Fairmont Mayakoba – Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Surrounded by lush jungle, mangroves, sleepy lagoons and with a large stretch of beach, Fairmont Mayakoba is an expansive resort over 45 acres within a private estate. The grounds are teeming with tropical birds and native animals, and three species of freshwater turtles, and it’s all linked by winding pathways, with a fleet of golf buggies and bikes to get you around. These natural surroundings give a sanctuary feel to the resort, and you might find that you never step foot outside until it’s time to leave.
With a superb culinary offering and a great choice of activities, coupled with a team who go out of their way to make your stay perfect, it’s an ideal place for couples and families alike.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its Mexican village feel and its jungle setting.Style:
Contemporary Mexican luxe.Location:
On the Mayan Riviera, close to Playa del Carmen and 45 minutes from Cancun airport.Rooms:
Spacious rooms, suites and casitas dotted around the resort, with lagoon, jungle or beachfront views – and some with private pools.Swimming:
Ten pools around the resort, and the azure waters of the Caribbean.Children:
The resort is ideal for families with children of all ages.Accessibility:
There are specially adapted rooms for guests with limited mobility, and ramps around the property.Price:
Available on requestrooms
Dotted around the property, throughout the jungle, along the lagoons, and a handful right on the beach, the rooms, suites and casitas are light and airy, with modern, minimalist Mexican décor. There’s a wide selection, with hideaway doubles perfect for couples, interconnecting rooms or suites for families and beachfront casitas with a private pool just steps from the sea.
food
With ten restaurants and locally sourced produce – much straight from the sea – dining here is a delight. Set around the property, each venue is buzzy and has a unique offering. From contemporary Mexican to American steakhouse, from Mediterranean to Italian bistro, there’s something for every palate. And if you fancy a night in, then take a look at the extensive in-room menu. For cocktails and sundowners, the resort also boasts a selection of bars – the views from Hix are unforgettable.
activities
The range and choice of activities at Mayakoba could you keep you busy for your entire stay, and may well leave you with no time to venture out to discover your surroundings. The ruins at Tulum are an hour away, and the magnificent complex at Chichén Itzá, a two and half hour trip. The grounds themselves are well-worth exploring, with their abundance of native flora and fauna and their own cenote. Take one of the many lagoon cruises through the winding mangroves with a native guide to learn more.
On the water there’s paddle boarding, windsurfing and snorkeling, and if you want to venture further, take Hobie Cat out, or a private yacht out into the Caribbean. The resort has its own championship 18 hole golf course, designed by Greg Norman, and if raquet sports are more your thing, then there are three tennis courts, three pickleball courts and a padel court. Join one of the chefs for a Mexican cookery class, or experience a Temazcal experience – and ancient cleansing ritual. And unwind at the Spa and enjoy one of the Mayan influenced treatments.
family
Parents and children love the space and freedom at Mayakoba, and there’s much to keep everyone occupied. There are two kids’ clubs – Balam and Coatí, for children aged five to 11, with large indoor and outdoor play spaces, and a creative programme of activities. The resort has a children’s pool with waterslide, and there are activities aplenty for older children too.
sustainability
The resort was built with the utmost respect and care for the surrounding environment, and it has won many awards for its eco credentials. Any tree moved during the build was replanted elsewhere around the estate, and the resort has a number of initiatives in place, including waste water treatment, recycling programmes, a food donation scheme and ensuring strong ties with the local community.
Location
Fairmont Mayakoba
On the Mayan Riviera, close to Playa del Carmen and 45 minutes from Cancun airport.
