Carved out of a stately coconut grove and enclosed by a 200- acre jungle, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is a seaside hideaway along the Riviera Maya offering simple indulgence and a wondrous pristine beach. Immediately upon arrival, Belmond Maroma reveals a sense of reverence for the serene and welcomes you with genuine Mexican hospitality. The property is intrinsically connected to its rich
history which shines through all aspects of the hotel from its design and ethos to its cuisine and spa.
Once guests have checked into Belmond Maroma, they are led (with their welcome drink in hand – a margarita infused with licorice and honey-flavored liqueur) through a labyrinth of winding paths in the resort’s lush jungle to their rooms. Accommodations
feature hand-carved furniture, vibrant woven fabrics and captivating indigenous artwork. Beyond breezy terraces, the crash of waves
provides a soothing soundtrack to mornings lazing in a hammock or evenings toasting the sunset with a cocktail.
The most popular rooms are the oceanfront one-bedroom suites. The suite boasts a covered patio with plunge pool, a private air-conditioned fitness center, a palapa for private spa treatments, and a spacious bathroom with double sinks and two showers (one indoor and one outdoor). This suite is a favorite because of its private access to the beach and the unobstructed views of the ocean.
Thoughtful in-room amenities include cotton kaftans, nightly turndown with aromatherapy, organic soaps and shampoos handcrafted with locally grown herbs. And for the beach – a beach bag, sarong, and hat.
The culinary offerings at Belmond Maroma incorporate seasonal local produce to reflect the best of the region’s cuisine. At El Sol Tapa
& Restaurant, anticipate beautiful salads, exceptional cuts of freshly grilled meat and seafood straight from the ocean. Freddy’s
Tequila and Ceviche bar, a beach-side lounge serving vibrant fresh-fish ceviche, sushi and sashimi, has the largest collection of tequila
and mezcal in the region. The beachfront El Restaurante is the more informal option for dining offering eclectic regional specialties.
Fresh corn tortillas and quesadillas are prepared daily by Tia Dalia, who has worked at the resort for 19 years.
There is plenty to do on and off property. At the hotel, guests can participate in daily complimentary yoga, birdwatching, play tennis,
lounge by one the three pools, or relax on the beach with access to kayaking, snorkeling, and Hobie Cats to sail on. Guests can also snorkel and scuba dive at the world’s second- largest barrier reef that is 10 minutes from the property. Further afield, you can embark on day trips to explore the ancient architectural sites, including Cobá and Chichén Itzá, and visit the rainforest to see the mysterious cenotes – freshwater sinkholes carved by underground rivers that are unique to the Yucatan peninsula and believed to be a ‘gateway to the underworld by the Mayans.’
With all that the region has to offer, one of the most fascinating legacies of the ancient Mayans is their emphasis on wellness and
spiritual healing. Their shamans were spiritual leaders that performed rituals to cleanse the body and spirit, and many of the region’s natural elements were believed to hold special healing powers. Today, Belmond Maroma has modernized some of the rituals
practiced by the Mayans while honoring their techniques and ingredients.
The Kinan Spa, named for the Mayan word meaning ‘healing energy of the sun’ celebrates the traditions of Mayan culture with ancient rituals, rare indigenous botanicals and a holistic approach to healing. Nestled within flower-filled gardens, the spa was built with the
spiritual guidance of a family of Mayan masons. The nine treatment rooms were designed based on sacred geometry and astrologically aligned with the stars and positioned in harmony with nature.
Many of the treatments use rich local ingredients, such as chocolate, honey and powerful herbs. Of particular note are the treatments with Melipona bee honey which is known for its strong anti-microbial and healing properties. Melipona bees are a symbol of nature and wisdom and are extremely sacred in the Mayan culture, with Al Muzen Caab known as the Mayan god of life and bees. Belmond Maroma celebrates Melipona bees and their positive impact on the environment as an essential part of the ecosystem and food supply. In an effort to help raise awareness of the growing threat of bee extinction, the resort continues its dedication towards caring for two natural hives of stingless Melipona bees. The spa director, Cinthya Alva Flores, leads educational workshops twice a week in which
she shares the history of this tiny species and natural remedies using honey to benefit the skin, hair and overall wellness. “It is an honor for us to bring the Melipona bees to Kinan Spa and share with our guests the importance of preserving this magical and local bee,” says Flores. At the spa boutique, guests can also find three different types of Mayan honey and bee pollen, which helps Mayahuum, the local Mayan community located in Cobá that donated the hives to the spa.
The Kinan Ritual is one of the many treatments on the spa menu that benefit from the Melipona bee’s creations. The treatment uses local herbs that are infused into warm sheets that are wrapped around your body wraps to draw toxins to the surface. The freshly produced honey is mixed with a salt scrub, from the Yucatan town of Celestún, to exfoliate and cleanse before completing the treatment with a four-hand massage. Another is the Honey & Glow facial that helps rejuvenate and firm skin while working to eliminate fine lines
and wrinkles. It begins with an exfoliation treatment to remove dry skin before applying a layer of nourishing Plant Stem Cell Booster
Serum. Then soothes on a mask prepared with honey to repair and revive skin.
Belmond Maroma also offers a dedicated kid spa menu, which includes the ‘Bee Pampered’ children’s treatment that consists of a honey
facial and a foot massage tailored to tiny feet. As a memento, tots take home Meli, a Melipona bee stuffed animal.
Travelers cannot visit the Riviera Maya without experiencing the traditional Mayan cleansing ritual known as Temezcal. Performed at
dusk on the beach, the purification ceremony connects to the energy of the universe, the phases of the moon and the elements of life —
air, fire, earth and water. Guided by a Mayan shaman, the ritual begins with a healing herb infusion being poured over heated volcanic
stones to create an aromatic steam. The vapor, together with the sound of ancestral drums and chants, helps you connect with
your inner self, producing a sensation of total cleanliness, tranquility and peace. Aloe vera is then applied to the skin, before you take a
refreshing plunge into the Caribbean sea – a perfect end to a rejuvenating and enriching visit to Belmond Maroma.