Mexico

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MEXICO OF THE MAYA Life of the ancient Maya peoples revolved around the sun, with messages from their gods strategically revealed within shadows and observatories built to celebrate its glorious light. Much of our understanding about the ingenious Maya remains hidden. Yet cultural impressions in the sands fringing Riviera Maya’s translucent Caribbean waters prove undeniable.

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Island Destinations, a leader in luxury travel, expertly uncovers the finest resorts located along this illustrious stretch south of Cancun. We reveal how the enigmatic Maya can still be detected among these five-star pantheons of luxury as well as suggest a few cultural activities that evince past majesties and create memories that stand the test of time.

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cuisine at Grand Velas’ Frida. Savor sea bass in yellow mole sauce sided by fragrant cilantro rice or honey tamarind duck confit; the gourmand expressions of Mexican cuisine by Chef Ricardo de la Vega. With eight dining venues, your palate is privy to the only culinary tour of its kind within Riviera Maya. This prolific food experience includes everything from molecular cuisine, traditional French and Asian-influenced specialties, to vegetarian creations that vaunt a prismatic display of locally grown organic ingredients. Later your butler delivers a bite to your suite, to satiate your midnight craving for Mexican chocolate mousse. The scent serves as a subtle reminder of the chocolate-oil massage found on the spa menu at the 75,000-square-foot mecca of pampering; both indulgences give a decadent nod to the indigenous draws of Riviera Maya.

Revealing Plumes of Privilege Perhaps none other than The Banyan Tree Mayakoba would prove more fitting for your proverbial nest within the Yucatan Peninsula, home to half of the bird species in Mexico. As you enter this Asian-inspired enclave of Private Pool Villas and Residences within the Mayakoba resort community, it feels like a sanctuary of solitude — the protected ecosystem carefully interspersed with private villas spanning over 3,000 square feet. Settling into your Spa Pool Villa, a sense of calm is fostered by the clean Zen lines and emphasis on the outdoors, encased in glass and framed by your elongated pool. For dinner, step aboard Ixchel, a thatched-roof boat to enjoy a special experience for two.

The moon casts a magical blue light on the property’s freshwater lagoon as you drift along savoring mahi-mahi imbued with Thai flavors. Return to your villa’s outdoor tub drawn before your arrival; the rose petals floating on the surface and flickering candles add a whisper of romance. During a massage the next day on your exclusive 58

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spa deck, the birds-eye view of your eco resort’s mangrove lagoon inspires you to embark on a two-hour silent electric-boat tour. Your naturalist points out the exotic birdlife such as the turnstone and tricolored heron perched among the protected haven of branches and fishing along the freshwater shores. Learn how the distinguished green feathers of the quetzal bird proved more valuable to the Maya than gold — today, a quetzal feather is valued around $3,000.

So sacred was this vibrant blue, green and red bird that many believe temples were constructed to echo with a telltale chirp. Spotting this highly endangered treasure with three-foot-long tail feathers would be just short of a miracle — with only 20 species in captivity — but simply experiencing this unique side of Mexico proves invaluable all its own.

Reconstructing History Through Experience Our modern-day calendar is but one manifestation of the Maya’s attunement to the stars, sun and moon. The architecture of the Maya was so exacting

that archaeologists have found distinct correlations between its construction and constellations. Grand Velas Riviera Maya developed the 491-room luxury resort with decidedly similar precision. Situated on 1,000 square feet of pristine beachfront, the resort is divided into three separate areas, so as to simultaneously cater to families of all ages, adults only or those seeking a jungle-veiled retreat. Take in views of the ocean while relaxing in the plunge pool fronting your exclusive Grand Class Suite. The 1,300 square feet of interiors provide a technological haven of modern sophistication. But your imagination is sparked by the advanced society of another time during your private excursion to explore the Maya’s ancient ruins of Uxmal.

As you wander amongst ancient limestone facades inscribed with Venus symbols you learn how Uxmal’s architecture is split into three levels believed to represent cosmic planes. Meet the descendants of these illustrious builders in a Maya village, where the residents’ serve as modern-day, living dioramas. Maya refinement can further be detected in the contemporary Mexican

Decoding the Stars and Stupas Becoming mesmerized by the unsolved mysteries of Maya’s lost civilizations proves inevitable at Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa. Maya artifacts decorating the interiors greet you as you enter this authentic Mexican resort. Hear the calls of parrots and detect the floral scent wafting from the resort’s 25 acres of preserved jungle, lined by an oceanfront powdered with fine coral sands. After you settle into your four-bedroom villa, your curiosity inspires you to rise from your hammock on your tile terrace flanked with bamboo shutters to visit The Palapa Cultural, an onsite library filled with details about the Maya. The famed pyramid at Chichén Itzá is even more magnificent than portrayed within these photographic volumes when viewed from above during your helicopter tour.

On the ground, discover how mysterious glyphs carved into stone stupas tell the tales of kings, constellations and prophesies — much of which remains cryptic since archaeologists have yet to fully decode the Mayan hieroglyphics. However, it’s your Maya-inspired treatments back at the resort’s Kinan Spa that acquaints you with Maya ritual in the most cosseted manner.

Like the Maya’s architecture, the spa is designed in conjunction with the stars and every massage bed faces east for new beginnings. As the sun begins to settle into the horizon, you relax into an ancient Maya Temazcal experience. This soothing aloe vera body treatment is infused with traditional chants, aromatic steaming rocks and concluded with a swim in the twilight

PREVIOUS PAGE: Illuminated by skylight, mystical cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) reveal the truest spiritual beauty of nature. CLOCKWISE OPPOSITE PAGE: The Pyramid of the Magician in the pre-Columbian city of Uxmal, Mexico represents the pinnacle of late Mayan art and architecture; Lounging in the private pool of your Grand Class Suite, delight in pristine panoramas of white-sand beaches and clear, aqua waters;The exotic oasis of your private villa awaits at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort; The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda provides ultimate relaxation after an inspiring day of exploration.

THIS PAGE: The essence of authentic luxury and tranquility emanates from the Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa.

sea. Feeing refreshed, savor ceviche made with fresh-from-the-ocean ingredients and Mexican-inspired dishes while gazing at the stars during your private dinner atop the Observation Tower — extending heavenly 360-degree views. The Maya believed the Gods revealed messages through these twinkling skylights and this experience helps you reach a new understanding of these celestial hieroglyphics.

Immersing in Water Rituals Whether the Maya were participating in rituals to honor their rain god, Chaac, or gathering around cenotes (freshwater sinkholes), water demarcated a passage to the spiritual world. Family resort Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda continues pay homage to water today. Dive into watery amusement that springs eternal in Riviera Maya from pool obstacle courses for kids’ to swimming lessons and scuba diving classes. Proving even more divine, the Pool Concierge delivers freshly squeezed juice to your lounger and then mists you with a refreshing spritz. After a full day at the

REDISCOVER

MEXICO OF THE MAYA

water-infused nature park of Xel-Ha and nearby seaside Maya ruins of Tulum, the kids are content to relax in the living room of your two-bedroom family suite, ordering room service and testing their skills on the XBOX 360. You’ll be entranced by the sound of rhythmic ocean waves from your private terrace and contemplate which of the 14 restaurants you’ll have the Family Concierge reserve for the next evening.

Venture out another day to the caves of Rio Secreto. This underground river exposes you to a hidden world of colorful mysticism as you meander from one cave to the next. The ceilings drip with crystalline stalactites above the aquamarine waters that entice you to take a swim. Part of the largest network of caverns in the world, it’s easy to understand the Maya’s allure with this underworld of Ice Age creations. Then bring your immersion of indulgence full circle at YHI Spa and Fitness Club, where the thermal circuit comprised of wet saunas, plunge pools and hydro massage redefines the water rituals of the Maya.

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REDISCOVER

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CLOCKWISE THIS PAGE: Formerly known as Zama, City of the Dawn, the cliffs of Tulum, Mexico greet the radiant sun each morning; The striking Quetzal, often found in forests and woodlands, are exclusive to the western regions of Mexico; Luxuriate in tropical splendor with a poolside cocktail at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla.

Experiencing a Royal Awakening Carved edifices on ancient architecture boldly proclaim the power of Maya Kings.

The dynasties discovered within Riviera Maya conjure notions of unwavering grandeur where luxuries ranging from jade to quetzal feathers were bestowed upon this elite ruling class. Fully dedicated to indulgence of equal scale today, the adults-only 394-suite resort Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla regales this lavish lifestyle. Fortressed a private bay lined by a warren of mangroves and pristine sand, the resort setting instills you with a wonderful sense of removal. Paradoxically, you are in the heart of Playa del Carmen, the treasures of the illustrious Fifth Avenue shopping within easy reach. Heightening this sovereign experience, your signature

Royal Service Suite confers the most exclusive level of luxury. Swim up to the private terrace of your suite, sprawl out on the Bali beds poolside or sink your toes into a stretch of sand dedicated to Royal Suite guests alone. Your butler arranges for your excursion to delve into the mysteries of the missing King Chaac Balam (Red Jaguar) during a privately guided tour through the ruins of Cobá. Bike the extensive trails where monkeys swing in the jungle canopy overhead. Walk the labyrinth network of ancient roads leading to each structure and climb to the top of the highest pyramid in Mexico’s Maya world, Nohuc Mul, to take in sweeping views. With your appetite primed from activity, return to your resort to savor beef tenderloin followed with chocolate fondant for dessert in La Palapa, exclusive to Royal Service guests. Returning to your

LIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT

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room, the pillows you selected from the menu are perfectly fluffed and the scent of lavender wafts through the air, luring you to succumb to slumber in the comfort of your king-sized bed.

Let us help you plan your Maya-inspired getaway. Whether you prefer to scuba dive in cenotes, take a zipline adventure through the jungle or book a private helicopter to whisk you from the sands of your five-star resort to nearby ruins, we meticulously plan every last detail — allowing for you to simply bask in the warmth of the sun.

Please contact us or turn to page 64 for more information on Island Destinations’ Mexico Retreats and for a selection of ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES.