Fodor's Expert Review Almaplena Resort
Carretera Costera, Mahahual–Xcalak, Km 12.5, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, 77940, Mexico, Mahahual, Quintana Roo 77940, Mexico See on Map Fodor's Choice
On the road to Belize, just a few kilometers south of Mahahual, you will find this cozy eco-conscious resort set in one of the most pristine and unspoiled stretches of beach in the Costa Maya. Accommodations are stylish and well-appointed, but this is a place you visit for the impressive natural surroundings where total disconnection is possible.
room
The rooms décor has been well-designed and enriched with elements collected with patience from different states of Mexico. All rooms enjoy stunning ocean views from their own private terraces, four-poster beds, Wi-Fi access and ceiling fans.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Although Almaplena generates its own electricity, this is not enough to power air conditioning in the rooms.
bathroom
The bathrooms feature what they call a rustic chic style, with wood elements and luxurious touches. The allure suite’s bathrooms are particularly cool.
lobby
Almaplena’s lobby is a small but comfortable living room, with white walls, wooden furnishing, Mexican handcrafts a rustic front-desk and a couple of sofas.
spa
You can ask for a massage on the beach, but don’t expect a full service Spa in this forgotten corner of the world.
dining
Almaplena features a nice open terrace restaurant with outstanding views of the Caribbean Sea. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, with a focus on seafood dishes with local influences. All guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast.
drinking
A beach bar provides the ideal casual setting to enjoy an exotic tropical cocktail in the most tropical of places. The beach club atmosphere gets an interesting vibe when visitors from the cruises in Mahahual arrive for a day on the beach.
The Almaplena Margarita is the specialty of the house, and it is worth a try.
beach
An unspoiled private beach right in front of the second largest reef barrier in the world, makes for a wonderful snorkeling and scuba diving site. Sure, there is no swimming pool, but you won’t miss it, the Caribbean here is like a huge wave-free pool, but natural and more beautiful. Almaplena has its own beach club with palapas, big cushions, lounge chairs and Wi-Fi access.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Almaplena Hotel is quite far away from everything and Cancun International Airport is an over 4-hour drive away. Getting a taxi is an obviously expensive option, and renting your own car would be a much better idea. What’s more, you may later explore the area and not limit yourself to Mahahual.
Restaurants
Ñam Ñam (35-minute drive) serves fresh and delicious Mexican food. Try the fish tacos, you won’t regret it. Ibiza Sunset (35-minute drive) is a great place for dinner. Their food presentation is flawless and the views are really spectacular.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Because it’s remote but chic. It’s an eco-friendly resort in harmony with the natural environment that surrounds it. The beach is simply spectacular.
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