Playa Viva is a environmentally conscious luxury resort located near the small town of Juluchuca in Mexico. They've adopted a regenerative model, meaning they go beyond sustainability and work to actively improve and regrow the environment in their 200 acre beachside property. Their motto is "Where Your Vacation Meets Your Values" which is based on aspiring to and achieving both the highest level of sustainability and hospitality.
Right for You?
Experience
Style
Price
Location
Why Lokal Recommends Playa Viva
Background
Social Enterprise started in 2007|
A Unique Story
In 2005, Sandra Kahn and David Leventhal, the founders of Playa Viva, were introduced to the land that would later become Playa Viva. After investing in the property, they began to look at several options for development that would align with their values. Sandra connected with Bill Reed from Regenesis Group who spoke about moving beyond sustainability and moving towards regeneration (making the place better).
By using the Regenerative Development model, they created a set of core principles that they now use in all design and operation decisions. Today, they feel lucky to have the greatest team of people helping them run the resort - folks from the local communities of Juluchuca, Rancho Nuevo and smaller villages up the watershed. They are proud that most all employees are local and they are a woman-run organization.
Community Connection
Playa Viva is commited in helping theeir local community specifically in 3 categories: education, health, and economic development. Playa Viva supports projects like Pack for a Purpose, English Tutoring, Beach Clean Up, Sal Viva, and Organic Agriculture. These projects are a great opportunity for guests to participate in actively helping the local community.
Environmental Engagement
Playa Viva operates on a regenerative development model, which means that instead of minimizing impact to the local environment (sustainability), they focus on making the environment better that it initially was.
Permaculture is one of the methods they use in their mission to be a regenerative resort. Permaculture is a way of life that supports itself, the way natural ecosystems do. It relies on sustainable agriculture, and living each day without relying on the industrial systems of production and distribution. Their techniques aspire to build an increasingly self-sufficient human settlement.
Playa Viva also ensures that they take smart water conservation measures that minimizes water consumption, in addition to replenishing the local aquifer with even cleaner water. They have a well on site that provides all water, except drinking water. Water used in the kitchen to prepare food is UV-filtered. All grey water from sinks and showers flows to irrigate nearby gardens and all black water from toilets is processed with mini-living systems.
Lastly, Playa Viva runs on a 100% off-grid solar system. LEDs or CFLs are used for all lighting in the lodge and is generally limited to amber colors to limit the effect the light has on nesting turtles.
Verifications
Location
