Located 40 minutes from the Cancun airport is Mayakoba, a sprawling resort development that winds through jungle pathways, mangroves and lagoons and houses four luxury resorts, a PGA championship golf course, beachfront exposure and plenty to experience. While it’d be easy to spend your entire vacation inside the Mayakoba development, its close proximity to nearby cenotes, downtown Playa del Carmen and trendy Tulum (about an hour drive) make this luxe spot one to visit.
Fairmont Mayakoba
1. Four Resorts In One
What just might be one of the most appealing aspects of Mayakoba is each resort’s accessibility. The large development houses four different resorts that each have unique characteristics, discerning one from the other and offering a variety of experiences. The resorts include Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Andaz Mayakoba, the latter of which is the newest addition which opened December 2016. No matter what resort you choose to stay at, guests have full access to the other resorts, allowing them to take advantage of the restaurants, pools and spas—making for an extremely varied number of choices. And getting to each resort is easier than you think. Guests are able to jet around the development by golf cart with each neighboring resort only a few minutes from the next.
Rosewood Mayakoba
2. Tropical Landscape
While there’s plenty of beaches and sunshine here, Mayakoba is far from the dry, desert landscapes of Cabo or the bustling, tourist hotel zone of Cancun. The resorts are thick with lush, green plants that tower overhead and the blue-green lagoons are filled with tropical fish, baby crocodiles, exotic birds and swaying algae. Iguanas roam the pathways while coatis (racoon-like animals) can be found rummaging through the trees. The tropical forest is quiet, yet hums with the sound of the exotic jungle.
3. Seclusion
At roughly 617 acres, Mayakoba is spread out with many areas to explore. While even the largest resort—Fairmont Mayakoba—has upwards of 400 rooms, the resort is so spread out among the jungle pathways that you would never know it. Even at full capacity, each resort seems free of people. With so many walking and biking trails and pools and pathways, there’s plenty of space to fully enjoy each aspect of the resorts while maintaining a quiet level of privacy.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
4. Exotic Tastes
With access to more than 10 restaurants, guests in Mayakoba have more than enough dining options for one stay. While you may be in love with your resort’s signature restaurant, we strongly encourage you to venture out and give the others a try. Dining choices at the four resorts range from Banyan Tree’s Asian influences, to Andaz’s bright and fresh seafood specialties. And the locations are as varied as the type of food. Outlets include casual beachfront to upscale over-water dining, luxury bars and more.
5. Resort for Everyone
Can’t decide which resort is best for you? Luckily Mayakoba’s four posh stays each offer something different. For those looking for top-of-the-line luxury with an unparalleled level of personal service, Rosewood Mayakoba offers just that with each of its suites featuring its own personal butler. If a more exotic experience is what you’re after, head to Banyan Tree where Asian hospitality and unique architecture highlight this resort—think plenty of Thai food and Thai-trained spa therapists. If you’re traveling with the whole family opt for Fairmont Mayakoba where a fun, yet luxurious stay awaits. The resort houses a kid-friendly pool, a waterslide, plenty of space to explore and more. The newest resident, Andaz Mayakoba is ideal for the younger generation with its hip and trendy atmosphere and modern rooms. Think of it as where to be seen.
Andaz Mayakoba
For more information, visit: mayakoba.com
Featured Photo: Banyan Tree Mayakoba