Nestled along an idyllic coastline on the dramatic Yucatan peninsula, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico, open to guests since February 2008, delivers an experience of luxury, well-being and exclusivity. A luxurious hideaway set on 36 lush, secluded acres of tropical forests and by the blue Caribbean Sea. The resort features protected mangrove reserves and crystal-clear water from tranquil lagoons and streams, highlighted by a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayans that serves as the resort’s centerpiece.

Ideally situated, the resort is only 10 minutes north of bustling Playa del Carmen, with its dining, entertainment, specialty shops and boutiques, and just a 30-minute drive from Cancún International Airport.

“Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is the ultimate sanctuary of tranquility, well-being and rejuvenation, setting new standards for intimacy and unparalleled service.  This exclusive hideaway provides guests with a spectacular sense of awakening and inspiration,” said Greg Nunez, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Dining

With dining at the forefront of the resort’s innovation and imagination, a variety of restaurants and bars serve an eclectic selection of contemporary cuisine in settings inspired by outstanding ocean views, outdoor seating and dynamic design.

Serving as the resort’s signature restaurant offering creative international cuisine influenced by sophisticated Mexican and Asian fare is Ambar. With mesmerizing vistas of the tranquil lagoon and mangroves, guests can choose indoor or outdoor dining. Ambar’s unique design boasts a copper roof, walk-in wine cellar and show kitchen. And, just above Ambar is the very chic Mandarin Bar, a hip and sophisticated outdoor bar and lounge serving exotic drinks and cool ocean breezes.

Panoramic ocean views define the beach club restaurant Aguamarina, with its striking, ultra-modern, minimalist design colored with ocean blues, sleek silver and natural woods, and both indoor and al fresco dining.  For the freshest catch of the day, diners can head to the Ceviche Cha Cha Cha, with its idyllic locale right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  The Lobby Lounge is a stylish and relaxing retreat for early evening cocktails.

Truly unique to any destination resort in all of Latin America, the 25,000-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya sets new standards of holistic well-being that embodies the riches of Mayan philosophy, blended with Asian-rooted healing rituals. A sanctuary of rejuvenating experiences that soothe, restore and revitalize, the spa delivers a quintessential renewal process that touches the mind, body and spirit.

Dedicated to providing the ultimate experience that transports guests to a haven of self-reflection and discovery, the extensive offerings provide a combination of spa, beauty and heat experiences, as well as rasul, hamam, vitality and watsu pools, kinesis, traditional Mayan temazcal and Time Rituals – personalized journeys booked in blocks of time.  The spa sanctuary features 11 treatment rooms including three VIP couples suites, a 1,500-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center, a 1,000-square-foot yoga room, and a heated outdoor pool drenched in natural sunlight. Private consultations and personal training are offered, as well as lectures, seminars and workshops. Skincare products used in spa treatments are formulated using the highest quality organically grown plants known for their purity, potency and therapeutic qualities, provided by Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line and London-based Aromatherapy Associates.

Guest Rooms

Perfectly placed along natural waterways that blend seamlessly into the secluded setting, the 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms are situated in contemporary-styled bungalow villas or two-storey villas, offering the ultimate in peace and tranquility. All guest rooms enjoy exceptional water views of the mesmerizing cenote, the tranquil lagoon, the meandering waterways or the Caribbean Sea. A haven for total privacy, each room encompasses its own spacious, private terrace or garden, some with individual plunge pools and all with secluded garden bathrooms. The interiors are exquisitely designed with Asian influences and tropical flair, using native exotic woods and stone, bamboo hardwood floors, crème-colored marble and an exquisite showcase of Mexican art. Completing the guest experience, along with the latest technology and advanced entertainment systems, is Mandarin Oriental’s unparalleled service and renowned attention to detail.

Elegant appointments are standard in all guest rooms, including a spacious bedroom and an oversized bathroom complete with onyx or marble sinks, double rainforest showers and large outdoor patio, most with a stone bathtub.

Situated in the center of the resort, the south-facing Ribera rooms blend into a landscaped garden leading down to the serene canal. The Selva rooms, with their impressive slate roofs, are placed around the exquisite art patio courtyards and face the meandering canals. Encircling the mystical cenote, the Cenote rooms are located close to the spa, temazcal and reception, with elevated views into this sacred Mayan water feature; some rooms even offer elevated views to the ocean. The Laguna rooms surround the tranquil lagoon and are situated close to the fine dining restaurant and meeting areas, with easy access to the spa palapas.

Suspended over the mangrove lagoon close to the ocean, Palafito villas are by the beach, restaurant and pool area. Ground floor rooms open onto an expansive terrace with its own boat dock overlooking the lagoon, while the upper level rooms have stairways leading up to an expansive roof-top sundeck viewing the mangrove lagoon.

Step right onto the soft sands from any of the five beachfront casitas, complete with its own rooftop terrace, sun deck and infinity pool. And for the ultimate in luxury and privacy, the two-storey, beachfront Presidential villa, with its spectacular ocean views, is spacious and sleek, with a master bedroom and two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, spa patio with relaxation area and sauna, indoor and outdoor dining areas, private kitchen, rooftop terraces and private pools, as well as the option of a personal butler and private chef.

Art Courtyards

Profoundly influencing the resort’s artistic style and design are the unique and ultra modern Art Courtyards, inspiring sculptural showcases created by six talented Mexican artists. Consisting of six innovative courtyards, the art patios, which are situated within the Selva villas, offer relaxing, meditative spaces for guests.

Meeting Facilities

Versatility, style and distinction define the resort’s flexible indoor/outdoor meeting space. Catering to a diverse range of events, the intimate facilities offer creative space for business gatherings such as conferences, board meetings and executive retreats, as well as social affairs ranging from beachfront cocktails to weddings, grand occasion and private parties. The outdoor pre-function space features an extensive patio and spacious adjoining garden, while the elegant ballroom will accommodate the latest technology. A dedicated and innovative meetings and banquet team is on hand to personalize and customize any occasion.

Leisure Facilities and Activities

With great appreciation for the needs and desires of the luxury vacationer seeking outdoor adventure and inspiration, on property, guests can choose from three swimming pools fronting the ocean or spa, beachfront water sports on-site including kayaking, snorkeling and deep sea fishing, as well as use of the private pier for yachts and sailboats. Beach goers can savor walks along the long stretches of soft sand beach, or lounge along the oceanfront.

Scuba divers can explore the world-class diving along what is reputed the second largest barrier reef in the world, or opt for adventure diving in sweet water cenotes. PADI scuba certification is available from beginner to advanced open water. Other outdoor options are sailing, windsurfing, horseback riding or golfing at a choice of three championship courses nearby.

Kid’s Club

With a dedicated space for their own exploration and amusement, overlooking the awe-inspiring lagoons and mangrove, “Young Fans” will find the Kid’s Club a welcome retreat with a range of activities for children and teens. A more comprehensive program combining education and fun is available for kids from ages 4 to 12.

Culture & Adventure

Those looking to explore the wondrous sites of an ancient land which flourished thousands of years ago, impressive and significant Mayan archeological and cultural sites are within easy reach. Discover Tulum, a Mayan sea port built in the 10th century, with its fortress and more than 40 temples, buildings and ancient homes. At Xcaret, explore Mayan ruins, swim with dolphins or snorkel through underwater tunnels in an ancient sinkhole and interlocking lagoons. The famed archeological site of Chichen-Itza features a well preserved ball court, the 75 foot El Castillo pyramid, temple of jaguars and a sacred cenote. Coba, once the grandest city in the Yucatan which today remains relatively unexcavated, has 6,000 visible ruins, including Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in northern Yucatan.

For adventure seekers, a “Mayan Encounter” combines Mayan culture with off-track adventure of zip-lining, rappelling and canoeing. “Jungle Crossing” packages 4x4 trekking with snorkeling and kayaking, and “Mayan Zip-Line And More” takes in a series of Mexico’s acclaimed zip-lines over the jungle and cenotes, biking through jungle paths, snorkeling in cenotes and a traditional Mayan purification ceremony in a mystic cenote.

For more information or reservations, please contact the hotel directly on +52 (984) 877 3888, toll free reservations in the United States at +1 (800) 526 6566; or Mandarin Oriental’s direct on-line reservations service at www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya.