One of the Mayan Riviera’s most exclusive properties – Maroma, A Belmond Hotel – has welcomed back guests following a major revamp – just in time for a last-minute summer vacation on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
The luxury resort shuttered its doors in 2021. Now, after a few pushbacks (the original reopening date was slated for March) Maroma is finally ready to show of the results of its all-encompassing renovation.
Belmond brought in Tara Bernerd to breathe new life into the interiors. The renowned designer has taken the utmost care to honor Maroma’s Mexican heritage, painstakingly restoring each of the original white stucco buildings.
“Maroma offered a rare opportunity to reimagine this iconic hotel, with its rich and storied history,” Bernerd commented. “It is a magical place with a very spiritual feel, and we felt a huge sense of responsibility to the brand, to the land and to the people. In essence, we wanted to create something that was effortlessly serene and had the feeling of a chic home.”
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Expect breezy, light-filled rooms, suites and villas – of which there are 72 – elegantly adorned with furnishings and objects crafted by local artisans.
Among the beautiful pieces on display throughout the property are hand-painted Jalisco clay tiles made by ceramicist José Noé Suro; rugs woven from a hemplike material derived from agave plants; and display cases filled with native plants. Other thoughtful touches come in the form of traditional Yucatan doors crafted with heavy timber frames, and delicate chandeliers made from shells.
Many of the rooms feature glass sliding doors that open onto shady private balconies or courtyards. During the refurb, Maroma added 10 new one- and two-bedroom beachfront suites mere steps from the sea – some complete with their own pools and gardens.
For something a bit more private, it’s well worth booking either the two-bedroom oceanfront villa or the 3,929-sq-ft Villa Maroma – a four-bedroom property with an expansive living area, outdoor terrace and pool.
Elsewhere, all three of the hotel’s pools have been revamped with Sukabumi tiles handmade from volcanic stone and the finishing touches are currently being added to the newly renovated Maroma Spa by Guralain, which is set to open in November. Here, guests will be able to indulge in an array of holistic wellbeing experiences including the signature Bee Healing Ritual which incorporates honey from the hotel’s hives and calming sound therapy vibration sessions.
Perhaps most exciting of all is Maroma’s new culinary offering. The resort has teamed up with Michelin-star chef Curtis Stone to launch Woodend by Curtis Stone – a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood prepared over the open fire. Standout dishes from the menu span everything from Baja striped bass with tomato fondue, habanero vinegar and pink peppercorn; to grilled blue shrimp with green mango, apple daikon and charred almonds.
Other dining options include Casa Mayor where chef Daniel Camacho puts his inventive stamp on traditional Mexican flavors with an ever-changing seasonal menu, and Freddy’s Bar where guests can enjoy live music, a locally sourced raw bar, and an array of cocktails. Sounds heavenly.
Rates at Maroma start at $1,095 per night for a Deluxe Room, based on double occupancy.
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