On my first day, I was introduced to my nomadic guide: Oscar, a kind, animated, former tiger wrangle. Together, we made our way to my suite where I gasped in the middle of the walkway at a view of the jungle that stretched on, uninterrupted, for what felt like miles. It was clear that great care was taken to safeguard the property's natural landscape during construction.
The resort is built around the Riviera Maya jungle to preserve it: the land takes precedence over capitalism and tourism, something you don't see as often in the US. In fact, staffers told me that they are actively working to protect the palma chît from extension and that very plant also inspired the Palmäia name. Likewise, the cenote is carefully preserved and guests are asked not to enter with sunscreen or insect repellant to avoid compromising the fragile environment.
And finally, seeing wildlife is always a sign that nature is being safeguarded, and it was so delightful spotting iguanas moseying around the walkway as I made my way to breakfast or to the beach.
