Spring break is looming, and if you’re ready to get out of town, the Mayakoba is waiting. Comprised of 595 acres of lagoons, jungles and beaches, the private gated community is known for attracting international tourists and many celebrities to stay at the four hotels and luxury residences. Each property has its own identity, and if you’re looking for a resort that’s not too crowded, and delivers the just right levels of serene vibes, check in to Fairmont Mayakoba.

Getting There

The Mayakoba compound is about an hour’s drive from the Cancun International Airport (CUN). The property can help arrange private transfers to and from the airport, with someone on site to meet you at baggage claim. Valet parking is also included with every reservation, should you prefer to rent a car and drive.

The Vibe

A resort-wide renovation revealed in December 2022 relaunched the Fairmont Mayakoba as an even chicer, more sophisticated iteration of its former self. All four pools, the kids’ club and existing restaurants and bars got a makeover, and a beach club (with a rooftop bar), plus five new restaurants, and a second kids club was added. The property attracts a wide range of tourists, including extended families gathering for reunions, young families, couples and groups.

The largest of the Mayakoba properties, the Fairmont’s expansiveness offers various experiences. Electric golf carts chauffeur guests around the 45-acre property, and a limited amount of beach cruisers (plus kid-sized bikes) are available for guests to pedal around. Note that most guest rooms are a 15-minute walk through a jungle path to the beach, though shuttles run regularly.

WiFi is available throughout the property, including on the beach. A full-service spa, golf course and water sports are offered, as well as private boat tours around the Mayakoba lagoons, to spot wildlife including birds and resident crocodiles. New for 2023 is Fairmont Mayakoba’s signature excursion, Symphony in a Cenote, a monthly event during which guests are transported to a candlelit cave for a live strings performance covering contemporary hits.

Nights are quiet, for optimal relaxation. The property is dog friendly, though pets are not permitted at the pools or beach.

The Rooms

Fairmont Mayakoba offers three types of accomodations : guest rooms, casitas and suites. All three take advantage of the lush jungle atmosphere, and are of course well air conditioned. Casitas are private bungalows on the edge of the property’s mangrove forests and lagoon, and offer outdoor showers, and private outdoor space, with beachfront options offering soaking tubs overlooking the ocean.

The Food

If you’re traveling to eat and drink, Fairmont’s culinary program exceeds resort-style fare (perhaps eliminating the need to ever seek out tacos off-site). Everything is priced ala carte. On the beach, Fuego serves an open-fire menu for lunch and dinner, with specialties including grilled shrimp and crisp tortillas, to enjoy with your toes in the sand. On the lagoon, Laguna offers three meals a day, and at dinner couples can be escorted out to romantic tables on the dock under twinkle lights, where turtles swim up as elegant Mexican dishes, such as a blue crab tostada and elegant chile relleno, are served. Café Maya is also a popular spot for on-site coffee drinks (flavored lattes for American tourists), gelato and small bites, such as conchas and other Mexican pastries. And those looking for more worldly fare can dine at the Mediterranean inspired eatery, Gaia, enjoy Neapolitan-style pizzas fresh out of the oven at Bassano, chow down on sushi at Hix or grill a Korean feast to their liking at the outdoor restaurant Ki’ Korean Grill. Tauro, the Fairmont’s signature steakhouse, serves a New York-inspired menu with martinis from a bartender straight out of Brooklyn.

The Drinks

It’s easy to get a cocktail, cold beer or glass of wine of the extensive list at Fairmont Mayakoba. Bars are open throughout the property, including a swim-up pool bar and a beach bar replete with wooden swings and fruity tropical drinks. Bartenders recommend the unofficial house drink, the Passionfruit Mezcalita, which is essentially a margarita made with mezcal and tart passionfruit juice. It’s easily sippable, especially out of the property’s stylish glasswear. Buckets of cold beer, plus sippable coconuts and a full bar menu (plus snacks) can be delivered on the beach or to any pool seat. Those wanting shade and guaranteed cushy seating can also book a private. poolside cabana for $200 a day, which comes with guacamole, a fruit bowl, plus two cocktails (frozen pina coladas are the move).

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for fun in the sun, calm nights, excellent culinary options, childcare, and pristine, modern accommodations in a resort-like atmosphere, Fairmont is the Mayakoba property for you. Rooms start at $530 per night, plus a $30 resort fee per person per day. Book at Fairmont.com