FAQ

Mayakoba is an extraordinary destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, spanning 595 acres of mangrove forest, emerald lagoons, and a mile of Caribbean beachfront. It is home to four world-class hotels — Alila Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba — each with its own distinct personality, connected by a network of natural waterways, nature trails, and shared destination-wide amenities.

Mayakoba is not an all-inclusive destination by default, though Fairmont Mayakoba offers an all-inclusive package for guests who prefer that experience. The other three hotels — Alila, Banyan Tree, and Rosewood — operate on a room-rate basis. Regardless of which hotel you choose, all guests enjoy full access to the broader Mayakoba destination, including all four hotels, beach clubs, dining venues, El Camaleón Golf Course, and Mayakoba Experiences programming. Charges from anywhere within the destination can be signed and billed directly to your room, making it easy to move freely and spend seamlessly. The destination is yours to explore from the moment you arrive.

Yes. Guests staying at any of the four Mayakoba hotels have access to all dining venues across the destination — more than 25 restaurants and bars in total, ranging from award-winning fine dining to casual beachside fare. Reservations are recommended. For added convenience, Mayakoba operates as a cashless destination, meaning charges can be signed and billed directly to your room — no wallet required. Guests who prefer to pay by credit card directly are welcome to do so as well.

The destination is designed to be explored. Guests move freely between the four hotels via electric boat through the natural canal network, golf cart, bicycle, or on foot along the nearly 5-kilometer nature trail that winds through mangroves and over wooden bridges. All transportation within the destination is complimentary.

Yes. Staying at any Mayakoba hotel grants access to the broader destination, including shared amenities such as El Camaleón Golf Course (tee times booked separately), spas across all four properties, El Pueblito town square, and dining venues throughout. Some venues may require reservations or are subject to availability — your concierge can assist with planning or visit the Mayakoba app for direct reservations.

Yes. El Camaleón Golf Course welcomes outside guests with a reservation. The course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Greg Norman, certified by Audubon International as a wildlife sanctuary, and home to the Jim McLean Golf School — the only McLean academy in Mexico. Tee times are subject to availability and can be booked in advance through El Camaleón here.

Each of the four hotels has its own award-winning spa, and guests are welcome to book treatments at any spa within Mayakoba, regardless of where they are staying. Reservations are recommended via your hotel concierge.

Cenote El Burrodromo is a natural cave formed millions of years ago, filled with clear water and connected to the vast cenote system that runs beneath the Yucatán Peninsula. Located within the Mayakoba destination grounds, it is one of three onsite cenotes and offers guests a firsthand look at ancient rock formations and the cave’s resident bat colony. Guided access is required. Beyond the cenote, Mayakoba is also home to a mariposario — a butterfly sanctuary — and an on-site apiary, two of the destination’s most beloved natural attractions and a favorite with younger guests. This is one of the most distinctive natural features within Mayakoba and a highlight for guests of all ages. These are some of the most distinctive natural features within Mayakoba and a highlight for guests of all ages.

El Pueblito is a traditional Mexican plaza at the heart of Mayakoba, featuring colorful mission-style architecture, a chapel, restaurants, a beloved panadería, boutiques, a gaming lounge, and hands-on cooking classes. Open to all guests across the destination, it is where the Mayakoba community gathers, and one of the most charming and social corners of the destination.

Mayakoba Experiences is the destination’s programming team, offering a full range of land, water, and regional tours and activities for guests of all ages and abilities. On the water, options include snorkeling and diving at the world’s second-largest barrier reef, private yacht charters, kayaking through Mayakoba’s famed canals, and jet skiing. On land, guests can explore nature trails through the mangrove forest, visit the on-site mariposario and apiary, take guided cenote tours, practice archery, play tennis, and join hands-on cooking classes at El Pueblito. For those looking to venture beyond the destination, Mayakoba Experiences also coordinates cultural excursions to nearby Mayan ruins, local village tours, and regional cenote adventures throughout the Riviera Maya. Private and group formats are available for most activities, and the team can customize itineraries for families, groups, and special occasions.

Mayakoba is located approximately 28 miles (45 kilometers) south of Cancún International Airport (CUN), with a typical transfer time of 35–40 minutes. Airport transfers can be arranged through each hotel’s concierge via the Mayakoba Experiences team.

Mayakoba has been recognized globally for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The destination has preserved 145 acres of mangrove habitat, maintains an on-site team of biologists dedicated to coral reef rehabilitation and marine turtle conservation, and has earned the UN World Tourism Organization’s Ulysses Prize for Responsible Tourism Development, among other international recognitions. El Camaleón Golf Course is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary. All four hotels hold Preferred by Nature Certification and the “S” Classification from Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism.

Yes. Families will find a wide range of experiences across the destination, including kids’ clubs, multiple pools, nature trails, El Pueblito town square with family-friendly dining and activities, cooking classes, cenote tours, and water sports. Fairmont Mayakoba, with its all-inclusive option and ten pools, is particularly well-suited for families traveling with children.

Yes. Mayakoba’s natural setting — lagoons, jungle, and Caribbean beachfront — creates an inherently romantic atmosphere. Rosewood Mayakoba, with its private lagoon suites, butler service, and adults-only beach club, is a particularly popular choice for couples. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, with its private pool villas and wellness-focused programming, is another exceptional option for romance.