Choosing a spot for my 30th birthday getaway was easy, having traveled to the Mayan Riviera last year and recognizing that it’s no place to visit just once. Here, plush tropical jungle meets pristine beaches and the Caribbean Sea only 30 miles outside of Cancun. The only problem was which of the many four- and five-star resorts to choose from. My two girlfriends and I selected one with a mix of well-being-oriented amenities, exclusivity and luxury—the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya. For us, this meant we had our choice of activities: exercise on the beach or in the fully loaded gym, cocktails with or without a scene, holistic spa treatments and exceptional food (they serve sushi poolside). This exquisite hotel features protected mangrove reserves, translucent water from lagoons and streams all around a cenote freshwater reservoir located at the center of the resort.
A new Mandarin Oriental location opened in February 2008, it’s set on 36 secluded acres of jungle and white beaches along the Riviera Maya where the Yucatan peninsula stretches 180 kilometers across the coastline. The aesthetic of the Mandarin is a perfect mix of Asian style combined with local flair and modern sensibilities. Sleek bungalows or two-story villas house over 128 luxurious guest rooms. Native woods and stone round out these enticing interiors along with seamless technology to enhance the guest experience. Fresh fruit and bottled water are stocked in every room add to the atmosphere of a tranquil guest cottage. The Deluxe Ribera where I stayed was a haven of total privacy. The room had the square footage of a small condo, including a sitting room, a plush bed with sumptuous bedding and, best of all, an oversized bathroom complete with double rainforest showers and an outside private garden open-air bath. Others guest villas have individual plunge pools on the terrace or rooftop, all decadently stocked with Bulgari bath products.
The day is what you make of it. Hatha yoga, relaxing on the beach, enjoying a spa therapy, or participating in water sports are all enticing options. Our days consisted of a mix of all of the above. Guests are carted to and from the beach by golf cart if they choose not to walk. There are three stunning swimming pools to choose from, one of which overlooks the Caribbean. Beachfront water activities include snorkeling, kayaking and deep sea fishing. For those wishing to venture off property, Playa del Carmen is a close 10-minute cab ride away for specialty shopping.
The 25,000-square-foot Spa at the Mandarin Oriental offers rejuvenating experiences that heal, restore and revitalize, all with a holistic approach. These therapies are rituals that embody the riches of Mayan philosophy blended with Asian healing traditions. The Mayan aspect deems the body belongs to the earth and the spirit to the universe. As in all Mandarin Oriental spas, the mind-spirit-body rituals rooted in Asian custom are also brought forth. The spa sanctuary features 11 treatment rooms, a 1,500-square-foot fitness center, a 1,000-square-foot yoga room, and a heated outdoor pool. While at the spa guests are greeted by name and encouraged to enjoy every aspect pre- and post-treatment. The “walk through” experience begins in the vitality pool, where ergonomically placed jets roar and in-pool recliners target pressure points for acupressure massage.
The spa menu is comprehensive, tailoring to individual needs—“Time Rituals”—and includes signature treatments known as “Oriental Harmony,” where four hands work in unison creating a harmony of the senses. Also, pre- or post-treatment, guests have the opportunity to visit the full-body wellness fitness studio. An assortment of state-of-the-art equipment offers everything from cardio and strength machines to free weights and kinesis. And available at no additional charge are various workout classes daily that will satisfy everyone from the novice to the enthusiast. The yoga classes are not to be missed.
Dining at the Spa Café is perfect for those seeking a fully integrated wellness program. It’s clear dining is a vital part of the resort, with a multitude of restaurants and bars to choose from on the property. Sushi is served pool- and beachside by Ceviche Cha Cha. Aguamarina or Ambar are wonderful evening choices, the former offering panoramic ocean views and the latter—the resort’s signature restaurant—with views of the lagoon, serving international cuisine with a Mexican influence. M-bar serves exotic libations and spins tunes late-night with local DJs.
A spectacular hideaway resort, the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is truly a nature-lover’s paradise and a destination for anyone who also seeks refined hospitality. A couple of extra perks to staying here include the 24-hour room service, the private pier for yachts and sailboats, the world-class art and sculpture courtyards, the business services (including translation), and the “Young Fans” activity service for ages 4 to 8. And, speaking from experience, it’s pretty wonderful for a 30-year-old, too.
where to stay:
Mandarin Oriental
Riviera Maya, Mexico
www.mandarinoriental.com
km.298.8 Carretera #307 Playa Del Carmen
Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710
Phone: +52 (984) 877 3888
Email: mocun-reservations@mohg.com