The Story of Our Glass Hearts

We’ve all heard and told our share of love stories. Matters of the heart, broken or mended, full, and full of hope. But isn’t there always a new twist on an old story? Isn’t that what every other new song is about? Well, here at Pueblo Bonito, we’ve reworked a bit of tradition for the Valentine’s holiday and crafted something new out of something old in the shape of love’s most universal symbol. In a feel-good story even Cupid would love, innovative, eco-friendly practices at Pueblo Bonito Resorts have resulted in the creation of beautiful, hand-blown glass hearts.

For as long as we can remember, hearts have represented love and affection. Of course our drawing of the heart—a double-scalloped ideogram with a V-shaped base—doesn’t look like the real thing, but regardless, it’s become synonymous with the human heart and emotion. Not surprisingly, perhaps, we shine a spotlight on one of our cherished neighbors, who out of the goodness of his heart and a love for our planet, has made hearts out of glass for our guests. It’s a humbling story that complements Pueblo Bonito’s sustainability efforts. To understand the story, you must first realize, all of the company’s resort hotels, restaurants, and bars use and recycle two tons of bottles every week. This is how Israel Battista, a third-generation artisan who’s run the San Miguel Blown Glass Factory in the nearby village of El Arenal for 24 years, can collect up to two tons of empties—mostly tequila and water—from the resorts each month. He then trucks them to his factory where each bottle is cleaned, crushed, and melted in special ovens heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. At this heat, glassblowers dip long hollow tubes into the molten mass, and gently blow the malleable “glass” into bubbles. In the next-to-last step, Battista and his fellow artisans shape those bubbles into hearts, fish, vases, and other shapes. Finally after glazing the edges and cooling, 1,000 to 1,500 of these delicate creations leave the factory and find their way around the country. His hearts, especially, have become iconic cultural symbols in Los Cabos and throughout Mexico.

But here’s what makes this recycling effort particularly unique: Pueblo Bonito not only supplies the raw materials for Battista’s creations, but the resort company also buys back the art pieces by the hundreds to display around its hotels and communities. And not only for resale; you’ll notice dozens of shiny red hearts dangling from the branches of torote trees in the circular entrance to Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. Of course, once you’ve seen them, you’ll want one or two of your own. Find hand-crafted items on display and for sale in each of the resorts’ gift shops. Battista’s hearts come in a variety of colors, and each color—born from cobalt, copper, and iron—connotes a different meaning. The classic red heart, bright and vibrant, symbolizes true, long-lasting love, and passion. Yellow, the color closest to gold, equates to sunshine, energy, optimism. Orange, a warm color, stands for friendship and care. Green is for nature, harmony, renewal, and good fortune on St. Patrick’s Day. The blue heart, calming and wise, is the color of the sea and sky. Each glass heart is distinctive; all are available in a variety of sizes.

We believe the byproducts of this unique recycling initiative—which minimizes environmental damage—sends a special message to eco-conscious travelers who prize sustainability efforts and who want to see local communities benefit from their visits. 

Glass recycling is one of countless eco-conscious efforts Pueblo Bonito makes every day, and they aren’t going unnoticed. In 2021, the Ministry of Tourism honored Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, Emerald Bay, Rosé and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos with the Distinctive “S” Award, which recognizes companies across the country that have demonstrated extraordinary and consistent commitment to environmental sustainability. Alberto Coppel, C.E.O. of Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts told media outlets at the time, “Initiatives we’re particularly proud of include Pueblo Bonito’s contributions to various Los Cabos campaigns that beautify the city’s beaches, streets, and parks; our innovative Turtle Protection program, which helps to preserve the endangered sea turtle population… and those are just a few of the highlights. With each new development, Pueblo Bonito is committed not simply to offering guests the highest standards of luxury, but to doing so in the most eco-friendly way possible.”

Click on the first of the two video links below to how glass hearts are made, and the second to see Battista and his fellow artisans busy at work:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po0oCm7ViYI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8UFnzdGD1o

Now here comes the unexpected; this Valentine’s Day, Battista’s magical glass hearts will be our gift to you and that special someone in your life. That’s right, if you book your stay at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, you can take advantage of our Romance Package that includes a glass heart amongst the many exclusive amenities, like sparkling wine in the room, a couples massage and a starlit dinner for two. As a hospitality firm that prizes the loyalty of its guests, we here at Pueblo Bonito Resorts offer our beautiful recycled glass hearts as a token of our affection and gratitude for your patronage throughout the year, and especially in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. Come see what it’s all about when you plan your trip to the beach. For reservations call 1-800-990-8259 and for additional information about all of Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts all-inclusive plans, visit our website at www.pueblobonito.com. Plan your trip today.