Overview

Escapism meets ancient culture in an exotic beachside sanctuary near the Mayan sites of the Yucatan Peninsula.

A super-cool tropical hideaway opening in autumn 2007, the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is set in 36 acres of jungle, mangrove reserves and natural lagoons, fronting the white-sand beaches of Riviera Maya and conveniently near the Mayan sites of Tulum, Chichen-Itza and Coba. The resort wraps itself around a spectacular cenote – a deep freshwater lake, sacred to the Mayans.

Accommodation: 128 Villas

Accommodation

The resort is designed as a series of contemporary styled bungalow villas or two-storey villas, set along winding paths and waterways. Guests will be escorted to their guest room by golf cart. All rooms offer the calming sight of water; either across the Cenote, a uniquely spiritual scene; the tranquil lagoons and tributaries or the blue azure of the Caribbean Sea.

The decor is inspired by the locality with rainforest showers, outdoor stone bathtubs and white courtyards. Throughout, native exotic woods and indigenous stone are used, and highly reputed Mexican artists have been specially commissioned to create a gallery of unique pieces.

Twenty rooms are situated adjacent to the spa for those who seek an entirely holistic experience, while the Grand Villas have private pools, and the Villa Presidencial has a personal butler and chef.

Restaurants & Bars

At the heart of the resort is the signature restaurant Ambar, fine dining offered in a fantastically imaginative setting, capturing everything nature offers. It overlooks the glassy stillness of the cenote and is set amongst the tropical greenery. Guests can sit beneath broad palms under the starry sky. An entirely glass floor area is an impressive creative feat and a showcase for natural stone sculptures.

A bar and lounge situated above the lagoon is high style in the tropics. Luxuriate with an aperitif and listen to the cicadas’ low hum against cool jazz sounds or adjourn to the cigar divan for post dinner liqueurs.

The Beach Front Restaurant and Bar is pure Caribbean chic. Dust off the sand and slip on your heels; this space is high design with far reaching views right over the horizon, which burns up with the sunset.

Recreation

The land of the Maya gives you a wealth of history, but when your feet are tired from climbing pyramids retreat to the spa for a luxurious revival based on ancient traditions and rituals.

The spa is the nucleus of the resort, a serene centre of revival. Expert therapists will apply ancient rituals to bring you to your highest state of well being, while fitness experts will guide you in a range of holistic exercises from Yoga to kinesis. The three pool experiences are stunning sets for play and relaxation.

There’s plenty of activity and it’s mostly outdoors, under the sun or under the sea, from scuba diving to horse riding along the sandy beaches.

There are three golf courses within easy access of the resort and just five minutes from the hotel is a world class course designed by Greg Norman. Taking his ‘least disturbance’ approach, he has made the most of the natural surroundings.