Investing a few days at Rosewood Mayakoba on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is an outright pleasure, and I had actually been excitedly awaiting another trip there after my first visit two years ago. Lastly, an opportunity for a return trip showed up, and I was almost giddy with anticipation.
Is it the lagoons that meander through the residential or commercial property with little waterfalls here and there, the thick mangroves, the swimming pools with shade trees growing in the middle? Or perhaps it’s the possibility of heading to the beach and Aqui Me Quedo for shrimp tacos that had me fantasizing because I booked my flights. Add the health spa, the mixed drinks at Zapote Bar, and the lovely staff throughout the resort, and there’s my response.
The go to started the way all getaways ought to– with a boat trip to our room. We travelled gradually through the lagoon along tree-lined shores with turtles swimming by and birds flying overhead or resting on branches enjoying us pass. Quickly, we stepped onto the small dock that led to one of Rosewood’s Wellness Suites. The two-level suites include a well-stocked bar, coffee center, dining room, and living room downstairs. The upper level is a bed room ignoring the lagoon with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive restroom with an outside shower and relaxation area.
Rosewood Mayakoba features 129 suites, including 2, three, and four bed room lodgings and private residences. As far as dining, every meal was wonderful, but the family-style gathering, La Ceiba, held in the chef’s garden was extraordinary. Visitors are seated at common tables after cocktails and appetisers to enjoy a multi-course meal, Mexican white wines, and music from a Yucatecan music trio. We sat with a lovely household from Atlanta, a couple from New York, and a mother and daughter from Los Angeles in addition to a charming member of Rosewood’s personnel. It’s a warm, lively, and enjoyable event not to be missed throughout a stay at the resort.
Something else that needs to be on every guest’s itinerary is a see to K’iin Beh, a school nearby in distance and even better in its relationship with Rosewood Mayakoba. I went to the school two years back, and I was thrilled to go once again on this journey. Here’s some background: The school, in the impoverished community of Christo Rey, was fighting with minimal resources in a short-term facility that will close its doors when Daniel H. Scott, Rosewood’s regional vice president and handling director, first gone to in 2015. He learned from Raquel Mitre, the school’s principal and founder, that land had actually been donated to the school and building of a new building had actually begun, but there were no funds to continue the project.
Scott quickly became involved and began his unfaltering assistance of the school. With contributions from his family, pals, Rosewood Mayakoba staff, and others, K’iin Beh resumed in 2017 in its brand-new building.
Rosewood Mayakoba’s participation indicates more than financial support. This year, a group of high school students were given paid internships at the resort, learning about team effort and empathy, and dealing with both staff and visitors. Many of those visitors, like me, have gone to K’iin Beh, seeing very first hand Daniel’s enthusiasm and love for the school and trainees. Some have been inspired to donate or to support an individual student as a padrino, or godfather. Far more than a gesture of community assistance like those taken on by numerous companies, Rosewood Mayakoba and K’iin Beh have a real ongoing partnership.
After a see to K’iin Beh, there’s far more to do at the resort. I tried a hydrobike cruise, a self-powered however simple method to check out the lagoons with a guide, passing rich plant, spectacular houses, kayakers, and an undersea cenote. Golf players enjoy El Camaleón, where the pros play each year. There’s Rosewood Explorers for young guests, and the medical spa for pampering, unwinding treatments. For me, alternating between the warm water of the Caribbean, the swimming pool, and my easy chair was the perfect activity most days.
See Rosewood Mayakoba and you’ll be impressed by all the resort provides, however if you take a little time to go to K’iin Beh with Daniel Scott, I’ll wager those short hours will offer some of your warmest memories.