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Four authentic Mexican Sandos properties—dotting from Cancun to Cabo—have jumpstarted environmental policies in order to protect and optimally care for natural resources along the Bay of San Lucas and Baja California.
When I visited last month, Sandos Finisterra spanned seven acres of silky taupe beaches with 250 rooms and suites sustainably carved into local granite. The candlelit caves and cliffs are impressive at first glance, especially in the spa.
Without unpacking, I began my investigations of the sustainable initiatives at Sandos Mexican properties, and Sandos boasts properties in other Latin American countries too:
• The golf carts use solar energy;
• guests volunteer to protect endangered mother turtles as they nest with their eggs;
• water recycling programs purify landscaping and all indoor/outdoor areas;
• hotel and staff financially support local Mayan communities and help them sell custom crafts; and
• they highlight mainly local artists when commissioning Mexican cultural projects.
Celebrating Natural Ingredients
Carved into the curvaceous red hills, the Sandos Finisterra Spa is committed to using natural resources and preventing negative environmental impacts. “We tap local high-quality herbs and spa products such as sage, mint, salts and mountain plants,” says corporate Spa Director Laila Medina Hicks.
There are nearly 200 different types of agave plants cultivated all over the world. A succulent plant, it is cousin to the carb-driven yucca and thrives in the southern and western United States, central Mexico and South America. “We offer 100 percent natural Mexican Agave in our signature treatments,” says Hicks.
Mayans utilized all parts of the agave plant to heal wounds and infections. “The fleshy agave leaves, for instance, have antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects,” she says. That means topically, at least, agave quickly reduces swelling, cleanses, and hydrates everything from muscle strains and infected cuts to painful bee stings.
“The Aztecs used agave syrup to treat wounds because of its antibacterial, rejuvenating properties,” adds Hicks. It’s also the main ingredient in butt-kicking tequila. Next time you’re south of the border, drink it and slather blue agave, and stop by for a Tamarindo Margarita or an Agave Signature Treatment in Cabo.
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