When travellers think of Mexico's Caribbean coastline, lively beach clubs and all-inclusive resorts often come to mind. However, tucked inside the 620-acre Mayakoba ecological reserve lies a different experience.
Opened in early 2026 as the first Alila property in Latin America, Alila Mayakoba has transformed the former Andaz resort into a sophisticated retreat that feels connected to its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.
Far more than a beachfront hotel, this is a destination where architecture dissolves into the jungle, wellness rituals draw on centuries-old Mayan traditions, and every detail encourages guests to connect.
Where nature takes centre stage
Located around 40 minutes south of Cancún International Airport in Playa del Carmen, Alila Mayakoba sits within one of Mexico's most protected coastal ecosystems. The resort is integrated through mangrove forests, freshwater lagoons and white-sand beaches, with elevated walkways, canals, and cycling paths replacing busy roads.
A new vision of Riviera Maya luxury
Instead of relying on luxury alone, Alila's design philosophy embraces calm, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
The resort reduced the overall number of rooms during its transformation, allowing for significantly larger accommodation. Neutral palettes inspired by sand, limestone and driftwood are paired with woven textiles, handcrafted ceramics, carved stone artwork and locally sourced materials that reflect the Yucatán Peninsula's rich artisan traditions.
Accommodation is divided between two distinct settings.
Beachfront rooms place guests steps from the Caribbean Sea, while lagoon suites overlook calm waterways and lush vegetation, offering a quieter atmosphere that feels different to the Riviera Maya's busier resorts.
Many suites feature private plunge pools, expansive terraces, and generous indoor living spaces that blur the boundary between the inside and out.
Wellness rooted in ancient traditions
Perhaps Alila Mayakoba's greatest strength is its considerate approach to wellbeing.
Rather than offering wellness as an optional extra, the resort incorporates it throughout the guest experience – from the welcome ritual featuring local clay and sacred Melipona honey, to treatments inspired by Mayan cosmology and natural healing traditions.
The spa itself has quickly become one of the property's defining features.
Guests have complimentary access to a hydrotherapy circuit complete with steam rooms, sauna, cold plunge pools and outdoor hot tubs, while signature treatments incorporate copal cleansing ceremonies, herbal infusions and more.
The hotel's exclusive "Alila Moments" elevate the experience further, offering immersive rituals centred around the elements of earth, fire, air, and water.
It's wellness designed to connect visitors with both the landscape and the culture that shapes it.
Dining with a sense of place
Food follows the same philosophy.
Menus celebrate local ingredients, traditional Mexican flavours and regional cooking techniques, while avoiding complexity.
Casa Amate, one of the resort's standout restaurants, is designed to resemble an explorer's historic home, with intimate dining rooms filled with books, maps, and collected artworks. Beachside venues serve everything from grilled seafood to elevated takes on tacos, all overlooking the Caribbean coastline.
Cocktail menus also showcase regional spirits, tropical fruits, and seasonal produce sourced from across the Yucatán.
More than a beach holiday
Although relaxation comes naturally here, there's plenty to experience beyond the resort.
Guests enjoy access to the wider Mayakoba community, including the renowned El Camaleón golf course, water sports, nature excursions, and El Pueblito – a charming village square filled with boutiques, restaurants, and cultural experiences.
Why it's our Travel Destination of the Week
Luxury travel is shifting away from extravagance, and towards meaningful experiences. Alila Mayakoba embodies that evolution beautifully.
Instead of overwhelming guests with excess, it offers space to reconnect – with nature, with local culture and, perhaps most importantly, with yourself.
From sunrise wellness rituals, to understated interiors that celebrate Mexican craftsmanship, every aspect feels intentionally designed to slow the pace of modern life.
Credits
Courtesy of Conde Nast Traveller
