Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Lush jungle, azure ocean waters, soft white sand—this sexy luxury resort is the place to find a lounge chair, order a margarita, and completely unplug. The open-air lobby here is signature Andaz: modern, and without a prominent front desk. The host greets you by name as they check you in using an iPad, while offering you a bottle of water or a cocktail. Go for the cocktail. What's the backstory? As part of the enormous Mayakoba complex, the resort is connected by a number of paths and waterways to its neighboring resorts (Rosewood, Fairmont, and Banyan Tree). Guests at one resort are welcome to eat at the restaurants at all the others, so it's entirely possible to step foot on the premises and never leave, without feeling like you're stuck in one place. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? It's hard to go wrong with the rooms here, but we suggest splurging on a suite. They're huge, have very comfortable living spaces, and well-appointed patios with plunge pools, so if social distancing is on your mind, you rarely have to leave the room if relaxation is the goal. The room has all the things you'd expect from a luxury hotel room—nice TV, Malin + Goetz toiletries, a giant rainfall shower, and plenty of fluffy bathrobes and towels—but our favorite amenity was the fully stocked minibar with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? No charge for Wi-Fi. It seemed to work perfectly well in rooms and common areas, but got a little patchy as you walk on the numerous long paths between buildings. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? It can be a little overwhelming to choose between the resort's five restaurants (plus a juice bar, plus in-room dining), but the truth is that all of them are equally delicious. In particular, Sunday brunch at Casa Amate is more than worth the $35 price tag, with everything from grilled octopus and ceviche to eggs and bacon on offer. But don't forget, guests also have access to all the restaurants at Mayakoba's other restaurants, and it's possible to charge them back to your room at the Andaz, too. And the service? The staff is there when you want them, and invisible when you don't. If you're at the beach and craving a cocktail or a fresh towel, you barely have to raise your hand before someone intuits your request. So while the location and the design and the luxury of Andaz are what draw many people in, it's the attentive service that will keep guests coming back. What type of travelers will you find here? The Leave Me Aloners. Sure, you get lots of people posing for Instagram by the pool and the occasional rowdy group. But the bulk of the guests here are looking for some serious unplugging—feet up, margarita in hand, phone off. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Mayakoba sits about five miles north of Playa del Carmen. So should you choose to leave the resort property to do some local shopping or go for a cenote swim, nothing is too far. Is there anything you'd change? Most of the buildings are quite a trek down to the beach. Luckily there are free bikes and golf carts to get you there. Any other hotel features worth noting? If you're traveling with family, don't be turned off by the resort's sexy ethos and contemporary design. There is a popular kids' club so parents can ditch the kids with confidence (and zero guilt) for the day. Twice a day, there are also complimentary guided boat tours of the Mayakoba complex. Not only will you get to peek at the neighboring resorts, but you might encounter some colorful fish and monkeys along the way. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If relaxation is your mission, then this is the spot do it."
