The first-annual American Express Mayakoba Masters of Food, Wine & Golf wrapped up on June 5 with more than 300 guests partaking in the exciting four-day extravaganza of eclectic dining, tasting and spa experiences. The two-day golf tournament on the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon golf course hosted 136 participants for The Mayakoba Golf Cup. Golfers Armando Calvo and Alberto Chico were the winner’s of the men’s division with a score of 121; Ashley Ruben Gonzales and Ashley López were the winner’s of the mixed division with a score of 129; and Karla Schiavani and Martha Espíritu Santo were crowned the champions of the women’s division with a score of 150.
The weekend kicked off with a special clinic by Jim McLean on the El Camaleon golf course and an opening party followed that included a four-course menu from guest chefs, winemakers, sommeliers, tequila masters and artisanal brewers. Over the weekend, lunch and dinner programs brought worldwide tastes from internationally-acclaimed chefs, from Mayakoba resorts and from other international locations. Guests also enjoyed cooking lessons of exotic tastes and The Masters of Mayakoba Grand Tasting featured a slew of wines from around the world.
A closing dinner allowed guests to mingle with and interact with the weekend’s celebrity chefs while enjoying delicious bites. The evening commenced with Mayan warriors performing a sundown ritual and then finished with an illuminating firework show over the ocean.
“We are very proud to be a part of an event as wonderful and unique as the American Express Mayakoba Masters of Food, Wine & Golf,” said José María Zas, President and CEO of American Express Mexico, Latin America, Brazil and the Caribbean and International Insurance Business. “The four-day event was an unforgettable experience for the guests and showcased the best in gastronomy, fine drinking, and golf.”
The weekend’s festivities raised money for acclaimed Mexican former professional golfer Lorena Ochoa’s foundation, which helps underprivileged children reach a balanced life through educational programs, sports, healthy living, and self-esteem seminars. The online chapter of the auction will continue to run through June in an effort to raise additional funds.
Sponsors of this year’s event included American Express, Aeromexico, and Delta as the official airline partners along with other distinguished brands such as Tequila Patrón, Vueve Clicquot, Vinoteca, Heineken, Beringer, Casa Noble Tequila, among others.
“We are thrilled that the most anticipated event of the season was a success and attracted the best in culinary talent and golf,” said Carl Emberson, VP of Operations and Marketing for Mayakoba. “We look forward to welcoming the American Express Mayakoba Masters of Food, Wine & Golf next year and delivering another weekend of exquisite cuisine, wonderful wines, camaraderie and championship golf.”
The event will return to the Riviera Maya on April 20-23, 2017.