All photos courtesy Mayakoba
Enjoy outstanding golf at Riviera Maya’s world-class Mayakoba resort destinations, writes Bryan Dearsley
Located on Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya coastline mid-way between Cancún and Tulum, Mayakoba has become one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s premier destinations for those seeking a luxury golf vacation. Developed by OHLA, a global company that’s been in business for well over a century, the Mayakoba complex broke ground in the early 2000s and now boasts several world-class resorts, each offering its own distinctive blend of luxury accommodations, upscale amenities, and superlative golf experiences.
This 595-acre Mexican resort community also prides itself on its environmental sustainability and has gone to great lengths to reduce its impact on its native mangrove forests. The result is a tropical paradise recognized not just as a “responsible tourism” destination but also for the luxury lifestyles on offer to those who choose to buy real estate here.
The award-winning El Camaleón golf course is a big draw. Home site of the PGA Tour‘s OHL Classic at Mayakoba, this challenging 18-hole course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman and winds through various ecosystems. Along the way, players get to enjoy spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea, not to mention a memorable Mexico golfing experience.
Find out more and be inspired to book a stay-and-play package at one of these first-rate Mayakoba Golf Resorts, all with easy access to the El Camaleón golf course.
Play Your Best Game at These Mayakoba Golf Resorts
Andaz Mayakoba
Andaz Mayakoba (aka, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya — A Concept by Hyatt) is a contemporary luxury resort that opened its doors with great fanfare in 2016. Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, this 5-star resort offers unique guest experiences that combine modern amenities with a dash of local culture… and, of course, great golf.
For golf enthusiasts, this posh Rivera Maya resort offers several golf packages that include access to the championship El Camaleón golf course, including professional instruction, club rentals, and preferred tee times. Other reasons to visit include personalized spa treatments using local ingredients, private boat tours through the property’s picturesque lagoons, and curated culinary experiences showcasing authentic Mexican flavors. The resort also features beach access and a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding for adventurous types.
As for accommodations, Andaz Mayakoba certainly meets expectations. It boasts stylish guestrooms and suites that overlook the lagoons, mangroves or Caribbean Sea. The décor is bright, with plenty of natural lighting and locally inspired artwork and furnishings. Spacious private balconies or terraces are also included.
Find out more at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – A Concept by Hyatt.
Rosewood Mayakoba
I became a fan of the Rosewood brand ever since staying at their brand-spanking new property in Munich, Germany. As you’ll discover for yourself when visiting Rosewood Mayakoba, these folks know a thing or two about how to pull off 5-star luxury. Opened in 2008, this luxury Riviera Maya resort epitomizes the kind of refined elegance and exclusivity we all, let’s face it, aspire to.
Set overlooking Mayakoba’s mile-long white sand beach, the resort’s undeniable sophistication and exemplary service is everywhere evident. You’ll experience it firsthand while enjoying the fine dining at Agave Azul, one of several first-rate food experiences on the resort, and in Sense, the on-site spa. Concierge services can also book snorkeling excursions or romantic mangrove explorations where you and your significant other sit back and sip a glass of wine while enjoying a private tour.
Are you ready for bed after all that adventure (golf-related or otherwise)? Accommodations at Rosewood Mayakoba consist of elegantly appointed suites and private residences set amidst lush tropical gardens or overlooking the beach. Each has contemporary Mexican décor, private plunge pools, and large terraces with ample seating.
For those traveling with family or a large group of golfer buddies, splurge on The Founder’s Villa. This huge and very private 16,300-square-foot beachfront villa boasts six bedrooms and can accommodate up to 14 guests. In addition to its fully equipped kitchen, it comes with an office and media room, living and dining areas, and a 92-foot infinity pool with unobstructed views of the ocean from its sundeck.
Find out more about one of the best Mayakoba Golf Resorts at Rosewood Mayakoba.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Since it opened in 2009, the 5-star Banyan Tree Mayakoba has been tempting guests with its Asian-inspired hospitality and luxurious villa accommodations. In addition to playing a round or two at El Camaleón (preferred tee times are available), guests can enjoy award-winning Bali-inspired treatments at the Banyan Tree Spa. Options include signature therapies amidst lush gardens or in a private spa pavilion.
Spread out across the resort’s quiet, lush lagoons, accommodations at Banyan Tree Mayakoba consist of elegantly designed villas with private swimming pools and outdoor bathtubs. Each bright, airy, and spacious villa is fully equipped with modern amenities and reflects a harmonious blend of Asian and Mexican architectural elements. All you need to do is kick back and relax, pre- or post-game.
The resort also offers sunset cruises, eco-tours through the mangroves, and yoga sessions on the beach for those seeking a healthy dose of holistic rejuvenation.
Learn more at Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Fairmont Mayakoba Golf Course
The Fairmont Mayakoba Golf Course opened in 2006 and has become a popular spot for those seeking a luxurious retreat amidst the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. Set in the heart of the Mayakoba development and surrounded on three sides by the championship golf course and on one side by dense mangroves, accommodations here consist of elegantly appointed rooms and suites decorated with traditional Mayan motifs. Spacious patios or terraces are fully furnished and provide views of the mangrove forests, the lagoons, or out over the Caribbean Sea.
In addition to the great golf options, other fun things to do at Fairmont Mayakoba include pampering at The Willow Stream Spa, with its holistic therapies inspired by Mayan traditions, fine dining, and concierge staff ready and willing to book guest experiences such as cenote exploration tours, culinary classes, and even tequila tastings.
Visit Fairmont Mayakoba Golf Course for details of what is undoubtedly one of the best Mayakoba Golf Resorts for a much-deserved getaway.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Co-Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.