Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
I love hotels (no surprise there), and have seen my fair share of properties around the world. But some hotels really knock it out of the park. Enter Chablé Maroma and Chablé Yucatán, two dreamy Mexican getaways that check all the boxes: world-class spas, unbeatable food, exceptional service, A+ amenities, gorgeous accommodations, magical settings...I could go on.
Read on to discover what makes Chablé Hotels so special, and how I can help level up your stay.
Chablé Maroma
Image courtesy of Chablé Maroma
Picture this: crystal-clear Caribbean waters, ivory sands (on a private beach, of course) and a jungly natural playground. Such is the setting of Chablé Maroma, one of my favorite resorts on the Riviera Maya. The beachfront escape rests on the Reserve of Punta Maroma, a stretch of idyllic coastline blissfully removed from the crowds. (Even better, it’s a quick and easy ride from Cancún International Airport.)
Here, you'll stay in airy villas outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, indoor-outdoor showers and a tasteful blend of modern aesthetics, Mayan accents and artisanal details — the work of the renowned Mexican designer and architect Paulina Morán.
For the adventure lovers, Chablé Maroma does not disappoint. Kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding are all available. And don’t miss exploring the nearby cenotes, Mayan ruins (visits to Chichén Itzá, Tulum and Cobá are fantastic day trips) and natural parks, some of Mexico’s most stunning hidden gems. You can also enjoy water sports, jungle excursions or simply lounge the day away on the white-sand beach (or on a plush daybed near your private plunge pool). This is vacation, after all.
Image courtesy of Chablé Maroma
At Chablé hotels, wellness is top of mind. Their spa — a veritable sanctuary of well-being — draws inspiration from ancient Mayan traditions, offering a range of holistic treatments and therapies that are both healing and rejuvenating. From indulgent massages to immersive temazcal rituals, the tailored treatments will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Food enthusiasts (and everyone, for that matter) will be in culinary heaven at Chablé Maroma. Chef Jorge Vallejo, of Quintonil fame, helms all of Chablé Hotels’ gastronomy. Chablé Maroma’s gourmet restaurants take pride in sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients, elevating traditional Mexican flavors to new heights. Head to Bu’ul for an exquisite meal inspired by the cuisine of central and southern Mexico. In the evening, the terrace at Bu’ul transforms into a delectable raw bar. Savor expertly crafted seafood paired with stellar cocktails. Kaban is ideal for a delicious à la carte breakfast (poached eggs with morita chili sauce and roasted cactus leaf salad, anyone?) or a poolside lunch or dinner inspired by Mexico’s coastal regions.
Another plus: at Chablé Maroma, luxury goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. The resort is committed to sustainable practices, including responsible waste management, energy efficiency and supporting local communities. Swoon.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Chablé Yucatán
Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
Craving more Chablé? (Always.) At Chablé Yucatán, about a 30-minute drive from Mérida, the state’s vibrant capital, lush jungles and ancient wonders converge. This hacienda-style retreat is a luxurious love letter to the Yucatecan culture.
The breezy and spacious villas and casitas are once again masterfully designed by Paulina Morán — think natural stone floors, hand-carved wooden accents and local textiles and artwork. I especially love the sprawling bathrooms, outdoor showers, bluetooth set-up (complete with an iPad pre-loaded with Spotify), private swimming pools and king-size beds fitted with THE softest linens.
And as with Chablé Maroma, the spa is to die for. Treatment rooms are dotted around the vast, verdant cenote, the resort’s natural centerpiece. Listen to the soothing orchestra of birdsong as you indulge in a traditional foot ceremony while sipping a cacao drink — the preamble to all of the heavenly treatments.
Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
And of course, Chablé Yucatán's culinary scene is a feast of flavors, combining traditional Mayan ingredients with modern gastronomic techniques. Ixi’im, the resort’s signature restaurant, is supremely stylish, housed in one of the restored hacienda buildings, and outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and handsome steel beams. It’s also home to one of the most extensive tequila collections in the world. (The tequila tasting is a must.) The poolside Ki’ol is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, or intimate dinner. The onsite ka’anches (Mayan raised gardens) and local producers supply most of the ingredients for both restaurants. Everything is beyond delicious, and incredibly nourishing.
To immerse yourself even further in Chablé’s culinary scene, opt for one of their cooking classes. Learn how to prepare traditional Yucatecan dishes from local women in the Casita Maya, make your own chocolate bar using local cacao beans or craft fresh tortillas — all while learning about the sacred roots of these traditional Mayan ingredients.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Chablé dilemma: Maroma or Yucatán?
Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
Maroma or Yucatán: how to choose? I love both, and can help you decide which property best fits your travel style.
Chablé Maroma is for you if:
Your idea of heaven includes a beach — in particular, a private one overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Your dream vacation includes water sports and ocean-based adventures.
You want to explore and discover the intriguing history of Mayan ruins.
Chablé Yucatán is for you if:
You’re craving a jungly, hidden-gem escape.
You’re after cultural immersion, especially as it relates to food.
You’re looking for a holistic wellness retreat — with plenty of relaxation and nourishing indulgence (it’s possible: trust) built in.