At a Glance
Situated within a 620-acre complex surrounded by lush mangroves and emerald lagoons on the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba is a full-scale private retreat. The 129 suites and private residences are seamlessly integrated into the natural environment and feature furnishings crafted by Mexican artisans along with outdoor showers and plunge pools. Suites are like freestanding villas on a network of canals, and guests arrive by electric boat and have the use of electric golf carts and bicycles throughout their stay. The most coveted suites are those closest to the beach, since getting around the sprawling property requires a lot of walking (or bikes, boats and golf carts!). Unlike some of the more couples-oriented resorts in the Riviera Maya, the Rosewood welcomes children of all ages and has a complimentary kids’ club. Guests can also spend their days toggling between the spa and fitness center, the PGA Championship golf course, clubhouse and racket club, or at the Mayakoba Dive & Water Sports Center.
**The Standout:** The Founder’s Villa, with a stunning infinity pool and beachfront access
**Don’t Miss:** The Mayakoba complex’s championship golf course, designed by Greg Norman
Indagare Loves
- Three large pool areas, including two beachside
- Excellent complimentary kids’ club
- The electric boat that transports guests to their suites
- Zapote Bar, included on North Americas’ 50 Best Bars—try the Wana Bana (a margarita with tequila, soursop juice, lemongrass, lime and chili salt) or arrange for an agave or private wine tasting
Review
Rosewood Mayakoba sits within the Riviera Maya’s Mayakoba complex, a high-end gated community that is also home to the Banyan Tree and the Fairmont plus a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Water is the main theme here, as the restaurants, three pools and reception areas are located around a lagoon, and the 129 suites follow a network of canals bordered by mangroves.
What are referred to as “suites” are, in most cases, generously sized freestanding villas built with indigenous materials such as limestone and native wood. Interiors are sleek, with paneled sliding doors and luminous bathrooms that have glass ceilings and outdoor showers. All Rosewood Mayakoba suites come with private plunge pools and rooftop patios or a private garden. The prime rooms are those closest to the beach, since getting around the sprawling property requires a lot of walking or the use of bikes, boats or golf carts. Unlike some of the more couple-oriented resorts such as Maroma, the Rosewood welcomes children of all ages. Parents rave about the kids’ club, Rosewood Explorers, which accepts children as young as age three and is offered free of charge.
If you must be on the sand, you have two options: a Beachfront Suite, whose private patio and plunge pool sit directly on the beach or The Founder's Villa (opened February 2022), which has dual master suites overlooking the ocean, four additional bedrooms and an oceanfront terrace with a 92 foot infinity pool and a beachside fire pit. Honeymooners should consider the Overwater Lagoon Suites, which are constructed on stilts in the lagoon. Although they don’t have sea views, they are very private and romantic. Also worth noting is that even the entry-level Lagoon Studio Suites are spacious and romantic - one of the few options in any resort where a save feels like a splurge.
Who Should Stay
Families who want a kids’ club at a serious luxury resort and couples looking for an easy getaway.
Written by Simone Girner