Paradise uninhabited in Mexico

Here in Detroit, spring has not sprung. In fact, the cold winter winds are still blowing us snow. So, to warm myself up a bit - and take a mental retreat from the chill - I'm perusing the Web in search of eco-excellent, beach destinations. Over the next week, I'll be posting the goods on each, in honor of the warm weather that should be right around the bend.

What you see here is the pool at Hotel Eco Paraiso Xixim in Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico. Designed and constructed with consideration to the environment, the small hotel sits on an untouched, natural beach, within a plantation of malayan dwarf coconut palms, using a mere one percent of the 62-acre property. Consisting of 15 thatch-roof bungalows overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Eco Paraiso focuses heavily on recycling, environmental education and beneficial construction and gardens. They also utilize solar panels to heat the pool (shown to the left) and purchase all-natural products as often as possible.

Click here for full details on the hotel's ecology program. And here for a list of tours offered. Rates start at $180 per night.