Mexico and Bermuda
Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico’s Riviera Maya uses their local honey in a way that is unique at Fairmont In 2010, the United Nations Foundation acted as a liaison between the resort and the ‘Flor de Tajonal’ community which resulted in the installation of an onsite apiary. The ‘Melipona’ bees are a rare species from the area that is in danger of extinction, but which also produces a type of honey that is known for its medicinal purposes. The bees known as Xunan Cab in Mayan, are native to the Yucatan Peninsula and are stingless. This bee is smaller that European bees and its honey is thinner and not as sweet. The Melipona has remained an important part of the Mayan culture and religion for over one thousand years and, in modern times, the honey has been used medicinally as a natural antibiotic, to eliminate cataracts, to prevent throat infections and to soften a mother’s muscles during childbirth. In addition to incorporating Melipona bee honey in many recipes and beverages, the honey is being used in treatments at the luxurious Willow Stream Spa.