Mayakoba: A Luxury Escape in Playa del Carmen (4-Day Itinerary Included)

If you’ve been looking for a fabulous vacation spot you’ll want to return to again and again, check out the resorts of Mayakoba. The property is tucked between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and the second you pass through the gates, it feels like a different world—calm, private, and absolutely beautiful.

We’ve been three times already (with our fourth trip booked), and every time, I fall in love all over again. Whenever I ask Brian where he’d like to go for a quick getaway, 10/10 times he’ll say Banyan Tree Mayakoba. It’s upscale, but not in a stuffy way. Everything just feels easy, and the service is next level without ever being over the top.

Why I Love Mayakoba

Mayakoba is huge! It’s spread out over 620 acres. There are four resorts on the property, and no matter where you stay, you can use the restaurants and activities at all of them. There are 25+ restaurants and plenty of variety when it comes to things to do.

What I love most is how connected everything feels. To get around you can:

Ride the complimentary bikes that come with your room (we use these daily).
Hop in a courtesy vehicle or golf cart if you’re heading to dinner at another property.
Take a little boat ride through the canals if you’re not in a hurry (it’s such a peaceful way to see the property).
Or, if you feel like moving, walk the paths—they’re easy and scenic.

Getting There (And My Favorite Arrival Hack)

Mayakoba is about an hour south of Cancun airport. For ground transportation, we always book USA Transfers because they’re reliable and make everything simple. They are right there holding a sign with our name when we arrive. A round trip is $180, and for $35 more, we always opt for the one-hour grocery stop on the way in. We do this because it’s the easiest way to stock up on snacks, drinks, and breakfast stuff so you’re not relying on room service or dining out for every meal. We typically grab:

Pool floats (a must if you have a private pool)
Wine, beer, or cocktail mixers
Fresh fruit and limes
Breakfast items: Coffee, creamer, yogurt and granola
Snacks: Chips, nuts and maybe a little candy 🙂
Bottled water

If your villa doesn’t have a fridge, email ahead and request one—it’s worth it.

Where to Stay

Each resort has its own style and personality, but I promise that you can’t go wrong with any of them. Here’s how I see it:

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

This is where we always stay. Why? The PRIVATE pool villas!!! Every villa has its own huge pool, and I can’t tell you how nice it is to wake up, make coffee, and float outside without another soul in sight. You have your own totally private courtyard that also has an outdoor dining table, hot tub, and 2 lounger chairs. It’s so calm and serene.

Rosewood Mayakoba

If you want something really polished and romantic, Rosewood is the one. The whole property feels elegant without being over the top, and the service is outstanding. They have two beach clubs—one that’s adults-only and another that’s family-friendly—so you can pick the vibe you want.

We haven’t stayed here (yet), but I’ve toured the rooms and the property, and wow—they’re gorgeous. Each one has a small private pool facing either the lagoon or the beach, which makes it feel extra private. Of all the Mayakoba resorts, Rosewood definitely feels the most upscale.

Fairmont Mayakoba

This one feels more like a classic resort and is perfect if you’re traveling with family or a group. There are a several pools, fun energy, and plenty of places to eat—eight restaurants and three bars, including a rooftop bar with fire tables (such a cool spot for drinks). They also offer inclusive dining options.

We were there in December when all the resorts were decked out for the holidays, and Fairmont one my award for best decorated. The lights were everywhere—even along the pathways. It felt so festive.

Alila Mayakoba (formerly Andaz)

Alila is currently undergoing a renovation. They are updating all of the rooms and turning many of them into larger suites. The hotel will reopen in late 2025.

Where to Eat (And What Not to Miss)

There are 25+ restaurants and bars across the four resorts, so you’ve got options. A few of our favorites:

Saffron (Banyan Tree) – Amazing Thai food overlooking the lagoon.
Punta Bonita (Rosewood) – Tacos and cocktails right on the beach.
El Puerto (Fairmont) – Great seafood in a lively atmosphere.

And then there are the experiences you don’t want to miss:

HAAB at Banyan Tree – This is a full-on Mayan dinner experience in the jungle. You eat at one big table (12 max), and between courses, there’s dancing and storytelling. We absolutely loved it—don’t miss it.

La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen – A farm-to-table dinner under a massive Ceiba tree. It feels special without being formal.
Private boat cruise through the mangroves – Enjoy appetizers and champagne while you float through these incredible waterways. We love this one and have done it a couple times. It literally feels like you’ve been dropped into Jurassic Park.
Private chef barbecue in your villa – We haven’t done this one yet, but it’s on our list for next time. Everyone says it’s amazing.
El Kiosko at El Pueblito – A five-course dinner under the stars with live music.

Pro tip: Book all of these a month in advance—spots fill up fast.

Things to Do

Mayakoba offers lots of fun activities:

Biking – Our favorite way to get around.
Kayaking and paddleboarding – Kayaking is so much fun, and you’ll see birds, fish, and maybe even a small cayman if you’re lucky.
Archery at Rosewood – Super fun and different.
Golf – Greg Norman-designed course plus the Jim McLean Golf School if you want lessons.
Tequila tasting – Haven’t done it yet, but it’s on our next trip list. Everyone says it’s interactive and really interesting.
Private yacht or jet skis – If you want to splurge.
Scuba diving or snorkeling – Easy to set up through the concierge.
Spa treatments – If you stay at Banyan Tree, the spa is incredible.
Tennis and pickleball – They’ve got courts, and pickleball Sundays are a thing!

El Pueblito is another fun spot. It’s this little town square in the middle of the property with cooking classes, boutiques, casual places to eat, and even an arcade. If you have kids, they’ll love it, but even as adults, we enjoy going over for a change of pace. FYI, they close early at 5pm.

Day Trips

If you want to leave the property (and honestly, you don’t have to), here are a few options:

Chichén Itzá – The famous Mayan ruins. Book through GetYourGuide for an easy experience.
Cobá – Less crowded and you can climb some of the ruins.
Rio Secreto – Underground river and caves—absolutely stunning.
Cenotes – Natural swimming holes that make for a great half-day adventure.

When to Go

We’ve been a few times now, and honestly, timing makes a difference. The weather is usually warm year-round, but here’s what I’ve learned:

December to April – My favorite time to visit. The weather is perfect. It’s not too hot, not too humid, and it’s a great escape from winter if you’re coming from up north. December is extra special because, as I mentioned, the resorts go all out with holiday lights and decorations.
May to early June – Still nice, a little warmer, and fewer crowds than peak season.
July to September – Hot and humid, and this is also hurricane season, so you’re taking a bit of a gamble. Purchase trip insurance.
October – Skip it. It’s the rainiest month of the year and a lot of activities get canceled if the weather’s bad. We’ve tried to book October twice to be there for my birthday and both times we’ve cancelled because of a rainy forecast.
November – Things start to clear up, and it’s a nice time before the December rush.

If I had to pick, I’d say December through April is the sweet spot.

Our Perfect 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and settle in

Stop for groceries on the way in.
Check in, unpack, and float in the private pool.
Drinks at Cafe Maya and dinner at La Laguna (Fairmont).

Day 2: Adventure + HAAB Dinner

Breakfast in the villa.
Bike over to Rosewood for archery, then lunch at Aqua Mi Quedo.
Afternoon paddleboarding or beach time.
Evening: HAAB at Banyan Tree (book early and read my review of HAAB here).

Day 3: Day trip + La Ceiba

Early start for Chichén Itzá (book through GetYourGuide).
Afternoon pool time back at the villa.
Tequila tasting at Banyan Tree.
Dinner at La Ceiba under the big Ceiba tree (Rosewood).

Day 4: Relax + Wrap-Up

Breakfast at Oriente.
Morning bike ride or kayak through the lagoons.
Afternoon champagne boat cruise through the mangroves.
Private chef barbecue in the villa courtyard.

What to Pack

Swimsuits (more than you think)
Lightweight clothes for warm days
Comfortable sandals and water shoes
Sunscreen and bug spray
Sunglasses and a hat
Pool floats (or grab at the grocery stop)
A light wrap for breezy nights

If you’re looking for some cute resort wear, I’ve put together some great outfits. Check them out here and here.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Mayakoba has become “our place.” Every trip feels relaxed and special at the same time. We can do as much or as little as we want, and it always feels effortless. If you go, book your dinners and activities ahead, take advantage of that grocery stop (it saves money), and if you can swing it, get a villa with a private pool. You’ll thank me later.

We’re counting down to our next trip already.

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