I last went to Mexico about 25 years ago. When I returned last month, I was surprised at just how different an experience it was. Yes, this is predominantly a beach holiday, and you can have that experience if you want to. But there is so much more that goes with it, and now I can't wait to go back and keep exploring!
Going to the Riveria Maya area, it was just so refined. I just can't understand why you would not go. When compared to what's near it, the beaches are better, the food's better, the service is friendlier, and the flight was a lot shorter than I thought. I made some amazing memories this time: getting a bit closer to the culture, trying new things and actually learning some things about myself. Here are some of my favourite moments that you have to try on your trip.
The Apothecary at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
I had never done anything like this before, and it was a really nice experience. The Apothecary is a separate room in the spa which is dedicated just to workshops like the one we had. We were making our bath salts - which we even got to take home - and learning about the different herbs and their uses.
All the herbs were in little jars and it was so cute. First, we were tested to see how many we knew already, feeling and smelling them - it wasn't my forte but fun all the same. They told us what each one was for, and we got to pick our herbs - as many as we wanted. I did mint for joyfulness and healing, lavender to soothe, and then there was a local one which I'd never heard of called rue which was to purify, protect and cleanse. And we got to make our own personalised bath salts in a little pestle and mortar which was a fantastic souvenir.
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Vicky in The Apothecary at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
Mexican Cuisine, Beyond What You Know
A lot of this trip was getting away from those tourist areas, and finding an indulgent and authentic side. Part of that was the food. I had an expectation of the food being the 'Mexican' food we have here, and wasn't expecting it to be that good. The level of fine dining and the presentation were really impressive.
We had a wine pairing dinner in Woodend by Curtis Stone at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya. That was pretty special. The food here takes the top spot with everything cooked on an open fire for a multi-course tasting menu. It was still quite relaxed, but it was also fine dining. Between that and another wine pairing at Chablé Maroma, I was very surprised at how good Mexican wine is! It's not something I'd heard of, and as these dinners were showcasing a lot of the local varieties, I just hadn't realised how good some of these wines were.
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Fine dining
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Cocktails at the bar
There were a few times throughout the trip where I had tried something I didn't think I liked and was pleasantly surprised. Adding a bit of spice to a Margarita made it delicious, and the way that they cooked side dishes like sweet potato over the fire made it so yummy.
La Ceiba Dinner at Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba was all-round a really lovely stay. It's relaxed and friendly, and brought out how welcoming everybody was.
They do an evening three times a week where the staff and guests all come together for drinks and dining. It's on two long tables under a glass cover, almost like an orangery, and it was such a special experience. Guests could get to know each other, but the staff also became a bigger part of the whole experience. The food was incredible, all locally sourced with a farm-to-table concept whilst we were surrounded by the gardens, and a live band was playing which just added to this magical atmosphere.
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Vicky at La Ceiba Dinner at Rosewood Mayakoba
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Welcome drinks for La Ceiba Dinner at Rosewood Mayakoba
Whilst here I was talking to the chef, and he said something that I think really summed up Rosewood Mayakoba. He said "Service doesn't have to be subservient" and I thought that was a lovely way to put it. You were very well looked after, and they always knew what you might want or need, but it was never uncomfortable. And you get to see some personality too - some of the staff were so funny.
See More!
Now that I've had a taste of how exciting Mexico can be, I also appreciate just how much more there is to see. We learnt quite a bit about the Mayan world as well - I wasn't really sure what that meant before I left but knowing now, I would love to see more of the Mayan ruins and do more of the history and culture. And I want to go to Mexico City and see the Pacific Coast. Especially with Elegant, we're here to help you do everything you can dream of, so we can arrange transfers between each area and tours that take you deeper.
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Local artist
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Cultural excursion