True luxury product should never leave one wondering about value for money. How is the value of a Hermes scarf, or a Patek Phillippe watch to be measured, except by the total satisfaction one gets from wearing them, and using them. The Rosewood Mayakoba Resort is the same type of value. The resort is simply perfect, from the moment one arrives, until the time of departure. Consequently, it is neither inexpensive, or even reasonable, UNLESS you demand absolute perfect in everything, and appreciate it when you get it.
After a short flight from Miami, we were met by the concierge at Cancun airport, and smoothly whisked into an almost brand new Cadillac escalade for the forty minute drive to the hotel. Jacob the driver was intelligent and a pleasure to chat with as he smoothly manoeuvred us along the coastal highway, answering our questions regarding the area. Of course, everyone questions the safety of Mexico, but we never felt anything but totally safe and secure, as well as pampered. I would venture this is as safe as you can be, at any resort property.
Pulling up to the hotel, there was a small welcoming party at the porte cochere, and they whisked away our baggage, while we checked in, after which we were taken to a motor launch that quietly cruised through the lagoon to our villa. The sights of magnificent birds, combined with their sounds and the sounds of never seen monkeys and frogs, reminded us we were in the tropics, and although we never saw one, we were told there are alligators and crocodiles in the lagoon.
We arrived at our villa to find the baggage already there. From our own private dock we walk up three steps to our plunge pool and marbled deck with a pair of chaise lounge. Then the covered patio with rattan furniture, and through the enormous French windows to the suite. The windows are around ten feet high and at least 16 feet wide, allowing us magnificent vistas of the lagoon. Even so, the sense of privacy was wonderful, as the resort has plenty of space, and no villa really overlooks another.
The villa itself is beautiful. At least 500 square feet, there are tropical tones from the marble floors, mahogany bed and closets, and the modern art. A full king sized bed with wonderful linens, a huge seating area with sofa and chair, set so one or two could stretch on the 10 foot long sofa, and a bar and dining area complete the space. There is light galore.
The closets are huge, and the bathroom well designed, with a separate WC; a huge indoor shower as well as an outdoor one, double sinks and a mosaic bath that is not just large enough for two, we could have several neighbours share it, if we were that way inclined! Personally, I used the exterior shower through our stay, which is in a closed in section leading to the private roof, where there is another double chaise for sunbathing or just reading under the stars. Patti preferred the indoor shower and claims it is the best she has ever used.
Without any other facilities, we could have spent a delightful week just hanging around the villa, reading, playing cards, and chatting. However, the remainder of the resort is what makes it sensational.
Spread out over hundreds of acres, built on and around Mangrove swamp, the resort really succeeds in embracing rather than overwhelming nature. There are gently lit paved pathways throughout, with golf cart type passenger vehicles whisking the guests around, the complex, and obviously especially transporting everyone to the three main areas; the central pool, restaurant and bar area with sushi restaurant and boutiques; the spa area; and the beach area with Mexican restaurant and bar. In each area there is a magnificent pool, and the whole resort gives an impression of deluxe comfort, and plenty of space. We spent each day at a pool. The one by the beach is obviously the most popular, with a great restaurant and bar there, featuring Mexican cuisine and drinks. Again, one of the pleasures was realising the magnificent wines that Mexico now produces, and how reasonable they are. Anyway, the beach side pool is an infinity pool, there are sufficient cabanas to have easy access to one, and whether you choose to swim in the sea, or the pool, it is clean and warm. The sand at the resort is obviously cleaned, although unfortunately as you walk off property it is not as cared for.
The central complex of the hotel has a multi level pool, and again it is spacious, well maintained, and elegant. The spa area is for adults only, (while we were there, there were few children, but I know during school vacations it can become quite dense with families) and again has a magnificent pool and sun tanning area. The health club was clean, spacious, and complimentary refreshments were available, while the spa itself was elegant, and superb.
We ate in all the restaurants at different times, as well as enjoying room service. The best value by far was either the bar, or the Japanese restaurant, both of which served great food, in huge portions. The staff throughout the complex were superb, and I would have no hesitation recommending to anyone to try the hotel. Yes, the suites are pricey, but we spent less on food and other things than we anticipated and consequently didn't regret the cost of the room. In fact, our only regret was that we didn't stay longer.
To view the property, visit www.rosewood.com. Remember we have values over and above those offered to the public, so after reviewing the website, email me for a deal. Some of them are outstanding extra values.