By Dawna L. Robertson
Andaz has become a master at integrating the sounds, sights and flavors of a property’s location into the guest experience. The new Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is no exception, mirroring the brand’s “global in scale while local in perspective” concept in a glorious Caribbean setting.
Debuting on Dec. 12 as the brand’s first property in Mexico, the 214-room beachfront resort immerses travelers amid the Mayan culture through both the natural environment and architectural design elements. As a poster child of the eco-destination’s thoughtful development, the resort engages with six miles of freshwater canals that are enveloped by lagoons, lush vegetation and nature trails winding throughout.
To mark the milestone, Hyatt’s Andaz Mayakoba is providing a complimentary third night plus breakfast on stays of three or more consecutive nights booked by Feb. 15, 2017 for visits between Jan. 6-April 8, 2017*.
General Manager Lin Schatz referred to the Dec. 12 official opening as an exciting day, as it welcomed the first Andaz property in Mexico the sustainable destination. “With lush landscape and a rich Mayan culture, the region ideally encapsulates the brand’s connection to its local surroundings,” says Schatz. “From the unique design and native cuisine to indigenous spa treatments, partnerships and experiences led by local insiders, guests will feel entirely immersed in the culture during their stay.”
Guestrooms & Suites
Holding true to Andaz form, guest rooms and suites are designed with such influences as iconography and traditional crafts reflective of the region. All feature a balcony or terrace with views of the resort gardens and mangroves, the lagoon or the Caribbean Sea. Oversized bathrooms run the entire length of each guest room.
Elevating the luxury, 41 suites each indulge with an expansive living area and private plunge pool on the terrace. Complimentary conveniences include Wi-Fi, local phone calls, bottled water, and mini-bar with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks replenished daily.
Dining
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya’s four onsite restaurants showcase fresh local ingredients and authentic cooking techniques. Cocina Milagro offers an all-day dining buffet with an evolving menu. Casa Amate is an upscale dining option with Latin American dishes.
The beachfront OllaTaco and OllaCeviche serve tasty street food and seafood with an ocean view. Guests can also order from the property’s 24-hour room service menu.
Recreation
Hugging the coastline and Caribbean, Andaz Mayakoba offers guests watersports options include three outdoor swimming pools, jet skiing, snorkeling and kite surfing.
For grounded adventures, they can tap into the Mayakoba Tennis Centre and prestigious El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba, an 18-hole course designed by PGA legend Greg Norman. The par 72 layout features distinctive hazards as it winds through an area of preserved mangroves. Home to the annual PGA Tour OHL Classic, El Camaleon also offers customized lessons at its Jim McLean Golf School.
Spa lovers are also appeased with a customized menu of services at the 10,000sf Naum Spa. Referred to as Naum Rituals, treatments lead guests to pay homage to the Mayan Gods as well as to themselves. Each begins with a Mayan Time of Reflection, and then concludes with a Mayan Celebration to help with balance and reconnecting.
Andaz Mayakoba’s full-service fitness center helps guests maintain their personal wellness routines with treadmills, ellipticals, cycles, free weights and stability balls. Complimentary yoga and Pilates classes are held daily in the center’s yoga studio or on the beach. Other fitness options include walking, jogging or biking on complimentary bicycles along the surrounding nature trails with scenic views of Riviera Maya.
Culture
Personalizing the Andaz philosophy of reflecting the local culture, Andaz Mayakoba’s on-property Experience Curator oversees events and activities that share the region’s local flavor.
Visitors can tap into a wealth of knowledge via Cultural Insiders that share lessons on speaking the language, preparing Mexico’s iconic fare in Tacology classes, and understanding art with the guidance of a Riviera Maya graffiti artist who has created vibrant murals placed throughout the resort.
Six Diversions Luring Guests from the Resort
•Chichen Itza – Located two hours from the resort, the famous Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza include the stunning El Castillo step-pyramid named “Temple of Kukulkan.”
•Ek’ Balam Mayan Ruins and Cenote – Translating to “black jaguar” in the Mayan language, these ruins challenge visitors to climb the steps to the top of the 96-foot-tall main pyramid.
•Fifth Avenue Art Gallery – Located on Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue, this charming gallery displays a selection of original cultural artworks from the Riviera Maya coastline.
•Rio Secreto – Adventure lovers can take a guided tour of the “secret river,” Riviera Maya’s underground waterway that flows through cenotes and caverns.
•Tulum Archaeological Site – The Mayan ruins of Tulum are located roughly an hour south of the resort on the Riviera Maya waterfront.
•Tulum Public Art – The scenic beach town of Tulum is packed with public murals and street art created by local artists.
Getting There
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is located just north of Playa del Carmen within the tropical Mayakoba Resort complex. The Mayakoba Connection Ferry Service connects nearby hotels via “trajinera,” electric, palapa-roofed boats. The shops, restaurants and bars of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue (Avenida 5) are just a short drive away, as is the ferry to Cozumel. Cancun International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive away.
*Third Night Free Promotion Details
Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw this program at any time without notice. The offer is not valid for groups or conventions, and may not be combined with other promotions.
For additional details and bookings, visit the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya website or contact Steele Luxury Travel to make a booking and recieve special perks!