Every Room Has a Water View
The dramatic open-air, thatched palapa at the entrance to the property is the reception area, about a mile from the beachfront. The property is long and narrow, stretching through 36 acres of tropical forests and tranquil lagoons and streams. But it's easy to catch a ride on the pathway that runs alongside the 128 white, clean, ultra-modern bungalow villas or two-story villas.
The rooms closest to the spa, right next to the reception area, are built alongside a "cenote" or limestone reservoir, said to be sacred to ancient Mayas. The most expensive rooms are the suites right on the beach, but every room has some kind of water view.
The thing I loved best about my room was two sliding glass doors that form a corner. When you pull them back there's no support, just open air, so you bring the feeling of the tropical forest indoors (including, alas, a few mosquitos.)
Yoga Retreats and Mayan Inspired Treatments
I was there for a Yoga Wellness Retreat that is held regularly. This is yoga as it is taught and understood in India -- a whole way of life to transform you physically and spiritually, not just a way to exercise, and I found it refreshingly deep and authentic.
The spa itself is beautiful, with dramatic "heat and wet experiences" like the large mosaic steam room they call a "hamam," complete with piped-in music. It has a small pool for water aerobics (one of a couple of classes offered daily and free to guests), an outdoor watsu pool, and an open air cafe with an unbelievable menu of juices and smoothies. I especially loved the Cactus Juice -- not sweet but very healthy!
The spa has lots of glass walls that bring the outdoors indoors, even in the couples suite. I was booked for the "Maya Tzolkin Ritual", a two-hour indigenous treatment that starts with tea service and a foot bath during which I chose my scrub -- Yucatan honey mixed with dried herbs and salt.
This was one of the best body scrubs I've ever had. Honey is naturally hydrating and it smelled and felt wonderful, even when I was washing it off in the outdoor shower. I was a little sticky getting off the table. The massage itself was relaxing but it felt gimmicky, like the therapist had to do certain moves instead of giving my body what it needed. Next time I would book the scrub and a regular massage so the therapist is free to do her best work!
Ceviche on The Beach
As far as food goes, the beachfront Ceviche Cha Cha is a fun place to dine on ceviche, sushi and a fabulous kobe beef burger while you watch the surf roll in. Ambar is the high-style signature restaurant, and Aguamarina is a cool, lounge-like restaurant with ocean views.
Make time to stroll through the art courtyards. The "Selva Villas" are built around these six outdoor installations by leading Mexican artists working with natural materials like grass, stone and water to create. I felt like a kid, going from one to the next, not knowing what I would find and being delighted by it. At night they're lit up, and a completely different experience.
One thing I didn't like about the spa was a piece of art in the gym, a vacant-eyed portrait of Mao Tse Tung wearing lipstick. The man was responsible for the death of many, many millions of people, and he just doesn't belong in a spa. Even wearing lipstick. And I was a little troubled by the spraying that was going on at night to keep the mosquito population down. We were there to get healthy, and I would rather have a few bites than chemical sprays.
The only other downside is that beach access isn't easy for everyone. It's a long, narrow property that moves inland, and only the most expensive rooms are right on the beach.
The Bottom Line: This is a luxury property that has all the style and service you would expect from a Mandarin Oriental. It's quiet and beautiful, with a good beach and restaurants and exceptionally beautiful design. You might have to catch a ride to the beach. The spa is beautiful and has good therapists and amenities, but don't be surprised if you come home with a few mosquito bites. [/link]
Mandarin Oriental Rivera Maya At A Glance:
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary airfare, accommodations, meals and treatments for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
