Like White Lotus, but nobody dies...

My trip to Mexican paradise!

Hi Friends! Anthony here, and I’m kind of taking over this week… to tell you all about my recent trip to one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico—Playa del Carmen. Located just south of Cancun on the Yucatán Peninsula, this beach town is home to quite a few resorts along the Mexican Riviera coast… but none are as luxurious as those within Mayakoba—a gated complex of several resorts, restaurants, and acres of eco-protected lush mangrove forests.

It’s within Mayakoba, that you can find the best resort in all of Mexico, Rosewood Mayakoba. It was recently awarded 2 Keys by the Michelin Guide, won Best Service in Mexico by MexBest, and its Zapote Bar was recently named #11 of the 50 Best Bars in North America. After visiting Rosewood Mayakoba for the first time, it’s obvious why this property is one of the Crown Jewels of Rosewood’s portfolio. My husband, Josh, and I have never experienced such impeccable service with mind-blowingly personal touches around every corner.

AU: When we arrived at Cancun airport, we opted for the resort to pick us up and take us to the property. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the airport. In our well-appointed SUV, we were greeted by plenty of snacks and some Coronas and mineral waters to kick off the vacation.

AU: We were greeted at the resort with hydrating welcome beverages that had apple, spirulina, and aloe vera. Sounds gross, but was so tasty! During check-in our pal Christian—who works at Rosewood Mayakoba—surprised us before we headed to our Lagoon Suite by boat!

AU: As we approached our Lagoon Suite, we were in awe… Every suite gets a team of butlers who make sure you have everything that your heart desires. Our butlers were Gerry (pictured here) and Valeria—they will help you with everything from making dinner reservations, to scheduling excursions, and even help you plan surprises during your stay.

AU: Speaking of surprises… when we entered the suite, we discovered the first of MANY ultra-personal touches that set Rosewood Mayakoba apart from other properties. Not only were we greeted by welcome guacamole and a lovely white wine, but the staff had scoured our instagram accounts and printed pictures of us through our 13 years of marriage! It was so sentimental and touching.

AU: The room was UNBELIEVABLE. First of all, it felt bigger than our house in LA. Secondly, everything was so thought out: each suite comes with two bikes to ride around the property (you can also call for a golf cart if that’s not your thing), bluetooth speakers to play music inside or out, our suite had its own dock, plunge pool, outdoor seating, a hammock, an outdoor shower, and an expansive terrace overlooking the lagoon. It felt like our own secluded paradise!

AU: We got settled into the room (and finished that bottle of wine), and then met Christian and his husband, Jason, at a fantastic little restaurant just off the Rosewood property (but still within Mayakoba)—La Fondita. We met Christian & Jason through our friend, Vanessa while they still lived in Los Angeles. We became fast friends, and then the guys packed up and moved to Playa del Carmen when Christian got the great opportunity to work at the resort. Our goal on this trip was to both celebrate our 13th Wedding Anniversary at Rosewood Mayakoba, and then to also spend time with Jason & Christian to see what their life as locals is like. I gotta say it was the perfect mix!

La Fondita is known for its selection of EXCELLENT tostadas. We had the very popular Tuna Tostada con Chicharron, the Chicken Tinga, and the Cochinita Pibil (pork braised in an achiote paste with bitter orange and spices). Each tostada was tastier than the next, and when I asked for lemonade (which was not too sweet!), it was bigger than my head. The unsung hero of that lunch was the Flan. I don’t usually like flan (it’s a texture thing for me), but La Fondita’s flan is made with cream cheese, so it’s like a hybrid Flan Cheesecake and when I tell you there wasn’t a morsel left…

EK: I am drooling…and intrigued by the flan! I love flan in general, but I can see where adding cream cheese would make it even more appealing! I see a W4D Flan Cook-Off in our future! That way we can all experience a taste of La Fondita at home!

AU: After lunch it was time to hit the beach! And yes, we did order some guac and chips to go with our beach margs, because we were LIVING OUR BEST LIVES. The beach was pristine, with powder white sand and warm crystal-clear water. You’re essentially in the Caribbean here, so it really is just the best beach.

That evening we dined on property at Agave Azul, which is Rosewood Mayakoba’s Mexican-Japanese/Sushi restaurant. Everything we had was delicious, but the standouts for me were a Green Curry Ceviche and the excellent selection of more than 160 premium tequilas. Diego, the manager of Agave Azul, came over to give us a tequila tasting and lesson. I had never tried a CRISTALINO tequila. It was so good!! Cristalinos are either Reposados or Añejos (aged tequilas) that have been clarified, so the texture is ultra smooth and the flavor is *chef’s kiss.*

EK: When I was visiting the tequila region in 2018, I tasted my first Cristalino tequila at Volcan de mi Tierra.

It’s not surprising that you hadn’t tasted it before. It’s a relatively new category. The first commercial Cristalino was introduced in 2012 by Don Julio in honor of their 70th anniversary.

Even in 2018, it was rare and Volcan de mi Terra was one of the first distilleries to make the Cristalino as part of their core offerings. At the time, it was a rogue tequila not being recognized by the CRT (Tequila Regulatory Council). It is now recognized by the CRT, but I don’t think it is an “official” category. Regardless, it is smooth and delicious and dangerously easy to sip on!!

AU: The next morning we rode our bikes to the spa. We arrived an hour early, so we could take advantage of all of the spas amenities before our scheduled treatments.

EK: That is a good thing to remember! I am always rushing for my appointment and never get to enjoy all the nice amenities!

AU: One incredible thing about Rosewood Mayakoba, unlike other resorts, is if you’re a guest on property, you can use the spa facilities at any time (not just the day you have a treatment scheduled). Needless to say we were back every day, thereafter.

Once we checked in, we entered the Men’s Spa and Relaxation Lounge. Gustavo, the spa concierge, was like our “Spa Yoda.” He walked us through the entire circuit of steam room, then a cold shower, then dry infrared sauna, then cold plunge, ending with the hot tub. We did 15 minutes in each (except for the cold plunge, where I only lasted like 90 seconds!). Gustavo gave us things like body scrubs with essential oils, cold towels, facial mists and cooling eye masks while we baked in the various rooms. Plus, there were plenty of plush, warm towels and literally any hair, skin, and grooming product you could think of. Everything at Rosewood Mayakoba was so considerate and thought out—you literally step on property and want for nothing!

When it was time for our treatments, we were whisked away to our cabins where I got an excellent HydraFacial, and Josh received “the best massage I’ve ever had.” We were in five-star heaven.

AU: After all that relaxing we worked up quite an appetite! (Like it’s hard). It was time for beach eats!! Is there anything more enjoyable than being served shrimp tacos, ceviche, and guacamole on the beach??

EK: After all those spa treatments?? I can’t think of anything better! Rosewood Mayakoba take me away!! PLEEEAAASSSSSE!

AU: That night we went to the Mexican Grill, which is a special event the resort throws on Thursdays at the beach. There were various stations with quesadillas, sopes, steaks, veggies, seafood, desserts, and more. Plus, all the cocktails you can drink. We literally had (at least) one of everything.

The standout was Chef Jessica’s perfect CHURROS. These were the best churros I’ve ever had. Perfectly crisp on the outside, but soft, supple, and chewy in the middle. Josh claims he only had two, but I think we all know he’s fibbing…

AU: Our main objective for the rest of our time at the resort was to relax on the beach. We went to the spa in the mornings to exercise in the fitness center, and then did the circuit of steam rooms, saunas, and pools. I can see why Gwyneth Paltrow built a spa in her basement, and I was living my Montecito Estate LIFE!

On Saturdays the resort does a fun thing in the afternoon called “Champagne O’Clock!” The entire staff comes to the beach with bottles of champers and pours a glass for everyone who wants one! Don’t we all wish we had a Champagne O’Clock?!?!

EK: If I wasn’t convinced before that Rosewood Mayakoba was for me, now I really am! I wish Champagne O’Clock came everyday!!!

AU: For dinner, we went to Zapote Bar where we tried ALLLLLLLL the cocktails and had tons of its yummy Mediterranean food with a Mexican twist. Maybe one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the food and beverage program at Rosewood Mayakoba, is that every single cocktail I drank was perfectly balanced. Not an easy feat! These are real bartenders with real experience, and it really showed in the cocktails. It’s no wonder Zapote Bar has been honored with so many accolades and awards.

Within the Zapote Bar family, there is a ‘secret’ speakeasy that you can only arrive via boat, but first you need to get a special token for entrance to…

LA ISLA SECRETA!

AU: It’s only a stone’s throw away from Zapote Bar, but you feel like you’re a world away! In this intimate loungey palapa, you can let your hair down and enjoy some vibes with your cocktails. We even met a bunch of really cool people that we have kept in touch with! It really IS like White Lotus. Except no one dies.

Leaving the property was bittersweet—there is some sort of magic at every turn while you’re there. You just can’t put your finger on it. The thoughtfulness behind every decision is so very apparent as a guest, and yet the entire staff made every detail seem effortless. I have no doubt that an immense amount of planning and communication goes into every guests’ stay, so I would just like to say THANK YOU and BRAVO!! We will be back again and again!!

EK: What a wonderful vacation!! And you and Josh deserved every minute of it!

AU: The next day we packed up our stuff and headed to Jason & Christian’s house. Their place is fabulous (bc of course it is) with a roof deck, pool, and plenty of entertaining space. We went out to dinner in Playa del Carmen that night at a place called Axiote, which had recently been recognized by the Bib Gourmand Michelin Guide.

AU: The food and drinks did not disappoint! We had everything from fish tacos al pastor and duck carnitas, to mussel empanadas and more. It was so cool to go where the locals go, and not the usual tourist traps in a resort town. We took a stroll to the beach after dinner and mingled with the locals who were kicking off their weekend with a party on the beach at night, which is apparently a regular Saturday night event.

AU: The next day Jason & Christian took us to a beach club that was about 30 mins South of Playa del Carmen; closer to Tulum. It was such a fun day with plenty of tacos and drinks, lots of fun in the sun, paddle boarding, and music. It was THE BEST DAY. I paddle boarded for a second, and then lost my sunglasses in the ocean thanks to a rogue wave… but then I FOUND THEM because the water is so clear! It was a Mexican Miracle!! Josh and I cannot stop talking about how absolutely perfect this day was. Probably our favorite of the entire trip!

AU: It was a vacation for the history books! We can’t thank our friends Christian and Jason enough for their incredibly generous hospitality. We just had the best time with them. Move back to LA, boys! We miss you!!

If you get the chance to stay at Rosewood Mayakoba, I highly recommend it. Never have I been to a place where every detail was pitch perfect.