The Banyan Tree Mayakoba blends nature, luxury, and privacy in paradise. Read on to find out why it continues to be one of our favorite hotels in the Riviera Maya:
1. Prime Location
The Banyan Tree sits within the gorgeous Mayakoba complex, an opulent gated community on the Riviera Maya´s sparkling coastline, home to four luxury resorts and stunning tropical beauty.
The arrival experience lets nature take center stage; a long driveway meandering through thick vegetation leads to a beautiful open-air lobby looking over Mayakoba´s emblematic network of canals and mangroves – home to over 200 species of wildlife. The resort offers a luxury vacation experience while putting you at the heart of the Mexican Caribbean´s natural wonder with freshwater lagoons, dunes, jungle and ocean at your fingertips.
Set between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, the Banyan Tree´s location is ideal for exploring the treasures of the region and we love connecting our guests with authentic local experiences (see here: 5-Day Riviera Maya Discovery based at Banyan Tree Mayakoba). Travel back in time visiting ancient Mayan cities, learn about horticulture practices and traditional Mayan cooking techniques from present-day communities, traverse millennia-old subterranean river caves, and snorkel the second largest coral reef in the world on a private catamaran cruise.
2. New Luxury Accommodations
Banyan Tree Mayakoba added to its luxury offerings with a recent $50 million expansion. We were wowed by the latest collection of Beachfront Pool Suites and Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas, as well as the stunning Sands Beach Club.
The new Beachfront Lanai Pool Suite is set right on the sand with direct beach access that´s just steps away from the picture-perfect Caribbean Sea. Open floor-to-ceiling glass doors from the bedroom to a wooden deck, partially secluded by a tropical garden that features a private heated plunge pool. For a super private soak, the suite also has its own peaceful interior patio with a hot tub and outdoor shower.
The Lagoon & Sunset Rooftop Pool Villas offer nature views from a different perspective. This two-story option is still close to the beach while boasting serene lagoon vistas. Head up to the villa´s rooftop terrace in the evenings to watch the sun go down over a mangrove horizon while you relax in your heated plunge pool. Downstairs, there´s also a private outdoor bathtub to take advantage of.
3. Connection to Water
Mayakoba translates as ´village over the water´ in Mayan, and this is a key element to the Banyan Tree experience. Almost all the resort’s world-class dining venues have some kind of water view, from Saffron´s Thai dishes overlooking canals and mangroves to romantic, private dinner cruises aboard Ixchel, a traditional pre-Hispanic ´trajinera´ boat.
Every villa has a private pool, many with outdoor showers and private patio´s with jacuzzies, some guestrooms are reached via a boat ride through the canals, and the beautiful spa features overwater treatment cabins as well as hydrothermal therapies to cleanse and detoxify the body.
The recently opened Sands Beach Club is a showstopper – enjoy fresh seafood at the stylish raw bar accompanied by eternal views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The spectacular oceanfront infinity swimming pool is an idyllic spot to relax the afternoon away while little ones are amused at The Ranger´s Kids Club, located within the beach club. Grab complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel equipment for the ultimate water immersion.
4. Unique On-site Experiences
While Journey Mexico takes you out to experience the best of the Riviera Maya, the Banyan Tree´s engaging activities will keep you entertained back at the resort.
Discover the property´s three-mile-long nature trail, designed for walking, jogging, and bicycles, complete with rest areas and bird towers. Play a round of golf at Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon Mayakoba, featuring three different ecosystems on a journey through jungle, mangroves, and oceanfront sands. Families will love making memories together at creative culinary classes and watching baby turtles scuttle to the ocean at seasonal turtle releases. Dive into the world of Mexican spirits, learning about the history and tasting notes of emblematic distillates like tequila and mezcal, or connect with local nature as you kayak through Mayakoba´s serpentine canal network.
5. Sustainability
We love Banyan Tree Mayakoba´s commitment to eliminating single-use plastic, with 50% eradicated over the past two years by exchanging all plastic water bottles for glass and plastic straws for paper. The resort´s team also oversees recycling procedures, separating waste and collaborating with different companies to ensure it goes to the correct destinations.
Taking the daily eco boat tour at least once during your stay is a must to explore the property´s canals and wildlife with a resident biologist. The resort´s golf carts and complimentary bicycles are a great touch for navigating the winding roads and walkways where local flora and fauna can be spotted.
START PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION AT THE BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA
Ready to experience this special slice of paradise for yourself? We recommend you to start by checking out our Sample Itinerary: Discover the Riviera Maya at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. This will give you some ideas on all the unique and special experiences and tours you can have on your next vacation, beyond the hotel. Then, get in touch with our expert travel planners to start designing your custom trip. Trips start at $1,800 USD per day for two travelers.
