Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen

Tucked under a forest canopy and within a network of crystal clear waterways, the 45-acre Fairmont Mayakoba sits alongside the Caribbean Sea in the heart of the Riviera Maya and approximately 42 miles south of Cancun. This stretch of the Caribbean coast, known as the Riviera Maya, is about 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Xcaret wildlife and nature reserve is 20-minute drive and the ferry ride to Cozumel is a 15-minute drive and a 35-minute ferry ride. Hotel amenities include the Mexican and international restaurant in the main building, Brisas del Mar, an elegant ocean-side restaurant with a high palapa roof and terrace seating for 50, a casual all-day pool grill, and a market cafe. A lobby bar, a swim-up pool bar, and 24-hour room service are also available. Managed by Fairmont, the 18-hole, par-72 El Camaleon is Greg Norman's first Mexican course design. The clubhouse includes a pro shop, lockers, bag storage, restaurant, and bar. The 16,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa features 20 treatment rooms (including a unique couple's suite in the treetops) and two mineral pools and steam rooms. A full-service health club and beauty salon are also available. Fairmont Mayakoba's various areas are connected by a series of deep lagoons enabling easy movement throughout the resort development using complimentary 'lanchas', a covered canal boat service, as well as a network of well-marked nature trails. Bicycles and electric golf carts are also available. Services include concierge assistance, babysitting, laundry services, and valet parking. All rooms feature Fairmont beds, furnished balconies or patios, evening turndown service, complimentary newspapers, dual-line-telephones, high-speed Internet access, LCD TVs, CD stereo systems, tea and coffee service, irons and ironing boards, safes, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, and expansive bathrooms with soaker tubs, separate glass-walled shower stalls, and double vanities.