The Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort is a romantic, Caribbean couples retreat with private villas and pools on the Riviera Maya. Freshwater lagoons, mangroves, dunes, and coral reefs surround it. The resort offers Asian hospitality and an unspoiled paradise to explore with a large variety of fascinating birds and fish to see. In addition, there are a variety of activities and a Romance Concierge available for couple’s getaways and weddings. This review of the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort will give you all the details you need to plan your getaway or wedding.
Accommodation type: 5-star hotel
No. of Rooms & Suites: 121 villas with seven different styles
Pricing: Starts from $415
High season: November to April
Nearest airport: Cancun International Airport – 40 minutes from the resort
Suitable for: Couple’s getaways, destination weddings, family vacations, and business meetings.
Awards:
- Trip Advisor 2017 Traveller’s Choice
- Trip Advisor 2016 Traveller’s Choice
- Travel & Leisure’s #1 Spa in Mexico
- Trip Advisor 2016 Certificate of Excellence
- The Spa was on Conde Nast’s Gold List
- 2014 World Luxury Spa Awards for Best Luxury Destination Spa (America) in March 2014
- 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards for Best Luxury Resort Spa (Mexico) in April 2013
- Trip Advisor World’s Greatest Hotel Spas for 2013 in January 2013
- 19th World Travel Awards 2012 – Central America for Mexico’s Leading Spa Resort in September 2012
Accommodations
Mayakoba, in ancient Mayan, means village over water. That’s incredibly fitting with the all the lagoons, reefs, mangroves, and canals surrounding the resort. Its purpose was to preserve, complement, and showcase the surrounding landscape. Therefore, indigenous materials were used as much as possible in its construction.
Floor-to-ceiling doors allow in the natural light. However, design and decor feature a blend of Asian and Mayan Culture. In addition, the villas include outdoor terraces and pools inspired by the interior courtyards of houses in the Far East. The goal of the design was to provide a sanctuary for relaxation and respite.
To further enhance and showcase the blending of the resort and its surroundings, the Mayakoba offers an EcoTour and two dining cruises. The Ixchel and the Tapas Cruise travel through the waterways and canals around the resort. The Banyan Tree corporation has also created a Stay for Good program. It’s a company-wide project that further reflects their concern for the environment and communities where they develop resorts.
Facilities
The Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers private villas in seven different designs with in-villa massages, dining, and BBQs available. In addition, villas can be set up with an in-villa Intimate Moments package. That includes candles, aromatic oils, and a chilled bottle of wine or champagne. On the other hand, fo families, they have three room villas, culinary classes, the nature trail, the EcoTour, archery, kayaking, and a kid’s club.
Along with the dining cruises and in-villa dining, the resort has seven restaurants, a smoothie bar, and three lounges. However, for fresh seafood, the Mayakoba offers a Catch of the Day option.
For weddings, the Romance Concierge can assist in planning an unforgettable experience. Additionally, weddings can be held outdoors or at any of 14 indoor venues. That includes the ballroom which can accommodate 200 people.
Four of the event venues stand equipped with audio-visual equipment and LCD projectors for business meetings. Additionally, the resort can provide staff for secretarial duties.
The Mayakoba also has the El Cameron golf course, designed by Greg Norman. In addition, you can take advantage of tennis courts, a fitness center, yoga classes, and the Banyan Tree Spa Mayakoba featuring the eight-station Rainforest Trail.
Complimentary Activities
All the villas offer private terraces, private pools, outdoor tubs, private gardens with aromatic flowers, and outdoor wellness and dining areas. Even more, they include a desk, a 40″ television, high-speed Wi-Fi, movies on-demand, coffee and tea-making amenities, and two bicycles.
Travel Options
The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport (CUN) which is 40 minutes from the resort. The Mayakoba experience concierge can pre-arrange transportation from and to the airport. They will send one of the resort’s private deluxe vans or luxury SUVs. However, you can also rent a car at the airport or hire a taxi.
Main Attractions around the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort
The resort is 40 minutes from Cancun, 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and 7.5 miles from the Riviera Art Gallery. Therefore, the Mayakoba has provided a great list of suggested activities for their guests on their website.
Chichen Itza, an Ancient Mayan City
Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city and one of the new seven wonders of the world. The Kukulkan Pyramid is the most recognized structure in Chichen Itza. You can plan a visit to this historical site. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. However, visitors usually spend one to three hours her, so prepare for a lengthy visit.
Rio Secreto – The Secret River
Rio Secreto is an underground river where you can swim or explore the caves on a guided tour. Tours start at various times from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and last three to five hours. It’s an incredible place and you will not get bored spending half a day there.
Address: Rio Secreto, Federal Highway Free Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Km 283.5, South Ejido, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Riviera Maya has a wide array of fish and the second largest coral reef in the world. So, whether you are a novice or an experienced scuba diver, visit Reef Quest Divers Mexico and explore the coastline. In addition, they have a variety of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions and classes, and they cater to all skill levels.
Address: Reef Quest Divers Mexico, Blue Parrot Beach Club Calle 12 & Playa, Playa Del Carmen Quintana Roo, Mexico
Final Words
The 5-star Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a beautiful resort with splendid surroundings. Instead of a room, they offer one-, two-, and three-room villas, with private terraces, pools, and gardens. They have an extensive choice of famous dining options. That includes the Catch of the Day fish, two dining cruises, and a private in-villa BBQ. Additionally, they have a great selection of romantic activities for couples and wedding parties. Their award-winning spa provides relaxation or recovery from overdoing it on the golf or tennis courts.
So, contact the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort to schedule your stay. If you have any questions or have been to the hotel and would like to share your experience, please add your questions or comments. Keep in mind that the Fairmont Mayakoba is also a wonderful option for lounging under the sun in Mexico.