I visited the Rosewood Mayakoba 4/12-4/16 with my wife to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Our expectations were high based upon our familiarity with Rosewood's iconic Carlyle hotel. We live in the Southeastern US and have one young child that we didn't bring on this trip. Because of that young child we don't get away very often and this was a "splurge" in time. This was our first trip to Mexico. We flew non-stop to Cancun and rode in a Mercedes SUV to the property. It took about 35 minutes. Not a scenic trip but I had sprung for a bottle of Champagne for the car. Champagne seemed overpriced put the butler's tray had rose petals. It was nicely done. Rosewood Mayakoba share a fortress like compound with Fairmont, Viceory and another developement. Rosewood and Fairmont are the only ones built at this time. The resort's design is breathtaking. It is far and away the Rosewood's best attribute. Limestone, lush woods, artisan blown glass, chic fabrics and hips furniture give the Rosewood a classy Euro-cool moden feel. The native plants are landscaped beautifully to remind that you are indeed in coastal Mexico. If you arrive before 4pm the staff will take you to your suite via canalboat, afterwards you will have to travel by golfcart. The suites are dotted around the property on the three main islands within the canals. All of the island are connected by bridges with lovely winged "Calatrava-esqe" railing that hold lit torches by night. The suites have very well appointed marble shower and bath. Each suite has a plunge pool deck and a second story sun deck with a futon. There is not much storage space in the closet.
The food is understandably mexican themed with guacamole, quesadillas, pork, there is also ceviche. The liquor is mostly Tequila with a very broad selection for the Tequila enthusiast. For those of us in the US... Cuban cigars are ever present and the hotel carrys a large selection. The quality of the food is fair to good. The chef at the main restuarant is a true artist whose food may struggle to translate to the menu. His fare is more suited to a very exclusive restuarant in a large international city. The resort's pastry chef is a star! The chocolate cake at the main restaurant is fantastic and his pastries at breakfast are extraordinary. The wine list needs some real help. The pool is lovely, the beach is plain. Service throughout the hotel is slow but
solicitous. A dearth of senior managers on site may knock your trip sideways if you have a service issue that doesn't resolve itself. The spa quarters are exceptional with steam, sauna, plunge pool, complicated showers on both sides of the men and women's locker areas. The workout room is above average. The pspa therapists are good if you book in advance not so great if you get the second team for that spontaneous massage. Total cost for the resort with meals treatments at the spa and some extras for activites will be about twice your room cost. Weather was 70's and 80's overcast to clear with little rain and a strong breeze. The sun is very hot and the night sky is very clear. We had a lovely trip but would probably not rush back. In sum, the resort will probably show much better in the future. The ideal traveller for this resort is someone who likes cosmopolitan design, is planning a romantic getaway, likes Tequila and mexican fare, will spring for chartered boats to dive / snorkel in cozumel, and is able to endure some inconsistent service while the staff matures.

Very unique setting as described in many of the reviews - new, spacious, romantic suites. It's very nice to have to a plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a roof deck to make for a lot to do in your own suite. The food was always better than average to excellent and the staff is very firendly. Spa...we had many services...and was vey pleased with the quality of service, the tranquility of the setting and spa facilities. We did nothing but relax and this is a great place for it. The beach is not as peaceful and inviting as Maroma just north, but the pools are more than adequate. While we have a lot of positive feedback and would return/recommend, there was a strange pattern of poor execution on some of our requests that we submitted prior to our arrival. We completed our Guest Preference form prior to arriving and submitted it 2 weeks before, with several questions included. No one responded to our questions and we needed to followup several times to confirm our spa and restaurant requests. Once we did, everything was confirmed. But, we were asked if we wanted extra pillows and blankets - we said yes, but got neither. We were asked which newspaper we prefer in the morning, but never saw a one. And, as we were celebrating our anniversary, we were asked which day is was so they could "do something special," but never saw a thing - even though they asked us. It's like they set all these expectations and dropped the ball. But, the attitude of most of the staff is excellent - so we always felt we were in a special environment. As some other reviewers suggest, these flaws be due to their newness.

The Rosewood Mayakoba was absolutely spectacular. The rooms are very large, are exquisitely done, comfortable, and to top it all off there is a roof top pool. During my stay my room was on the beach so that i never had to take the golf carts but i know from going to and from dinner that they pick you up and drop you off very speedily. The beach was great, a little small, but fun. The pools were beautiful (infinity edge). The tennis courts were grass and could use some watering, but obviously it's not a main attraction at the resort. The golf course is fabulous - Greg Norman course. The town, Playa del Carmen, is easy to access whether its by taxi or one of the resorts drivers taking you there. The resort drivers can also take you to Cancun or rent a vehicle for you.
There are three restaurants at the Rosewood Mayakoba - Punta Bonita, Casa del Lago, and the Raw bar and tequila library. The food was pretty good. The lunch menus at Punta Bonita and Casa del Lago are incredible and very good (I am very selective of the restaurants i consider to have good food). The dinner at Punta Bonita is not bad but could improve among the portions and the selection. It is the restaurant by the beach and it is mainly grilled seafood and steak with small sides that you order along with your meal. Casa del Lago is the restaurant by the main entrance and is by the pool in a beautiful setting. The menu is not bad but it is limited. Casa del Lago seems to be one of those restaurants trying to be like the ones in New York City or Stephen Starr restaurants in Philadelphia. My brother unfortunately found a staple in his meat the first night there, and all over the area you will find 'foam' on the menu or on your plates. I think that it is considered to be a 'delicacy' there - but it doesn't quite cut it for Americans and is a little strange. The raw bar - is simply raw. I suggest going into town for dinner on Avienda Cinco (5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen). The food and nightlife is very good there.
Being picked up and dropped off from the airport is no hassle whatsoever. They arrive on time and drop you off with a good time ahead of you to get through security.
Overall, the Rosewood Mayakoba is one of the finest resorts and areas I have ever been to, and would love to come back soon.

ps. I highly suggest checking out Xeh-Ha or XCaret for some fun water rides and experiences. Also, Tulum or Chichen Itza. I went to Tulum and was absolutely fascinated by the history of the Mayan Culture.

This is a very expensive, exclusive resort...... the service is excellent and the accomidations are over the edge perfect. Some of the things you should know ...most of the rooms are about a half mile from the beach...you are shuttled to and from on boats or golf carts....we never waited more a few minutes for transportation..... there are a few rooms close to the beach..all are very expensive ..... the pool next to beach is very nice ...the beach is OK ...not exceptional ...... you will find the service to be very near the Four Seasons...just not quite there.... but very close. The food was good. Everyone that works here will do their best to make you happy. You will love the room...We have traveled a lot and this room is exceptional ....plunge pool, rooftop deck, outdoor shower ..... it's hard to leave the room....... you will enjoy this resort if money is no object and you want to be pampered.... it is a special place.