Rosewood Mayakoba

The Riviera Maya has become increasingly appreciated as the escape hatch from Cancún craziness, and the architecturally bold Rosewood Mayakobá raises the sophistication bar up several notches. In a word, this place is refined. The clean white lines of the resort’s pavilions interplay with the lagoons, lush landscaping, infinity pools and a dramatic coast-side golf course, while modern interiors respectfully nod toward the local aesthetic. There are four dining and drinking options at Mayakobá, including a raw bar and a tequila library. This, to us, sounds like the perfect way to close down a strenuous day of snorkeling in the impossibly clear waters of the Yucatan, or worse, a full day of beachside lounging. Suites come with private plunge pools, roof decks and bathrooms worthy of Architectural Digest, and some borrow a page from the better South Pacific or Indian Ocean luxury resorts, with suites on stilts above the waters of the lagoon. With the bounty of luxury to be experienced within Mayakobá, it is perfectly respectable to check in, savor your on-arrival tequila, and blissfully chill out until it’s time to go home. However, should the nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum or UNESCO’s Sian Ka’an biosphere preserve intrigue, the resort’s staff will gladly arrange tours, or set you up with a horse to ride, or a yoga session, or a deep-sea fishing excursion. They’ve got all the bases professionally and tastefully covered. Cancun International Airport, 42 miles. Private, hotel–chauffeured transportation is available for airport transfers. Independent taxi services and car rentals are also offered at the airport.