(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 14, 2010 ) CELESTUN, Mexico— In honor of World Environment Day, Hotel Eco Paraiso Xixim founder and creator, Verena Gerber, was presented with the first Colibri Ecolodge Award. The Colibri, which means Hummingbird in Spanish, is given annually to the person whose work in Mexico exemplifies good ideas and good work by creating incentives for communication, collaboration and continuity, the vital elements in the development of responsible travel and ecotourism. The Colibri Ecotourism Award celebrates its tenth anniversary, making it one of the longest-running ecotourism awards. Gerber’s is first in the Ecolodge category.
Verena Gerber opened Eco Paraiso in 1996, located within the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun on the northern Gulf of Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the most fascinating Mexican biological reserves. Set on a 3-mile virgin beach, the hotel is ‘eco-chic’, offering a magical experience of impeccable comfort and service in a tranquil environment.
“The work has been titanic in scope, “says Gerber accepting her award from Ron Mader, founder of Planeta.com( a global journal of practical ecotourism). “We have persevered for 15 years to change the way beach resorts have been developed and promoted. It has not been easy but every day tourists are becoming more savvy in terms of what they are seeking and it’s my belief that we will thrive in this changing tourism environment.”
The “Eco-Chic” hotel, which features 24 individual cabana suites all with private terraces, complete with hammocks, providing expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico, was carefully created within the ecologically sensitive area to conserve the dunes situated just feet from 3 miles of pristine, shell-filled beach. The area is a main feeding ground for the Pink Flamingo, Pelicans and countless other sea birds as well as a breeding ground for sea turtles.
The property includes the newly constructed Restaurant Xixim and bar El Santuario plus a fresh water pool overlooking the Gulf. The resort offers multiple choices for local tours to allow guests to explore the archaeological wealth and unique ecosystem of the Yucatan. Hotel Eco Paraiso Xixim is best accessed through the international airport in Merida, which has flights direct from the U.S. as well as through Mexico City with a 90-minute arranged transfer. ###
CONTACT: Verena Gerber
TEL: + 52 (55) 5135 1299
E-MAIL: verena@ecoparaiso.com ;
WEB: www.ecoparaiso.com
