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Well..since people are talking about sargassum and beaches.
I read a comment on Tripadvisor about the new Hilton Tulum - which apparently is very close to the Conrad I just saw in a video - in visual sight (Didn't know it was so close)...and the comment said that the Hilton was destroying (or destroyed) a turtle nesting ground. Does anybody know anything about this? I have plans to stay at this Conrad Tulum and this is concerning. I can't find the comment, but I have found this. Somewhere else in Tulum https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...Peninsula.html Mexico stops hotel project at sea turtle nesting beach - 2018 https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/...-nesting-beach The federal Environment Department said in statement late Monday the project could threaten Xcacel, and called it "the site with the largest observed nesting of sea turtles on the entire Yucatan Peninsula." The beach is a nesting site for loggerhead, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and part of the land is considered a protected area. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...75ea37fa27.png Mexico Stops Hotel Project Near Sea Turtle Nesting Beach https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d6515a3eb4.jpg |
Ok...I did some more research.
The Hidden Gem Of Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary Near Tulumhttps://thecancunsun.com/the-hidden-...ry-near-tulum/ Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuaryhttps://www.visitmexico.com/en/quint...rtle-sanctuary https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...n_Peninsu.html So the Hilton will be the closest hotel to this sanctuary. But I'm assuming not in the protected zone. But only 1 beach away...kind of too close for comfort? EDIT: If you go to Google maps and zoom in just north of the Xcacel beach you can see the Hilton Tulum (presumably) under construction. Not sure how much light pollution affects turtles. The construction goes up nearly to the edge of the Xcacel Sanctuary beach. |
The Conrad and Hilton are a continuous run of buildings which run the entire length of coastline for both of the Chemuyil 'bays'. Conrad occupies the north bay with Hilton on the south bay, although there isnt really a break inbetween.
Pretty much the entire Yucatan coast is a turtle nesting site. So pretty much every new build resort gets legal challenge by conservation groups. The authorities have decided what the boundary of the Xcacel reserve should be, and resorts havent encroached. We can therefore presume that all is 'good'. Note that whilst resorts may be built elsewhere where turtles still nest, the resorts dont 'build' on the sand, which is where the turtles go. Turtles still nest on the Hotel Zone beach, and you cant get much more built up than that! |
Originally Posted by kryten22uk
(Post 34126755)
The Conrad and Hilton are a continuous run of buildings which run the entire length of coastline for both of the Chemuyil 'bays'. Conrad occupies the north bay with Hilton on the south bay, although there isnt really a break inbetween.
Pretty much the entire Yucatan coast is a turtle nesting site. So pretty much every new build resort gets legal challenge by conservation groups. The authorities have decided what the boundary of the Xcacel reserve should be, and resorts havent encroached. We can therefore presume that all is 'good'. Note that whilst resorts may be built elsewhere where turtles still nest, the resorts dont 'build' on the sand, which is where the turtles go. Turtles still nest on the Hotel Zone beach, and you cant get much more built up than that! I've seen a lot of wild animals in my life, all over the world. And my instincts tell me this Hilton is way too close. It may be "legal" but that doesn't mean it is a good idea. Lots of corruption in Mexico (US as well, but I digress). Read some other articles that I found in Spanish only about this. I'll post them shortly. The Conrad seems a reasonable distance away, but this Hilton All-Inclusive is too much. It's more than just the sand...my suspicions about light realized... International Dark Sky Association https://www.darksky.org/our-work/sea...-conservation/ Of all the animals on our planet, perhaps none are under more threat from light pollution than sea turtles. Sea turtles live in the ocean, yet they hatch at night on sandy beaches. Hatchling sea turtles have one immediate goal to ensure their future survival – find the ocean. They have evolved to locate the sea by seeing the brighter horizon over the ocean, and moving away from landward silhouettes. On a natural beach the newly hatched sea turtles find the open horizon and make for the water. Turtle friendly light fixtures are designed to keep light where it is needed — pointed downward. And turtle-friendly light sources limit the spectrum of light emitted to minimize the impact on turtles. When used correctly, these lights provide proper illumination for human safety without negatively impacting seurtle nesting or hatchlings’ ability to find the ocean. https://wildlifesense.com/en/light-p...o-sea-turtles/ Interesting story I found about the Kemp's Ridley Turtle. While I've seen big turtles scuba diving and on land - galapagos...I never paid much attention to the different types. There are 7 types of SEA turtles. Below is a story about a different species then the ones found at Xcecel. But the same principles apply. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...162f720db5.jpg https://www.nps.gov/pais/learn/natur...idleystory.htm 1947 clip of an arribada — what healthy sea turtle populations should look like!! |
I don't disagree that building resorts has a negative impact on wildlife. I guess I am saying that this resort (and it is one resort really, just different sections with different purposes) is not unique in its negative impacts. There is a commendable eco tourism industry, so there are choices for consumers.
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I doubt Mexican authorities are doing much for protecting their environment. Same with their historical preservation when it comes to ruins.
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Originally Posted by Dcislander
(Post 34074051)
Finally settled on a six night stay in mid-April: 3 on certifs and 3 on points. Wish we could have pushed it to seven nights but no dice. We plan on staying and eating at the hotel the whole time (maybe a quick trip to the archeological site). The resort has been very good on communications and this is what i've learned so far. Hope it helps in your planning:
Transportation. We scheduled this as we do not plan on needing a car. Will report back as to the service: "We do have our luxury private transportation the cost is $170 usd one way and $340 usd round trip taxes included up to 4 guests." Q: How does Diamond breakfast work at the property? A: Breakfast in included for Diamond Members 2 people per room (We are traveling with an 11 and 15 year old. I do not expect them to extend the free breakfast to 4 but some hotels have in the past, especially for kids--we will see). Q: Are dinner reservations are necessary to dine on site? A: Yes, we can handle it on your arrival, a concierge will contact you prior to arrival, and will assist with reservations if necessary. (I am guessing that this is not an issue due to the low occupancy rate right now. Will report back) Q. Are there filtered water bottle fillers on site? A: Bottles of water you will find in the room on top of the minibar, as part of your Diamond Amenities (This bummed me out--after seeing the mountains of empty water bottles being tossed in the trash at the St Regis Punta Mita I wish that more resorts would provide filtered water stations and avoid the plastic waste. That said, we will stop on the way to the resort and buy a case of waters for the room) More to come as any info pops up. Thanks for adding to this early thread everyone--exciting to be on the first page of what will eventually be hundreds!! |
Originally Posted by EqualOpp
(Post 34129994)
--
Ok, with all this said, I've decided to go to the Conrad Tulum. (2nd visit to Yucatan - last was long ago) Hopefully next year. I will never stay at this Hilton All-Inclusive. Don't go to AI's anyway. But I am going to request a meeting with the GM and I'm going to give him/her some printouts of what I've read and inquire about the other hotel. I'm going on the ground myself to check out the situation as an outsider. I'll be going outside of turtle nesting season as well...which coincidentally is sargassum season as well. Another reason to avoid. Can find articles on sargassum affecting turtles. |
Originally Posted by Michael19887
(Post 34132562)
The Conrad and Hilton are literally on the same property, with one right next to the other.
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Originally Posted by kryten22uk
(Post 34132688)
Yeah, thats what I've been trying to say. You cant split them. The Hilton wouldnt exist without the Conrad and the Conrad wouldnt exist without the Hilton. Its the same with many large resorts in Mexico, as most have a 'separate' upscale zone/hotel.
I've stayed at 3-4 "resorts" in Mexico in my life - Pacific Side. None were connected to anything else. The Conrad Punta de Mita and an indie resort in La Paz area, and Playa Grande in Los Cabos, and maybe a resort in Huatulco. What is the definition of a resort? Having a pool & restaurant by the beach? That could be anything. Anyway -- one of them was next to other same company owned facilities I think...but no (obvious) sharing. All others were quite separate. |
Originally Posted by EqualOpp
(Post 34138459)
Well..the Conrad seems to be open now, while the Hilton is under construction. Do they share any facilities? Per Google Maps...they are one continuous chain, but separate facilities by all appearances.
I've stayed at 3-4 "resorts" in Mexico in my life - Pacific Side. None were connected to anything else. The Conrad Punta de Mita and an indie resort in La Paz area, and Playa Grande in Los Cabos, and maybe a resort in Huatulco. What is the definition of a resort? Having a pool & restaurant by the beach? That could be anything. Anyway -- one of them was next to other same company owned facilities I think...but no (obvious) sharing. All others were quite separate. |
Originally Posted by kryten22uk
(Post 34138508)
Its the norm on the Riviera Maya. For example like Bahi, Palladium, Iberostar, Moon Palace etc. Most resorts are mega-resorts which consist of a few separate 'hotels' within the resort, some of which share facilities, others are do not. Ultimately these mega resorts (as is also the case with Conrad/Hilton) were concieved and built (albeit often in phases) as a single consideration. The Hilton and Conrad have simply signed a management contract with Parks Hospitality which owns and developed the resort. In 10 years time, it could change management and for example become an Iberostar resort, with the hilton bay being the standard Iberostar area and the Conrad being their 'Grand' concept.
doesn't change my plan at this moment...i know they are owned by the same company, so will stick to my plan. as for 10 years out...the world as we know it will be over by then. Like really be over, but that's another story. Did a lot more research on Sargassum...downloaded a ton of maps from network as someone posted earlier. And found other sites from NOAA/NASA or what not. Can easily see the progression and worse months...over the years. it's really restricting the season if you want to totally avoid it in the Riviera Maya. Unless you stick to very northern beaches / Holbox. Interestingly enough, I found the Xcacel beach to consistently have sargassum, when others around it are GREEN/NONE. Maybe that's why turtles chose it. As sargassum in a certain qty can be helpful in the open ocean as a nursery i've read. Just not to have overwhelming amounts of it on land - which is happening now. March is looking iffy going forward - though it's been clear years prior recently except 2018. Didn't know it affects other caribbean nations. Barbados looks to be badly affected during some months...from another map I saw. Here's a useful one from USF (U of South Florida) - NASA. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...653f5208a4.jpg |
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da4daf2acc.jpg
That was from February 2022. Even February looks dicey as I see it going forward. A lot of Moderate level beaches. Hotels going to have to invest more in protection barriers perhaps. |
I'm booked here over the summer, and have just realised that this hotel has also adopted the zero-privacy bathroom design that is ubiquitous across Mexico. Basically there is no separate bathroom, instead all facilities open directly into the one room. Whilst the toilet glass door is at least opaque, the shower is visible from most of the bedroom as it has a clear glass door.
I'm travelling with my teenage kids and have got them their own room, buy I'm thinking I might have to buy them a room each instead now, as I can't expect my daughter to shower infront on my son or vice versa. It's a huge bug-bear of mine why resorts do this. Its obviously form over function. Looks great in photos, amd i guess saves them space so they can pack more rooms into the same building, but is rubbish in practice. There's good reason why no-one does this with their bathrooms in their own homes! For me, bathrooms should be properly separated from the bedroom, and not just with a glass pane. |
I’m here now. Full review to come later. Answering [MENTION=74426]kryten22uk[/MENTION] here. Both shower and toilet doors are opaque glass. Toilet door swings open and closed (1/2” opening between door and wall when closed so prepare for sound leak) and shower door slides shut. Outside the shower are shutters that open and close if you want to enjoy the view from the rain shower but then anyone in the patio tub would also enjoy a view of you so we’ve had ours closed .
More detailed post to come.
Originally Posted by kryten22uk
(Post 34166972)
I'm booked here over the summer, and have just realised that this hotel has also adopted the zero-privacy bathroom design that is ubiquitous across Mexico. Basically there is no separate bathroom, instead all facilities open directly into the one room. Whilst the toilet glass door is at least opaque, the shower is visible from most of the bedroom as it has a clear glass door.
I'm travelling with my teenage kids and have got them their own room, buy I'm thinking I might have to buy them a room each instead now, as I can't expect my daughter to shower infront on my son or vice versa. It's a huge bug-bear of mine why resorts do this. Its obviously form over function. Looks great in photos, amd i guess saves them space so they can pack more rooms into the same building, but is rubbish in practice. There's good reason why no-one does this with their bathrooms in their own homes! For me, bathrooms should be properly separated from the bedroom, and not just with a glass pane. |
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