Maroma Resort & Spa

The Maroma is a luxury resort on the Riviera Maya, 30 miles south of Cancun on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which started as an architect's dream house in the early 80's. Its barrier reef location makes for almost cartoonishly blue crystalline water and one of the world's most highly regarded beaches, featuring a wealth of sea life and water activities.The rooms are outfitted in an understated Mexican style, with tile floors, exposed beams, and touches of stucco. Plans vary from bright and open to cool and shaded. Some feature terraces, ocean views, even pools and gardens. The resort is proud to note that the mahogany and leather furniture, as well as much of the artwork, are made on premises, in the hotel's own workshop.Of course, as one would expect of a luxury resort selected by Tablet Hotels, there is fine dining in the regional style. The guests find themselves seated on a terrace, overlooking the sea, dining by candlelight, with live musicians softly playing in the background, lest one forget that this is indeed Mexico. The menu stresses fresh seafood and Yucatan cuisine, and a comprehensive selection of wine.

This is an experience for the truly dedicated layabout; retreat and escape are the order of the day. To that end, the Maroma features an embarrassment of spa and pampering treatments, available in the spa, in-room, or on the private beach. The more familiar massage, yoga, and facial/body treatments are joined by the Temazcal, a volcanic steam bath/mud treatment which is said to be capable of producing "deep emotional release" or even visions.

Everyone is here to seek rejuvenation, and the stress management business is a competitive one. The spa advises reservations, and is open from 10am to 6pm.

Once you are thouroughly relaxed there are a number of more active pursuits in which to engage. The barrier reef offers a fine snorkeling or scuba experience, and for those of a scientific bent, the resort will provide the company of a marine biologist. Deep sea fishing, diving, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and swimming (with dolphins, naturally) add to the dizzying array of aquatic pursuits. But for the guests who prefer quiet contemplation of the sea to actual physical contact with water, the resort offers volleyball, horseback riding, and, for those truly determined to avoid relaxation, golf.

Remember, though, that no resort is an island - actually, many resorts are islands, but Maroma is not. Beyond the grounds lie the remains of the Mayan civilization, including a wealth of archaeological treasures. Here it is possible to study the ancient culture and ponder the spiritual and astronomical aspects of the temples and pyramids, before returning to the spa to celebrate the concept of zero (pioneered by Mayan mathematicians) by doing nothing at all.

Please note: During the high season (December to April) Maroma Resort & Spa does not allow children under 16. During the low season (May to November), Maroma does not allow children under 12.

How to get there:

Maroma Resort & Spa is (20 miles) a 45 minute drive south of Cancun's international airport. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.

• 58 Rooms
• Style: Contemporary Classic
• Atmosphere: Secluded
• 6 Guest Reviews

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