Global Tourism > Destinations > Lodge, Motel, Resort Genesis Retreat Eco-Oasis Ek Balam, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Genesis Retreat - Relax in a garden hammock, swim in our pristine, chemical-free pool, enjoy the company of like-minded guests and feast on regional specialties made on-site by our Mayan cook. Genesis Retreat is 300 meters from a spectacular archaeological site considered to have been the seat of Maya power in Central Yucatan during classic times. On the edge of a traditional village, it provides opportunities to make contact with locals, view how hammocks and tortillas are made, participate in traditional ceremonies and community events, or learn basic Maya. Visitors may also experience the richness of Yucatan's ecological heritage: cycling, swimming, bird watching, hiking, exploring cenotes or just lounging in a garden hammock. Besides the main lodge and dining area, Genesis Ek Balam includes 6 completely screened, Maya-stylized cabañas on a secure, private acre. One cabin is air-conditioned and all are equipped with quality ceiling or floor fans. With our three cabin tents with double beds, Genesis can accommodate 15- 20 visitors. Genesis Retreat Includes... chemical-free, bio-filtered swimming pool Pressurized hot water showers, outdoor "eco-showers" Garden bathtub Coffee Shop, kitchen, book exchange (8am-8pm) Traditional/regional and vegetarian menus Mountain bikes to explore nearby villages, cenotes, caves Arrangements for transportation to and from Cancun or Merida Intl. airports, and tours to archaeological and natural attractions (Chichen Itza, Cenote Dzitnup, Caribbean beaches, Gulf coast Biosphere Reserve) With Advance Notice... Group catering Main lodge for meetings, instruction on archaeology, flora and fauna Instruction in Maya or Spanish language, Yucatecan dance and cooking Traditional sweatlodge and purification ceremonies, traditional curative massage and medicinal plants expeditions SINGLE BEDS Hobbit – 3 tiered single beds. Large porch with table, chairs and hammock.Traditional thatch roof and ceiling fan. Screened. Yuya- One double and one single bed under “birdhouse”.Tile floor, large windows, porch and hammock on roofed patio Torre – 2 single beds in “Tower”, with breezes from all four sides. Traditional thatch roof, floor fan, screened. No deck or patio. KING / QUEEN BEDS Xtabay – Oversized queen bed, large porch with table, chairs and hammock.Traditional thatch roof with ceiling fan. Screened. Birdhouse – Queen sized hanging bed in second level, screened cabana. Floor fan and thatch roof. Breezy wooden deck with hammock and rocking chair. Reflection (Luna) – King size bed, 2-piece bathroom, and poolside stone porch with cooling water wall, table and chairs Iguana – Queen sized bed, enclosed stucco unit with air conditioner, plant-shrouded porch and rocking chair FAMILY UNIT Illumination (Sol) -- Ascend to your own Mayan temple with 2 single beds and bathroom on main floor, king sized bed, single bed and hammock in loft. Traditional thatch roof. Foots onto the pool. Genesis Retreat Ek Balam is... 1 ½ hour from Cancun or Merida international airports 1 ½ hour from the white, sandy beaches of the Caribbean 1 ½ hour from the biosphere reserve at coast of Gulf of Mexico ½ hour from the world-famous ruins of Chichen Itza ½ hour from the Colonial city of Valladolid, the oldest city in the Yucatan ½ hour from the spectacular cenotes of Zaci, Dzitnup A short cycle trip to untouristed caves, cenotes and forest 300 m. from the spectacular archaeological site of Ek Balam Discover one of the Most Exciting Archaeological Treasures in the Maya World Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) is a relatively recent archaeological excavation emerging as one of the most impressive classic sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. In its 12 square kilometers it encompasses 5 prehispanic roads and 45 structures. The acropolis, 158 meters long, 68 meters wide and 32 meters tall, is the largest in the Yucatan, and includes an intricate system of stairways, passages, rooms and temples as well as an astonishing façade of almost perfectly preserved high relief work and stucco sculptures. Identified by glyphs as "the White House of Reading", it is decorated with menacing symbols of the underworld, fish, flowers and "angels" as well as the massive, gaping mouth of the Earth Monster, edged with fangs the size of a forearm. It opens to a room once occupied by a great king, Ukit Kan Le´k Tok´, identified by glyphs as "the king of kings", "ballplayer/warrior" and "First from the Heaven". In his tomb, in the same structure, was found some 7,000 items, from a golden frog, to delicately carved shells and obsidian blades. Stella glyphs says that the influence of Ukit Kan le´k Tok´continued after his death and he was revered as a divine ancestor. It is certain that the city he helped build, asleep for many centuries in the middle of the jungle, is awakening little by little before the eyes of the world. A Rich Ecological Heritage Experience the richness of Yucatan´s ecological heritage: cycle, swim, bird-watch, hike, explore cenotes or just lounge in a garden hammock. The gardens at Genesis are designed to attract butterflies and wild birds, while fishponds and aviaries provide additional opportunities to observe fish and rescued birds native to the area. Genesis Retreat, Ek Balam, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Cell 985-852-7980 Mobile Cell 985-101-0277 Map: Where is the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico?