I Was Indulged at a Luxury Mexican Resort With Overwater Suites — and My Fondest Memory Is Visiting a Local School

Spending a few days at Rosewood Mayakoba on Mexico’s Riviera Maya is pure delight, and I had been counting down the days for another getaway since my first visit two years ago. Finally, a chance to return arose, and I felt a surge of excitement.

Is it the winding lagoons with charming little waterfalls, the lush mangroves, or the pools with shade trees growing right in the middle? Or perhaps it’s the thought of heading to the beach for Aqui Me Quedo's shrimp tacos that has kept me daydreaming since I booked my flights. Add in the spa, refreshing cocktails at Zapote Bar, and the wonderful staff throughout the resort, and I have my answer.

Our journey began as all vacations ought to — with a serene boat ride to our room. We drifted leisurely through the lagoon, flanked by tree-lined shores, with turtles gliding alongside and birds soaring overhead or perched on branches observing us. Before long, we arrived at the quaint dock leading to one of Rosewood’s Wellness Suites. These two-level suites feature a fully stocked bar, a coffee center, a dining room, and a living room on the lower level. Upstairs, the bedroom boasts views of the lagoon through floor-to-ceiling windows, complemented by a spacious bathroom that includes an outdoor shower and a relaxation area.

Rosewood Mayakoba boasts 129 suites, ranging from two to four-bedroom accommodations, along with private residences. Dining experiences are exceptional, but the family-style gathering known as La Ceiba, held in the chef’s garden, is truly memorable. Guests enjoy cocktails and appetizers at communal tables before indulging in a multi-course meal paired with Mexican wines and accompanied by a Yucatecan music trio. We shared a table with a delightful family from Atlanta, a couple from New York, and a mother-daughter duo from Los Angeles, along with a charming member of the Rosewood staff. It's a vibrant, welcoming event that shouldn't be missed during your stay.

A must-visit for every guest is K’iin Beh, a nearby school that has a strong connection with Rosewood Mayakoba. I had the pleasure of visiting the school two years ago and was excited to return on this trip. Here’s a bit of background: the school is located in the underprivileged neighborhood of Cristo Rey and was struggling with limited resources in a temporary facility that was on the verge of closing when Daniel H. Scott, Rosewood’s regional vice president and managing director, first visited in 2015. He learned from Raquel Mitre, the principal and founder, that while land had been donated and construction on a new building had begun, there were no funds to complete the project.

Scott quickly took action and dedicated himself to supporting the school. Through contributions from family, friends, the Rosewood Mayakoba staff, and other supporters, K’iin Beh reopened in 2017 in its new building. Since then, under Scott’s continued guidance, new classrooms have been added along with an athletic facility, dining area, restrooms, and administrative offices. This year, they also opened a high school, complete with new classrooms, a basketball court, and an on-campus cenote finished with a wooden floor for various activities.

Rosewood Mayakoba’s commitment extends beyond financial assistance. This year, a group of high school students received paid internships at the resort, where they learned valuable lessons about teamwork and empathy while working alongside both staff and guests. Many visitors, including myself, have seen Daniel's passion for K’iin Beh and its students firsthand, often feeling inspired to contribute or support an individual student as a padrino, or godfather. Unlike typical community support initiatives, the partnership between Rosewood Mayakoba and K’iin Beh is genuine and ongoing.

After visiting K’iin Beh, there’s still plenty to enjoy at the resort. I experienced a hydrobike cruise, a fun and effortless way to navigate the lagoons with a guide, surrounded by vibrant greenery, stunning residences, kayakers, and an underwater cenote. Golf enthusiasts can’t miss El Camaleón, the site of the annual pro tournament. Young guests can explore Rosewood Explorers, and the spa offers indulgent, relaxing treatments. For me, spending my days alternating between the warm Caribbean waters, the pool, and my lounge chair was pure bliss.

When you visit Rosewood Mayakoba, you’ll be amazed by everything the resort has to offer. However, if you take the time to visit K’iin Beh with Daniel Scott, I promise those few hours will create some of your most cherished memories.