| Everyday Luxury Travel North America Mexico

Dining around Mayakoba

Development of the Mayakoba resort began with gem of an idea to develop a beautiful and environmentally sound estate in the Riviera Maya. First bringing together architects with biologists, archaeologists and ornithologists to map out waterways, and sculpt the land whilst preserving the mangroves, sand dunes and the indigenous wildlife. Next came the hotels built across the landscape with a careful selection of brands that shared the same ethos of luxury and customer service combined with passion for the environment and community. During my stay at Rosewood Mayakoba, I visited each of the other hotels, to well…let’s face it…eat there!
Connected by an environmentally friendly ferryboat known as The Mayakoba Connection, its easy drift along the water stopping to eat at any of the four hotels and their numerous restaurants. If this doesn’t float your boat (so to speak) there is also a car service to convey you easily between hotels – ok sounds kind of lazy. But trust me the resort is huge and it can be up to a twenty minute drive between properties.

If you’re looking for true blow out luxury, the Rosewood Mayakoba is the choice for you. I’ve already gone into lots of detail about the Italian, Mexican and Asian restaurants at the hotel so I won’t repeat myself but instead I want to tell you about the best dining options at the other hotels.

Built in 2007, Rosewood was the second hotel in the Mayakoba resort…and opening in 2006, Fairmont Mayakoba was the first. 
With 401 suites, the Fairmont is also the biggest hotel with rooms circling the lagoon and the beach. Containing five pools and a children’s Discovery Club and Adventure Camp, the Fairmont is the family friendly choice at the resort. The hotel has several restaurants but my recommendation here would be El Puerto, an Asian fusion restaurant that combines a chic alfresco dining terrace with views of the lagoon with a family friendly environment.
Renowned Chef Richard Sandoval’s menu of ceviche, sushi and dim sum was delicious and the miso-glazed cod was a real highlight. 
In 2009 beautiful Banyan Tree Mayakoba opened at the resort, another one for luxury lovers, the resort combines Asian hospitality with the beauty and indigenous wildlife of the Caribbean. 
Every one of the villas at this hotel comes with a private plunge pool and terrace and there is an award winning spa and several restaurant choices. I highly recommend Sands, the casual dining restaurant that overlooks the white beaches of Mayakoba.
Light, bright and airy with accent of blue, it’s the perfect place for a casual lunch of Mexican food.
Here I enjoyed my staple dishes of ceviche and a tuna tartare with lashings of avocado…
For dessert you can choose from a selection of jars, and as someone who eats with my eats this was much appreciated.
Outside is a pool with a swim up bar and from there it’s just a few steps until there’s sand between your toes.
I didn’t get a chance to try it but the other restaurant recommended to me at Banyan Tree Mayakoba was Saffron. A beautiful restaurant on a wooden deck serving modern Thai cuisine – definitely one for a special occasion.

As you’re coming through the hotels, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! As we were driving back to the Rosewood from Banyan Tree I saw this massive crocodile on the bank of the river near the El Camaleón golf course! Speaking of the golf course, we didn’t get to try it but there’s also a restaurant there. Koba, serves classic dishes with a hint of Mexican spice thrown in!

The brand new Andaz Hotel is the latest addition to the Mayakoba resort. And with it’s stylish design, vibrant murals and lively atmosphere, this is the hotel for the younger crowd and those looking for fun

Thash and I came for breakfast one day and we loved the colourful pool and hanging basket chairs, served by all day dining restaurant Cocina Milagro.
Head down to the beach pool and you’ll find casual street food restaurant, Olla Taco and Olla Ceviche. Later there’s a party atmosphere and DJ’s playing. 
At Olla Taco, you can try traditional breakfast dishes from the Yucatán and then other regional street food over the course of the day.  
Tacos de lechon with pico de gallo and habanero. 
Polcanes filled with pork and kabash bean. I loved the cute mugs for the sauces. 
Chilaquiles verdes o rojo or crispy tortillas topped with salsa. 
Next door at Olla Ceviche there’s a great selection of fresh seafood, they even have their own brand of tequila.
There’s actually 30 restaurants in the whole of the Mayakoba resort so I hope I’ve narrowed down the choice a bit! Everything that we tried there was truly excellent and there’s a really great range of different styles and cuisine.

PIN FOR LATER:

Mayakoba
Ctra. Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen KM 298 Solidaridad, Q. Roo
CP 77710 Mexico
+52 984 875 8000

I was invited to review by Rosewood Mayakoba and the Mayakoba Resort and all our food and experiences were complimentary.