You don't have to be a genius to choose Genesis!

Part of being a culturally aware traveler is supporting those companies who promote sustainable tourism, and Genesis Retreat does just that.
Tucked away in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 2 hours from the Cancun Airport, is where you'll find this ecolodge. Genesis supports sustainable travel in many ways. The resort is staffed with local workers, which helps the local economy retain some of the incoming foreign capital. Chefs on the retreat cook local favorites and international classics using predominately local ingredients, most of which are grown on the retreat owned ranch a few miles away. Another appealing aspect of the retreat is the available ties to the local village. Genesis will set you up with a local family in the village of Ek Balam. While with your appointed family you will learn some of the customs and activities associated with their village, like making handmade tortillas and hammocks. While in the village you will have plenty of opportunities to support the locals. You can purchase items crafted by residents, eat at any of the town restaurants, or even rent bicycles to check out the local Mayan Ruins. With inexpensive room rates, you'll have plenty of cash to spend. 

Genesis Retreat is an excellent example of the cornerstones for fair trade and responsible tourism. 

• Fair Working Conditions: Employees are hired locally, thus creating a way for the surrounding villages to earn money. 
• Fair Prices: From what I found on reviews this was one of the cheaper hotels around, which is great for the Eco-traveler with a light wallet.
• Integration Into the Local Economy and Regional Development: Allows for community involvement and small business development by bringing in tourists to an area that probably would not be traveled very often.
• Fair Trade Partnerships Between All Actors in Tourism: The integration and cooperation of the village of Ek Balam promotes spending in the local village, and an appreciation for the local customs. 
• Sustainable Resource Use and Environmental Justice: The lodge follows many conservation practices such as using natural water sources for its pool and locally grown foods for its meals. 

 The owner and operator of the Genesis Retreat said it best; “Low impact tourism is about supporting what already works for the people here instead of introducing wide-scale changes based on external cultural norms.”
For more information, please visit the Genesis Retreat's website.

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