La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana, a collection of 12 distinctive resorts in Mexico’s most desired beach destinations, presents a new experiences for travelers to connect with communities and nature. The activities, offered at The Explorean Kohnunlich resort in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, allows travelers to discover the best landscapes and ancestral cultures in the area. At the same time, these two new tours are designed to increase tourism and boost the economies of Mayan communities in the area, helping to educate visitors about the local cultures and customs in a bid to ensure their preservation.
The first option is focused on craft workshops and starts with a visit to the Rio Bec Artesanal Workshop, where local artisans share their sustainable practice of working with native wood while also keeping their forest green and flourishing. Visitors learn about the different types of wood and get a chance to sand and wax them into final products — and to buy one-of-a-kind pieces created by local craftsmen.
The second stop of this tour takes people on an exploration into the world of Meliponas, an ancient species of stingless bees the Mayans traditionally have used for honey and medicine. Visitors find out about the bees, their hives and reproduction methods, as well as the harvesting and curative properties of their honey. A tasting session is provided, and a jar of Melipona honey and soaps are given to the guests.
A special experience is a meeting with the Neek Ich Ché, a community that prides itself on respecting the planet and keeping it green. They use seeds from trees in the region to make handicrafts such as bracelets, earrings and pencils. During this activity, The Explorean Kohunlich guests can learn about this process and put their skills to the test by making their own handcrafts out of seeds. At the end of the activity, guests are welcome to purchase items made by hand by locals as well as plant a tree, leaving behind their personal contribution to the society.
Another must-do experience is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets: a bike tour to a community in Calakmul, Campeche. The tour begins with a 3.7-milebike ride to take in the spectacular nature of the area and explore the community’s reforestation efforts and how they collect rainwater to nurture local flora. Arriving at a camp site, a locally-sourced organic breakfast is served before a one mile walk to learn about the flora and fauna, local legends, and the process of extracting gum from trees. Visitors may also encounter monkeys, toucans and small birds on the way to the final destination: the Hormiguero’s archeological zone, home to a charming small pyramid with a jaguar-mouth façade.
With these new and exciting activities, La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana is seeking to increase tourism in this rich and multicultural region, helping to spur local businesses and create jobs. The resort operator is working together with the Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, a nonprofit organization that helps Mayan communities in the Yucatán Peninsula with projects for economic and social growth. The tours are designed to educate people on the Mayan culture, helping to preserve their customs.
The Explorean Kohunlich is a 40-room all-inclusive getaway for those looking to experience a deep connection with nature. In addition to the above experiences, guests here can enjoy private cabana or bungalow accommodations set amidst natural foliage while enjoying numerous amenities right on-site including the Ki’ol Spa that offers exotic treatments including citrus exfoliations and honey wraps, The Restaurant featuring regional and Mayan specialties, and a tranquil infinity edge pool overlooking the jungle. Visitors are invited to take advantage of the Suntastic Summer Promotion to enjoy up to $1,000 USD resort credit on all new bookings of 10-night stay in a suite-type room or 20-night stay in a standard-type room ($50 USD per day in a standard room and $100 USD per day in a suite-type room).
