Mangrove canal cove
Electric eco-boats glide through mangrove waterways, ferrying guests from open-air pavilions to secluded Caribbean sands and winding jungle trails.
“The all-suite and villa Banyan Tree Mayakoba on Playa del Carmen has 160 spacious accommodations, each with a private pool…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Dedicated villa hosts handle packing and dining, supported by private buggies and personal concierges.
Remarkable
Overwater treatment pavilions complement the Rainforest ten-station hydrothermal circuit and academy-trained therapists.
Remarkable
Electric canal boats navigate mangrove waterways between private villa docks and championship golf.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
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.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set within the gated Mayakoba reserve, the grounds border El Camaleon championship golf course, twenty-five minutes north of central Playa del Carmen.
The rooms
Every villa features a private swimming pool and sun terrace, framed by local chukum limestone, tropical timbers, and mangrove canopies.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The beachfront Sands infinity pool faces the Caribbean. Inland, the freeform Reflections pool curves among palm trees.
The spa
Open-air pavilions overlook lush foliage, offering Thai herbal massages and body treatments by academy-trained therapists.
The gym and thermal baths
The 24-hour fitness room looks out over courtyard water, and the indoor Rainforest circuit features ten thermal stations.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Saffron serves Thai dishes on wooden decks over the lagoon. By the pool, Oriente hosts morning buffet spreads.
The arrival experience sets a dramatic stage: A long driveway curves through thick foliage and leads up to a stunning open-air lobby.
How it began
Built as the brand's first Mexican outpost, the retreat integrates Asian sanctuary concepts directly into Riviera Maya's protected coastal mangroves.
“Banyan Tree Mayakoba stands out amongst its neighbors with its recent renovation: The $50 million expansion also established a brand-new beach club...”
Good to know
Stay here
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
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Riviera Maya
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.