Fodor's Expert Review Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

A delightful hotel with all the luxuries of a big resort, plus the personal feeling that only a smaller property can provide. Set in a spectacular stretch of white sand beach at midway point between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, Belmond Maroma feels like a secluded resort in a world of its own. If looking for top-notch accommodations, and intimate atmosphere, this is for you.

room

The guestrooms offer ample space and a cozy ambiance. Décor is elegant contemporary, with orange marble floors, whitewashed walls, wooden furnishing and traditional Mexican details. All rooms come with a small patio or terrace with garden or ocean views, and some suites also include plunge pool.

bathroom

The bathrooms keep with the orange-marble and white walls combination from the rooms. Most rooms include double sinks in marble countertops, enclosed rainfall shower and separate built-in bathtub. Top-level suited include an outdoor shower as well.

lobby

The lobby is a nice living area with a strong tropical feeling. The front-desk are on a section with hardwood floors and a waiting area with several rattan sofas. After check-in, you walk into an outdoor patio surrounded by lush vegetation, with a traditional Mexican fountain and comfy sofas. A fresh and delightful space to read a book while waiting for your room or before going out on a day trip.

pool

There are two pools in the hotel and they both share an intimate atmosphere. None is beachfront and they are surrounded by lavish gardens and tall palm trees, which provides refreshing shades. One pool is kids-friendly, the other just for adults. But are classy and quiet, for Riviera Maya standards.

spa

Kinan Spa features seven individual treatment rooms, plus two couples’ treatment rooms. It includes a wet wellness circuit, and an organic bar. Facilities have a strongly inspired by ancient Mayan culture, just like plenty of the available treatments.

If traveling with kids, you can ask for a package treatment for you and your child, in what amounts to an unforgettable experience for both of you.

gym

Belmond’s fitness center features deluxe Kinesis stations, cardio equipment, free weights and Pilates balls. Professional personal trainers are available upon request.

dining

El Restaurante serves traditional Mexican cuisine in an elegant setting by the beach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the other hand, El Sol offers an equally sophisticated setting but with a more rustic approach. It also enjoys impressive ocean views, and serves a more innovative version of Mexican food, with bold Mayan influences. Open only for dinner.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The secluded location of Belmond Maroma makes it difficult to dine out. In the resort nearby area there isn’t much, so to visit a good restaurant or bar can take at least a half an hour drive.

drinking

Freddy’s is a hip bar by the beach with a long list of exotic cocktails served to impress. The setting is very casual and it’s open all day long from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm. You should also discover some hidden gems in the award-winning wine cellar of El Sol.