The Spread:
Low-rise buildings, grounds laced with canals and lush with indigenous plants, and wooden walkways lined with mangrove thickets and sand dunes extending to the beach represent the Fairmont Mayakoba’s pledge to eco-friendliness. About 42 miles south of Cancun, the Fairmont Mayakoba is situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast. The 401-room upscale hotel covers 45 acres within this luxury community, and accomodations range from spacious rooms with lagoon views to beachfront villas.
Not only decorative, the waterways support lanchas—covered boats that ferry the guests, and no cars are allowed in the complex. Travel options are by water, golf carts, bicycles, or simply walking. Allow yourself plenty of time to get pampered at Fairmont’s noted 16,000-square-foot Willow Stream spa, then play tennis on one of eight courts or golf at the nearby El Camaleón, part of the 2007 PGA tour.
Why Families Love It:
The waterscape’s canals and boats tend to attract young children. The hotel has a good beach and five pools, including a children’s pool with a waterslide, and the concierge can organize snorkeling, diving, and jungle tours upon request. The nearby ecological and archaeological park, Xcaret, exhibits Maya and Mexican culture and works to preserve the local environment and ecology.
The children’s program functions daily, year-round. Children ages four to eight are referred to as Discovery Club Expeditioners, and ages nine to 14 are Adventure Camp Explorers, where, with their parent’s permission, they may check themselves into and out of the program. Both groups go on treasure hunts, make Mexican toys, fashion Mayan clay masks, create piñatas, and go on daily beach excursions. Morning encounters take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($35). The afternoon program operates from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. ($35); the twilight experience operates from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. ($50 with dinner); and the full day program lasts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($50).
As part of the Master Expeditioner program planned in 2007, teens 15 to 17 may choose five activities per day (fee to be determined). Among the day choices: take belly dance lessons, learn the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, tackle an obstacle challenge, and play blind volleyball. In the evening, teens meet around a moonlit bonfire, go on a boat ride, and take part in a costume party.
Special Events& Activities:
Mayakoba is a 15-minute drive from the town of Playa del Carmen, a good place to shop and people watch.
984.206.3000
fairmont.com/Mayakoba
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