Banyan Tree Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Opened in March 2009 to award-winning acclaim, the new private pool villa escape enchants with the romance of travel, fused with a unique sense of tranquil and private space, and complemented by touches of signature Asian hospitality and warmth. A carefully maintained ecosystem of dunes, mangroves and freshwater lagoons is home to myriad indigenous species of fish, birds and mammals. The unique pool villas are tastefully decorated with handcrafted Mayan furnishings, yet retaining its modern comforts. Each freestanding villa curls around its own individual garden area, creating a private yet spacious outdoor area, in a unique layout drawn from courtyard houses of the Far East. Each villa also enjoys lush greenery and private swimming pools that begin from 30sqm.
Banyan Tree is located on Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya coast, within the private gated integrated resort development of Mayakoba, home to the second-largest coral reef in the world stretching from the Yucatan to Guatemala.
Banyan Tree Spa brings its award-winning blend of Asian therapies, featuring massages and body treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing disciplines, to the Americas for the very first time. The Rainforest’s hydrothermal circuit comprises alternating hot and cold thermal cabins, designed for guests to embark on a trail of wellness treats. Each thermal cabin is designed for one person or couple, offering the ultimate privacy. The Rainforest Trail offers eight different hydrothermal therapy experiences including Rain Walk, Aroma Steam Chamber, Finnish Sauna, Rasul, Brine Cavern, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers and Vitality Pool.
Opened in 2006, the El Camaleon Golf Club, Mayakoba has quickly become one of the most talked about golf courses in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The golf course earns its name by weaving through three distinct ecosystems — jungle, dense mangrove and stunning, oceanfront stretches of sand. The unique limestone canals that interconnect the resort create a golf course that will be difficult to forget. Designed using Greg Norman’s approach, the care for the environment is evident from the first hole, where golfers will navigate over an open cave, called a “cenote” in the middle of the fairway.
Subject to availability, mangrove boat tours are offered to guests, who embark on an electric-powered lancha (covered boat), guided by nature specialist who is well equipped with knowledge of the special environment of the development. This interactive two-hour session brings guests on a bird-watching and animal-spotting adventure, sharing intimate knowledge of the friendly creatures that include tortoises, iguanas and even a crocodile or two, living freely in their natural environment.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers a Kids Meeting point for children under 12 years old. Activities include: eco tours, video games, movie time, board games, beach activities and more. Baby cots and beds, babysitter, baby buggies and baby chairs are available upon request.
With an inspiring sunrise view overlooking the extensive Reflections Pool, Oriente serves sumptuous breakfast buffet each morning with a complement of fresh juices, healthy cereals and yogurts, and a variety of breads, cheese and cold cuts, Asian selections, and hot dishes to wake up to. In the evenings, a modern Mexican menu in a class of its own includes a delicate scallop ceviche in a tango with fresh mango sauce, while a rich ayocote bean cappuccino receives a shot of crispy red rice powder along with a skewer of grilled lobster. Mains receive equal care, in the form of a braised short rib that melts in the mouth accompanied by Mexico’s famous mole — a chocolate bean stew, sauteed plaintain, soft poblano polenta and huazontle — a delicious green Mayan flower tip that resembles a tangy, miniature broccoli.
Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant Saffron serves contemporary Thai cuisine, prepared specially by the expatriate chefs from Phuket, Thailand. Overlooking the lobby, lagoon and the mangroves, the restaurant’s three over-water decks provide an intimate romantic setting that caters to special occasions. Traditional Thai cooking techniques are preserved in dishes such as the evergreen tom yum goong — a sour and spicy lemongrass soup with juicy prawns; as well as pad Thai — flat rice noodles stir-fried with a balance of tamarind paste, fish sauce, chili, and more. The unique sauces — hot basil, black-pepper garlic, mango-sweet chili jam — are served with yet more flavors in the grilled jumbo prawns accentuated by five-flavor tamarind sauce and star fruit salad.
Set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa, dining at Tamarind is an experience not to be missed. Fresh ingredients, exotic herbs, roots, spices and aromatic salts create the distinctive flavors of Tamarind’s hearty eclectic cuisine. For mains, are Del mar (from the sea) such as the main lobster served with olive oil powder, and De la tierra (from the land) and revel in a grilled Kobe fillet simply garnished with wild mushroom bread.
Set at the poolside and beachfront overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Sands offers sophisticated bites and favorite cocktails all day. There’s something for every taste bud, though gourmands would naturally enjoy the grouper ceviche with sweet potato and manzano chili; crispy tempura battered shrimp tacos; and a sweet ending of mojito, champagne, or pina colada sorbet. Reflections Pool Bar offers the ideal refreshments that are the perfect taste of the tropics — from sunny salads to hot pizzas, and chunky skewers and inventive wraps to sate the appetite.