Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

We had a lovely time at Maroma this past month celebrating my husband's 30th birthday. It was our first time on the Riviera Maya (we've travelled in Mexico, just mostly in CDMX and the west coast), and to be honest, we were slightly apprehensive given the area's reputation as a tourist trap, but Belmond mostly delivered on a rich and lovely tribute to a beautiful part of the world. Maroma's biggest strengths are the impeccable service, the unique design, and the bar program at Bambuco; minor weaknesses include the food and environmental factors (read: sargassum) that will hopefully be dealt with once and for all next month. Overall, it was an exemplary jungle adventure with some really well-considered local touches highlighting Mexican design and artistry. The staff at Maroma are incredible across the board. Before we arrived, we got in touch with our 'personal hosts' to schedule a few activities both on and off the property, including a day-long excursion to see Mayan sites, a few tastings, and a transfer to dinner in Tulum, about an hour and a half away. We were a little apprehensive, because we'd had some troubles arranging excursions at La Samanna, but the concierge staff at Maroma were extremely helpful and the process was seamless, even when we wanted to make a few changes to the itinerary of the pre-set excursion they offer to Chichen Itza (more on that below). We got to do everything we wanted to do, with no hitches. The service was equally seamless once we arrived, from the check-in to the check-out. Two of the activities we planned were tastings run through the bar program at Maroma. Adrian, the lead bartender at Bambuco, the main bar on the property, led both tastings, and he and Fernando, the other bartender we met at Bambuco, really stood out for their friendliness, knowledge, and skill. We knew basically nothing about agave spirits before coming to Maroma, and Adrian walked us through the history of agave spirits, their production, and the many varieties now on the market. It was a true education. Before we left, they gifted us with a set of handmade mezcal tasting glasses as a personalized souvenir. Bambuco is in a beautiful space; but this is hardly a surprise, since all of the hotel really is a master class in modern tropical design highlighting exquisite local materials: tropical woods juxtaposed with cool stucco and handpainted tiles, thatched roofs and windows open to the sea. Our suite had two airy balconies and an outdoor shower that was an unexpected highlight. We stayed in the main building, and didn't have much of a chance to see the outlying villas and suites, but the central space is lovely. The beach is also very nice. We never had trouble getting a beach chair, and the service, particularly from Manuel, was great. The hotel is comparatively small, and there was basically no place where we felt crowded, even at meals. The most we saw of the other guests was when five or six of us happened to be in the beach bar (Freddy's) at the same time to watch World Cup matches. There was, of course, the matter of the sargassum. We were there in the midst of sargassum season and expected some, and we were right! Some days were better than others, but it sure was there. We got some swimming in between the floats of weed, but if we go back we will make sure the sargassum barrier Maroma is installing (in partnership with the two resorts down the beach) is up and working. Besides the beach, we spent a day visiting archaeological sites. We found the guide Maroma set us up with to be extremely competent and well-informed. The itinerary Maroma suggests is a visit to Chichen Itza, followed by a swim in a cenote and lunch in Valladolid. We decided to skip the cenote swim and instead they suggested a visit to Ek Balam, another Maya site near Chichen Itza. We would highly recommend Ek Balam to anyone interested in the Maya, with or without a visit to Chichen Itza: it is incredible! But be sure to allot plenty of time, because both sites are about an hour and a half to two hours away and, due to a quirk of geography, in a different time zone. We left at 7:30 in the morning and arrived back at 5:30 in the evening. Worth it, but it did take up the whole day. The food at Maroma is fine. We ate at Woodend one night, which was quite good, but other than that, it is just fine. Some of the breakfast options, especially those with local ingredients, are very tasty, and the fish is all very fresh, particularly in the ceviche. The rest of the food options are pretty standard, and we enjoyed our dinner out at Arca in Tulum more than any of our meals at Maroma.

This trip was truly one for the books. I’ve stayed at many beautiful hotels, but this is the definition of a luxury five-star resort. The grounds are immaculate, the rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, and every room seems to have a spectacular view. Mine overlooked the ocean, and watching the sunrise each morning became one of my favorite parts of the day. I was traveling solo to celebrate my birthday, and my butlers, Omar and Claudia, made the experience unforgettable. They anticipated needs before I even voiced them and thoughtfully personalized every aspect of my stay. When I mentioned that I enjoy taking baths, I returned one evening to find a bubble bath prepared with luxurious bath amenities waiting for me. It was one of many moments that made me feel genuinely cared for. The attention to detail throughout the resort was remarkable. Housekeeping not only kept the room spotless, but also noticed my routines and arranged things accordingly. My slippers were always placed by the bed, my vanity items were organized exactly how I used them, a cleaning cloth was left for my glasses, and when they noticed I was reading a book, they left a beautiful handmade, hand-painted bookmark. One of the most touching moments came on my final night. The resort provides complimentary kaftans during your stay, and although I admired them, I decided not to purchase one. To my surprise, Omar and Claudia gifted me a kaftan with my name embroidered on it, along with a beautiful birthday balloon arrangement. It was thoughtful, unexpected, and something I will treasure for years. The beach is private, pristine, and wonderfully peaceful. Unlike larger resorts, this property feels intimate and personal. The staff quickly learn your name, preferences, and routines. What impressed me most was that they constantly asked, “What could we do better?”—and then actually followed through. During my stay, I met several guests who were returning after 10 and even 15 years. After experiencing this level of hospitality, I completely understand why. The magic of this place clearly endures, and I already know I’ll be returning to experience it again. This wasn’t just a vacation—it was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve ever had.

A secluded paradise for our baby moon. They go above and beyond to make sure your experience is perfect in every way.

The Service was great! The Food was great! The Resort is great! But the sargassum seaweed was excessively abundant during our stay. Unfortunately, it took away much of the destination’s charm due to the unpleasant odor, unsightly appearance, and the constant presence of tractors cleaning the beaches throughout the day. We understand that a netting solution is being considered, which would be a positive step. However, we would not return unless we were confident that this issue had been effectively addressed.

Lovely stay with exceptional food, and warm stay. The best details within your bedroom and coffee when you wake up. Need a bit more attention to pool staff and restaurant.