Mayan Rivera - Rosewood Mayakoba Resort

Rosewood always has a wonderful touch in everything they do and the Rosewood Mayakoba is no exception.

Mayakoba is a planned, private resort community on a pristine stretch of Caribbean beach just a bit over 30 minutes south of Cancun.   At the center is an 18 hole Greg Norman designed golf course surrounded by three hotels: Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree and Fairmont.

Each hotel is inter-connected by fresh water limestone canals and one can take a covered lagoon boat to the golf course, to the neighboring hotels for dining & spas  and they all have inter-changeable charge account privileges with each other.

Jungle .Coast. Reef. - Mayakoba is teeming with the flora and fauna of these three distinct, yet interdependent ecosystems.

Rosewood Mayakoba Resort has wonderful architecture from the Spanish architect house Casa Y Jardin, of Madrid - Architects: Gonzalo Martínez-Pita & Enrique Erpen.  Casa y Jardin also did the exceptional interiors and appointments.

The architecture inspired us to consider building a 21st century, small dwelling, in the style of our wonderful over-the water suite.  Everything is so well appointed. From the moment you glide onto your private lagoon deck and are met by your butler, to the lovely outdoor shower one has the feeling of being in a very special place.

From the deck one can watch the bird life in the mangroves and the private plunge pool.  There is every gadget one would want from a Nespresso machine to an Ipod docking station.  The furnishings are very unique, with a real flair for design.   Everywhere one looks, there is a feast for the senses..It is a very large suite that flows beautifully, and the windows are placed to provide wonderful vignettes of the architecture and and offers full privacy.

The resort spans from the beach into the mangrove bayous and to get around one can walk the lovely paths or take one of the frequent golf carts making the loop.  For those that prefer to be near the beach the beachfront suites or the even larger oceanview suites with rooftop pool and sea views are the best choice.

.  From the warm,friendly waiters at breakfast, to the beach restaurant, where one can enjoy a wonderfully prepared tapas menu for under $25 ; dining is a true pleasure at Rosewood.  Try the choya juice at breakfast.

A stay at Rosewood Mayakoba is a treat for all the senses.  A perfect getaway from which you will return home feeling renewed and see life differently.

Mayan Riviera - Royal Hideaway

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One week on the Mayan Riviera ....


Our first stay was at the wonderful, all inclusive resort of Royal Hideaway - a member of Occidental Hotel Group.

Typically, I am not one for "all-inclusive" hotels since I like to explore the region where I am, and sample the local cuisines.  Royal Hideaway changed my mind greatly, but first let me start with the ambiance and accommodations at Royal Hideaway.

Hurricanes can bestow blessings, as well as devastation, and Wilma bestowed a spectacular beach on the Mexican Rivera, particularly in front of Royal Hideaway.

One of the places to dine is out on the deck overlooking this magnificent beach.  In the evenings they also set up a bar on the beach and lovely wicker furniture  with linens flowing in the breeze for sunset cocktails.

The accommodations are spacious.  We were fortunate to get one of the duplex suites, which has a lovely sitting area, with a terrace and a hammock, overlooking the beach.  Upstairs, a large bedroom with a very comfy bed, and a lovely bath with luxurious bath products.  The piece de resistance was the large rooftop sundeck overlooking the ocean off  the bedroom.  The bedroom also boasted another terrace facing into the courtyard gardens.  

Royal Hideaway is an adult only resort ,and the activities offered are refined and in keeping with the luxury the resort offers.  One night they offer dancing to the Bossa Nova under the palms, another night martini tasting on the beach with a good combo.

The resort is especially good value offering free wi-fi along with all the dining and drinking experiences,  hobie cats, sea kayaks and lots of other toys.

Low season rates until Dec. 17 are as low as $2,850 for two persons, seven night stay - all inclusive!  This is a spectacular deal.  As your Virtuoso agency we can offer a room upgrade subject to availability, a $100 spa credit, complimentary parking and priority dining reservations.

The charming town of Playa del Carmen is just there, where one can stroll the colorful pedestrian Fifth Avenue with its trattorias and shopping for Mexican handicrafts.

contact Travel Exchange 800-242-0248
Barbara Herrott     barbarah@travelexchange.net