See my Carry-On Essentials along with a discount for this AWAY luggage HERE
Agave Spirits Mezcal Tasting
The stunning enclave of Mayakoba (meaning village on water) is located just 40min from Cancun International Airport and comprised of 4 amazing properties…Banyan Tree, Rosewood, Fairmont & the brand new (trendier) Andaz Mayakoba. These resorts are unique in that the majority of them are set back from the beach to conserve the environment- and it’s true, I have never seen so much lush landscape or wildlife in all of the Riviera Maya.
ROOMS: as mentioned most are located in the mangroves but no matter if your view is beach, golf course or lagoon the clean bright space with pops of color will make you want to unpack and never leave! Although the resort is not all inclusive I always love that all Andaz properties provide complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in room.
DINING: I enjoy a great breakfast buffet but this girl can’t go too many days in Mexico without Chilaquiles- and this might be a bold statement but Cocina Milagro has the best I have every had! Lunch by the beach can be had at either OllaTaco or OllaCeviche. My favorite ceviche can be found at the Andaz Papagayo so I went with OllaTaco for some shrimp gobernado style & order of the homemade churros! Casa Amate is open exclusively for dinner and while I can’t wait to come back and try we headed over to Safron at the Banyan Tree for dinner. *Fun Fact: you are able to dine at any of the Mayakoba properties and charge back to your room.
ACTIVITIES: number one thing you must do is catch the complimentary eco cruise that runs twice a day that tours all of Mayakoba. You can also take the boat to the beach or any of the bicycles that litter the property…first come first serve. Kayak the lagoons, play 18 holes at El Camaleón golf course (designed by Greg Norman) or indulge in an Agave Spirits Mescal tasting.
SPA: Naum Wellness & Spa is a retreat focused on rituals not just treatments. I was spoiled to a 75min massage ritual that included customized aromatherapy blends along with hot stones with treatment rooms immersing you into the jungle. This ritual make time for reflection along with celebration and a must when visiting Andaz.
Andaz Mayakoba is a unique resort starting from the arrival ‘Sanctuary’ inspired by a cenote to the bright murals on almost every building by famed graffiti artist Senkoe. As my colleague Hillary said “We were there for less than 24 hours and they were calling me by name everywhere I went. It feels like you have a whole team of built-in best friends, it’s the white glove service without the stuffy feel”
