Mexico's Mayakoba Undergoes Huge Renovation

The 595-acre eco-destination on the Riviera Maya ushers in a new era with reimagined resorts and enhanced amenities

Following a $120 million investment over the past three years, RLH Properties has announced the extensive renovation of Mayakoba, a 595-acre ecologically diverse resort and residential destination home to four upscale hotels, including the Andaz Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba, as well as the championship golf course El Camaleón Mayakoba.

Mayakoba, a pioneer in environmental stewardship and one of the original high-end, low-density resort developments in the Mexican Riviera, offers significant renovations to Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood as well as the opening of a new Dive and Water Sports Center with the Mayakoba Dive School.

"This comprehensive, destination-wide enhancement project represents the largest investment in Mayakoba since the resort's inception," says Borja Escalada, CEO for RLH Properties. "With these renovations, we are confident that Mayakoba will only continue to exceed expectations for leisure travelers who have come to know and love the property, while introducing new amenities and offerings to further cement its reputation as a leading luxury destination in the Riviera Maya."

Improvements to the entire Mayakoba destination include the completion of Banyan Tree Mayakoba's resort-wide restoration and the debut of its floating lagoon villas, which are only a few steps from the beach. These seven villas each include one bedroom, a two-story design, and a heated rooftop plunge pool. As part of the improvements, the resort also launched 34 brand-new beachfront pool suites and a completely revamped beach club last year. A larger interactive Rangers Club for children, an extended oceanfront pool, a restaurant with a raw bar next to it, a beachfront lounge, and massage rooms with Banyan Tree Spa unique treatments are all available to guests at the new Sands Beach Club.

Fairmont Mayakoba guests may now take advantage of the resort's extensive, multi-million dollar property-wide restoration, which is highlighted by the spectacular new beach club Maykana, one of the biggest in the area. Five different eating options can be found at Maykana, along with the only rooftop bar in Mayakoba with views of the Caribbean and an infinity pool with five separate cabanas. A sophisticated new guest experience is provided throughout the resort by updates to 188 guest rooms and suites, the opening of two new restaurants (the Italian trattoria Bassano and the Mexican-inspired La Laguna), and significant renovations to the Tauro steakhouse.

Late in 2019, Rosewood Mayakoba unveiled the complete renovation of its 129 on-property accommodations, adding eight specialized wellness suites and fully upgraded three- and four-bedroom Presidential suites. A private salt treatment pool, outdoor tranquility pavilion, reflexology fountain, improved sleeping aids like a circadian light, a wellness station with alkaline water, and a devoted wellbeing butler are all included in each loft-style Wellness Suite. Aqu Me Quedo, an adults-only beachfront oasis with a lively and playful atmosphere, and Zapote, an open-air hacienda-inspired bar devoted to the deep culinary traditions and agave spirits of Mexico, were also added to Rosewood Mayakoba during the resort's renovations. The resort introduced an opulent, 16,300 square foot Founder's Villa in early 2022 for the pinnacle of exclusive luxury rooms.

Andaz Mayakoba, the most current resort to operate in Mayakoba, launched in 2016 and provides some of the culinary destination's most avant-garde programs over five different outlets. VB (Vegan Bar), an all-vegan concept serving wholesome juices and smoothies during the day and a range of fresh and seasonal foods for lunch, is a recent addition to the property. VB joins Andaz Mayakoba's other noteworthy dining establishments, which also include Sotavento, which provides a toes-in-the-sand dining experience with a casual ambiance, wood-fired preparations, and Mediterranean flavors, and Casa Amate, a sophisticated concept serving a variety of Latin American cuisine in a distinctive space created to resemble the eclectic home of a passionate traveler. Gua México Gastronómico has listed Sotavento and Casa Amate among the Top 250 Restaurants in Mexico.

Mayakoba continues to prioritize outdoor activities in addition to the improvements made at the numerous resorts with its new Dive and Water Sports Center, Mayakoba Dive School, and a sizable beach restoration project. Mayakoba's Van Dutch Yacht offers all the luxury, exclusivity, and power a 55-foot yacht can offer guests wishing to explore the Caribbean's crystal-clear waters and the second-largest barrier reef.

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