Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Vibe
Electric eco-boats glide through mangrove waterways, ferrying guests from open-air pavilions to secluded Caribbean sands and winding jungle trails.
“Mangrove lagoon sanctuary”
Dedicated villa hosts handle packing and dining, while buggy escorts and personal concierges oversee each stay.
The Rainforest hydrothermal circuit pairs ten thermal stations with overwater pavilions staffed by academy-trained therapists.
Electric canal boats, loaner bicycles along mangrove trails, championship golf, and private pools across all villas.
Inside Mayakoba's gated mangrove lagoons and Caribbean beachfront, 25 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
“Here it’s just you, your villa, and the landscape — your pool deck opens onto a scene of lush vegetation and a network of lagoons.”
Rooms
Every villa features a private swimming pool and sun terrace, framed by local chukum limestone, tropical timbers, and mangrove canopies.
“The arrival experience sets a dramatic stage: A long driveway curves through thick foliage and leads up to a stunning open-air lobby…”
Wellness
Overwater pavilions host Asian bodywork, while the Rainforest hydrothermal circuit flows through aroma steam chambers, hammams, and acupressure vitality pools.
“the Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the star of the Mayakoba development in Playa del Carmen, with 34 private beachfront pool suites and a brand-new beach club”
Backstory
Built as the brand's first Mexican outpost, the retreat integrates Asian sanctuary concepts directly into Riviera Maya's protected coastal mangroves.
“The all-suite and villa Banyan Tree Mayakoba on Playa del Carmen has 160 spacious accommodations, each with a private pool, polished wood floors and ceilings…”
Eat & drink
Dine on open-fire Mayan recipes during jungle storytelling at Haab, or enjoy wok-tossed Thai classics over the water at Saffron.
The neighborhood
Set within the gated Mayakoba reserve, the grounds border El Camaleon championship golf course, twenty-five minutes north of central Playa del Carmen.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.