Nestled on a sprawling 45-acre, ocean-facing campus boasting 401 rooms and suites, the AAA five-diamond Fairmont Mayakoba has long been a must-visit resort on our list.
Situated just outside of Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, this property piqued our interest with its diverse amenities, commitment to sustainable luxury in the Mexican hospitality industry and a central focus on authentic wellness experiences.
What we want to focus on for this article is how the growth of wellness and sustainability within hospitality are interlinked. For this, we sat down with Silvia Ferrer, the director of marketing and public relations at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
As our discussion unfolded, we gained insights into the profound integration of wellness and sustainability at the property and the broader Fairmont brand DNA. This strategic approach — to making wellness and sustainability core values — serves as a powerful lesson for the global hotel industry in creating an aspirational workplace and establishing a virtuous circle for ongoing success.
Embedding Wellness in Brand DNA
Starting small, the integration of wellness as a core value extended beyond spa-centric affairs to shape the entire guest experience.
Every aspect, from food and beverage and guestroom design to the arrival experience, was carefully considered. In a tropical setting, the focus on wellness involved contemplating how a guest's five senses could be positively influenced throughout their stay. Calmingly fragrant plants, reflective of the local environment, were strategically placed to enhance the guest journey subtly, creating an atmosphere engineered for relaxation.
Such details, almost imperceptible, contribute to guests' improved moods and stress alleviation. Importantly, this emphasis on employee well-being is not just about increasing ancillary spending but a key method to enhance team motivation for excellence. Success lies in the team's embrace of all the little details in any wellness program.
Making Every Stay Different Through Sustainability
Asked about the future of wellness at Fairmont Mayakoba, Ferrer highlighted a continuous commitment to reinvention to stay competitive, particularly in light of the upcoming Tren Maya intercity project. Key drivers include wellness, exceptional food and beverage and on-site concerts featuring renowned artists such as Ricky Martin, all underpinned by a dedication to sustainability.
The property fully embraces Accor’s Planet 21, pledging to become a top environmental leader globally. Sustainability as a core value extends beyond back-of-house energy management assessments and ecosystem impact studies. The Fairmont Mayakoba's approach involves a layered strategy, ensuring every guest activity contributes to sustainability and offers unique eco-conscious excursions.
For instance, initiatives include day trips to local Mayan communities, educating guests on traditional lifestyles and showcasing harmony with nature. The Pack for a Purpose program invites guests to use extra luggage space for supplies benefiting local projects, offering a discount in return. The property also partners with Oceanus for reef restoration, allowing guests to plant corals during scuba diving trips and track their growth post-departure.
These sustainability touchpoints not only endear the hotel to its teams but also create an aspirational workplace. The Fairmont Mayakoba's eco-conscious programs provide an opportunity to draw young minds back into the hospitality industry.
Transformative Experiences Require Property Evolution
As wellness and sustainability evolve, creating a competitive edge among hotels requires continual innovation to attract guests and promote hospitality as an aspirational career path. Ferrer showcased examples emphasizing transformational experiences that leave lasting impressions, improving guests' lives long after departure.
The Fairmont Mayakoba's focus on teaching people to eat better stands out in its food-and-beverage programming. Every menu undergoes constant evaluation, with spa director Jessica Lonngi Delgado providing healthy recommendations based on individual dietary needs. The approach ensures a variety of culinary options, catering to diverse preferences while promoting healthier choices.
This convergence of wellness, sustainability, and guest transformation results in experiences such as the unforgettable, customized cenote excursions created through sustainable local partnerships. The property's commitment to continual renewal ensures that each visit offers new experiences and different ways to enjoy the amenities.
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky are partners of Hotel Mogel Consulting Ltd., a Toronto-based consulting practice. Larry focuses on asset management, sales and operations while Adam specializes in hotel technology and marketing.
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