I Was Pampered at a Luxury Mexican Resort With Overwater Suites — and My Happiest Memory Is a Visit to a Local School

Spending a few days at Rosewood Mayakoba on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is an absolute pleasure, and I had been eagerly awaiting another vacation there after my first visit two years ago. Finally, an opportunity for a return trip turned up, and I was almost giddy with anticipation.

Is it the lagoons that meander through the property with little waterfalls here and there, the dense mangroves, the pools with shade trees growing in the middle? Or maybe it’s the prospect of heading to the beach and Aqui Me Quedo for shrimp tacos that had me daydreaming since I booked my flights. Add the spa, the cocktails at Zapote Bar, and the lovely staff throughout the resort, and there’s my answer.

The visit began the way all vacations should — with a boat ride to our room. We cruised slowly through the lagoon along tree-lined shores with turtles swimming by and birds flying overhead or  sitting on branches watching us pass. Soon, we stepped onto the small dock that led to one of Rosewood’s Wellness Suites. The two-level suites include a well-stocked bar, coffee center, dining room, and living room downstairs. The upper level is a bedroom overlooking the lagoon with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive bathroom with an outdoor shower and relaxation area.

Rosewood Mayakoba features 129 suites, including two, three, and four bedroom accommodations and private residences. As far as dining, every meal was wonderful, but the family-style gathering, La Ceiba, held in the chef’s garden was unforgettable. Guests are seated at communal tables after cocktails and appetizers to enjoy a multi-course meal, Mexican wines, and music from a Yucatecan music trio. We sat with a lovely family from Atlanta, a couple from New York, and a mother and daughter from Los Angeles as well as a charming member of Rosewood’s staff. It’s a warm, lively, and fun event not to be missed during a stay at the resort.

Something else that should be on every guest’s itinerary is a visit to K’iin Beh, a school nearby in distance and even closer in its relationship with Rosewood Mayakoba. I visited the school two years ago, and I was thrilled to go again on this trip. Here’s some background: The school, in the underprivileged neighborhood of Christo Rey, was struggling with limited resources in a temporary facility that was about to close its doors when Daniel H. Scott, Rosewood’s regional vice president and managing director, first visited in 2015. He learned from Raquel Mitre, the school’s principal and founder, that land had been donated to the school and construction of a new building had started, but there were no funds to continue the project.

Scott quickly became involved and began his wholehearted support of the school. With contributions from his family, friends, Rosewood Mayakoba staff, and others, K’iin Beh reopened in 2017 in its new building. Since then, with Scott’s continued leadership, classrooms have been added, along with an athletic facility, dining area, restrooms, and administrative offices. This year, their high school opened, with new classrooms, a basketball court, and an on-campus cenote, finished with a wood floor, to be used for a variety of activities. 

Rosewood Mayakoba’s involvement means more than financial support. This year, a group of high school students were given paid internships at the resort, learning about teamwork and empathy, and working with both staff and guests. Many of those guests, like me, have visited K’iin Beh, seeing first hand Daniel’s enthusiasm and love for the school and students. Some have been inspired to donate or to support an individual student as a padrino, or godfather. Much more than a gesture of community support like those taken on by many organizations, Rosewood Mayakoba and K’iin Beh have a true ongoing partnership.

After a visit to K’iin Beh, there’s much more to do at the resort. I tried a hydrobike cruise, a self-powered but easy way to explore the lagoons with a guide, passing lush greenery, spectacular residences, kayakers, and an underwater cenote. Golfers love El Camaleón, where the pros play each year. There’s Rosewood Explorers for young guests, and the spa for pampering, relaxing treatments. For me, alternating between the warm water of the Caribbean, the pool, and my lounge chair was the perfect activity most days.

Visit Rosewood Mayakoba and you’ll be impressed by all the resort offers, but if you take a little time to visit K’iin Beh with Daniel Scott, I’ll bet those short hours will provide some of your warmest memories.