ECO CHIC IN EK BALAM
One of the many joys of living in Playa del Carmen is day (or weekend) tripping! There is a seemingly endless supply of fantastic, magical and completely different places to see just a car ride (and/or maybe a boat) away! Weekend getaways to tropical islands, colonial towns, archeological zones, and the dense tropical jungles are all within easy reach for even the most conservative travelers.
Ek Balam is a beautiful, while lesser known archeological site with fewer tourists than Chichen Itza or Tulum. It is characterized by the incredibly well preserved original stucco covered altar at the top of its largest structure. A site well worth visiting for those interested in the Mayan culture.
The town of Ek Balam is an excellent choice for a day outing at the archeological site or for the more adventurous, this tiny town of about 300 people is a wonderful place to settle in and experience the distinct rhythm of life of a Mayan town deep in the Yucatan jungle. For transitioning into the peaceful bliss in harmony with the tropical jungle, Genesis Eco-Oais is a wonderful catalyst.
"A Paradisal little Eco Lodge for Independent Travelers who love Nature, Maya Culture and Archaeology."
This eco-hotel is characterized by beautifully designed intermingling indoor and outdoor spaces, that invite relaxation and integration with the natural surroundings.
There are plenty of places to hang around and observe the luscious natural permaculture gardens that have been loving cultivated over the past 12 years.
Each of the rooms at this eco-oasis have indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing along with plenty of natural light and airflow.
The founder of this eco-retreat has made it her mission to cater to a different type of tourism. Off the beaten path travelers, nature lovers, conservationists, and those who are interested in culture, archeology, history, permaculture, gardening, and local cuisine are welcomed with a bounty of information, classes, activities and heartfelt smiles.
This is an especially fantastic adventure for families and is a natural way to board topics such as; healthy eating, cultural differences, wealth disparity, family unity, and conservation making this a journey of self discovery as well as an exercise in observation and learning together.
The rooms are comfortable and filled with whimsical touches.
The swimming pool is a natural cenote. It is fed with the crystal clear, cool water of the underground river system that flows beneath the Yucatan Penninsula. This natural phenomena is celebrated by the ancient Mayan cultures, on a hot tropical, steamy jungle afternoon you can get an idea first hand of why, as you thank the gods of the waters for this cool respite from the heat of the day.
A fantastic way to relax after exploring the nearby ancient Mayan ruins.
Surrounded by coconuts palms, banana plants, papaya trees, chaya bushes, and other edible tropical foilage there is no shortage of healthy organic food to grace your plate.
The only sounds are the songs of the jungle birds, frogs and animals mixed with the noises of the small local population of thatched roof, cement and stick houses.
With plenty of space to stretch out and relax this is the perfect laid back atmosphere for finding yourself, reconnecting with your partner or your family or simply, "getting away from it all".
Find yourself by losing yourself in the jungle of the Yucatan at Genisis Eco-Resort.
Andrea was born and raised in Montreal by a Mexican mother and a French Canadian father. She studied cinema and photography in Argentina and Montreal, and has now been living in Playa del Carmen for several years. Both her Mexican and Canadian roots are an important influence on her identity and how she perceives the world through her photography and writing as the content creator for BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors www.buyplaya.co and the blogs at https://www.buyplaya.co/playalife/
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