Article originally featured on Forbes.

By Taryn White, Contributor

Set along Mexico’s Riviera Maya coast, Mayakoba is a premier resort destination spanning 595 acres of lagoons, rainforest, and canals. The property is home to four acclaimed hotels and private residences, defined by an open, interconnected model that provides guests with seamless access across all four hotels. For many guests, a boat ride from the check-in desk to their suite becomes the first lasting impression of Mayakoba.

Luis Duran, CEO of RLH Properties, the ownership group behind Mayakoba, explains, “Unlike other destinations where guests are confined to one property, we created a place where access is absolute, and each property is distinct.” Rosewood is known for its subtle opulence and highly personalized service, while Banyan Tree offers Asian-inspired serenity with a focus on private villa living. Fairmont, the original Mayakoba hotel, delivers a grander sense of scale that reflects the destination’s natural setting. Alila, the newest addition, introduces a mindful and minimalist approach to hospitality.

Wellness and dining are core parts of the resort experience, with several award-winning spas and more than 25 restaurants serving meals ranging from casual seaside dishes to upscale culinary fare. 2026 marks a major milestone for Mayakoba as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Here is a closer look at what each resort has to offer and how to make the most of a visit to Mayakoba.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Rosewood Mayakoba’s 129 stand-alone suites feel less like accommodations and more like private sanctuaries tucked along winding waterways and secluded jungle paths. The resort has earned the prestigious Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal, recognizing its high standards in sustainable tourism. Suites incorporate natural textures, Mexican artistry and open-air design elements that invite the outdoors in. Spacious living and dining areas open onto canal-facing terraces, while oversized soaking tubs framed by floor-to-ceiling windows create a serene, spa-like bathroom ambiance.

Sense, A Rosewood Spa is set on a private island and blends ancestral Mayan healing traditions with modern therapeutic practices. Signature experiences include the Temazcal ceremony, guided by a shaman who uses sound and vibration from pre-Hispanic instruments, along with fresh plant bundles sourced in part from the spa’s sensory garden. Guests can also participate in yoga, meditation and other holistic programs, with jungle-set treatment cabins and outdoor wellness classes immersed in the property’s rainforest-like atmosphere.

Rosewood Mayakoba has six on-site dining venues, each with a distinct culinary focus. Mornings start at Casa del Lago with Central Mexican–inspired breakfast items then shifts in the evening into an elegant Italian dining experience in a candlelit setting. Agave Azul infuses Baja California seafood with Asian influences, and La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen serves farm-to-table dishes, such as grilled Caribbean lobster and zapote-smoked lettuce with lemon and jungle honey.

Zapote Bar, named one of the 50 Best Bars in North America, pairs elevated Yucatán-inspired cuisine with inventive cocktails like the signature Mayayo, a Mexican gimlet made with Gin Katun, sour orange, lemon leaves and guava. Beachside meals at Punta Bonita and traditional pastries from Pan Dulce round out the resort’s diverse culinary lineup.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Each of the 161 villas at Banyan Tree Mayakoba has a serene, low-density setting surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waterways. Many villas feature private pools, enclosed gardens and open-air living spaces. Interiors are defined by natural materials, warm tones and a modern design.

The resort’s award-winning spa holds a four-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide and draws from Asian wellness traditions. The spa’s treatments center on holistic well-being, including the signature Rainforest Experience that leads guests through hydrothermal pools, steam rooms and temperature-based therapies for deep relaxation.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba features ten dining venues that take guests on a global culinary journey. Saffron presents upscale Thai cuisine, Cello serves Italian-inspired seasonal dishes, Tomahawk Open Fire Latin Grill highlights Latin American meats and Oriente blends Asian and international flavors. For more casual meals, the two beach club restaurants, La Copa Mexican Terrace Bar and the pool bar, provide a relaxed atmosphere with scenic water views.

Fairmont Mayakoba

Fairmont Mayakoba has approximately 400 guest rooms, suites, and beachfront casitas, ideal for families, multigenerational travelers, and groups. Each room is bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces or balconies, and views of the lagoons, gardens, or Caribbean Sea.

The resort’s spa recently unveiled a full renovation to modernize its wellness offerings and expand its range of holistic treatments. The space now includes a botanical garden for ingredient sourcing, a melipona bee conservation area, the region’s largest beauty salon, a Temazcal sweat lodge and a revitalized fitness center with Technogym equipment. Guests can choose from a number of treatments, including a moon-inspired suite of rituals such as a grounding new moon foot massage, a fire-element waxing moon full-body massage, a water-inspired full moon session with seashells and floral essences or an air-focused crescent moon herbal steam for renewed energy.

Fairmont Mayakoba offers a diverse culinary scene. Guests can try authentic Mexican cuisine at La Laguna, Asian-inspired dishes at Bamboo, wood-fired, seasonal menus at Gaia and fresh seafood with ocean vistas at Brisas. Aqua and La Cantina are casual dining options, Café Maya and Las Olas are perfect for starting the day with coffee or ending it with a sunset cocktail.

Alila Mayakoba

The opening of Alila Mayakoba ushers in an exciting new chapter, bringing a fresh design perspective to the resort’s already distinguished collection. Replacing the former Andaz Mayakoba, the property features 182 guest rooms and suites designed with a calm, contemporary palette, abundant natural light and private terraces with views of gardens, lagoons and the surrounding landscape. Duran shares, “The design of Alila was inspired by the mysticism of cenotes and offers a sensory journey from the moment guests arrive.”

A strong emphasis on wellness shapes the entire resort experience, with garden-set spaces for movement and mindfulness, outdoor programming and “Alila Moments,” immersive experiences that spotlight local traditions and well-being. The spa includes open-air hydrotherapy facilities and a traditional Temazcal steam bath, drawing on Mexican wellness traditions. Culinary offerings follow the same philosophy, with menus at Casa Amate, El Huerto and Alisio Beach Club built around fresh, local ingredients and a modern Mexican perspective. Additional garden-to-table concepts are planned to expand the resort’s wellness-driven dining experiences.

Onsite Amenities and Activities at Mayakoba

El Pueblito, a traditional Mexican-inspired town square, brings the destination’s four properties together. The space centers around a mission-style chapel with large wooden doors opening onto the plaza. Each resort has its own corner featuring shops, cafés, and casual places to gather.

Guests can join hands-on cooking classes, shop brands such as Vilebrequin and Corazón Mexicano, browse handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans, and try homemade ice cream and nostalgic candies. Dining options include Mexico City–inspired tostadas and mezcal at La Fondita, freshly baked pastries from the Pan Dulce bakery, and prime-cut burgers at The Burger Shop.

With four beach clubs and a wide range of recreational options, Mayakoba makes it easy for guests to balance activity and relaxation. Active travelers can enjoy the newly renovated Mayakoba Sports Club, while golfers can test their skills on the seaside Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon Golf Course. The resort also hosts seasonal events, including the LPGA Riviera Maya Open and Día de los Muertos celebrations. For those wishing to leave the resort grounds, Mayakoba Dive and Water Sports Center offers diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, while the Mayakoba Experiences program provides guided mangrove tours, nature-inspired excursions, and cultural activities.

There’s no wrong time to plan a trip to Mayakoba. From November through April, the weather is warm and comfortable, with little rain, making it an especially popular time to visit. Late spring sees sunny days, warming temperatures, and a slower pace before summer arrives. Whenever you choose to visit, you can be sure to enjoy every moment, whether your goal is to unwind, explore, or do a little of both.