The hype
Service is telepathic—staff know your name and drink order by day two—and the renovation has made the property feel brand new.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
$1,200-1,800+/ night
Book this if You want the most intimate, design-forward luxury on the Riviera Maya and don't mind paying a premium for silence and service.
Why People Love It
- Only 72 rooms creates a rare 'private estate' feel that massive neighbors like Secrets can't touch
- The first Guerlain Spa in Latin America is a legitimate destination in itself
- Tara Bernerd's 2023 redesign successfully blends chic modernism with authentic Mexican craftsmanship
Quick Take: It’s breathtakingly beautiful and ruinously expensive, but if you have to ask about the price of the guacamole, you're at the wrong resort.
Reviewed by @kellicarpenter: I stayed in this suite at Maroma and the welcome amenities blew me away—fresh guacamole and a tequila tasting set right on the table! My favorite ritual was having my morning coffee in the hammock while watching the waves. It felt incredibly private and luxurious.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Woodend by Curtis Stone gets mixed reviews; some call it the best meal of their life, others find it overpriced and 'not Mexican enough' for the setting.
- You value privacy and silence over swim-up bars and DJ sets
- You are a design nerd who appreciates hand-painted tiles and custom textiles
- You want a concierge who can arrange a private cenote dinner
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Ninja-like. Rooms are refreshed twice daily without you ever seeing a cart.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Hand-painted tiles are spotless, grout is perfect.
- Maintenance: Post-renovation (2023), everything is in peak condition. No peeling paint or leaky faucets.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and replaced instantly if damp.
- Odors & scents: The lobby smells of copal and citrus; rooms smell of fresh linens and the custom 'Xinú' bath products.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooms near Freddy's Bar can hear music/chatter in the evening
- Ground floor rooms near pathways may hear foot traffic
Before you book
Good to know
- A 15% service charge is often mandatory on top of rates
- Yoga classes are complimentary and held daily
- Morning coffee delivery is a cult favorite amenity—order it the night before
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (strictly enforced in the region)
- Dressy resort wear for dinner (no shorts at Woodend)
- Bug spray for the jungle paths (though the hotel provides some)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite: The gold standard for views and space
- Master Suites: Excellent balance of space and privacy, often with better layouts than standard rooms
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the main pool or Freddy's Bar if you want total privacy
- Standard 'Deluxe' rooms can feel a bit tight (approx 400 sq ft) for the price point
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a quiet upper-floor room, ideally in the northern wing away from Freddy's Bar and the main pool foot traffic. An Ocean View Master Suite with a private balcony would be perfect.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable?
Yes, it's one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya, but check the sargassum forecast if traveling May-August.
Is it all-inclusive?
No. Breakfast is usually included in the rate, but lunch, dinner, and alcohol are à la carte and expensive.
Can I drink the water?
Do not drink the tap water. The hotel provides unlimited glass-bottled purified water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and daily yoga classes.
How far is it from the airport?
About 35-45 minutes south of Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Are kids allowed?
Yes, but it's not 'family-focused'. There is a small game center, but no elaborate kids' club or water park.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Order the 'Mayan Coffee' service for your wake-up call; it comes with local pastries and is magical.
- ✨
The hotel has a resident 'pet concierge' (often a dog) that greets guests.
- ✨
You can borrow bikes to ride around the jungle paths—it's the best way to see the coatis and monkeys.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'free' breakfast bill shock: You still sign a check that suggests a massive tip based on the full menu price.
💡The jungle paths are dark at night; you will need your phone flashlight.
💡The 'pitiful' kids club is basically just a room with some toys, not a supervised camp.
💡You might spot spider monkeys on your balcony—don't feed them.
💡The Melipona bees (stingless) are raised on-site and their honey is used in spa treatments.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya is located and what's nearby.