When nature, design and luxury intersect, you have arrived at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
This is not your traditional Mexican hotel with views of the Caribbean as the highlight. Within the Mayakoba gated development, there are 240 acres of tropical forest. Tucked in to this mesmerizing landscape is the AAA-Five Diamond Fairmont Mayakoba resort. It is here that you will be surrounded by lush mangroves, white sand beaches and crystal clear waterways all designed to create a sense of peace, tranquility and well being.
(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba)
Located on the Caribbean Sea in Riviera Maya, Mexico, this luxurious resort is just 40 miles south of Cancun in close proximity to Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Mayakoba means “village of water” which describes this piece of paradise perfectly. A network of canals connects the properties within Mayakoba offering a sense of beauty and community.
Glorious tropical scents and sounds envelop you as you enter this sprawling complex. Welcomed with a cool drink and refreshing towel, your gaze can’t help but look out at the magnificent view from the open air lobby of where you are now lucky enough to be. Nature has indeed surrounded you in this stunning resort.
While the Fairmont Mayakoba resort is vast, there is an immediate feeling of privacy and seclusion. As you board the golf cart that whisks you from the main building where the lobby, shops, meeting rooms and one of the many restaurants are located, you take in the lushness of your surroundings. Peaceful. Quiet. Winding paths lead you to your Mexican vacation home. 
Within the 45 acre property are 401 modernly appointed rooms, suites and casitas. Two story buildings, some with views of the canals, make you feel like you are deep in the forest with the Caribbean just a short distance away. Swaying trees and rich greenery assure each building’s privacy.
Walk into your room and you don’t know where to look first: the sliding doors that lead to your balcony overlooking the canals or the sunken marble tub and enormous bathroom.
Beautiful stone everywhere, glass enclosed shower with a privacy wall filled with tropical plants and an overall spa feeling that is all yours. The room is spacious and airy even with two queen size beds. Plenty of space to spread out and relax. Two large closets ready for your fashionable attire.
Protecting the Earth: Sustainability
This Rainforest Certified property shows its appreciation for sustainability and protecting nature in a number of ways.
- Guests can find bicycles strategically placed throughout the complex to wander and explore the landscape.
- An eco conscious electric boat quietly floats along the clear water canals where you can see the fish swimming and native birds let you capture their beauty among nature’s backdrop proving that this magical place does indeed exist. While you are on the boat, you may even see turtles, small crocodiles and iguanas. The resort’s nickname, “The Venice of the Caribbean” will now make total sense.
- Among the many water activities available to guests, those interested in exploring the world’s second largest coral reef are in luck. The hotel is helping reforest the Mesoamerican Reef by planting coral colonies at its beach. Schedule a snorkeling or scuba diving boat ride out to the reef and learn about the mystical underwater cenotes – luminous caverns that were once a source of fresh water for the Mayans who lived in the area – from the experts.
- From the moment you enter the grounds of the Fairmont Mayakoba, it becomes abundantly clear the commitment made to protecting the environment. That message comes through in their culinary efforts as well. Found in the restaurants are locally sourced, organic and sustainable ingredients. That includes the seafood that is served in each of the restaurants. Sustainable lobster and purchasing fish that are not a part of the seasonal ban are important values maintained by the Fairmont.
So Many Activities to Choose From
The shimmering waters of the Caribbean may be calling you on your Mexican vacation. Thanks to the assortment of water adventures, you have the chance to be busy all day long whether in the 5 swimming pools on the property including one adult’s only infinity pool or in the Sea.
(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba)
Here are just some of the many choices available to guests:
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking
- Paddle boards
- Boogie boards
- Guided catamaran excursion
- Coral reef reforestation snorkeling activity
- Windsurf lesson
Taking a break from the water? Try getting into any of a variety of beach games and competitions like beach volleyball.
Watch the Sun Rise
Start your day with yoga on the beach.
Continue your morning with a massage on the beach by the Willow Stream Spa staff. Treatments range from signature experiences to Mayan traditions using local herbs, essentials oils and extracts. Like all at the Fairmont Mayakoba, nature is infused in every aspect of the experience. Willow Stream’s name expresses how they look to nature for inspiration, energy and balance. The willow tree is one of the strongest trees that gains its strength from flexibility. Just what a relaxing massage can do for you.
The spa itself is located in its own building near the lobby. A must experience after your treatments is a visit to the rooftop where you can spend time in the healing waters of the signature vitality pool or take a dip in the sea mineral soaking pool, both overlooking the mangroves that surround the spa.
Now, if your idea of an “activity” is finding a comfortable chair under a palapa on the beach with the perfect view of the Caribbean, you are in luck. In fact, you might just get the opportunity to watch as a palapa is being built.
Golf by the Sea
The picturesque 18 hole El Chameleon Riviera Maya Golf Club in Playa del Carmen is designed by world renowned, The Shark Greg Norman. This 7,000 yards golf course will challenge even the best golfers with its sand dunes, mangroves, and distinctive hazards such as cenotes and lagoons all on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. Interesting note that this is the only PGA course in Mexico.
Family Friendly
There is no question this luxurious resort accommodates individuals, couples, and families with all that is offered. A well designed Discovery Club has both indoor and outdoor space geared for children ages 5 – 11. The children’s center is filled with games, events, cooking classes and creative projects to keep your kids engrossed in their play. Should you be there during a holiday, be prepared for the elaborate and festive decorations! Babysitting services are also offered in your hotel room if you want some time to golf, hang out at the adult’s only infinity pool, soak up the sun on the beach or go for a massage.
(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba)
Tacos, Margaritas and so much more. Dining Extraordinaire!
While the landscape of the Fairmont Mayakoba is breathtaking, their culinary program is just as memorable. With six restaurants and bars on the property, guests can explore different menus for each meal.
From homemade tortillas made in front of you at La Laguna (Modern Mexican, brunch buffet) next to the pools and lagoon to a view of the Caribbean at Brisas (Latin, coastal grill) to dinner at El Puerto where Latin Asian fusion brings you dishes you just can’t get enough of to outdoor dining at the new Ki’ Beach Bar & Korean BBQ spot located on the beach, there is a dining experience for everyone.
If getting out of the pool is too much work, swim up to the Las Olas Pool Bar for a healthy tropical nectar or frosty margarita,
Choose a seat overlooking the property at the Hix Bar and Lobby Lounge to take in your surroundings.
At each of the dining spots, you will find that the chefs bring innovative recipes to the table that incorporate flavors and a curiosity for new ingredients to capture your attention and taste buds. No matter how sophisticated the dishes may be, food preferences are graciously and discreetly accommodated.
Should you want refreshments throughout the day, visit the gourmet market, Cafe Maya, for goodies to enjoy in your room or at the beach. Some fun gift ideas too can be found in this well stocked shop.
Luxury All Inclusive
If the trip’s goal is to relax and not worry about anything, then consider reserving the Fairmont’s exclusive Luxury All Inclusive package which incorporates the resort’s award winning culinary program in addition to beach and pool service, on an elevated and unlimited basis.
Nearby Adventures and Fun
With the Fairmont Mayakoba’s central location, the opportunity to venture off property to explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba or Chichen Itzá (one of the new Seven Wonders of The World), or an excursion to Sian Ka’an (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) will capture more memories for you of your trip to Riviera Maya. With Cozumel just a short distance away for more water adventures or nearby Playa del Carmen with its high energy nightlife and shopping, there is no end to the fun to be had during your stay.
A Visit to the Mexican Town Square
Just a short shuttle ride from the resort is a quaint area with shops selling clothing, gifts and candy. Take a peek into the beautiful chapel while you are there.
For anyone interested in cooking, you must arrange for a private class at the La Cocina de El Pueblo Cooking School. 
The school welcomes group classes whether families, friends or colleagues to join in the chopping and dicing fun. We had a ball making authentic Mexican appetizers and a shrimp main course. This was not only a delicious way to enjoy a meal but it was a seriously entertaining afternoon learning tips and techniques from the Chef. Cocktails made with passion fruit, tamarind and chili flowed and laughter and merriment ensued.
Luxury Lifestyle at Fairmont Heritage Place
If owning a slice of Mayakoba tranquility is on your bucket list, then consider buying a fully furnished three or four bedroom home within Fairmont Heritage Place. This luxurious Private Residence Club is adjacent to the namesake hotel with the same unmatched services and amenities but with more privacy.
(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba)
Vacation at the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort
When seeking a luxury destination that offers an experience that incorporates the beauty of the tropics from water to mangroves, a culinary program with innovative dishes, and a focus on sustainability, the Fairmont Mayakoba is where you want to be. For more information on this AAA-5 Diamond resort, please visit the Fairmont Mayakoba.
All images courtesy of DLX Contributor, Julie Gordon of Inspiring Kitchen, unless otherwise noted. Follow Inspiring Kitchen to learn about trends in luxury culinary travel, kitchen design and housewares as well as favorite finds in the food and cooking world.
(Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba)