The Marquis Los Cabos, a Mexican hotel that gives back to the community.
Photo: Marquis Los Cabos

by Brook Wilkinson

Did the long Labor Day weekend come and go too fast? If you want to treat yourself to a sun-filled getaway later this month, here's one option that is sure to bring you good karma: The Marquis Los Cabos, right on the beach on the tip of Baja California, is offering fourth and seventh nights for free (just ask for the Mexico Extravaganza Package when you book). Stay for a week, and you'll save almost 30%. Choose either an ocean-view suite or a private casita; the latter have their own private plunge pools. There are also three restaurants, a bar, and a 15,000-foot holistic spa and fitness center, so you need never leave the property.

What makes this hotel a responsible traveler's choice? When the owners opened their doors to guests back in 2003, they also opened a university for their employees. Books and classes are paid for entirely by the hotel, which donates 5% of its annual revenue to staff education and health care. 

The giving back doesn't stop there: The hotel also turns off all its lights for every full moon, lighting the place instead with candles and reducing the energy usage by 25%. And employee uniforms are embroidered by a small community near Mexico City, not a sweatshop somewhere in Asia. With room rates starting at $240 per night, Marquis Los Cabos isn't the cheapest Mexican holiday you'll find, but its heart is in the right place.

Further reading:
* Check out Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin's Deal of the Day column for more travel deals
* Responsible Traveler: Making a difference