Fairmont Mayakoba

"Zapote, named on North America’s 50 Best Bars list two years running, is lauded for its serene environs, oversized lagoon-front suites, and its destination bar. Zapote hosts Tuesday night pop-up series featuring guest bartenders from Mexico and the U.S., coined Martes de Locales, meaning Local Tuesday. The bar's design is inspired by Riviera Maya's natural beauty, divided into indoor and outdoor seating areas touting private and communal tables, with a long bar as the area's main focus. The menu leans into Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like spiced beef and lamb kebab with tomatillo salsa, and hummus with chickpeas barbacoa. The night is characterized by lively music, live musicians, and a sensational lineup of guest bartenders." - Megha McSwain

"Mayakoba, a private community with nearly 600 acres of lagoons, jungles, and beaches, includes El Camaleón Golf Club, luxury residences, and four resorts: Fairmont Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Some consider Tulum a little too laid back—just ask the patrons of the Fairmont Mayakoba. Designed around a network of crystal clear waterways, the Fairmont Mayakoba is situated deep within 240 acres of dense tropical forest. The hotel is home to five pools—including an adults-only infinity edge pool—and El Camaleón, the 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman, has two water features. Rooms are bright and airy to reflect modern Mexican design, and have deep marble soaking tubs. Book a private suite, and you’ll have a pristine white beach at your doorstep. El Puerto restaurant captures the flavors of regional Mexican seafood, while Las Brisas blends traditional Latin flavors with global ingredients. Willow Stream Spa focuses on traditional Mayan techniques and offers a top deck with unbeatable ocean views. And if you want to design your own adventure, take out an electric lanchita—a small, electric boat—to explore the grounds."

"After a multimillion-dollar renovation that started in February 2021, Fairmont Mayakoba, one of the five-star properties in the Mayakoba community along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is ready to welcome guests with redesigned accommodations and in several brand-new spaces just in time for the busy holiday season. The waterfront resort now has one of the best — and largest — beach clubs in the area with five dining concepts inspired by the five elements, an infinity pool with five cabanas, and an adults-only rooftop with sunken fire pits overlooking the Caribbean. The resort has also added two new restaurants: La Laguna and Bassano, and a fine dining steakhouse, Tauro. The property’s signature lobby bar, Hix, has also been renovated. The renovation has elevated the guest experience, showcasing a commitment to Mayan culture through design and activities." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"A newly refurbished resort with amazing facilities, pools, restaurants, and activities, perfect for families." - Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning is the special projects and surveys editor at Travel + Leisure, where she has been on staff since 2018. She assigns stories across the magazine, primarily for the Experiences