Lorena Vargas is a recent graduate from the University of Guadalajara with a degree in environmental biotechnology, and has ecological sustainability in her blood. Her father, José Roberto Vargas, set up the first organic production farm in Rancho Petacal, Jalisco 18 years ago. Part of Vargas' work includes introducing unique touches of nature to the hotel rooms, restaurant, and homes, establishing the onsite composing program, overseeing the cultivation of organic herb gardens, monitoring of the rare mangrove ecosystem that flows through the property, and reintroducing native flora to the area.
"Our goal in bringing on a full-time sustainability expert is to ensure we are always putting ecology first in all aspects of the development. Even the very word 'development' implies destruction of the natural surroundings, which makes us very uncomfortable,"
The recently planted community herb gardens at Boca de Iguanas feature more than 20 types of heirloom seedlings that would bring envy upon any chef's kitchen. Six varieties of fragrant basil, thyme, parsley, chives, dill, fennel, lemon balm, marjoram, are just several of the newest sprouts poking through the rich, humid soil of the gardens at Boca. "Heirloom" are considered unaltered strains of the plants' genetic lineage dating back 150 years or more, ensuring the purity and potency are at their very best. Other plants which compliment the organic model are chrysanthemum and marigold plants, which add color and act as natural insecticides.
"Returning to the basic and original lineage with these heirloom variety herbs shows a real commitment to the organic ideal we're trying to preserve in Boca de Iguanas," explains Vargas. "Cultivating these plants onsite means we're honoring true ecological principles and values of sustainability. And people who use the plants for cooking or medicinal purposes will also notice the difference in the richness of the flavors and strength of the healing powers."
ABOUT BOCA DE IGUANAS
Located 40 minutes north of Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO) along the Costalegre, the multi-use development of Boca de Iguanas features casas, condominiums, and a boutique hotel and spa in a fusion of eclectic Mexican architecture with classic colonial hacienda, contemporary modern design, and eclectic "jungle-chic"
Media contact:
Mexican Pacific Marketing
press@mexicanpacific.com
(949) 340-2602 (US)
+52 (314) 335-3207/08 (MX)
