Belmond Maroma – Mayan Riviera, Mexico
In a location that can only be described as sublime, Maroma sits secluded on a fine white sandy beach, with the blue of the Caribbean in front, and lush jungle behind. It’s the perfect beach retreat. A recent renovation has seen the hotel totally embrace Mayan culture, from the curved stucco architecture to décor and furniture crafted by Mexican artisans, and the restaurants serving traditionally inspired dishes.
Exemplary staff – the poolside service alone would have you coming back time and time again, a wonderfully relaxed vibe, and a chance to dip into local culture, make Maroma a real Mexican haven.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its secluded location and its authentic Mayan feel.Style:
Contemporary Mayan chic.Location:
On the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatán Peninsula, in 200 acres of jungle.Rooms:
72 individually styled rooms, suites and villas – with terraces overlooking the jungle or the sea, strung with hammocks.Swimming:
Three pools and the warm Caribbean waters.Children:
Families are most welcome, with a host of activities for younger guests at the kids club.Accessibility:
One of the rooms is especially adapted for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
The detail in each of the rooms, suites and villas is exceptional. From the hand painted floor and bathroom tiles, to the locally woven baskets and traditional textiles, even down to the mini bar filled with Mexican spirits. The Deluxe Rooms come in various shapes and sizes, and either look out over the gardens and pool, or the ocean. Some have a balcony and others a small terrace, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Exceptionally spacious, the Junior Suites also have a choice of a garden or ocean view, and all come with large outdoor seating area, or thatched roof terraces. The Suites are sumptuous and generously sized, with separate living areas and private roof or garden terraces. A few of them feature two bedrooms – ideal for families. The Wellness Suite comes with a massage table, sunken bath and offers total decompression from everyday life, tucked amongst the jungle foliage. With unobstructed views and access to the water, the Oceanfront Suites are pure luxury. With one or two bedrooms, some come with a private plunge pool. For more space and for larger families, the two and bedroom Villas promise a complete escape.
food
Combining traditional recipes with a contemporary twist, Maroma delivers food packed with flavour. The beachside restaurant Woodend by Curtis Stone, the celebrated Australian chef, serves flame grilled meats, fresh seafood and plant based dishes, marinated in Mexican spices. And a real dip into local cuisine, Casa Mayor reinvents age old dishes. The majority of ingredients are local, or from around the country – a real farm to table approach. Try the tortilla-making class here, which you can then eat with some sauces fresh from the kitchen.
activities
The white sands of the beach and the turquoise waters at Maroma prove quite seductive, and it may be that you don’t venture further than the sun lounger, or maybe you’ll find the energy to wander the trails of the jungle surrounding the hotel. The Mayan culture is very much evident in every aspect of Maroma, and a trip to Tulum, 80 kilometres from here, and one of the most important archeological sites in the area, is well worth the day out.
As is Ek’ Balam, about two hours from the hotel, where you’ll find an ancient temple and well-preserved wall paintings. Not too far away is the colonial city of Valladolid, with some splendid architecture and piazzas. Scattered around the area, there are also a number of the famous sink holes “cenotes” – some you can swim in, and others have networks of subterranean pools (not for the claustrophobic!) At night, stargaze at the Milky Way and learn the secrets of Mayan navigation and their beliefs. And if that’s just all too much, head back to the beach, or the Guerlain Spa.
family
You just need to glance at the activity programme at La Casita Encantada – the kids club, to see the fun your children will have here. Each day is packed with a different programme of fun. From Jungle days with nature walks and mixology lessons, to Wellness days with beach games, or Green days with turtle workshops – there’s something for all children. There’s a chance to learn all about Mexican culture too, with making pinatas and painting Calaveritas – the traditional skull masks.
sustainability
The ethos at Maroma is to give back to the community – an essential component of sustainable tourism. By using local artisans, ingredients and staff who are wonderfully trained and stay here for years, everyone benefits. There are also plenty of energy saving initiatives in place and no single use plastic.
Location
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
On the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatán Peninsula, in 200 acres of jungle - just 30 minutes from Cancun airport.
