Few places boast as beautiful a coastline as the Riviera Maya stretch along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. But over the years, towns like Cancun have been built up so much that now there are endless hotel towers as far as the eye can see. An easy 40 minute drive south, though, and you’ll find yourself in a complete oasis, called Mayakoba.
Spanning 1,600 acres, the Mayakoba property consists of 3 world-class, luxury resorts – the Banyan Tree, the Rosewood, and the Fairmont. All three are topnotch, offering stunning beachfronts, swoon-worthy spas, delicious restaurants, and private villas set along fresh water canals that snake through the tropical mangroves.
Banyan Tree Hotels never fail to impress, and the Mayakoba property does not stray from the norm for them. Eastern influences – from Banyan Tree’s origination in Thailand – meet Western ways and their signature Thai restaurant, Saffron, is simply out of this world. We dare you to try and only dine there just once. Fancy a good breakfast spread? Fresh fruits, local flavors and every waffle and egg station you could imagine greets you every morning at the resort’s poolside breakfast room.
Perhaps the most beloved part of Banyan Tree, the insanely spacious and luxurious pool villas make it difficult to ever want to leave your private abode. The bathrooms alone are the size of most standard hotel rooms, and a grand outdoor tub tops off the experience. The villa’s outside area is equally impressive. Wade in your own deep blue plunge pool and order lunch to be eaten on your lounge beds.
When you leave your room, the amazement continues. Bike anywhere on the property, or just call for a golf cart pick-up. You have 2 pools to choose from – each with a pool bar, of course. Next, head down to the pristine beachfront with blinding white sand and crystal clear water. Definitely ask for a catamaran sail to take you out the water and explore up and down the coast.
For a break from the water, you have access to Mayakoba’s PGA golf course designed by the Shark himself, Mr. Greg Norman. Set among the tropical foliage with some stellar beachfront holes, it’s one of the better resort courses we’ve come across. Finally, when you’re ready to get out of the sun, visit the spa at Banyan Tree. Quite simply – it’s bananas. You won’t be angry with an amazing massage given to you in an over-the-water hut.
The Banyan Tree Mayakoba is not only one of the easiest Caribbean luxury resorts to get to, it’s also one of the best. A 3.5 hour flight from NYC to Cancun and straight shot down to Mayakoba, and you’ve found Heaven.
