Fair? Mexico was never obvious before. Sorry, but far, unknown, the usual reasons. Until friends pointed us to a unique resort on the Caribbean coast, in the middle of a heavenly nature reserve on the Yucatán peninsula. On a bicycle through the jungle to your breakfast, where you see turtles swimming by the water to spend the afternoon sitting on a bed under a cabana gazing out over the white sand into the sea. KLM recently started flying direct to Cancun, so what was stopping us? Text: Tamara Gijrath
Online Editor: Patrick StofferNothing. So I immersed myself in the ancient Maya of Central America, because there was plenty to do in terms of culture as well. Maya had a special relationship with space and time, with the position of the sun and moon, I learned. It had everything to do with the natural cycles of sowing and harvesting. Sowing and reaping, I had to think back later. That's why 'our' man Robert-Jan Woltering, as general manager of one of the most luxurious resorts in the country, is so at home there, I thought to myself. 'Cool Boss Blue Eyes' he is called. Considering that, according to the Mayans, the color blue stands for transformation and renewal, Woltering embodies his own mission: the multi-million dollar renovation of the five-star Fairmont Mayakoba Resort in Playa del Carmen, near Cancun. A mission that after four years also led him to become the best Hospitality Manager in all of South America. And then our journey had yet to begin....
"Hello, my name is Daniel and I am your butler." If only every day started like this. At the Fairmont Mayakoba, you efficiently share your wishes via WhatsApp with Daniel, who fulfills them. And so the first morning in Mexico there is a delicious breakfast next to our bed (because of jet lag we take it easy for a while) and two fine white bicycles are waiting at the door, with which we can explore the area. The Riviera Maya, the area south of Cancun, runs along the Caribbean coast of the state of Quintana Roo. The Fairmont Mayakoba hotel, part of the luxury resort community Mayakoba, is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, about 68 kilometers south of Cancun. The tropical climate provides wonderful temperatures (especially in the winter months), and with the occasional friendly rain, the area remains fresh and green. The area is an archaeological treasure trove, with Tulum and the Mayan ruins and pyramids at Chichen Itza and Coba being the most famous attractions. The bed, the bath, the balcony and even the ultra-luxury soaps with our name on the label: everything is right here. Our spacious and modern suite overlooks a romantic part of the river that runs like a vein through the jungle of Mayakoba. More than two hundred species of birds find their habitat here, the sounds of the jungle sound new that first night. But the idea of being in the middle of nature brings an unparalleled peace. Swimming in the river is not allowed, it would disturb the natural wildlife. It is also the last thing we would want: a few days later we take a boat trip through the reserve and see three life-sized crocodiles along the shore. The wilderness is close at hand.
There is a lot to do, both inside the resort and outside. It would almost make you restless. Fortunately, Fairmont's hostess Sylvia guides us in all our questions and puts together a program for us. So we swim in the crystal clear waters of the Rio Secreto caves, located about twenty minutes outside the resort. A luxury car with its own driver and a packed three-course lunch in the trunk takes us, waits and delivers us back safely. Señor Roberto-Juan has superbly imbued his team with what a true luxury experience entails. We learn about the Maya from our private guide and visit the 13th-century Tulum ruins. We eat at an authentic Mexican cantina where locals meet on Fridays. We can choose from twenty-two different high-end restaurants in Mayakoba alone and sign up for a Mexican cooking workshop, where Fairtmont chef Sandra teaches us how to make guacemole (now a serious addiction), ceviche and empanadas stuffed with bean paste. "Mexicans are proud of their rich culture," Sandra explains. "We are subservient, hospitable and like to make others comfortable. And eating, preferably together with the whole family, plays a very important role in that."
We visit the Mayakoba golf course, where hitting a ball represents a unique experience. Here such greats as Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama and Tom Hoge play. It is the only course in Latin America to host the PGA Tour. A unique one. And you can see that. The 18 holes sprung from the mind of one of the best and most acclaimed golfers in the world, Australian Greg Norman. The beauty is that guests staying at the Mayakoba resorts have free entry when the PGA Tour takes place. Here you can feel the history, you can still hear the footsteps of the great players. But, according to energetic golf manager David Monar, it is the mystical surroundings that add that extra dimension: "El Camaleon, that's the name of the course. Because every season, every month, every day and every hour provides a different color, a different view. Here history, victory and complexity intersect. And high-end luxury." That evening we dine at Hacienda restaurant. When the doors open to our own private room, tears prick my eyes. It's touching; never before have I been welcomed somewhere with so much love and pride. We take our seats at a breathtakingly beautifully set table. In a setting reminiscent of a mix of Frida Kahlo and Caribbean atmospheres, we taste a selection of authentic Mexican dishes, while behind the wooden shutters we hear the warm rain falling into the river. Dishes that the chef learned from his grandmother and she in turn from her grandmother. The waiters diligently explain to us what we are eating and how it was prepared. Not everything I dare to eat. Deep-fried grasshoppers and pickled grubs: "It's delicious, but so heavy," I try. They don't buy it, but still nod at me kindly and understandingly: "All good ma'am, all good." The flavors, the smells, the colors and the whole atmosphere: Sandra was right, that night we close Mexico in our hearts.
You can read the entire report on the trip to Mexico in MASTERS #49.
The spring issue of MASTERS celebrates regained freedom after two years of corona. Its value is underscored by developments in Eastern Europe, where the freedom of an entire people is at stake. We live in a new reality, but we can plan again, eat out, meet people. The world is turning again! Only: which way? Time for new bridges, new initiatives. To which this edition of MASTERS offers inspiration.
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