Looking to plan a destination wedding or honeymoon in Mexico? Look no further than today’s story. I recently got to experience Banyan Tree Mayakoba, the idyllic spot for an oh-so private honeymoon but not too far off the beaten path from most US cities, and it might just be perfect for you. The all-villa property is located in the jungle of Riviera Maya, a destination only about 45 minutes from the Cancun Airport but eons away from the fast-paced life of home. They welcome you with a lovely local fresh fruit juice, smiles all around and in-room check-in, when you’ll discover you have your very own pool and jacuzzi! Yep, each villa comes with a private pool. Never did I think I would wax on about a hotel room the way I do about these.
The private pools, as they call them, are really more like the size of one you might find in a friend’s backyard. These infinity pools over look the ocean, the golf course, or in my case, the canals of Mayakoba (complete with 30 local crocodile residents who have been spotted swimming by from time to time). Should those new friends interest you, I suggest the complimentary eco-tour by boat rather than a dip in the water!
If you love to swim, your private oasis is the best spot on property. There’s a lovely, small beach right off the casual dinning restaurant and main pool, but really, when on your honeymoon, there’s no reason to ever leave your villa! If you do emerge, one of my favorite charming elements of the resort are the beach cruisers you can ride around on. Of course you can get from point A to B by butler-driven golf carts, I suggest you use your own beach cruiser bike to do the same. Take a spin with your new spouse and tour the area all on your own! You can even pack a picnic and stash it in your bike’s basket! And trust me, you’ll want to indulge in that picnic – as well as all the food choices Banyan Tree has to offer. The cuisine is incredible, as are the romantic dinning options (including a coming soon island on the canal set just for couples tables).
But yet, I go back to the idea of why would you ever need to leave your villa? Mine had two structures, perfect for one who likes to nap while your partner prefers to rock out to tunes. Others are three stories tall, designed for larger groups or families and entertaining on the rooftop (think destination wedding welcome party). Each comes with an outdoor tub, massively tall bedroom ceilings and enough square feet to move into. To say the villas are big and inviting is an understatement. They are home.
With 117 suites on property, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is great for a larger wedding buyout but also lovely for an intimate party of 20 who perhaps want a bit more privacy on their vacations when not celebrating together. Then the newlyweds can honeymoon there too and never even have to cross paths with partygoers again, should they choose not to.
And when honeymooning, don’t forget to hit up the spa. Ahhhh the spa!!! Suites for couples massages sit over the canal, so you can relax and unwind with the sounds of nature and the water flowing beneath you. One of their signature experiences, the rainforest indulgence is a must do if you want to try something different. Either way, just don’t leave without a massage, their staff is trained overseas and are some of the best in the world.
The spa, the service, and the beautiful privacy and serenity at Banyan Tree, are what make this Mexican Resort a honeymooner’s dream. While the cuisine, the setting, the wedding ceremony locations and options (including a brand new chapel complete with courtyard reception space), make it just what your destination wedding ordered. And those late night dips in your private pool? Well, those will make you wish you never had to go home again.
For more information on visiting Banyan Tree Mayakoba, be sure to check out their website here! You’ll be happy you did.
