This Resort Treats You to a Private Pocket of Mexico’s Riviera Maya

16.10.2024 - 17:41 / matadornetwork.com

Picture this: You’re gliding through the emerald waters of Mexico’s Mayakoba over a breakfast of fresh pastries, toast, and yogurt parfait. Nature thrums softly as you float past mangroves, luxurious waterfront homes and hotels, and crocodile-dotted shores. Herons and tropical birds soar overhead as you sail on a private lagoon tour in the heart of the Maya Riviera.

This is one of many distinctive experiences for guests of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya by Hyatt, the newest of the four hotels inside the 595-acre eco-friendly Mayakoba resort development in the Mexican Caribbean.

Photo: Kaila Yu

My first impression of Andaz Mayakoba was the open-air lobby. During check-in, the concierge handed me a fruity popsicle to combat the tropical heat and a room key in the form of a wristband. Before jumping into a shuttle to get to my room, I was given a stone to toss into the massive reservoir encompassing the entire center of the lobby and invited to make a wish.

Andaz Mayakoba has 214 rooms and suites split between the property’s lagoon and beach sides. Rooms start at $380 per night; suites start at $571 per night. I stayed in a second-floor beachfront king suite with ocean views and a small dipping pool on the oceanfront balcony. The room was immaculate and tranquil, with a cushy king-sized bed, fluffy bathrobes, a walk-in rainfall shower, Malin + Goetz toiletries, a Nespresso machine, and free WiFi.

Photo: Kaila Yu

There’s about a mile between the two sides of the property. Shuttles are available to take you around, but I opted to use the resort’s complimentary bikes. Biking around is a dreamy, meditative experience, especially through the nature reserve. It’s like forest bathing on wheels, with surprise sightings of deer, monkeys, and other local wildlife.

Andaz Mayakoba has two main pools and smaller pools scattered throughout, as well as a quiet, baby-soft white-sand beach area with lounge chairs and food and drink service.

The all-inclusive experience at Andaz Mayakoba includes a breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner at select restaurants, an open-bar, in-room dining, snacks and pop-ups, and a $50 spa credit.

Photo: Kaila Yu

Cocina Milagro is the resort’s all-day restaurant on the lagoon side, which I visited for breakfast. I loved the buffet’s selection of freshly baked bread, including my favorite pan dulce, or Mexican bread slathered in sugar and butter. Also fun are the make-your-own chilaquiles bar and made-to-order eggs and quesadillas stations. There’s also plenty to order off the menu.

For lunch, I dined at Tinto del Pulpo, which serves Mexican food. One day, I ordered the Andaz Caesar, a virgin pina colada, and the tropical ceviche. The fresh, lime-dressed fish paired nicely with the pickled onions,