Stretching across 81 miles of turquoise Mexi- can coastline just south of Cancun, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is famous for its ancient Mayan ruins, boho-chic lifestyle, eco-tourism, and now, its many luxury resorts. Whether a group’s penchant is for spa, golf, or simply basking in the warm rays of the Mexican sun, the Riviera Maya’s collection of luxury resorts caters to their every whim. Although the area is widely known for its
many all-inclusive resorts from top names like Iberostar and Palace Resorts, Riviera Maya’s growing number of boutique hotels delivers an unmatched level of privacy and service. Properties big and small — like the 41-villa Viceroy Riviera Maya, the 128-room Rosewood Mayakoba, and the 401-room Fair- mont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya Resort — con- tinuously make “best of” lists for their dining, spa, and golf experiences. If golf is on their wish list, groups will find
Meet in paradise
plenty of opportunities to tee off. The Riviera Maya’s courses have been designed by some of the most renowned architects in the world, and are unique for their distinct settings that weave native flora, fauna, and environmen- tal habitats through their layouts. The Jack Nicklaus–designed El Manglar Golf Course in Playa del Secreto incorporates white-sand traps, tropical jungles, and serene lakes for an exquisite experience that challenges even the most skilled golfer. For an even bigger challenge, the Greg Norman–designed El Camaleón Golf Club is home to the Maya- koba Classic, the only oficial PGA TOUR event held outside the United States or Canada. The course stretches and winds its way through jungles and mangroves, eventually ending at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The region’s golf experiences are growing still — a new 18-hole course is in development in the Kanai Riviera Maya area, along with two hotels —
the 180-room W Retreat & Spa Kanai – Riviera Maya, and a 50-room resort from Auberge Resorts. Spa-loving groups will delight in the way
resorts in the Riviera Maya incorporate native ingredients and tools in their spa treatments. The Wayak Spa at Viceroy Riviera Maya uses everything from local herbs to a Maya Temazcal steam-treatment cave in its mas- sages, facials, and body treatments.
Local bounty Using indigenous ingredients like honey from Mayan honeybees and chocolate, and tools like soaking tubs carved from tree trunks, spas in the Riviera Maya put a native spin on everything from massages to facials for an authentic experience.