Private butler. White beaches. Sushi and tequila bar. Mayan Inspiration. No, you don’t have to travel the globe to indulge in this. A quick 2-hour flight into Cancun, a short 30-40 minute drive and you enter in to a “serene oasis”, also known as Mayakoba, City on Water.
Life is packed. Packed with business meetings and trips, charity events, working out, family obligations, etc. we sometimes forget to slow down or take a vacation...a true vacation. We sometimes feel we need a vacation from our vacations. Once you enter into Mayakoba, you won’t have any other choice but to check out from that busy life. A small piece of Heaven, Mayakoba is a destination to go not only physically but once you are there you can’t help but go to your happy place. From the impeccable food, always delightful staff, to the many excursions such as the El Cama- leon golf course, underwater adventures, luxurious amenities and more. This opulent destination is perfect for a guy’s weekend, romantic getaway or a family trip. Once a vision and dream, now 6 miles of freshwater canals encompassed by exotic mangroves, Mayakoba has been able to sustain and preserve a natural habitat and intertwine this with “world-class”, truly a unique gift. Using over 50 researchers, OHL group was able to keep it natural using these unique landscapes of beach and jungle, finding mangroves, coral reefs, and etching out channels that flow through the entire resort. They have not only just sustained the wildlife but have grown it from 49 to over 200 different species. Over 30 different bird species, crocodiles, iguanas and quintas are just some of the few you will see that call Mayakoba home. With its lush natural landscape, you are sure to feel entangled in an emerald jungle. There are three captivating hotels to choose from, all presenting a different ambiance and experience: Rosewood, Banyan Tree, and Fairmount.
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
Rosewood Mayakoba exceeds expectations of a 5 star resort with its beauty and rarity. From the arrival greeting to your departure farewell, you are in a private world of luxury. The staff is genuine in making sure your stay is the best it can be, not just helping or ser- vicing you for a nice tip. Their is actually a wait list to work here if that tells you anything. You are treated as family, not as a guest. The pure joy and peacefulness that all the staff embodies is truly a mind-altering experience. At some points, you feel as if you have the resort all to yourself. Rosewood has 130 suites to choose from offering private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers, individual docks and more, all equipped with a private butler. If you are searching for a larger villa for the guys or your family, we suggest the Casa Laguna. A 6,000 square foot villa decked out to the extreme. A media room, private pool, boat dock and private dining deck, three bedrooms, private fitness instructor (upon re- quest), personalized robe and pillow cases, chef’s kitchen, private golf cart manned by your butler...does the list really need to go any further? Oh and we forgot to mention the staff that is dedicated to you. Yes, it is a staff including a butler, chef, housekeeping (a.m. & p.m.) and a boat captain. And gentlemen, these are only a handful of the amenities. Lying on its own island with eight island suites and twelve treat- ment rooms, Sense Spa brings you ultimate tranquility. Imagine strolling through a secret jungle until you reach your own personal treatment room. This is where your personal experience begins. Blending the ancient Mayan culture into every massage you will be sure to come out reinvigorated and physically and spiritually balanced. For an experience like no other, we suggest Temazcal Journey. It is a total purification of the mind, spirit and body using “Mayan healing methods” by a Mayan Priest. Or enjoy Fire & Ice Stones Therapy and a Wellness Fusion to discover how Mayan culture created balance and well being. But, no matter which treatment you decide, you will come to a realization that nothing else before made Sense. Enjoy the virgin white beach while you and your spouse or sig- nificant other partake in a daily beach facial (complimentary, of course) and believe me, you will want to get the facial, men. The butler service is one of the luxurious amenities you need to take advantage of. Whether they are setting up a romantic dinner for two in your villa or other secluded areas, or setting up your tee time, the butlers will become your best friends. Rosewood Mayakoba takes vacationing to an entirely rare experience. From snorkeling to golf, to a biologist driven boat tour or grabbing a Cuban cigar, it is all at your disposal. And one thing is for sure, you will leave a different person.
FAIRMOUNT MAYAKOBA
The 5-Diamond, oceanfront resort with four ecosystems, is the perfect venue for anything indoor and outdoor. With 401 guest rooms sitting on the 47-acre resort, it is a beautiful setting. Whether you are golfing on El Camaleon, taking lessons at the Jim McLean Golf School or enjoying a rain massage from the Willow Stream Spa, Fairmount is known as the Venice of the Caribbean.
BANYAN TREE
Mixing Mexican culture with unique Asian flair and inspired by the courtyard houses of the Far East, Banyan Tree is an intimate oasis. Choose from one of the 118 secluded villas with large, liv- ing areas, your own private pool, unique layouts and much more. Built into the conserved landscape, they are EarthCheck Silver Certified, PROFEPA Tourism Environmental Quality Certified and a Rainforest. Offering guests a wide variety of excellent dining op- tions that suit each individuals taste, Banyan Tree Mayakoba takes you to new heights.
DINING MAYAKOBA
Among all of the resorts, you will have the opportunity to dine in world-class restaurants. We suggest you make it a priority to try the homemade pasta at Casa Del Lago, Rosewood’s signature Italian spot with the most decadent Lamb Bolognese. Ask for Garrison to educate you on the largest selections of Mexican wines in the country, 125 to be exact. Offering more than 100 labels of premium tequila, Agave Azul is a spot you will want to make reservations for. They host weekly tequila tastings as well as sushi and tequila paired meals and order the Chili Beef...it is 5 stars. One of their signature cocktails is a Fresh and Spicy Margarita with an infused ice cube of jalapeno, cucumber, water- melon and cayenne pepper for garnish. If you are lounging at the beach, Punta Bonita is the perfect spot for tapas, light lunches, pizza, and the most delicious ceviche. Tamarind is a unique dining experience. Set in the peaceful surrounding of the Banyan Tree Spa, Chef Gregario Oy Cahum blends new world techniques with sophisticated European cuisine making it eclectic. From the risotto with duck confit to the lobster with olive oil powder, the dishes are divine.
EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA
We have had the privilege to play wonderful golf courses but like everyone, we have our top 5 list. This Greg Norman designed course has slipped into the top 5. Golf is considered to some a relaxing sport and this course, with its unique layout, could be su- preme relaxation. With the sounds of the jungle, a mangrove and ocean throughout the course, El Camaleon is worth the play. It is as calming as it is challenging. Myakoba’s OHL Classic is the first PGA sanctioned tournament outside of the USA. This year, the OHL Classic will have will have a week of it’s own on the PGA tour and will have a substantial mark on FedEx cup points. The purse has grown to 6 million. The clubhouse, renovated recently, is as magnificent as the course. With a perfect view of the 18th hole, you are able to sit and watch the triumphs...or demise...of each golfer. Changing in many different ways, year round, this name definitely fits the course.
rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya
banyantree.com
fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya/