Jungle Paradise

By:Lisa Loverro

You'll know the minute you turn off the main highway to enter the Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa that you're in for something special. As you continue to drive deeper and deeper on a dirt road through the lush mangrove jungle it becomes evident that this resort is, quite literally, a secret hideaway. Set in the foliage and along the white sand beaches of the Rivera Maya, Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa might just be the ultimate tropical paradise. With whitewashed villas, housing 63 guestrooms including a spa suite complete with an air-conditioned fitness room and private plunge pool, the property exudes serenity and romance.

It's no surprise the hotel was built from a labor of love. Its original roots as a 200-acre coconut plantation slowly evolved to include a private home and guesthouse, before becoming an intimate resort in the mid 1990's. The original architect, along with a family of Mayan masons, built this boutique resort as a place to welcome friends, but as word spread about this special place on the ocean, the resort continued to grow, always staying true to it Mayan roots but with an added touch of contemporary elegance. The design of these whitewashed buildings are what the architect refers to as "sacred geometry" in which the structures allow for east and west exposures to create a spiritual balance. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with special touches such as hand made soaps and Mexican tiles, hammocks on the balconies and caftans in place of bathrobes.

Beyond the rooms there are 3 separate pools and a multitude of dining options. El Restaurante is the perfect spot for breakfast. Warm breezes surround you as this beachside restaurant serves up some fantastic breakfast dishes including a traditional Chilaquiles dish not to be missed. What makes this breakfast even more special is "Tia," a Mayan woman and long time member of the Maroma staff who hand makes tortillas for you while you dine. Lunch and dinner are equally decadent at their La Cantina and El Sol Tapas and Restaurants. The gem here is the beachside tequila bar known as Freddy's Tequila and Ceviche Bar where one could sit for hours sampling their many Mescals and Tequilas along with fresh ceviches.

The Kinan Spa at the resort offers Mayan inspired treatments and there's even a Mayan Temazcal on property (a traditional Mayan steam ritual) that will leave you feeling renewed. Activities range from scuba and snorkeling to sailing and yachting. There's also the option to do nothing at all except enjoy the powdery white sand beach and clear blue waters. The hotel offers many packages but for the active vacationer check their site for an occasional Fitness package that will have you up at 7:00am for boot camps and obstacle course races but will have you sleeping like baby while the sounds of rustling palm leaves offer a gentle lullaby.

For more information:

belmond.com/maroma-resort-and-spa-riviera-maya/