Destination Spotlight: Riviera Maya, Mexico

CANCUN!

What springs to mind for you when you hear “Cancun”? Visions of boorish drunks college kids guzzling watered-down liquor at a swim-up bar? Perfectly-tanned Instanymphs practicing their posing in cenotes near Tulum? Food poisoning, made even worse by how bad the food was that got you there?

I’m not going to pretend that all of those aren’t facets of Cancun. As the closest Mexican gateway to the East Coast of the U.S., Cancun is the most-touristed Mexican destination for Americans. The majority of those travelers are served by the mega-resorts that have popped up all up and down the coast, from just north of Cancun on Playa Mujeres, all the way south to Akumal, just north of Tulum.

The Mexican government, and that of Quintana Roo, the state in which Cancun resides, have responded by investing in infrastructure and security. Well-lit, smoothly-paved highways, complete with policia checkpoints, as well as an army of reliable transportation companies, make it a breeze to get from the Cancun airport and directly to your resort, where you stay until it’s time to leave again.

While I have been to large all-inclusive resorts that I very much liked (Unico 20 87, Grand Velas Riviera Maya), here are two of my favorite boutique gems on the coast:

Chablé Maroma

Much like its sister property, Chablé Yucatan, Chablé Maroma is an oasis of tranquility. 40-some villas house upper and lower units with incredibly comfortable beds, gorgeous plunge pools, and bathrooms so appealing that I’ve now got a life goal to replicate one in my next apartment.

Beyond the gorgeous accommodations, Chablé Maroma boasts a beautiful spa with talented therapists and soothing treatments drawn from traditional Mayan therapies…I had a stellar massage using warmed herbal poultices, which have the interesting effect of acting like hot stones in releasing your muscles further before the regular portion of the massage begins, but also being a tiny bit scratchy in the best way - like receiving a teensy bit of exfoliation during the massage itself.

Also on the wellness slate are yoga classes, singing bowl therapy, and a temazcal session with a Mayan therapist.

Food is also a focus at Chablé Maroma. It’s not all-inclusive, nor is it inexpensive - I’d put it on par with a good meal out in DC or Chicago - so that definitely needs to be factored in when looking at costs.

The main restaurant, Kaban, is terrific, but it’s Bu’ul, their tasting menu restaurant, where they really shine. Overseen by Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s acclaimed Quintonil, Bu’ul showcases local ingredients in inventive yet accessible dishes.

Want to get offsite? Chablé’s concierge can arrange cars to take you to Playa del Carmen, just 30 minutes away, or an excursion to the impressive temple complexes at Chichén Itzá (2.5 hours) or Tulum (1 hour 15 minutes).

Overall, Chablé Maroma is a stellar destination for couples looking for some r&r, families, or friends looking for a spa getaway.

Anthology clients receive the following exclusive amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary a la carte breakfast for two per room
$100 USD Hotel/Resort credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary WiFi

HOTEL ESENCIA

Tulum is, justifiably, on the top of a lot of wishlists when it comes to the Riviera Maya. And while there are some delightful hotels in Tulum proper, one of my favorites is located an easy half-hour north of Tulum on a deserted stretch of beach - Hotel Esencia.

Originally built as a respite for an Italian duchess, the team at Hotel Esencia has transformed the property into an oasis of privacy and tranquility. Like Chablé Maroma, Esencia is definitely for the traveler looking to unplug and unwind. Nothing more strenuous than sauntering to the spa for a Tata Harper facial is on the slate here.

Most of the restaurants you’ll find on the Riviera Maya have menus heavy on seafood - understandable, given the bounty available just offshore. At Esencia’s Beefbar, however, carnivores aren’t relegated to a corner of the menu. Perfectly fine with seafood? They have plenty for you as well. A coffee and juice bar round out the options.

Esencia would make an exceptional wedding venue, but, like Chablé Maroma, it’s also a perfect hideaway for couples, families, or groups of friends. If you’re looking for a stellar beach experience, this is the spot on Riviera Maya - none of the accommodations are more than a 1-minute walk from their isolated beach.

Anthology clients receive the following exclusive amenities at Hotel Esencia: