Insider Secrets for Your First Visit to Mayakoba

Details that shape a deeper, more memorable Mayakoba stay

Tucked away on the Riviera Maya, just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, Mayakoba is more than a resort. It is a private, closed-gate community that brings together four unique hotels: Alila Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba. Connected by winding trails, water canals, and the surrounding jungle, this destination blends nature and hospitality in a way that invites to be present.

Click here to explore and book Mayakoba’s hotels.

Even the most thoughtfully designed places hold their best experiences for those who know where to look. Whether it’s your first time or you’re already planning a return, these insider tips will help you experience Mayakoba in a deeper, more knowledgeable way.

Getting around Mayakoba hotels is part of the magic

Mayakoba was made to be explored. Guests can move between the four resorts using a variety of transport options, including boats and golf carts. But there’s something special about grabbing a bike and following the Nature Trail, a nearly 5-kilometer path that winds through mangroves and over wooden bridges. You can stop at El Pueblito, take a photo by the canals, or head to the beach for a drink with your feet in the sand. However you choose to move, the journey is part of the experience.

Every spa and most restaurants are open to all Mayakoba guests

While each hotel has its own rhythm and personality, spa access is shared across the community. Guests are welcome to book treatments at any of the spas, regardless of where they are staying. The same is true for many restaurants, though it’s always best to check with the concierge, as some may require confirmation or be subject to availability. This flexibility is part of what makes a stay at Mayakoba feel so open and personalized.

Cashless, endless experiences

From the moment of arrival, everything at Mayakoba is designed to flow with ease. In most cases, purchases (whether at a spa, boutique, or restaurant) can be conveniently charged to the room, regardless of the hotel where you are staying. This service is generally available for guests with a credit card on file at check-in and is valid until 24 hours before check-out.


couple walks to shore in scuba gear from boat

You can get scuba certified during your stay at Mayakoba

Mayakoba’s Dive & Water Sports Center offers PADI-certified courses. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to complete an open water certification, this is a chance to explore the Caribbean Sea with expert guidance. With calm conditions and vibrant marine life just offshore, it’s an ideal place to start your journey below the surface.

Your concierge will unlock the best of Mayakoba

Every hotel at Mayakoba offers concierge service, but the experience goes far beyond dinner reservations. Think of your concierge as your personal guide, not just to Mayakoba, but to the region. From booking a boat tour at sunrise to suggesting the best time for a spa visit or finding the most romantic spot for a marriage proposal, they’ll help you shape a stay that feels completely personalized.

Mayakoba is a foodie’s paradise

With over 25 dining options, Mayakoba offers one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the Riviera Maya. From food trucks to rooftops, Italian to Thai, and beachside tacos to fine dining tasting menus, the choices are endless. If food plays a central role in your travels, don’t miss the curated guides to standout tacos, burgers, desserts, and restaurants across the property. They’re the perfect starting point for planning a stay through flavor.

dad and son jump off mayakoba yacht into caribbean ocean

A well-kept secret for special moments: Mayakoba’s yacht

Most guests are surprised to learn that Mayakoba has its own private yacht, a VanDutch 55’. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a day of adventure at sea, this experience offers a new perspective of the Riviera Maya coastline. To learn more about the itinerary, onboard services, and booking details, click here to visit the full article on our blog.

There’s a traditional Mexican village square at the heart of Mayakoba: El Pueblito

Tucked between the resorts, El Pueblito recreates the charm of a traditional Mexican plaza, complete with a chapel, colorful façades, and a relaxed atmosphere. Open to all guests, it brings together culinary favorites like burgers, tostadas, and a beloved panadería. It’s also a hub for family-friendly experiences, including a gaming lounge for all family members and hands-on cooking classes. More than a dining spot, El Pueblito is where guests of all ages gather, linger, and return to.

The El Camaleón golf course isn’t just for golfers

Known for hosting world-class tournaments, El Camaleón is more than a golf course. A par-72, 18-hole course designed by Greg Norman, it is also a certified wildlife sanctuary and one of the most carefully preserved landscapes within Mayakoba. Private lessons are available at the Jim Mclean Golf School for all skill levels, including those picking up a club for the first time. For guests simply looking to enjoy the surroundings, the newly refreshed Clubhouse offers a relaxed dining atmosphere (try the burger, it’s a good one!) with amazing views and a menu that blends local flavors with international classics. 

boy uses binoculars to watch bird during mayakoba boat tour

Mayakoba’s mangroves can be explored alongside an expert 

Mayakoba is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, and guests can take part in that mission through guided eco-tours (upon availability). These boat journeys through the mangroves and freshwater canals reveal the richness of the local ecosystem, from native birds and turtles to the delicate balance that sustains this landscape. It’s a quiet, thoughtful way to connect with the natural world, one many guests call unforgettable.

There’s always something happening: from pop-ups to special events

Throughout the year, Mayakoba hosts a variety of culinary and cultural experiences. From mezcal tastings and guest chef dinners to holiday celebrations and live music evenings, these events often appear as pleasant surprises. At the same time, they can be reason enough to plan a trip around them. Click here to view our Events Calendar. Also, a quick conversation with the concierge can make all the difference –they’re often the key to discovering what’s happening behind the scenes.

Your Mayakoba vacation can also be an opportunity to learn something new

While Mayakoba offers plenty of space to slow down, it also invites curiosity. For those drawn to trying something new, there are tennis, paddle, pickleball, and archery sessions at the Sports Club, and hands-on cooking classes held at El Pueblito. These experiences are open to all guests and can be booked through the hotel’s concierge in advance or once already on property, depending on availability.

There’s a secret bar only for those who know

Tucked away in a discreet location, La Isla Secreta is a speakeasy-style bar that has no sign and no obvious entrance. To find it, a password is required, usually shared only with those who ask the right person. Inside, the experience shifts entirely: dim lighting, crafted cocktails, and a sense of discovery to remember. For those who love a well-kept secret, it’s worth seeking out.

Mayakoba was designed to be explored slowly, taking the time to notice its details. These insider secrets don’t just unlock more experiences, they deepen the sense of connection with the place. Whether it’s the discovery of a hidden yacht, a quiet moment in nature, or a shared table at El Pueblito, each stay reveals something new. If you’re ready to start planning yours, book your stay at Mayakoba.com

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