Andaz Mayakoba – Mayan Riviera, Mexico
This vibrant and chic beach retreat sits within jungle and lagoons, on the white sandy shores of the Mayan Riviera. Its contemporary architecture is a striking contrast to the lush leafy surroundings, full of exotic birds and a monkey or two, celebrating Mexican culture and spirit. It’s a place for winding down – everything runs at a gloriously relaxed pace and attentive staff seem to anticipate your every need.
Guests can meander around by bike, golf buggy or boat, and without realising, spend large parts of the day between the pool, the beach and a hammock. So slip on your flip flops and grab yourself a margherita.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its authentic, colourful Mexican vibe, and for the chance to learn the secrets of the country’s cuisine at its cookery school.Style:
Modern Mexican beach chic.Location:
On the fringes of Playa del Carmen, right on the beach.Rooms:
Airy rooms and suites, many with lagoon and ocean views, and all with balconies, terraces and some with plunge pools.Swimming:
Two pools and the very inviting Caribbean.Children:
Hugely family friendly, with a well-organised kid’s club.Accessibility:
There are very good facilities for guests with mobility issues.rooms
Decorated and furnished with inspiration from local culture and the vibrant colours of Mexico, each of the rooms and suites is spacious and light filled. Walls are whitewashed, wooden floors are polished, and there are little accents of colour everywhere. There’s a huge option of layouts from which to choose, and many interconnect, making family holidays a breeze. Spread out across the resort or by the beach, they’re reached by foot, bike or golf buggy.
Rooms come with a kingsize bed or two double beds, and can sleep up to three or four guests accordingly. Located amongst the lagoons, close to the beach, or right on the beachfront, they are exceptionally spacious. The intimate, but roomy Beachfront Plunge Pool Studios and Ocean View Plunge Pool Studios are ideal for a couple, or those with a small child. The Suites are vast, with welcoming living areas. Beach Area Plunge Pool Suites look out over the mangroves and waterways, and are just a short walk from the beach. Or choose a Lagoon View, Ocean View or Beachfront Plunge Pool Suite. The even larger Beachfront Bi-Level Plunge Pool Suites are perfect for a family of four. For larger families, the Three Bedroom Presidential Villa can sleep eight, and offers beachfront luxury with a private pool and gardens.
food
Food is very much at the heart of Andaz Mayakoba. Guests have the choice of five exceptional restaurants – many of which are rated amongst the best in the country and include those of neighbouring resorts. Dine poolside at Cocina Milagro on local and international cuisine, or with your feet in the sand at Sotavento, where seafood takes centre stage.
Tinta del Pulpo is the place for a light lunch, between the pool and the beach, whilst Casa Amate opens for dinner and oozes Latin sophistication, overlooking the lagoon. Stop by for a juice or smoothie at VB, or for privacy, there’s in-room dining.
activities
Andaz Mayakoba emanates a very relaxed vibe – the minute you step on the beach, or find your lounger by the pool, it’s nigh on impossible to drag yourself away. Nature is all around you, and the resort runs regular eco-boat tours around the lagoon to spot the colourful array of birds and wildlife. Or take one of the resort’s complimentary bikes to explore the numerous trails. Within Mayakoba there are three cenotes – caves that link throughout the entire Yucatán Peninsula.
Guided tours are taken down to see the incredible rock formations and the huge bat community that lives in them. Off the beach there’s paddle boarding and kayaking, whilst dive enthusiasts are spoilt for choice along the Mesoamerican reef. For foodies, one of the best activities here is a lesson in the cookery school. Learn to make tacos, traditional salsas and the perfect guacamole. The chocolate tasting is one of our favourites! Start the day with yoga on the beach; book a treatment at Naum Wellness & Spa, or find inner peace with a Mayan meditation guided by the resort’s resident shaman. Then maybe, head straight back to the beach.
family
Open every day, the Kimbo Kids’ club has a well-designed and run programme of activities for their younger guests. From beach games to piñata making, Spanish lessons to pottery, there’s a huge range of things to keep them occupied whilst you have enjoy some down time by the pool.
sustainability
Protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable tourism are major priorities at this resort, and their efforts have been given national certification. The resort goes to great lengths to protect and manage the surrounding mangroves and wildlife habitats, conserving turtle breeding grounds and rehabilitating coral. Energy and resource management programmes are also in place, along with policies that benefit the local community through employment, training and encouraging local artisans.
Location
Mayan Rivier, Mexico
On the fringes of Playa del Carmen, right on the beach. It’s 31 miles from Cancun airport, an hour from Tulum, and three from Chichen Itza.
