Rosewood Mayakoba – Mayan Riviera, Mexico
There are not many resorts where you reach your suite by boat. As you wind around the lagoons, you begin to catch a glimpse of just how relaxed your next few days promise to be. This luxury resort is one of the finest in the entire Maya Riviera – with a long stretch of picture postcard beach and acres upon acres of lagoons and mangroves. Sit on your private desk and you’ll see iguanas, turtles and spoonbills – it feels more like a nature reserve than a resort.
Then the wonderful staff remind you that you’re in a five star luxury retreat! Rosewood Mayakoba has everything you could possibly need for a week or two, and if you’re after a little culture and history, some of Mexico’s most famous pyramids and Mayan archaeological sites are not far away.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its mile long stretch of perfect white sand beach, and the surrounding mangroves and tranquil lagoons.Style:
Contemporary Mexican luxe.Location:
In the 620 acre Mayakoba reserve of jungle, lagoons and beach on the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatán Peninsula.Rooms:
Luxurious suites and villas with outdoor bathrooms, large terraces and plunge pools – accessed by boat or golf buggy – and each with butler service.Swimming:
Four resort pools, a family pool, private plunge pools and the very warm Caribbean waters.Children:
Perfect for families with a kids club packed with activity filled programmes.Accessibility:
There’s very good accessibility for guests with reduced mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Nestled amongst the mangroves and winding lagoons, the uber luxurious suites and villas offer total privacy. Each is open plan and exceptionally spacious, decorated top to toe in contemporary cool earthy tones, with Mexican artefacts and bespoke furniture. Secluded terraces with plunge pools (some even have two) look out over the waterways and jungle, with outdoor bathrooms surrounded by dense foliage.
The Lagoon Suites come in various shapes and sizes, from the Lagoon Studio, that can sleep a family of four, to the larger Deluxe Lagoon Suites, Beachside Lagoon View Suites and Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suites that are wildly romantic. For instant beach access, the Rooftop Ocean View Suites that sleep a family of four, or the Mayakoba Two-Bedroom Suites that can accommodate five guests are light filled and positively vast, whilst the Beachfront Studio Suites are perfect for a couple, or guests with a small child. Larger families love the Lagoon Presidential Suite, which features wonderfully living space, inside and out, and can sleep eight guests. Bigger still is the very contemporary Beachfront Presidential Suite that comfortably accommodates ten.
food
Across eight restaurant and bars, every type of palate is catered for. From Japan to Italy via the Middle East, the choice is exceptional. And the Mexican cuisine is simply outstanding. It’s celebrated across all the restaurants, using traditional ingredients and age old techniques – much of it prepared fresh at your table. Dine lagoon-side, or with your feet in the sand, on freshly grilled seafood; taste authentic street food by the pool and relax in light-festooned gardens with serenading musicians. We’re particularly partial to Pan Dulce – the Mexican bakery! And keep an eye out for culinary pop-up events.
activities
The resort has plenty to keep you busy for your entire stay, although the pampering quality of the service might mean you don’t stray far from the pool or beach. And whatever you want to do, the concierge service is on hand to organise it. Explore the resort by bike, or delve beneath it to one of the three sinkholes here – the cave system is linked throughout the entire peninsula. From the beach, all non-motorised water sports are complimentary, from hobie cats to paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment.
Kayaking through the mangroves can easily while away an entire morning, and divers will definitely want to witness the wonders and marine life on the Great Mesoamerican Coral Reef. Or join one of the eco boat tours, where your guide will help spot hidden wildlife. For exercise, there are tennis courts and a PGA championship golf course which meanders through the resort between the jungle and the beach – guests have unlimited access. Further afield, visit some of the country’s major archaeological sites at Tulum and Chichen Itza, or the colonial town of Valladolid to immerse yourself in Mayan culture. And definitely don’t miss out on a Spa treatment. This little haven is on its very own island with treatments using ancient techniques.
family
The resort is a veritable family paradise, with activities for children all year round. The Explorers Club takes guests from three to 12, filling their days with beach fun, traditional arts and crafts, eco-adventures, Mexican cookery classes and Mayan storytelling. There are even mini Spa treatments for any who need a little extra pampering. Babysitting is easily organized and here are children’s menus available.
sustainability
Rosewood Mayakoba has received many awards for its environmental practices and every care was taken in its creation. Energy conservation practices are in place as is responsible food sourcing – everything is as local as possible. The resort also supports a local school, educating the children of the staff who work here, as well as others of families in the community.
Location
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
In the 620 acre Mayakoba reserve of jungle, lagoons and beach on the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatán Peninsula. Just 45 minutes from Cancun airport, and an hour from Tulum.
