In the heart of a tropical jungle, surrounded by natural lagoons Fairmont Mayakoba is focused on eco-tourism, authentic culinary experiences and total serenity. Located just north of Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Fairmont Mayakoba leads efforts that are aligned with guest interests while benefiting local initiatives and has a commitment to local Mayan communities. The resort boasts a recently renovated beach, the largest beach in the Mayakoba community and one of the most beautiful in the destination.
My fave part? Although notorious for its sugar sand beaches, Fairmont Mayakoba also offers guests an opportunity to indulge in unique culinary experiences including cooking classes, and Mexican craft beer, tequila or mescal tastings.
With so much to do and experience, it is worth highlighting the top ten experiences you can look forward to experiencing at Fairmont Mayakoba.
1. Guided Ecology Boat Tour
With over 300 species that live and thrive in Mayakoba, guests can enjoy a guided boat tour to spot wild birds going through their daily routines. We saw everything from turtles to baby alligators!
2. Executive Chef Diego Sobrino
We began our trip with a culinary immersion tour and dined alongside the Executive Chef and his culinary team. The Chef's Table dining experience has no set menu – the dishes are based on the day’s fresh ingredients and inspiration of the culinary team – guests can expect tasty surprises. The fried fish pictured below was one of the culinary highlights of my trip to Mayakoba from the resort's Brisas Restaurant. It's perfect for a group: you pull apart the melt-in-your-mouth fish, place it into a freshly made tortilla (you can add in some guac!) and indulge in the tastiest fish tacos.
3. Cooking School in El Pueblito
If you love Mexican food, you need to try this hands-on cooking class at El Pueblito in the heart of the Mayakoba market square. I highly recommend taking this interactive class with Chef Karla Enciso and her local female chef team. We had the best day and made authentic Mexican dishes such as Sikil Pak (Mayan pumpkin seed dip), tacos, fresh guacamole, Mexican mole sauce and more. While we made our creations, the team was serving us some of the freshest margaritas I've ever had in any flavor imaginable.
4. The Spa
As if I wasn't relaxed enough, the Willow Stream Spa is an adult-only sanctuary where you're encouraged to leave your cell phone and worries behind. I had the most refreshing massage and utilized all of the spa offerings: outdoor Swiss showers and whirlpools, essential oil steam room, rooftop healing water vitality pool, and a sea-mineral soaking pool.
5. Coral Reef Restoration Program
Guests can join Fairmont’s team on a fascinating adventure of discovery through a private snorkeling tour of the resort’s coral nursery. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Fairmont Mayakoba grows and harvests precious Acropora Palmata coral to be transplanted into the Mesoamerican Reef.
6. Explore Mayakoba on a Bike
Bicycles are an easy means of transportation to and from different areas of the hotel. The hotel offers complimentary use of bicycles that can be found throughout the resort and there's a bunch of bike racks near every restaurant, pool, beach etc.
7. The Margaritas
Enjoying margaritas in a luxury setting and stunning views of the Caribbean? Yes, please! If you love margaritas this resort is a paradise because of all the different flavors and combinations they offer, along with them being authentic (and strong).
8. The Water Sports
Guests can take advantage of onsite activities and non-motorized watersports, most of which are included within the resort fee. Activities include guided catamaran tour, sea kayaks, stand up paddle boards, beach volleyball and more.
9. Mexican Mezcal and Tequila Tasting
We learned about Mexico’s rich history with tequila and mescal at La Luguna Restaurant by doing a tasting with the bartender. We tried several different types of tequila/mezcal while snacking on local delicacies. It was super fun and a great way to start the night before dinner at the restaurant.
10. Edible Insect Degustation
Edible insect degustation goes back to Mexico’s indigenous gastronomy which has become a delicacy. At Fairmont’s La Laguna restaurant, the insects are prepared and seasoned using simple yet flavorful herbs. We tried dried grasshoppers, maguey worms, ant eggs, crayfish, escamoles (a larvae from the chicatana ant) and more, all paired with Mexico’s legendary agave-based liquor, mescal.
