Surprising Aussie connection for this luxurious Mexican resort

The place

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico

This jungle-flanked coastal gem lies just half an hour from Cancun Airport.

Check-in

Welcome to the jungle! Half an hour after we leave Cancun Airport our car passes through the gates to Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, where we are immediately enfolded by a lush stretch of jungle. As I watch an iguana sunning itself on the side of the road, my driver calls my attention to furry shapes moving among the trees, which turn out to be coatis, native mammals. A short drive later we pull up at the whitewashed walls that mark the entrance to the resort, where staff have a welcome cocktail waiting.

The look

Maroma, one of the leading resorts on the Riviera Maya since the 1990s, has just emerged from a massive multi-million dollar refurbishment which foregrounded traditional Mayan design and incorporated wellness into every aspect of the resort. That included working with plenty of natural materials and employing traditional craftsmen such as the ceramicist who created the 7000 tiles used throughout the resort. A gorgeous new spa and two new villas have also been added.

Rooms are designed as soothing sanctuaries from the tropical heat.

The room

The majority of accommodations at this intimate resort are suites (there are a small number of deluxe rooms), which are designed as soothing sanctuaries from the tropical heat. My master suite positioned on the ocean side of the resort has tiled floors, woven wall lamps, huge bedrooms and bathrooms, a generous lounge room and even an outdoor sitting area. The mini-bar includes complimentary soft drinks and an impressive range of Mexican wines, beers and spirits. One of my favourite touches is having coffee delivered to the room early each morning.

Food + drink

It’s something of a surprise to find an Aussie at the helm of Maroma’s signature restaurant. LA-based Curtis Stone designed the menus for Woodend, a restaurant built around an open grill. The food is excellent but the resort’s other venues, overseen by chef Daniel Camacho, are equally impressive. As you would expect, Mexican flavours are front and centre and the local seafood, from lobster ceviche to octopus, is simply superb. Mexican wine and mezcal-based drinks are highlighted; ask about a wine tasting or sign up for the excellent Journey into Agave experience led by mixologist Ximena Moreno. If you want to amp up the romance, the rooftop private dining experience is hard to beat.

Absolute beachfront: views of the Caribbean coast.

Out + about

There is plenty to explore in the area, from impressive Mayan ruins to the exquisite cenotes, freshwater swimming holes that played an important role in Mayan culture. Not in the mood for excursions? Take a tortilla cooking lesson, treat yourself to one of the excellent treatments in the Guerlain spa which include a honey-based Bee Healing Ritual (no interaction with insects involved), or simply relax on one of the loungers at the beach while the staff bring you cool drinks and adjust the umbrella to ensure you are always in the shade.

The verdict

This gourmet seaside escape combines indulgence with a sprinkle of adventure.

Essentials

From US$845 ($1311) for a suite. One accessible suite. Carretera Cancun-Tulum, Km 51, 77710 Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico. See belmond.com

Our score out of five

★★★★½

Highlight

Sustainability is built into every element of this resort, from connections to the community to the lemongrass stems used as drinking straws.

Lowlight

Local beaches get an influx of seaweed during summer, but the resort manages the beach to prevent it piling up.

The writer was a guest of Maroma.