow of surface waters.
8. EMS TEAM A multidisciplinary team of scientists and specialists monitor day-to-day operations. The team is responsible for implementing more than 250 specific strategies as part of seven programs and twenty subprograms under our Environmental Management System (EMS).

With the rising level of carbon dioxide, rising number of endangered species and rising awareness of our impact on the environment, it is no longer a choice whether companies should be sustainable and whether travelers choose to be responsible travelers.