It’s no secret that all-inclusive resorts take the stress out of a vacation, but for many travelers, that can mean a balancing act between ease and quality. For clients who value high-end, innovative dining featuring local ingredients, Fairmont Mayakoba offers an all-inclusive meal option that doesn’t sacrifice what foodies love.
Located about 40 miles south of Cancun in a private gated community near the town of Playa del Carmen, Fairmont Mayakoba is spread out over 240 acres. It offers several pools, a beach, its own lagoon with a system of intersecting waterways, a kids’ club, a spa and much more. Guests can take advantage of golf cart shuttles to get around the resort, or they can hop onto one of the many bicycles located around the property. A little exercise might be welcome, especially once travelers sample the resort’s food.
Travel agents sending clients here should note that the resort is not 100 percent all-inclusive: Rooms can be booked with or without a meal plan. However, the Premium Appetite for Luxury program includes meals in all of the resort’s restaurants, as well as at the pool and beach bars. It’s perfect for vacationers seeking a high-end Riviera Maya experience featuring great food that will impress even the most discerning palates.
The property’s four main eateries were reimagined in 2015 by world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. Sandoval, sometimes called “the father of modern Mexican cuisine,” is known for his many restaurants, for elevating Latin American food all over the globe and for his stint on television show “Top Chef.” He has created a slate of menus at Fairmont Mayakoba that incorporate local ingredients and traditional flavors in innovative ways — all of which elevate the concept of all-inclusive dining.
At the AAA Four Diamond Brisas Restaurant, guests can dine inside or outside with ocean views. Brisas serves Mexican favorites for lunch and dinner, with a heavy emphasis on seafood and “Latin coastal favorites.” Highlights include the guacamole, several types of fish tacos (including lobster) and ceviche appetizers (particularly the octopus ceviche).The views here make it especially great for a sunset dinner.
Near the large La Isla pool area is La Laguna Restaurant and Lounge, the most traditionally Mexican of the resort’s eateries. The venue’s porch overlooks the mangrove and water canals, while the inside areas are lively and fun. Here, guests can enjoy a la carte Mexican specialties for lunch and dinner that highlight Sandoval’s creative touch. Especially noteworthy are the delicately spiced al pastor tacos and the crab and shrimp enchiladas.
La Laguna also hosts an impressive daily breakfast buffet. Tell clients not to miss the made-to-order waffles and pancakes served with a large selection of toppings, such as chocolate chips, whipped cream, various syrups and caramel. For something a bit less decadent, there’s a cereal bar with four kinds of cold cereal, along with oatmeal and dried fruits, nuts and seeds. There’s also a wide range of fresh fruits, juices and pastries — ranging from croissants to pan dulce — along with coffee and Mexican hot chocolate.
El Puerto Restaurant, which is also a AAA Four Diamond Award-winner, is located in the resort’s main building and serves Sandoval’s latest Latin-Asian fusion concept. Menu highlights include dim sum, seasonal ceviche and a sushi omakase plate for two that includes sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, all with Latin flavors subtly infused throughout. There is also a selection of more than 100 sakes and tequilas. The extended terrace offers plenty of space for alfresco dining overlooking the central lagoon area, while a large indoor dining space includes two private dining rooms.
El Puerto Restaurant
Credit: 2018 Fairmont MayakobaEl Lobby Lounge, meanwhile, is located one floor above El Puerto. It features signature cocktails and more Sandoval-imagined Latin-Asian light fare and appetizers, served in a lively, casual setting. After a day exploring the region’s cenotes and ruins, it’s a great spot to enjoy a volcano sushi roll along with the daily signature craft cocktail (such as a Jim Beam, passion fruit and lime concoction served in a chili-dusted glass).
Children under 5 eat free with their parents at any of the hotel’s restaurants, while there is a reduced daily meal fee for kids ages 6 to 17.
With so many options for quality dining, Fairmont Mayakoba’s Premium Appetite for Luxury package is a great value for clients looking for amazing food in an all-inclusive, high-end luxury resort.
The Details
Fairmont Mayakoba
www.fairmont.com
