Creative Synthesis

Playa Viva, a resort on the Pacific coast of Mexico, provides models of green business development and ecotourism.  The resort’s founders realized that their connection to the area would benefit everyone, allowing visitors to enjoy the local environment while learning from lifelong residents and giving surrounding communities resources for long-term growth.

Playa Viva sees itself as an integral part of local social and economic life. Rather than following the traditional resort model of buying land and then using locals to fill low-level service positions, Playa Viva’s creators believe that both the region and the resort will benefit from self-sufficiency and infrastructure development. The resort has worked closely with area farmers to produce organic crops and create a community supported agriculture market used by residents and the resort; it has also helped nearby candy factories form purchasing co-ops and market their goods both locally and to tourists. Currently, Playa Viva staff members are collaborating with city leaders to develop a recycling program.

The resort has also taken proactive steps preserve the environment.  Due to government policies supported coconut oil production, the area’s population of palm trees dropped dramatically during the 1930s. Playa Vista plans to reintroduce palms to the beachfront, using the trees to reduce soil erosion and provide living structural supports for some of the hotel’s suites.  The resort also provides a sanctuary for turtles staffed by area farmers and fishermen.