Condé Nast Traveler has recognized The Haciendas as the world’s best overall advocate for social and environmental commitment, and the leader among all its competitors. The hotel group also won awards for poverty alleviation and special recognition for its health and education programs. Traveler’s editors declared “The Mexican company seems to be doing everything right,” and that it was “no shock the Haciendas came out on top.”
Among the hotel group’s social and environmental commitments, the magazine made special mention of the fact The Haciendas draws 98% of both service and management personnel from the surrounding region, helps local residents start their own artisanal workshops and cooperatives, and undertakes special efforts to empower Maya women. Its education outreach has included investments in a mobile library, upgrades to local schools, and the creation of modern, computer-equipped libraries in several local communities. The group’s health recognition stemmed from preventive medical centers it runs in seven surrounding towns.
Speaking of her decision as an awards judge, Laurie David—co-producer of the celebrated environmental documentary An Inconvenient Truth--declared herself “thrilled by The Haciendas’ approach,” and affirmed “the company’s dedication to the environment and the surrounding community’s health proves you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to protect natural resources.”
Haciendas founder Luis Bosoms is particularly proud the group’s efforts have been recognized by environmental, political and travel industry leaders. “Our vision at The Haciendas,” he remarked, “allows us to do things right and also do good, through a commitment to preserving and sustaining the Yucatán’s extraordinary environment and culture, in partnership with the region’s amazing people.” He noted “this was always part of The Haciendas business plan.” But recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, he says, “is a fantastic confirmation of our philosophy that motivates us to do even more for communities.”
“Ultimately,” Bosoms declared, “our hotels and social projects are inextricably linked: commercial success depends on social success, and vice versa.”
The company’s social programs are organized and financed by the Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, in conjunction with local governments and institutions. The foundation creates sustainability projects that offer the greatest positive community impact and seeks to promote Maya identity, build awareness and recover at-risk elements of Maya culture. It simultaneously combats poverty in the region. Foundation programs foster education, health and sustainable development in collaboration with local communities, enabling program beneficiaries to become the drivers of their own social improvement projects.
Significantly, Haciendas guests are invited to participate in the hotels’ community-based efforts and encouraged to visit the workshops, schools and libraries the company created. Community gardens provide many of the fruits and vegetables served in its restaurants, and locally produced handicrafts are a significant addition to hotel décor as well as highly prized souvenirs from the hotels’ Fair Trade boutiques. Guest purchases contribute directly to the support of the community.
The five properties that make up The Haciendas, in Mexico’s Yucatán and Campeche States, have gained a reputation as one of Latin America’s most singular and impeccable five-star destinations. Combining the grandeur of centuries past with every modern amenity, and offering world-class dining on regional specialties as well as international fare, they’ve become a magnet for sophisticated world travelers. Guest rooms occupy restored hacienda buildings and are furnished in period style, transporting visitors to another era. Each property is unique in its architecture and design, and features exquisite amenities, inviting pools and spectacular gardens. They offer complete relaxation, extraordinary comfort and the impeccable service that has made Starwood’s Luxury Collection world famous.
Additionally, The Haciendas partners with sister company Catherwood Travels to provide one-of-a-kind Bespoke Travel Experiences amid the Yucatán’s evocative ruins, spectacular ecosystems, charming colonial cities and vibrant, modern-day Maya civilization. Led by experts and archaeologists, Catherwood’s custom-designed experiences incorporate The Haciendas’ social and environmental commitments with adventure, discovery, and Travel in the Grand Manner.
“With these great recognitions from Condé Nast Traveler,” concludes Bosoms, “a Haciendas stay becomes even more worthwhile. While guests enjoy our beautiful hotels, in spectacular tropical settings, they help preserve the region’s fragile environment and improve its residents’ quality of life. We’re thrilled to see how our social and environmental leadership has made a real difference on the ground, offering a win-win for guests and local communities alike.”