Banyan Tree Mayakoba

This is simply an exceptional resort with spectacular facilities and genuinely gracious staff. If it wasn't for the service issues, it would be a five plus rating. When you arrive into the main facility, it is simply stunning with the architecture aand the beautiful courtyard lagoon. The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. Housekeeping service was excellent and non intrusive. The grounds are sprawling but it doesn't seem like any of the villas are out of walking distance from the main facility. The beach, golf and other hotels are not walkable in my view but bikes are provided for each villa and golf cart transportation is never more than five or 10 minutes away, max. Gym is excellent and even has a decent set of free weights and a smith rack. Food and drink at the casual restaurants, Oriente, Copa and Sands, were excellent. The tequila tasting was a great experience and was one of the highlights of our stay. The main problem we encountered was service at the high end dinner restaurants. As others have said, they are incredibly expensive so this is just not acceptable. There were a number of issues which culminated in me talking to management and, to their credit, it improved significantly but what happened happened and it marred our experience. Just a note here- the prices here are no joke. It is Manhattan plus- 120 for a an a carte filet, 8x retail for the lower priced wines. The front desk was also a frustration. We had a couple of minor problems with our room so we spoke to someone in person after our breakfast. Late that day, when I called to check on status, they had no record of our request. It took me five days and multiple request to just get a copy of my folio. Five days after that to get answers on two questions I had. These issues were frustrating, especially for what we were paying. What drags the rating back up to a four is that the management team is responsive and takes every problem seriously, which meaningful to me.

This is the definition of luxury. As it is not only about the facilities, the view, the food but the personized service. Having my own pool within the tropical atmosphere, it really makes it a vacation. I was in the lagoon section. We enjoyed the beach club as well, with a laid back feeling but yet the food was great! La Copa and The Burger shop stayed true to the flavor those cultural cousine are popular for. Ixcel was the best of our romantic getaway. We will be back, as there so much to try yet.

Beautiful property! we ate at saffron. What an amazing restaurant. They make you feel special from the moment you step foot in the restaurant. And you eating near the water is incredible. The food is amazing. Definitely get the sticky rice dessert with mango fruit and coconut ice cream. Our waiter was so nice and really attentive and personable. What a wonderful experience!