David Leventhal

A call yesterday with Nadine Wohlers who interviewed me for her masters project on regenerative businesses, she at Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP), UCL. Here is the story, question at the end for your thoughts and feedback. During Christmas Day at Playa Viva a few years ago, I was walking out the trail that leads to and from Playa Viva. This trail was strewn with candy wrappers and discarded plastic candy containers. I was disgusted. Not just by the fact that the local kids who joined us for Christmas Eve celebrations — including a piñata full of candy — didn't know better than to throw their trash in the garbage. I was aghast at the idea that Playa Viva created this garbage in the first place. Piñatas are a wonderful local tradition. But what had we done? Lucky for us we had a quintessential guest at Playa Viva, Kat, who ran her own plastic-free shampoo company. Perfect timing. We called a meeting with every department head. We asked Kat to share her story of how hard she works to keep plastics out of every part of her supply chain, product, transportation, etc., and she shared her story with the team. Then we went around the table and asked each department head to talk about where they use plastic in their day-to-day operations. Turns out that plastic was hiding in plain sight. Every time we picked up shrimp from the fishmonger or meat from the butcher, it came wrapped in plastic bags. Each department identified the areas where they used more plastic and where they could eliminate or significantly reduce it, especially single-use items. The team came up with the fix themselves: we now bring our own Tupperware to the butcher and fishmonger. We not only do a piñata for Christmas Eve but also for New Year's. I was surprised to see the New Year's piñata explode with old-school candy — sugarcane, peanuts, fruit — this time, no plastic wrapping. Our staff was ready for the cultural shock from the new generation. On cue, Yara (in charge of these events) offered the kids individual bags of candy — real candy, but not wrapped in plastic. Problem solved, for the kids and for Playa Viva. What I loved most was the ingenuity and thoughtfulness of our team. This is what I mean when I say regeneration isn't a checkbox, it's a practice. Playa Viva is not perfect. While we are 100% off-grid solar for electricity, we still cook with propane gas. Our next major purchase will be an electric industrial stove and ovens. Until then, we will continue to strive for excellence and know that we are not perfect, but with the help of our team and asking the right questions and engaging the knowledge of our guests (and broader community) we will get closer and closer to being truly regenerative. Question for other founders and operators here: how do you build a culture where your own staff feels safe pointing out what isn't working, rather than management having to find it first?

Is regenerative philanthropy the evolution of giving? I've been wrestling with a question recently, and I'm genuinely curious what this community thinks. Through my limited lens, I've watched philanthropy evolve over the past few decades. Collective impact inspired me in that it worked to coordinate across sectors. Systems change philanthropy showed how to address root causes, not just symptoms. Impact investing proved we could deploy capital for both returns and positive outcomes. And yet. I keep seeing the same pattern repeat: philanthropy (and philanthropists) with good intentions but giving that isn’t coordinated to create deep systemic change. The metrics look good. The theory of change is solid. But did we actually transform anything? Over the decades, I’ve evolved as a philanthropist…so what’s next? I used to believe conservation was about protecting nature FROM people. Build the fence. Hire the guards. Keep humans out. That's Act I thinking — and it doesn't work. Why? If you don’t solve the people problems that cause the pressure on natural resources, you will never solve the nature problems. Then I evolved into what I'd call “dualist thinking”: nature AND people can both win if we're clever enough with our incentives and structures. Create the right programs, align the stakeholders, deploy the capital efficiently. See the people as integral to solving the nature problems. Because what I've learned over 17 years working in regenerative development is that real transformation happens when we focus on building trust between all stakeholders, listen deeply to what the community and the ecosystem wants and form partnerships to address those concerns and then learn from our mistakes and successes with no blame, just evolving together and building trust. "What if the goal of philanthropy isn't to solve problems, but to build the conditions under which communities can solve their own?" How do we get philanthropists and their awardees to work together, creating shared best practices? What do you think? Is regenerative philanthropy the next frontier we need — or just the latest in a long line of philanthropic frameworks that promise transformation but deliver incrementalism? Drop your thoughts below. Push back on me. Tell me I'm wrong. Or share examples of where you've seen this work (or fail). #regenerative #regenerativetravel #regenerativephilanthropy #philanthropy #collectiveimpact #giving

When we first came in there, there was a vocal minority that stood up and tried to access resources from us. We were quick to respond to that, to show our better nature. I think that actually worked against us because what it did is made the quiet majority look at us as kind of foolish for catering to that vocal minority.

From a financial standpoint, we started this business in 2006 in the last big economic boom, which crashed in 2008 with a global economic crisis. It hit travel and tourism, especially in Mexico, which was hit by H1N1 and tourism was down by 50%. I would say timing wasn't great for us, but we really should have spent more resources investing in things like social impact, like our farm and food program.

Like many folks who get into the hospitality program as independent operators, we were very naive about what it takes to build a hotel, especially from a sales and marketing standpoint. I think we thought, if we build it, they will come.

The first one we would do differently is the impact study. I would have done that from the get-go.

The love keeps on coming, thank you Manduka for including us in your list of Wellness Hotels and Retreats Worth Traveling For in 2026. We are proud to have nothing but quality Manduka yoga mats, blocks and straps here at Playa Viva in our 3 ocean front Yoga Platforms. Come visit. https://lnkd.in/em4Yjxt6 #regenerativetravel #yoga #yogaretreat #yogaretreatmexico

Almost 20 years ago, Jen Murphy wrote the first story, micro story, that appeared in the media about Playa Viva, a small mention in Food & Wine. Today, this wonderful story Outside magazine featuring Playa Viva at the top of the list of the 9 of the Best Sustainable Hotels and Lodges in the World. This kind of coverage, year after year, makes such a difference. Last night, new guests arrived and when asked how they heard about Playa Viva, they answered, "I'm ashamed to say that I read an article in Whole Living Magazine back in 2011 and we are just now able to afford to come here." I just love that the Playa Viva story, our ethos, our commitment to community and environment and regeneration still resonates. Thank you Jen. Thank you guests. Thank you team. Thank you community. Thank you Earth (on your Earth Day). At Playa Viva, I guess, every day is Earth Day. https://lnkd.in/g8_y_8fC #regenerativetravel #sustainabletravel #ecotravel

Bethany Platanella thanks for this marvelous article in Mexico News Daily, very balanced, but definitely captures the feeling of security that comes while on a remote beach, like Playa Viva's, in your private treehouse, listening to the sound of the waves as you go to sleep, secure in the luxury of nature. Thank you! Timing is everything and sorry to see an article on the safety of Guerrero be toppled by a shooting at the great pyramids of Teotihuacan. Such a tragedy when you have a rogue shooter and random violence, wherever in the world. #regenerativetravel #experientialtravel #safetymexico #sustainabletravel https://lnkd.in/eN2y7EKe

Join us at Eco Resort Network in Chiang Mai May 17-19 as I announce our newest venture... Regenerative Collection...proud to be interviewed on stage by Ariela Leventhal Regenerative Travel #regenerativetravel #ecoresort #ecoresort #sustainabletravel #transformationaltravel Playa Viva #legacy

What $11.6 Billion in Worthless Hotel Points Tells Us About the Future of Hospitality Loyalty Seven major hotel chains owe their guests $11.6 billion in unredeemed loyalty points. Marriott alone owes nearly $4 billion to 271 million Bonvoy members who — statistically — will never collect. Here's the thing nobody's saying out loud: that's not a bug. That's the business model. The ideal loyalty member, from a CFO's perspective, is one who earns enthusiastically and never redeems. The program wins when you don't show up. And travelers are starting to figure that out. I've been building Playa Viva on Mexico's Pacific coast for 17 years. We're 20 rooms, 100% off-grid, B-Corp certified — and we don't have a points program. What we have is a sea turtle sanctuary that guests directly fund with their stay. A women's cooperative that's outlasted every economic disruption this region has thrown at it. A permaculture farm. And a watershed regeneration program that works with local fisheries, mangroves, and farming communities across the entire river system that feeds our property. That type of impact doesn't expire. We are here to stay. I talk a lot about "voting with your dollar " in what you eat, what you buy, where you travel. Your travel spend is probably your single largest discretionary purchase of the year. And more and more travelers I meet are asking a different question. Not "how many points can I earn?" but "what does my stay enable and impact?" That shift is real. And I think it's where hospitality loyalty is actually heading, away from the points treadmill and toward making your mark. Not a free breakfast. But real impact. What's your take — is the era of points-based loyalty losing it's luster when making that big travel spend? #regenerativetravel #luxurytravel #points #frequenttraveler #transformationaltravel #ecoluxury #sustainabletravel

So proud of Playa Viva being named by The Zoe Report Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Eco-Luxury Retreats as part of all-star lineup. Team, you have done it again, great recognition for creating a 2-Key MICHELIN Guide Hotel. https://lnkd.in/eGCb37pq #regenerativetravel #wellnesstravel

What a treat to share the Orange Stage at ITB Berlín with Anna Pollock , Susanne Becken and Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand on Regenerative Travel and Playa Viva - watch here: https://lnkd.in/eYE5NUJU

https://lnkd.in/eGCb37pq I'm usually not one to push the "vote for me" link, but this one is refreshing in that it doesn't ask for your contact info, plus, Playa Viva is one of the options as well as some great properties for you to explore. So please go vote

Getting ready to head to Berlin (going from barefoot and flipflops to shoes and layers)...come join me for a session on Regeneration that will be short and to the point: ITB Berlin Anna Pollock Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand Susanne Becken

Gerardo Ibarra thank you for your great coverage of Playa Viva. Especially these days when tourism to Mexico is experiencing a bit of an "unreasonable fear response" from some travelers, the only people who are hurt are those from small communities like Juluchuca, so now is the time to "double down" and support truly regenerative destinations and hotels like Playa Viva. Thank you Food & Travel Magazine Mexico

Thanks again to UnTours Foundation for their financial support to Playa Viva's growth and the upgrade of our solar system battery storage. nice article in Skyscanner

Speaking at ITB Berlin. Thanks Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand along with Anna Pollock and Susanne Becken in Berlin, March 5th. Will you be at ITB? come join and let me know if you would like to meet for a one-on-one. love the irony of the topic - "battle" and "systems" - should be lively for only lasting 30-min! Regenerative Travel, Playa Viva

https://lnkd.in/epGR7By6 La Hotelista nailed it. Un review que en muy poco tiempo cubre mucho de lo que es Playa Viva. even mentions The MICHELIN Guide 2 Keys and Regenerative Travel

The Most Luxurious Sustainable Destinations to Explore in 2026 including Playa Viva What a distinctive list for 2026. thanks S Magazine and Alexandra Petros Regenerative Travel #regenerative #regenerativetravel #regenerativetourism

Spring Break 2023: 12 Blissfully Easy West Coast Trips, from Baja to B.C. Enjoy another great story about Playa Viva with mention of Regenerative Travel "... The WiFi password is “disconnect2reconnect,” a slight jab reminding you to put the device down and be present to the incredible surroundings. The founding hotel in the Regenerative Travel collection, Playa Viva has 18 treehouses (and more), all solar powered, spread out over 200 acres of nature reserve." Thank you: Trisha Cole Kerry Skinner Amanda Ho #regenerativetravel

Gerardo Ibarra wrote this lovely story about Playa Viva and what is to truly be a regenerative hotel. Disfruta. Gracias. https://lnkd.in/eQ8c4cXH

Room and Wild did a wonderful story about Playa Viva and our work regenerating the watershed, plus how travel can be a force for good and nice mention of Regenerative Travel. Link below. https://lnkd.in/er4ZbBjk

...don’t schedule anything until you arrive. Why wait? Playa Viva co-founder David Leventhal says it’s to allow time for what he calls the “Playa Valium” to kick in. “I think our lives are over-scheduled as it is, and there’s something about arriving and letting go and feeling like you can do nothing and that’s okay,” he told me https://lnkd.in/eVGux_jh

Greece is calling, ditch the zoom meetings for in person sessions on the 25th May on the island of Spetses Greece, for my third Eco Resort Network 2025. I'll be sharing our experience at Playa Viva spinning out our Social and Environment Impact endeavors into its own NGO, ReSiMar, Regenerating from Sierra to Mar, a watershed regeneration project. https://lnkd.in/gR2qi4Z4

This Earth Day, we invite you to explore a new paradigm of travel—one that heals, uplifts, and regenerates. 🌍✨ Join us on April 21 for a thought-provoking virtual symposium featuring three global leaders in regenerative tourism: 🌿 Sarah Dusek | Few & Far, Luvhondo ❄️ Robyn Woodhead | White Desert Antarctica 🌱 David Leventhal | Playa Viva & Regenerative Travel Together, they’ll unpack The Future of Regenerative Travel & Responsible Tourism—a conversation rooted in stewardship, community, and the urgent need to travel with purpose. 🕤 9:30–10:30 AM PST | Join on Monday via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/gCPHJJzt This Earth Month, let’s move beyond sustainability—and toward travel that gives more than it takes. 🌱 #EarthDay2025 #RegenerativeTravel #ResponsibleTourism #EarthMonth #TravelWithPurpose #TravelThatHeals

Sarah Dusek and Robyn Woodhead and me in symposium for Earth Day? On the Future of Regenerative Travel? Let's Go! Few & Far White Desert Playa Viva

Playa Viva featured in a story by The New York Times with quotes by Amanda Harris about Immersion in the Luxury of Nature and natural "design" of the landscape.

Defining who you are by who you are not...this article about "Sand, sun, and smiles: Find your family's paradise at Mexico's most kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts" ...has Playa Viva as the anti-Resort resort. "If mega hotels aren’t your thing, consider Playa Viva on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. At this boutique all-inclusive, kids can boogie board, make sandcastles, and visit the on-site farm and garden to feed the pigs or collect eggs for breakfast. The entire family will enjoy horseback riding on the beach, kayaking in a lagoon, and learning to surf or snorkel at nearby reefs. Parents can begin the day with complimentary morning yoga. Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains and has 200 acres of nature preserve, including a turtle sanctuary where you can watch baby turtles get released into the ocean. Playa Viva Trisha Cole

Playa Viva gets great mention in Outside magazine, 14 best places for 2025... "On a remote beach 35 miles south of Zihuatanejo lies one of the most ecologically sensitive, off-grid, wellness-focused resorts on the planet: Playa Viva. This is far from camping, but the 19 open-air treehouses and casitas, designed with bamboo and other sustainable woods, will make it feel as if you’re poaching a nap on the last stretch of perfect sand in all of Mexico.... Regenerative Travel

This video about Playa Viva is designed for the "butterfly school" in order to help their "students" (mostly from he business world) understand what is a regenerative practice. https://lnkd.in/eApZhz-g? https://lnkd.in/erkHse6f mentions Regenerative Travel and ReSiMar, and features Martin Goebel with LegacyWorks Group

B-Corp Mexico Sistema B and Expansion magazine asked me to pen an editorial on the emerging paradigm of regenerative business (in Spanish). Enjoy/Disfruta. https://bit.ly/4jbhwOv That closes with: “Hoy en día, la regeneración construye sobre esos cimientos, ofreciendo una visión proactiva y restauradora. Conceptos como el capitalismo consciente y las prácticas regenerativas proponen soluciones a las raíces de nuestras crisis planetarias y sociales, priorizando el equilibrio por sobre los excesos, y la colaboración por sobre la competencia.” Playa Viva Regenerative Travel