Discover Rosewood Mayakoba

Where is Rosewood Mayakoba located? 

Nestled at the rich nature that thrives along the shores of the Riviera Maya, the Rosewood Mayakoba brings guests to one of the most exclusive and luxurious locations in all of Mexico. A 40-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, this Rosewood property has been welcoming guests from all over the world ever since its grand opening in 2008 to come enjoy the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen, as well as immerse themselves into the rich cultural heritage of the Mayans.

Scattered along the white sand beach as well as across the canals of the Riviera Maya, the hotel was created with the intention of providing a deep connection to its location. Within its 620-acre property, co-existing alongside the suites and villas are lush mangroves that are home to over hundreds of indigenous wild birds, iguanas, turtles, monkeys, and even crocodiles.

Design and atmosphere

Built with sustainability as a primary concern, the Rosewood Mayakoba’s distinct architecture allows it to be integrated within the delicate natural landscape of the Yucatan peninsula. Designed by the firm three, the resort boasts only the finest local materials, mainly wood and limestone, that were proven to be the most appropriate materials for construction in such an environment.

As such, the suites and villas – especially those along the lagoon- spill onto the water, half-hidden by the dense vegetation that often time finds their way onto the decks and terraces. And the cherry on the cake is those electric boats that the staff will use to bring you to your suite or villa. And even guests may move around with the use of electric golf carts or bicycles.

The recent $20-million renovation of the hotel’s interiors overseen by studio Bando x Seidel Meersseman is a veritable homage to Mexican culture and craftmanship. The firm even worked closely alongside experts such as anthropologists to create a specific décor that was heavily influenced by Mayan culture and aesthetics, while also bringing these elements into the 21st century. That is why, the hotel’s interior design feature furniture that are crafted from natural woods and boasts a décor that uses lava stone.

Throughout the common areas, such as the lobby and restaurants, guests can find embroideries made from natural fibers, displaying Mayan designs, as well as clay pots that can be traced back to ancient traditions.

Suites and villas of Rosewood Mayakoba

If there is one thing the 129 suite and villas of Rosewood Mayakoba are, it’s that they are immersive. Whether it is the beachfront suites or the lagoon configurations, the accommodations of the hotel almost blend into the natural scenery.

Collaborating with several local craftsmen and international names, such as Sana Garner, the Bando X Seidel Meersseman studio was able to create an interior design that blurs the line between inside and outside. The result is spacious accommodations that are contemporary with a heavy naturalistic vibe.

The air flows freely, the large floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and the furniture – all locally custom made- are plush and comfortable, especially the king-size beds and the living room sofas.

One thing that the renovations added to each suite and villa were the attached outdoor heated plunge pool and sun deck. Offering views over either the lagoon or the beach, the pools serve the purpose of pushing the immersive experience even further.

Dining Experiences at Rosewood Mayakoba

With no less than 8 restaurants and bars, the Rosewood Mayakoba not only celebrates the Mayan heritage of Mexican cuisine, but it pushes the boundary of what guests may expect. Overseen by Juan Pablo Loza, the Director of Culinary Operations, the goal is to introduce guests to the diversity present in Mexican cuisine.

While it goes without saying how gorgeous the décor and setting are, La Fondita and the Zapote Bar stand out as destinations on their own. Both created with the intention of making the guests explore the culinary heritage of Mexico, the Zapote Bar boasts an elegant and rustic décor of dark wood and exposed concrete, where guests may relish a menu of traditional dishes with local ingredients.

Meanwhile, La Fondita is the complete opposite: an explosion of colors and motifs that serves streetfood-style dishes inspired by Mexico City.

Meanwhile, Casa Del Lago, Punta Bonita, and Aqui Me Quedo allows guests to make the most of the gorgeous vistas of La Playa Carmen while enjoying sumptuous reinterpretations of Mexican classics. La Ceiba Garden and Kitchen’s al fresco and communal setting also offers a great way of enjoying food as well as the company of fellow guests. The Chak / Red, catch of the day and Shrimp with Axiote, Corn Purée with Red Chiles Adobo, Tomatoes Vinaigrette was particularly zesty and delicious. And the dessert – Toasted corn ice-cream, Mexican chocolate Namelaka and Hoja Santa was a great way to enjoy this culinary experience.

For some place a little quieter, Agave Azul was perfect: an interior setting with a delightful menu of Northern Baja California-inspired seafood dishes.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Pan Dulce offers fresh traditional Mexican pastries and cakes every day.

Wellness, Facilities, and Activities

As a Rosewood property, the resort, of course, benefits from the presence of the brand’s renowned wellness center, the Sense Spa. A state-of-the-art spa nestled at the heart of its own private island in the lagoon, the Sense, A Rosewood Spa invites guests to give themselves over to the healing traditions of the Mayans.

The extensive menu of signature massages and treatments are dispensed in the 12 treatment rooms available, and include such facilities as a full hydrotherapy circuit, relaxation lounges, yoga pavilion, a sensory Kuxtal Garden – ideal for those who want to add a philosophical touch to their spa experience and something that we absolutely recommend- and even 8 overnight Wellness Suites.

The Rosewood Mayakoba also has 4 pools for all to enjoy, including the adult-only Aqui Me Quedo beachfront pool and the infinity pool of Punta Bonita Family Pool.

In addition to a signature Greg Norman 18-hole golf course, the Rosewood Mayakoba also organizes a number of activities for its guests to delve deeper into the local nature and culture, such as excursions to Cenote Park, Deep-Sea fishing, exploration of the Chichen Itza archaeological site, dolphin excursions, among many others.