Blaire's Been - Mayakoba
If you guys haven't picked up by now, I LOVE MEXICO! Everything about it. The beaches, the resorts, the people, the service levels, the proximity to the United States… I just think it’s so well rounded, and the value is incredible. I’ve traveled all over Mexico in the last couple of years, but the one piece of the puzzle I felt that I was missing was the Mayakoba area in the Riviera Maya. LUCKILY I had the opportunity to visit in December, and I can already tell that this will be a place I return to time after time.
Mayakoba is about 40 minutes South of the Cancun airport, and when you enter the gates, it’s like you’re in a whole different part of Mexico. Within Mayakoba, there are 4 resorts: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba and Fairmont Mayakoba. Each resort is completely different, but what makes this complex so unique is that you have signing privileges at every resort (aka can eat at a restaurant in a resort you aren’t staying at but sign back to your hotel bill).
Mayakoba is a lush complex built on a canal system throughout the property. Prior to visiting and in line with what most people assume, I thought these canals were swampy or smelly and just not appealing. That is 100% not the case. These canals are beautiful, perfectly manicured and the water glistens in the sunlight. I found them to be very peaceful and calming. The best way to experience the canals is by boat, and these resorts all offer eco tours usually mid day where you can cruise the canals for 30 minutes and learn more about them. And of course if you want a special night, you can reserve a boat for a dinner experience!
In addition to the canals, Mayakoba has plenty of bike and running paths scattered throughout. Since many of the resorts are built back into the foliage, biking to the beach is the preferred mode of transportation. You can also bike to the town of Pueblito which is a common area in Mayakoba with a few shops, a beautiful church and some grab-and-go coffee and snacks.
Mayakoba also is home to the only Mexico PGA golf course which has an incredible golf simulator as well as perfectly manicured grounds. And speaking of perfect - Mayakoba recently renovated its beach which made the beach deeper and the waves not as rough. The bright white sand is pristine, and it was a huge value add to the entire complex.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to stay at Banyan Tree and Rosewood as well as tour the Andaz. I did not make it to the Fairmont.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
I had the pleasure of staying at the Banyan Tree, and yall, it was amazing. Let’s first talk about the rooms… I stayed in the ENTRY LEVEL room, and it was massive. I walked in to a huge bedroom with a vaulted ceiling which was connected to a bathroom with a gorgeous outdoor tub. The tub had tea lights and even a bath menu where you could have a romantic night set up under the stars! Outside of the room is a huge plunge pool with an outdoor living space. As you move up in room categories, this outdoor space gets larger. It’s ultra private and the perfect space to spent time with a loved one or a bff!
At the Banyan Tree, there were many different types of restaurants. I am a self proclaimed breakfast buffet snob, and the breakfast at Banyan Tree was awesome - complete with healthy items to a quesadilla station, and everything in between! This is also a restaurant where you can have a cooking class set up for you during your stay. Other dining outlets include an Italian restaurant, a beachside grille and an incredible Thai restaurant where you dine overlooking the canals.
I loved Banyan Tree’s beach club, too. The loungers were very comfy, and the pool overlooking the beach is cool and contemporary.
I do need to write about my most favorite experience at the Banyan Tree - the HAAB. Basically this event started with a Mayan ritual in the lobby area where we listened to chants and were blessed by the Mayans. From there, we followed the performers dressed in garb to a candlelit area where we enjoyed a tasting menu (both Mayan food and lots of tequila!) and learned more about the culture. It was the perfect way to educate guests on the special traditions of the Mayan people while still making it interactive and fun. I still think about that night and how special it was!!!
Rosewood Mayakoba
I stayed at the gorgeous Rosewood Mayakoba for one night after my stay at Banyan Tree. The Rosewood is super cool! This modern and updated property was meticulously landscaped, and the common spaces and rooms were light and bright. Each room had a plunge pool whether it’s on the lagoon, on the beach or has one on the rooftop. Speaking of rooftops, the rooms came with a space to relax on the roof and complete with a day bed. Talk about the most perfect place to take a nap!
On the beach, there are two areas to hang out. I spent time at the newly created adults only beach club, and it reminded me of something like Mykonos meets Tulum. Super cool vibes with awesome furniture spread throughout and many loungers either around the multiple pools or near the water.
Rosewood Mayakoba’s spa is incredible too. My most favorite thing is the relaxation areas which are decked out with flowers or other tropical plants and are picture perfect!
While there, I enjoyed the beach picnic dinner which was essentially a buffet of all you can eat lobster, shrimp, meat, desserts, to name a few. It was amazing and a great atmosphere with live music and tons of people enjoying this sundown feast.
Andaz Mayakoba
The second I walked on property here, I knew this would be the perfect place to visit with all my BFFs! The overall atmosphere here was super cool. The bright white buildings spread throughout had brightly colored murals of animals painted on them, and the décor was minimal and almost mid century modern. Around the pool are many multi-colored beach chairs, and there is fun music playing.
Andaz’s best restaurant, Casa Amate, is a Mayakoba favorite! I had the opportunity go to back there for drinks, and the library area was so fun and cozy. The mixologists made awesome drinks, too!
Andaz definitely had a younger, cool vibe and is perfect for a girls getaway or multiple families going with kids!