Mayan Riviera : Maroma Resort and Spa

A special place just right for a special occasion, this property was lovingly-created by its Mexican/American founders as an exclusive hide-away before Orient Express assumed ownership. It has lost none of the original inspiration, individuality, charm and personal service and achieves a very high level of customer satisfaction: justifiably in our view.

The under-stated atmosphere is of unashamed romanticism: perched on a crescent of powder-white sand on a palm-fringed beach, the bright white-washed rooms are reflected in polished mahogany and bamboo-filtered light. There is none of the corporate feel you can get at top-of-the-range hotels, you are definitely in Mexico, and among friends.

Don’t miss

The dreamy spa and water-sports facilities. The sea is glassy clear and calm here, and a coral reef good for snorkelling  lies within swimming distance of the shore.

When’s best to go?

The sun is rarely very far away, and the beach is at its best with the cooler breezes of winter; Summer can be hot and humid. Hurricane season runs through autumn. Local archaeological sites can be visited all year around.  Carnival, Easter and Christmas are celebrated locally with vibrant parades.

Getting there 

The bay-side hotel is set on  in its own grounds – a tropical coconut grove 45 minutes’ drive south of Cancún on Mexico’s Caribbean coast

Will it suit me?

If it is your honeymoon you certainly won’t be disappointed, but Maroma is fantastic for any beach-loving couples or groups of friends.  With its candle-lit emphasis on romance it is not the best place for families and singles, however. If you are after lively night-life on site you will have to look elsewhere!

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As an alternative, Esencia is another unique, luxury beach-side property on the Riviera Maya, which also worships at the altar of tranquillity, with pure white minimalist cottages, many with their own pool. Esencia is perhaps the better choice of the two for families with children.