Mayakoba Trip Report: Banyan Tree and Rosewood

I spent two nights at Banyan Tree Mayakoba and three nights at Rosewood Mayakoba and thought both properties were spectacular.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Banyan Tree Mayakoba consists of 160 villas — all come with a private (heated) pool. They are currently (as of June 2024) renovating all villas, but that won’t affect any guest stays. The lowest category room is the bliss pool villa, and it is over 3,100 sq ft. There are numerous villa configurations, so you will want to really work to figure out the best option. I upgraded to the oceanfront veranda pool-suite villa and it was perfect. The villa was bright and airy and the view directly to the ocean was incredible. I would stay in this villa again and again!

One note — the two and three-bedroom villas have a room with twin beds, so it’s perfect for families or groups!

There are so many options for enjoyment — whether that is relaxing on the beach, booking an ecotour or checking out the gorgeous spa. The spa is a blend of Asian and Mexican culture and all therapists are certified at Banyan’s own Banyan Tree Spa Academy.

The gym is small, but well-appointed. Each villa also has its own cruiser bikes that you can take all over the property. You can request golf cart service as well, but bicycling around was definitely my preferred method of transportation.

There is both an adults-only beach area and a kids club, so spaces are available for the whole family.

Image 1: Banyan Tree hotel room ; Image 2: Rosewood resort during the daytime

Rosewood Mayakoba

Rosewood Mayakoba is made up of 129 suites with heated pools (some plunge pools, some larger) and terraces. There are 16 villas that range from two bedrooms to five bedrooms, and five more are currently being built and should be ready by Thanksgiving.

The property has one of the most stunning open-air check-ins I’ve ever seen. The lobby represents a cenote and it’s full of light and incredibly beautiful. Then you are whisked via boat to your villa. It’s a beginning that sets the scene for a special stay.

Rosewood Mayakoba is definitely a favorite — they regularly see 25% of their guests being repeat guests. And it's easy to see why — beyond the beauty of the property and the warmth of the staff, the thoughtful touches remind you that you are in Mexico — there is a strong sense of place and it’s beautiful.

Special touches like a garden dinner every Wednesday night, a happy hour hosted by the staff on Thursdays and a family dinner at a communal table on Saturdays add to the sense of community.

It's easy to bike around the property, but you can also utilize your butlers to grab you a ride in a golf cart. I loved my butler team and I had the same team of two over my whole visit, which was wonderful.

From the amazing approach to your room via boat to the mezcal welcome amenity, Rosewood is a relaxing, peaceful resort. You will have many opportunities to disconnect and enjoy the gorgeous setting.

I recommend both resorts if you are looking for a relaxing experience within gorgeous surroundings. If a beach view is important to you, make sure to upgrade your room. There are limited beachfront accommodations at both Rosewood and Banyan Tree.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Amy Shamus’ guide, Todos Santos, Mexico Getaway.