Tendrils of copal incense beckoned us into the jungle as we trekked to a sacred cenote where we received blessings from Gabrielle, our shaman-guide, and dipped in the cool cerulean waters. A handsome woodland musician serenaded us with handpan drum and flute.
Finally, we descended into what felt like Mother Nature's womb, saying hello to bats and fish, for a honey cleansing and a reminder that life is oh so sweet.
I was experiencing one of Alila Mayakoba’s signature experiences — proof that the hotel, which opened in February as the first Alila in Latin America — aspires to be one of the most spiritually enlightening and wellness-focused resorts in the region, with truly spectacular rooms across all categories.
Earthy and Elegant Accommodations
Rooms and suites are divided among 18 buildings in two main sections, the beach side and the lagoon side with an adults-only pool. Beach rooms are a little more expensive, but all rooms have verdant views and are surrounded by nature. Spider monkeys, coatis and raccoons are frequent visitors, so clients should stay on the lookout for wildlife when biking or walking along the paved paths.
While building exteriors remain intact from the property’s Andaz days, interiors were completely transformed during the yearlong closure. Alila's new design is earthy and elegant, using locally sourced marble limestone and decorated with earthenware. There are also 638 original pieces of architectural artwork using natural pigments and materials such as wood, henequen and red cantera stone by Elena de la Fuente and Ampi Arozarena of Arozarena De La Fuente.
Ground-floor suites come with private plunge pools.
Photo Credit: 2026 Alila MayakobaMany guestrooms were combined, increasing the number of suites from 41 to 72, while reducing the room count from 214 to 182 rooms. Ground-floor suites have plunge pools, too, and all rooms have private balconies, double sinks and rainfall showers. Standard rooms start at 538 square feet and suites are more than 1,000 square feet with sprawling living rooms and couches big enough to sleep on. The minibar is very chic, with tempting local snacks such as chocolate-amaranth bites and spicy pistachios. Plastic has been eliminated, instead using glass water bottles and biodegradable or compostable materials for all amenities.
Alila Moments
On my first morning, I took an orange- and vanilla-infused cold brew to go for an off-property Alila Moment. These signature experiences immerse guests in Maya rituals through rich storytelling and are key to setting Alila apart from competitors.
One of the experiences available at the resort, Winds of Renewal, is an intimate, soulful cenote experience, led by shaman Gabrielle, a fairy godmother with feather earrings.
“Everything we perceive comes from here,” she told us, placing a hand over her heart. “Our thoughts create our reality.”
Winds of Renewal is an soulful cenote experience led by shaman Gabriella.
Photo Credit: 2026 Alila MayakobaA few hours with her joyful warmth will leave clients thinking about life a little differently.
“Let's make magic, sweeties,” she cooed before unleashing us with baskets of beans and corn kernels to create a mandala atop a colorful quilt. Working together in silence, we created concentric patterns and let our minds and spirits settle into the tangible present.
Mexican Flavors
There are four full-service restaurants on property: Casa Amate and Na Cocina Local on the lagoon side, and Alisio Beach Club and Ninguno Taqueria on the beach side, plus Xiim Bar in the lobby for grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and pastries. They make an excellent slow-drip cold brew coffee here, and the egg white and avocado wrap is a portable high-protein breakfast ideal for a quick bite.
Na Cocina Local is the main breakfast restaurant, although Ninguno Taqueria serves a smaller buffet that's more convenient for guests staying on the beach side. For dinner, Na Cocina Local specializes in Yucatan delicacies such as queso relleno and a heavenly, souffle-like interpretation of the popular marquesita cake street food. Nearby, Casa Amate remains unchanged from Andaz days due to the restaurant's popularity and accolades, with many private dining areas, including a library bar and a living room serving Latin American cuisine.
Casa Amate has carried over from the property’s days as an Andaz hotel, thanks to its popularity.
Photo Credit: 2026 Alila MayakobaAlisio Beach Club was my personal favorite, where you can dine with your toes in the sand. Butterflied local sea bass was presented with a delicious duet of red achiote marinade and green pesto. Ask for the off-menu matcha coconut water, a most refreshing drink after laying out in the sun.
Coming soon is the chef's atelier in the heart of the hotel, where executive chef Michael Grau will lead customized cooking workshops for up to 10 people, teaching guests to recreate their favorite restaurant dishes at home, along with cacao classes and Mexican spirit tastings.
Spa and Wellbeing
There are a number of complimentary wellness activities offered daily, which guests can book directly through WhatsApp, such as a cacao meditation ritual, an intention-setting morning ritual and various yoga classes on an outdoor deck overlooking the serene mangrove lagoon.
Spa Alila offers a wide array of facials and body treatments using Wildsmith botanical skincare products from England. The grapefruit-and-juniper body oil for my massage felt so nice on my skin that I left it on until the next day. Upon checking in, guests are invited to select and snip dried herbs from a table display which are then infused in hot towels to conclude a treatment.
The spa offers a wide array of treatments.
Photo Credit: 2026 Alila MayakobaA compact hydrotherapy circuit includes steam, a sauna, an ice fountain, a hydromassage shower and pools of varying temperatures, including a co-ed outdoor pool area. I booked the two-hour circadian massage, which I would highly recommend for anyone who struggles with sleep. We began with a postural assessment on the outdoor deck that felt like I was doing a slow motion macarena with my eyes closed. This helped my very intuitive therapist customize my massage, which included abdominal massage, reflexology and craniosacral holds. This was one of the very best massages I've experienced for my very tight neck and scapula, and I slept wonderfully afterward, too.
Among the many luxury resorts in Riviera Maya, Alila Mayakoba stands out in its stellar room product, heartfelt connection to nature and extensive programming connecting with the local community.
