STAY! Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico
The luxury Fairmont Mayakoba resort sits on 240 acres of tropical forest intersected by crystal clear waterways and surrounded by the Caribbean shoreline, 40 miles south of Cancun, near the town of Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya.
Its guest rooms, casitas and suites are nestled in a tropical forest surrounded by lagoons.
We booked a Signature Casita Suite, distinguished by high ceilings and wrap-around balcony with a panorama across a lagoon.
The property is expansive, sprawling over a mile from the lobby building to the beach. No worries though, Mayakoba offers transportation around the property, to and from restaurants, pools, the beach, even your "neighborhood stop." However, the grounds are so gorgeous, you might just choose to take a leisurely stroll while taking in the abundant wildlife.
The free Mayakoba boat tour and 1 hour kayak trips are well worth the time. The lagoons are peaceful, colorful, and filled with wildlife.
Make a point to visit El Pueblito at Mayakoba, located near the resort entrance. Buy gifts at La Boutique, offering unique items and beautiful silver jewelry. Be sure to order tostadas at the cantina. It ranked as one of my favorite meals of the trip!