Ecotravel | Sustainability in Practice During my recent stay at Grand Bahia Principe Akumal, what stood out most was not the scale of the property, but its integration with the surrounding ecosystem. The resort collaborates with Eco-Bahia to implement sustainability strategies across its properties in Quintana Roo. Their initiatives extend beyond “green” branding and into operational environmental stewardship, most of which I observed on site, including: • Coastal and ecosystem protection • Active waste management and daily shoreline clean-up (including sargassum mitigation) • Wildlife habitat conservation • Environmental education through guided ecological tours From an architectural perspective, I was particularly interested in the use of traditional thatched roofing — dried palm and reed systems that reflect regional vernacular while supporting passive cooling strategies. The lush landscape planning across both Akumal and the neighboring sister properties reinforce a development approach that prioritizes biodiversity and permeability. Wildlife remains visibly integrated within the site — coatis, iguanas, and native bird species move freely throughout the grounds — a reminder that hospitality environments can coexist with active ecosystems when intentional planning is in place. For those of us in architecture and sustainability, it raises an important question: How can large-scale resort developments move beyond aesthetic sustainability and into measurable ecological responsibility? #SustainableDesign #HospitalityDesign #EnvironmentalPlanning #Mexico #QuintanaRoo

Ecotravel: During my recent stay at the Grand Bahia Principe Akumal property, I was most excited to be immersed in nature! To help preserve these beautiful surroundings, Bahia Principe works with environmental organization @eco.bahia. It implements sustainability strategies across its property in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This includes ecosystem protection, waste management/clean-up which we saw throughout our stay, conservation of wildlife areas, and environmental education (they host various tours). Check out some of my environmental snaps below: Photo 1: Beachfront property at Akumal Photo 2: View of lush grounds atop bird-watching tower Photo 3: Morning clean-up of sargassum Photo 4: Resort building roofs are traditional thatched roofing made from dried palm leaves or reeds. Photos 5/6: Tropical gardens as seen on Bahia Principe Coba property Photos 7/8: Wildlife is abundant on property- we saw coatis (Mexican raccoons), iguanas, and various birds throughout. #mexico #bahiaprincipe #quintanaroomexico

Riviera Maya bike rides 🌿 Architecture teaches me how to shape space while nature teaches me how to shape myself. Self reflection mode on this beautiful coastline! #mexicotravel #visitmexico #mexicoturismo #travelgram #bahiaprincipe

I recently completed a 2.5-year term as a zoning board member for my local town! I can’t stress enough the weight an architect can have serving in such a capacity. Bringing perspectives on sustainable land planning, neighborhood impact, and innovative design truly helps guide development in a more intentional, community-focused direction.