The highlight of my week was a visit to Sandos Caracol, a hotel and resort located about ten minutes north of Playa. After juggling schedules and making some last minute plans, I was lucky enough to get an hour with Alex Ferri, the CEO of Sandos, who offered Jazz Poulin and me a personalized tour of the Caracol property.

Caracol is nothing like I ever imagined. It’s situated on a piece of land, in Xcalacoco, an ancient Maya port and trading zone, and the landscape is a textbook cross section of the region. There are nine cenotes, a variety of small Mayan temples, mangroves, old growth jungle, and, of course, gorgeous beach. The ruins here have a special astronomical alignment, and the resort is planning future projects and exhibits around those meridians.

There’s something different and –almost Alice in Wonderland- going on at the Caracol. On the surface, the resort is casual, very nicely maintained, and the staff is attentive and friendly, without being imposing. As you explore, though, you begin to discover that there’s something educational and eco-conscious in almost every corner of the Caracol property, and people are extremely excited to talk about it. This is how they’re quietly and unexpectedly becoming both leaders and guides in the Riviera Maya.

The property at the Caracol is currently being updated and renovated, and they’ll also be adding a new section. The final concept, slated to open in 2012, will feature the ecological, archeological, and cultural aspects of this property, creating not only a resort, but an experiential vacation spot. They’ll highlight the ecology of the local marine systems, regional animals and plants, and an overall message about how visitors can make small contributions to care for the environment. They’ll also present the history that took place here. You’ll be able to come and learn about the Mayan calendar, trading routes, traditions, and you’ll get a sense of how Mayans lived and thrived here on the Caracol property.

Caracol is both a family and adult destination. The animals, the cenotes, and jungles will thrill children who love nature. Parents can play with their families for hours in the resort’s water park area and then take advantage of childcare, in the Kid’s Club, and enjoy dinner, drinks or a walk on the beach. It's all inclusive; designed to make your stay simple and restful. Couples who love nature may also enjoy the resort, but keep in mind; this is more of a museum than a retreat. If you’re looking for true eco-retreats you'll need to go to the Sian Kaan or Belize.

As an environmental scientist and educator I love the fact that Caracol is working towards being a museum, educational center and hotel -- all in one. Everywhere you go there’s interpretive material for the animals, plants, and landscape. There are recycling centers, a compost center, and reusable travel bags all over the property. They also have an herb garden, a honeybee area, and they’re quickly replacing all of the grass with sustainable plants and vegetables. There’s even a center with a cutting edge, museum-quality installation, called the Magic Planet to view world weather, climate, and environmental impact. More impressive still, Caracol is the only hotel in the world that houses this technology.

There’s also some luxury available at Carocol. The beachfront suites are beautifully designed, eco-friendly rooms that sleep up to eight people. With Indonesian furnishings, solar-heated water supply, recycled water systems, and low-impact air conditioning, these rooms are what I consider, eco-conscious luxury, and if you stay here you’ll understand it’s very unique. Few hotels in the world have used these construction features.

The vibe at Caracol is casual and friendly. It’s a vacation spot for people who want to take the time and energy to explore, learn, and relax. It’s a place to meet other travelers and families, play, swim, and hopefully soak in some of the regional environment. If you're seeking diving, speciality cave excursions, or direct experience in Maya pueblos or ruins, the Caracol can help you arrange trips, but this is not their speciality. They're what I consider entry level adventure, and, for most first-time visitors, they'll offer plenty of fun, adventure, and education.

The Carcaol is fine-tuning its lodging, layout, and programs, and under the direction of Alex, their CEO, I have no doubt they’ll create a educational and friendly destination where people can learn, relax, and take something back home. I’m sure Carcol will quickly become my go-to place for friends with children because they’re mixing fun with learning, and my friends and their kids live for this stuff.