After a $20 million renovation, the Riviera Maya’s Rosewood Mayakoba is now a verifiable showstopper. A beauty to begin with, the resort has just taken its level of sophistication and elegance to a whole new level.
During the resort’s total transformation its 129 on-property suites where reimagined; Wellness Suites were introduced; and the 3- and 4-bedroom Presidential Suites were fully enhanced. Additionally, the renovations saw the debut of Zapote, an innovative bar experience showcasing the deep culinary traditions of Mexico, created in partnership with Licoreria Limantour, Mexico City’s leading cocktail bar and named in the top 10 of The World’s 50 Best Bars, and Aqui Me Quedo, the resort’s new adults-only enclave, came onto the scene with a splash.
“Our goal in re-imagining the experience of Rosewood Mayakoba began by devoting ourselves to what makes the region so special: its people, history and natural environment,” said Daniel Scott, managing director and regional v.p. of Rosewood Mayakoba in a press statement. “We challenged ourselves and our partners to find creative, inviting, and stunning ways to reflect and be inspired by local culture in all elements of the design.”
The newly refreshed suites feature custom, modern furniture created with locally fabricated and sourced materials made in collaboration with area artisans. Mayan artistries such as pottery and embroidery are found in all suites, from embroidered pillows made with natural fibers to large clay pots and woven benches made exclusively for the resort. Indigenous materials distinctive to the region such as lava stone and natural woods, like parota, cumaru and rosa morada, are also embodied in the modern furniture.
Located on its own private island, the community of Wellness Suites feels like an exclusive hotel within an ultra-luxury resort, with each of the suite guests assigned a “wellbeing butler.” The loft-style suites feature a private salt therapy pool with views of the serene lagoons, while the outdoor serenity pavilion in the private garden is ideal for yoga, personal training, massage or individual sessions with the resort’s shaman. Additionally, a reflexology fountain provides support for the circulation system and lymphatic drainage. In-suite amenities include enhanced sleeping tools such as a circadian light lamp that simulates the natural movement of the sun; skin care pillow cases made with microfibers, helping to prevent sleep lines and moisture loss; essential oil shower heads providing antioxidant and regenerating properties for the skin; in-room oil diffusers, reflective of ancient traditions of Ayurveda and aromatherapy, made with herbs handpicked from the La Ceiba garden; and a wellness station and reconceptualized mini bar, complete with a super food menu, alkaline water dispenser, pressed juices and herbal teas.
The new Beachfront Four Bedroom Presidential Suite, meanwhile, features floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting in the natural sunlight, and offers an infinity lap pool that runs parallel to the shoreline. The Lagoon Three Bedroom Presidential Suite, accessible by way of a private bridge to a small island in the Mayakoba lagoon, includes private plunge pools and a floating 270-degree lounge. Inspired by the Mayan archaeology and the surrounding wildlife, both presidential suites feature statement furniture pieces crafted in abstracted forms of the Mayakoba animals along with original artwork by Mexican artist Jorge Abundis of “the birds of Mayakoba.”
Over at Zapote, guests will be privy to a roster of local and international guest bartenders, visiting chefs and musical talents, and each month, renowned cocktail specialists from Mexico and beyond will “take over” the bar, while visiting chefs will create pop-up bar menus. Inspired by the Mayan philosophy “In Lek’ech,” meaning “you are my other me,” every server and bartender at Zapote will be trained as a Drink Specialist. Designed to evoke a colonial hacienda, a large communal table will anchor Zapote as the center piece of the space that runs perpendicular to an interactive chef’s table and kitchen. A private dining room along with an outdoor garden complete with luscious plants native to Mexico round out the rest of the space.
For more information, visit rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya.
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