Rosewood Mayakoba

One of the top resorts in the area, the Rosewood occupies 1,600 acres of gorgeous beachfront space just north of Playa del Carmen. The grounds are lush and serene, with a big lagoon at its center and thick forests that help keep the atmosphere private and peaceful. The resort feels exclusive yet subdued from the get-go, with a huge gated entrance right off the highway decorated with flagpoles. A private road lined with trees and tropical plants runs parallel to the golf course and leads to an open-air lobby with a small pond and lots of plants out front. Big lanterns with candles make the space intimate and romantic in the evening, while small desks for private check-in add a touch of exclusivity. Throughout the property, low buildings with an indoor-outdoor layout and large wooden decks offer serene views of the gardens and offer plenty of space to unwind. Decor is contemporary, elegant, and subdued, with a beautiful combination of wood and stone throughout. Pops of red, aquamarine, and orange, and lanterns made of brass or woven natural fibers add a touch of casual, beachy style.

Although the hotel offers great perks for families -- including a kids’ club, babysitting services, and in-room extras -- the vibe is quiet and relaxing. However, those who want a completely child-free vacation can head to the adults-only Aqui Me Quedo lounge, which features three infinity pools and dining and drinking venues.

The resort is located in the Mayakoba complex, a gated community shared with other high-end resorts, such as the Banyan Tree and the Fairmont, that is set along the Cancun – Tulum highway. It is a self-contained resort and few guests ever feel the need to leave it, but this location allows for easy driving access to area attractions, including the Xaman-Ha Ruins and Aviary and the Xcaret Eco Theme Park, both about a 25-minute drive away. Playa del Carmen, a beautiful, charming resort town that used to be the home of the ancient Mayans, can be reached in less than 20 minutes. There, guests can find a wide array of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a number of lovely white-sand beaches. The main tourist thoroughfare of Playa is the cobblestone-lined, pedestrian street Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), but there are plenty of fun outdoor activities for visitors, too, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing. The offshore reef is part of the second largest reef system in the world, Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The impressive Tulum ruins are an hour away, as is Cancun. Cancun International Airport can be reached in about 40 minutes.

The Rosewood Mayakoba’s 129 rooms are all large, beautiful suites that have living areas, huge bathrooms, and outdoor spaces with private plunge pools. Entry-level Lagoon Suites are set around the resort’s lagoon and have private boat decks, while higher-category Beachfront Suites offer direct access to the sea. Besides a range of suite types, the hotel also features a number of private residences, which are huge villas of up to four bedrooms that come with private butler services, enclosed garages, full kitchens, and outdoor lounges.

Suites are big and airy, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to spacious furnished terraces surrounded by greenery for privacy. Room decor is elegant and stylish throughout, with polished natural stone floors and walls, tons of wood in headboards, cabinets, and living areas, and a soothing neutral palette with a few colorful touches. Big sliding wooden doors lead to huge, gorgeous bathrooms with walk-in showers, separate soaking tubs, round sinks over wooden vanities, and windows that offer views of a small private patio with outdoor showers (in most units).

All suites and residences are outfitted with excellent amenities, including free Wi-Fi, Bose sound systems, large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, DVD players, espresso makers, safes, and minibars. Fresh fruit bowls and bottled water are provided free of charge and replenished daily.

Rosewood Mayakoba is set along a beautiful white-sand beach dotted with padded loungers and umbrellas. Water-sports gear such as sea kayaks, Hobie Cats, and surf boards are available for guest use. Although staffers often rake the beach, seaweed debris can be an issue. Those who prefer to sit by the pool can choose from six different ones, including an infinity pool overlooking the sea -- complete with a hot tub and a splash pool for kids -- and three in the adults-only section known as Aqui Me Quedo.

Sense Spa offers a wide array of treatments, as well as salon services and saunas, steam rooms, and hot and cold plunge pools. The spa’s heated outdoor pool is a beautiful spot with a serene vibe, rope hammocks, and wooden loungers on a private deck tucked away amid lush greenery. The gym features a wide range of cardio and strength-training machines, along with free group classes and private fitness sessions for a fee. The multi-hotel Mayakoba complex features a 7,000-yard, 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, and the Rosewood offers free shuttle service to it.

The resort also features a kids’ club, babysitting services, and extensive meeting space, including indoor and outdoor venues. Valet parking is available free of charge.

Rosewood Mayakoba is home to six restaurants, all offering outdoor seating. Casa del Lago is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving up a varied international menu by the pool. Punta Bonita is a family-friendly spot for a light lunch with sea views, while Agave Azul serves up Mexican cuisine with Asian influences. The adults-only Aqui Me Quedo beachfront lounge offers additional dining options, including La Cocina and La Cantina, both featuring a casual Mexican menu. For something more exclusive, La Ceiba is a 20,000-square-foot garden venue with an 18-person communal table and a menu with tasty local cuisine. Some guests find food at the Rosewood good but a bit underwhelming for the price. Room service is available 24/7.