On the Yucatán Peninsula, Riviera Maya is a heady mix of hedonism and grounded goodness, a duality that echoes at Maroma, a quietly glamorous resort showcasing Mexican design and artisanal culture at its very best.
Admiring the miles of pristine beaches framed by turquoise waters and verdant palms, it is evident why this Mexican coastal paradise attracts admirers seeking sanctuary. Beyond the area’s stunning natural beauty lies an infectious energy and a spiritual undercurrent sought after by ancient civilisations and modern-day revellers alike.
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Some refer to it as the more soulful Mexico. Infused with the richness of Mayan culture and steeped in history, Yucatán’s Caribbean blends tropical colours and flora with Mexican high style. Spanning Cancún and Tulum, the Riviera Maya beach district encompasses the area’s most powdery white sand, expanses of untamed jungle landscapes and flourishing barrier reefs. Additionally, it’s championed for extraordinary diving and snorkelling, and stands out as a prime location to spot whale sharks.
Admirably, a conscientious preservation effort is being made by the government to ensure that the region’s fascinating ancient ruins and temples (such as Chichén Itzá that's counted amongst UNESCO World Heritage Sites) continue to reign as Riviera Maya’s true stars.
This Spectacular Desert Home in Mexico Redefines Indoor-Outdoor Living
Set within this sun-kissed, unspoilt location the Riviera Maya Maroma hotel, a Belmond property, is raising the bar for Mexican getaways for design lovers and those who appreciate understated, barefoot luxe. Set between 200 acres of lush jungle and the azure waves, Maroma is a discreet hideaway pulsating with local culture. Evidenced by Maroma’s ranking at 18 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 coupled with the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel award of 2024 for sustainable dining practices.
Recently reopened following a complete redesign, the storied property combines the location's mythical roots with contemporary luxury. Once the private home of a visionary architect, the intimate and elegant resort – dubbed as the beating heart of the Riviera Maya – was the very first hotel in the area. Set foot here and it would be difficult to not feel inspired by the Mexican craft and materials, traditions, and culture on display.
A Sunken Conversation Pit Is the Real Star of This Calm and Colourful Home in Mexico
When envisioning it's redesign, renowned British designer Tara Bernerd sought to retain and enhance the natural beauty of the space and find ways to let its intrinsic spirit shine. The reborn icon has 72 rooms, suites, and villas outfitted with a blend of Mexican design, local materials, artisanal patterns, and traditional craftsmanship. Privacy seekers can opt for the two-bedroom beachfront pool villas or the 3,939-square-foot Villa Maroma, with four bedrooms, a full kitchen, bar, spacious outdoor terrace and a private pool.
Working closely with local artisans, she reimagined everything, from the glass and shell chandeliers to the individually hand-painted ceramic Saltillo floor tiles and textiles – the aim was to inject warmth and a contemporary Mexican design that would instil a sense being at someone chic's holiday home. Bernerd drew inspiration from traditional hacienda-style living to create spaces that felt relaxed and tranquil while framing spectacular views, using indigenous materials and architecture that embraces the identity of the location.
You might not guess it at first sight; the original cave-like stucco architecture has (wisely, in an ode to traditional Mexican design) been left unaltered. The property’s three pools have also been completely redesigned with Sukabumi tiles handmade from volcanic stone, in the same jovial turquoise tones that echo the region’s many natural cenotes (freshwater springs). The art-bedecked main house, the shaman-built beachside temazcal (sauna), and a hut-like tequila and ceviche bar are amongst the hotel's unmissable highlights.
True to the brand, Maroma’s temple for rejuvenation, the spa by Guerlain (the first by the brand in Latin America) remains deeply rooted in Mayan healing traditions (the temazcal ceremony, led by a local healer, is the real deal, requiring a two-hour commitment). Healing rituals are inspired by the four elements of nature – fire, water, earth, and air – ancient practices, and the sacred Melipona bee, revered by the Mayans for over 3,000 years as a symbol of spiritual resonance. The signature treatment, the Bee Healing Ritual, a honey-based treatment is equal parts therapeutic and sublime. From its design and culinary offerings to immersive experiences and treatments that soothe the mind, body and soul, every moment at Maroma is seamlessly intertwined with Mexican design and traditions.
Days began with a bike ride through the jungle before savouring the flavours of the Riviera Maya, whether it is discovering the artisanal process of cooking corn and making tortillas by hand during the ‘Nixtamal Journey’ or exploring the origins and chemistry of tequila, mezcal and sotol at ‘The Journey Around the Agave’ workshop. To further connect with Yucatán treasures, Maroma offers easy access to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, where certified divers assist on private snorkelling tours.
Those willing to leave the ocean adventures, yachts and idyllic pool cabanas behind for the day can explore caves and temples, and peruse fascinating cultural reserves. Meanwhile, beach lovers can opt to lounge poolside. The area is set up to make you feel like you have your own private stretch of pristine sand.
Maroma’s Mexico-born talent Executive Chef Daniel Camacho oversees the sumptuous menus at Casa Mayor (breakfast should definitely not be skipped; the freshly rolled quesadillas are divine). He offers elevated Mexican cuisine that doesn’t compromise on authenticity or sustainability. Up to 90 per cent of ingredients used are exclusively sourced from Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula. The pay off? Vibrant dishes spanning fresh seafood and Michoacán corundas to Jalisco-style Birria.
In an exciting new addition, Belmond has brought in Michelin-starred Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone to run Woodend, with a wood-fired menu that is earthy, prepared with an international influence and served with just the right level of formal informality. Paying respect to the Yucatán Peninsula, dishes include grilled blue shrimp with green mango, apple, daikon and charred almonds; oyster crudo with pineapple mignonette and lemongrass; and Baja Striped Bass with tomato fondue, habanero vinegar and pink peppercorn. The menu also features an extensive range of plant-based dishes; a stand out being the cabbage heart with seeded macha and Camembert.
Freddy’s Bar, a beloved beachside hangout, continues to channel the vibrant spirit of the Riviera Maya, with lively music, fresh seafood and cocktails, and a locally sourced raw bar. The ceviche is the standout – but there’s an entire raw bar menu worth working through.
Every seat in the bar has sea views; the design channels the beauty of the surroundings, with inlaid pebble motifs, locally sourced woven fabrics, and tropical pops of green and orange. For the early risers, a wonderful tray of pre-breakfast coffee and tea is left outside the main door of the suite – adding a joyous touch to the start of the day.
In a world where travellers increasingly have to choose between the amenities of something big-scale and the consideration of a boutique property, Maroma wonderfully balances both. belmond.com
