The stunning Caribbean Sea isn’t the only thing making waves at Iberostar Selection Cancún. Wave of Change is Iberostar’s movement to protect the oceans, restore nature, improve coastal health and combat climate change while advocating for responsible tourism. Over 80% of Iberostar hotels, a family-run Spanish company, are located along the coast. Their commitment to the earth sets the standard of what it means to be eco-friendly. From sustainable food options, elimination of all single use plastics, support of local initiatives and helping sea creatures, they have a holistic vision for the future and are committed to the circular economy Wave of Change stands for while setting a precedent for other hotels to follow. As a vegan traveller I am constantly searching for ways to leave as small a footprint as possible on my journeys and staying at an eco-friendly resort certainly helps that goal.
Traveling to Cancun this summer was the first international trip my son and I had taken since the pandemic. We were two very excited Canadians boarding the flight in our colourful masks and armed with hand sanitizer. Upon arrival at Iberostar we were welcomed by stunning turquoise blue water and white sand stretching as far as we could see in both directions.
Mexico is open to travellers and you don’t need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine upon arrival, although you will need to fill out health questionnaires and follow the rules of the resort to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Here are a few things Iberostar is doing to help the earth.
Considering The Environment With Safety Protocols
Safety was on the forefront of my mind and I wanted to keep us healthy. Iberostar Selection Cancún is a luxurious five-star all-inclusive resort with 456 rooms and 156 rooms in the adult only Coral Level section. There were innovative temperature check stations that read your temperature digitally with a cool scanner. Flawless attention to detail and safety was evident immediately. I witnessed staff cleaning lobby tables and chairs before even reaching the front desk. Masks are required indoors except when eating or drinking and before entry into the restaurants guests must sanitize their hands. In response to the pandemic, Iberostar launched the How We Care program, a series of hygiene, safety and health actions. Their medical advisory council not only has doctors, but biologists that consider the environment while not compromising on safety. This includes favouring frequent hand washing to help minimize the use of plastic gloves and using recycled and recyclable material masks that are kinder on the earth. Their certified sanitizing products minimize environmental impact on the water and waste management systems while still aligning with World Health Organization recommendations.
Serving Healthy And Sustainable Food Options
There are six delicious restaurants on the property. Antiguo Laguito Buffet quickly became one of our favourites. Seating is appropriately spaced and we opted for outdoor dining with views of the palm trees and ocean. It’s easy to eat healthy here with an abundance of plant-based options. Before being seated guests are asked about food allergies or intolerances. The breakfast buffet is massive and includes an assortment of freshly squeezed juices, cereals, breads, fresh local fruit, oatmeal with soy milk, scrumptious vegan pancakes, pastries and multiple hot dishes.
We were back at the buffet for lunch after working up an appetite swimming in the refreshing infinity pool (there are several pools including a kids splash zone) and enjoyed made-to-order plant-based pizza piled high with veggies.
Throughout our stay we dined on vegan sushi at Naga Hibachi Japanese Restaurant; savoury veggie kebabs Italian style at Trattoria La Horma; and the best vegan tacos in Mexico loaded with beans, veggies and fresh guacamole at their authentic Mexican Restaurant, El Maguey.
Banning All Single Use Plastics
You won’t find plastic water bottles littered on their beach - because there aren’t any. In fact, all Iberostar Hotels & Resorts are free of single-use plastics. They are combating the plastic problem the world faces by providing refillable water stations using a safe filtration process. Glass bottles are in rooms and reusable cups are available by pools, in the fitness studio and the luxurious spa. Products such as bags for slippers or clothing, minibar items and their cruelty-free bathroom amenities are replaced with renewable plant-based items, compostable cardboard, glass and other alternative materials.
“At least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Floating plastic debris are currently the most abundant items of marine litter. Waste plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Plastic has been detected on shorelines of all the continents, with more plastic materials found near popular tourist destinations and densely populated areas.” – International Union for Conservation of Nature
Plastic straws, coffee lids, cutlery and take-out containers are a huge problem for the earth and you won’t find any here. As Iberostar moves towards a more circular economy their commitment is to be landfill-bound waste free by 2025 and carbon emission neutral by 2030. So lounge by the pool soaking up the sun or participate in their active workout classes knowing you are not contributing to the plastic problem here. Enthusiastic entertainment staff may recruit you to participate in beach games and volleyball, but no pressure.
Supporting Local Initiatives
Due to the pandemic, we didn’t leave the resort to explore as much as we normally do. I believe it’s important to support locals when visiting other countries and usually choose to purchase gifts and souvenirs directly from the people creating them. During Mexican Fiesta night at Iberostar there was lively music by the pool and locals set up shop selling stunning glass ornaments, original artwork, jewelry, hats, wooden masks, decorations and authentic souvenirs. It’s a wonderful opportunity to chat with people about their crafts, their lives and support their creations.
Improving Coastal Health
Climate change is a major crisis that we face globally. In addition to living an eco-friendlier lifestyle, we can help lessen the damaging effects of climate change by improving marine and coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems are home to multiple species of animals and plants and can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In the last few decades 20% of coral reefs have been destroyed globally and a quarter of all marine species depend on these reefs for survival. Iberostar is hugely invested in improving and protecting coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses through Wave of Change. Their work includes establishing multiple coral nurseries, a coral reef laboratory and restoring and protecting mangroves. We were in Mexico during Hurricane Grace when Wave of Change staff rescued thousands of turtle eggs from the storm. Once hatched the tiny adorable turtles were released at night and they crawled away to the sea.
A wave of change has definitely arrived.
There is a certified diving centre on site and my son had a mini scuba lesson in the pool before heading home as a first step to prepare us to hopefully visit Iberostar Cozumel one day and see one of the most famous coral reefs on earth for ourselves.
