I finally left the country for the first time in ten years! I haven’t left the states since I went to El Salvador in 2012, which was the most positively pivotal experience of my life thus far in terms of travel. I’ve been ready to travel international again, but then the big “C” word happened and my plans were off the table, understandably.
I was shocked and excited to find out that we were staying at a Rosewood resort. I’ve never stayed at one before, but have spent a lot of time hanging out at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito with friends. A Pacific Spritz or Purple Sky cocktail at the Beach Bar? Yes, please!
I grew up in more of a Mexican-influenced culture on my mom’s side of the family, but have never visited Mexico before, surprisingly. I’ve naturally been intrigued to visit, but it wasn’t high on my bucket list. But…A Rosewood resort? Sign me up.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
WHO THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR
This trip is for someone who wants to celebrate a big win with delicious mezcalitas and shrimp tacos, while also feeling grounded in nature with dense trees and clear ocean water. No one needs a reason to take a vacation though, so this trip is perfect for you even if you don’t have something to celebrate!
WHERE TO STAY
I have one recommendation and one recommendation only – Rosewood Mayakoba.
Hear me out. One anxiety most people experience when traveling internationally is centered around getting from Point A to Point B once you’ve arrived at the airport. We were met with a driver when we landed in Cancún and personally driven to the resort. Once we arrived at the resort, we went through big gates that were guarded by security. Inside the gates are four luxury resorts, but we veered to the left where we approached another gate to enter the Rosewood after driving through beautiful dense trees.
Once you check-in, you’re introduced to your butler who will be your point-of-contact during your stay. Ours was named Gabriel, and he helped make sure we were on schedule per our itinerary and consistently made sure we were comfortable. We stayed in a Lagoon Villa, which I cannot recommend enough. Each residence at the resort has a bike for each guest that can be ridden throughout the four resorts. There’s so much to see outside of the Rosewood grounds – the Nature Path, the Pueblito Mayakoba, cenotes, the coastline, etc.
Staying at the Rosewood Mayakoba might seem like a splurge, but when you consider the safe accommodations that are included, it’s worth it.
WHERE TO EAT
AquÍ Me Quedo – The best shrimp tacos with Oaxaca cheese I’ve *ever* had. I’ve been craving these since we left and wishing that I ate more of them while we were there. It’s a simple food truck near the adult-only pool.
Agave Azul at the Rosewood – This restaurant fuses Chinese and Japanese cooking techniques with the traditions of northern Baja California’s Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe. It overlooks the lagoon, so you have incredible views while dining on mouth-watering dishes.
Tauro Steakhouse at Hotel Fairmont – This restaurant was my overall favorite. Inspired by the strength and mythology of the animal behind the name, Tauro elegantly combines Mexican ingredients with classic steakhouse techniques and recipes. The Fairmont is one of the four resorts in Mayakoba.
Saffron at the Banyan Tree – The Banyan Tree’s, one of the four resorts in Mayakoba, signature restaurant. Offering a vibrant and intimate atmosphere with wonderful views of Mayakoba’s mangrove, along with authentic Thai flavors. Just because you’re in Mexico, doesn’t mean you won’t be craving Thai food.
WHAT TO DO
Boat Day – We chartered Mayakoba’s sleek, private 55’ VanDutch Yacht and sailed the Caribbean seas! This was something I’ve never done before, but quite the experience. They took us snorkeling on the second longest reef in the world while making some of the most delicious food for lunch (ask for the fresh ceviche).
Jet Ski – We spontaneously rented jet skis for 30 minutes during one of our beach days. It was a short walk down the beach, but still within the Mayakoba grounds.
Nature Path – Set off on foot or by bike to explore 2.5 miles of nature trails, which seamlessly connect resort offerings and wind through the lush mangrove forests and around the El Camaleon Golf Course. El Pueblito is right on the path, as well!
Beach & Pool Day – There are two pools at the Rosewood. A family-friendly option and an adult-only option. Both are right next to each other and spill out onto the private beach.
El Pueblito Mayakoba – A short bike-ride or walk through the trees! This traditional Mexican town square has a lot to offer, such as boutique shopping, a homemade candy and ice cream parlor, a Mexican pastry and coffee shop, and my favorite, a historical chapel.
Cenote El Burrodromo – The Yucatán Peninsula has thousands of cenotes that were spiritually significant to the ancient Mayans.
Golf – We didn’t end up golfing due to weather and an injury, but the Camaleón course hosts the PGA tour World Wide Technology Championship.
Spa Day – Mostly because we were on vacation and treating ourselves, but also because of the rainy weather one day, we got a massage at Sense. Our therapists walked us through the beautiful trees to get to a private one-room building next to the lagoon where they gave us our massage using Mexican healing traditions and massage therapies from around the world.
WHERE TO DRINK
Zapote Bar – The incredible interior makes you never want to leave. The decor and lighting during the evenings makes for a mysterious and private environment even though you’re in an open space.
Poolside/Beachside – No emphasis needed!
WHAT NOT TO MISS
La Cieba Garden & Kitchen – Everyone who works at the Rosewood said this was a “must do,” but we unfortunately couldn’t fit our party of four in by the time we arrived. Its the resort’s one-of-a-kind outdoor culinary adventure that reflects Juan Pablo Loza’s fullest expression of seasonal Mexican cuisine. In an interactive setting, guests partake in lively sit-down meals, cooking demonstrations and tastings to savor and learn, enjoying the camaraderie of a collective culinary experience.
Día de los Muertos – An enchanting and colorful evening honoring the loved ones who’ve passed away and celebrating the joy of life.
Sunset at Aquí Me Quedo – Enjoy a cocktail and an early dinner after your beach day.
Tree Lights – The path that takes you to Al Fresco at AquÍ Me Quedo, a restaurant featuring dinner by the sea, has lights and lanterns hanging from the tree tunnel. The lights are magical during golden hour.
The shrimp tacos with Oaxaca cheese – Located at the food truck! I mentioned this above, but they’re truly a must-eat.
Turtles – During the mornings and evenings, the turtles love visiting the villas in the lagoon.
I hope I’ve encouraged you to book a flight and head to the Rosewood Mayakoba! I highly recommend this cultural and colorful experience for families, as well. We all deserve to explore new places, try new food, and meet new people. Sometimes a break from our routine, is the very thing we need.
