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But Luxury, Nonetheless

Knowing that more than 250 environmental protection programs are being run on site might make a potential guest wary that services will be lacking.  But, it shouldn't, because even though the staff of the Hacienda Tres Rios is incredibly proud of their conservation efforts, there is no skimping on luxury.

Stay in one of the hotel's 273 suites; each is spacious and even the standard room (645 square-feet) is big enough for a family of five, with two queen size beds and a pull-out sofabed.  Each room has a view of the ocean or the fresh water canals and also has a private balcony or terrace, plus free WiFi.  With a décor inspired by a blend of modern Mexico and traditional hacienda style, marble graces the floor, local mahogany accents the furniture and 300-count Egyptian linens provide a sound sleep.  Larger suites with a full kitchen and connecting rooms (some even have a Jacuzzi on the roof for a romantic evening!) are also available.
 
The kitchen might not be necessary as guests are welcomed to eat at any of the hotel's seven eateries. All under the direction of Executive Chef Oscar Orbe Quiroz, each restaurant offers families a unique assortment of flavors and choices.  Breakfast and lunch buffets are served daily at the casual international buffet at the Casa Las Islas.  Outside by the pool, families can enjoy deli food at the Hacienda Grill or munch on the brick-oven flavorings at the il Forno Pizzeria.  Freshly baked breads and pastries and espresso are also available at the Patisserie Café de Paris. 

Kotori is the Asian-fusion eatery that features sushi and Thai food. At Porto Bello families can enjoy Italian food in a formal setting.  (Note both Kotori and Porto Bello share the same space, thus only one restaurant's menu is available at any given day.  Make sure you get the restaurant schedule upon checking in). 

Finally, the flagship restaurant is the colorful El Alebrije where, as they listen to live performances by a traditional Mexican band, guests can sample the delicious and healthy cuisine of the Maya and Mexico. 

If your family is interested in learning about the inner working of the Hacienda Tres Rios' kitchen, they can inquire about the cooking lesson and demonstration presented by Chef Oscar on the Martini and Tea-time Terrace.  And once the kiddies go to bed, parents can hang out in at the Victory Sports Bar/Agave Tequila Bar, where they can enjoy a Tamarind Margarita or do a tequila tasting with the hotel's tequila expert, Angelica Martinez.  Guests can also treat themselves to the 24-hour room service menu that, along with all other food and drink, is included in the hotel's all-inclusive Endless Luxury package. 

The Nature Park

Also included are unlimited excursions in the resort's Nature Park.  Of the property's 326-acres, 150 (nearly half) will be left untouched so that the natural eco-systems may flourish.  And it is the only resort on the Yucatán that contains three distinct eco-systems: jungle, mangrove forest, and coastal dunes. 

Featuring 90 animal species, 120 plant species and three rivers (tres rios), there are many ways to experience the beauty of the park.  Guests can snorkel and swim down the Rio Selva, kayak on the Rio Pajaros, bike through the grounds or even get an interpretive guided walking tour with a botanist.  Kids will love the opportunity to replant mangrove that have been damaged by hurricanes or snorkel the reef just off the one-mile stretch of seacoast.  Check out the Botanical Garden and Nursery to learn more about all of the protected species of life that can be found on the grounds. 

But the most sacred way to truly experience the nature would be a swim in the Cenote Águila, one of the 10 that can be found on the property.  Led by a guide in a kayak, groups are given a floatation device to wrap about their waists and then they simply float down the cold, fresh-water stream.  In ancient Mayan legend, cenotes, spring-water-filled sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone bedrock, are thought to nurture human life.  They are a connection to the underworld and immersing in one cleanses the soul.  The float down the cenote ends where the fresh water meets the ocean; afterwards, guests can dip in the warm seawaters and they head back to the pool.

The Nature Park is still in developmental stages.  Coming soon will be a Mayan Cultural Center, an educational museum that will celebrate the cultural aspects of Maya.  Included in the center will be a typical Mayan pueblo or house, a garden of organic fruit and vegetables, as well as a milpa or cornfield.  Other future additions will include a canopy tour and a Reserva las Garzas, the bird sanctuary.