Review: Maroma, A Belmond Hotel

_Location: Despite lying between the busy tourist hotspots of Cancun and Tulum, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, feels a million miles from anywhere, thanks to the 80 hectares of thick mangroves and jungle that surround this paradisiacal property. Here, racoons scamper among the foliage and iguanas sunbathe on the hotel’s winding paths. Cancun airport is a 30-minute drive away.

_{First impressions:} The property’s recent extensive renovation has attracted a lot of attention – and, on arrival, I can immediately see why. Maroma feels very special, from the heartwarming service to the homely – yet distinctly Mayan – design. Staff whisk me to my impressive Oceanfront Two Bedroom Plunge Pool Suite, which is filled with welcome touches such as a beautifully woven fan (which you’re encouraged to take home) and a flask of mezcal – the perfect tipple to sup while enjoying the comforts of your balcony and watching the sun set. You’ll check out at the end of your stay but not actually want to leave. So taken were we by the property that we tried to book it for later during our stay in Mexico, only to find it was fully booked (a common problem, I’m sure).

_{The facts:} Maroma originally opened in 1995 and quickly developed a celebrity following. This attracted the attention of Belmond, which acquired the property in 2005. It closed in April 2021 for a full refurbishment, reopening in August 2023 with a renewed energy and stunning look. The resort’s 72 rooms and suites are dotted through the jungle landscape, yet all are just a stone’s throw from the ocean. The lush jungle ends when you reach the white-sand beach and turquoise waters. The setting is perfection. While all rooms were revamped, the property also gained 10 waterfront suites. There are two restaurants: Casa Mayor, which celebrates Mexican gastronomy, and Woodend, from famed Australian chef Curtis Stone (expect epic meat dishes). Guests can also enjoy divine lunches and cocktails at beachside Freddie’s Bar, named after a much-loved bartender who retired in the pandemic. New lounge Bambuco pays homage to mezcal and has speakeasy vibes. There’s a much-hyped spa from Guerlain (more on that later), a kids’ club and a gym. There are two family-friendly pools plus an adult-only option. The hotel takes great pride in its environmental credentials and has a dedicated sustainability manager. As part of this, a lot of work is undertaken to nurture and protect the local stingless Melipona bees, with a sanctuary for them having been built near the spa.

_{Ideal for:} Typical Belmond loyalists – affluent, design and fashion-minded clients who will enjoy flitting between the beach, pools and bars. Those after a peaceful yet trendy retreat will thrive here.

_Explore: I’m not sure guests are going to want to leave this Belmond beauty. But if they are keen to explore, they’ll need to arrange transport, because it’s not the easiest area to navigate solo. The Mexican coastline is full of pristine cenotes (natural swimming wells), but ask the hotel concierge for the best option, because many are overrun with tourists.

_Wow: The Maroma Spa by Guerlain is extraordinary. Its Mayan temple-like design is aesthetically stunning, but the added combination of the Guerlain brand and Mayan traditions make for an out-of-this-world experience. At the centre of the spa is a 100-year-old tree, named el abuelo (the grandfather). There are nine treatment rooms, two of which are for couples and, naturally, Guerlain products are used throughout. Guests can also create their own healing recipes at workshops in the Apothecary. My husband experienced a spiritual sunset temazcal ritual with a shaman, which had a profound effect on him. I also loved the thoughtful touches throughout that emphasise the surroundings – a moment won’t pass without you being reminded that you’re on the Yucatán Peninsula. This property is firmly on my ‘favourite hotels’ list.

_{Book it:} A night during low season (June-October) starts from $995.
belmond.com