We loved our stay at the Fairmont Mayakoba, a luxurious eco-resort located in the heart of Riviera Maya! Mayakoba is home to a gated community of luxury private residences and four upscale hotels – Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood – each set among lagoons, jungles, and beaches.

What we loved about this area is that it didn’t feel like your typical all-inclusive or touristy Mexico experience. Instead, it offered a refined, tranquil, and unique vibe complete with lagoons, jungles, and of course, beaches that created an atmosphere that felt luxurious yet still family-friendly. It never felt overly crowded and as parents of young children, we wanted a vacation that struck the perfect balance between being kid-friendly and fun, while also relaxing. Fairmont Mayakoba delivered in every way.

Over five days, we relaxed by the pool while the kids splashed around, lounged on the beach while they built sandcastles, and explored the resort. We dined at various restaurants, took on a few adventures, and made memories that will last forever. Our group included four adults and four kids, ages 2, 4, and 8, and we planned the trip over Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate my husband and his twin brother’s 40th birthday. The service was wonderful overall and despite being a family-friendly resort, it still felt peaceful and calm. 

Travel Logistics: Getting There + Check-In Experience

We flew into Cancun International Airport, which is just a 45-minute drive from the resort. We booked our trip through Costco Travel (highly recommend!), which included a transfer to the hotel. Everything went smoothly both upon arrival and departure. Customs was quick for us – we traveled to Mexico on a Tuesday afternoon and left midday Saturday, so there were no long lines or large crowds. I’ve been to Cancun at other peak times and it has been complete chaos!

The check-in process was also seamless. We arrived a few hours before our official check-in time, but they held our bags while we grabbed lunch. While we sorted out the details, the kids were offered welcome drinks and an activity booklet. Make sure to keep the kid’s activity passport they give you at check-in – it’s something they can complete throughout their stay, with different tasks and things to do, earning them a prize at the end. Also, don’t forget to ask about the complimentary 45-minute eco-boat tour and cenote access – you’ll want to book these early as they fill up fast! I’d also recommend making dining reservations with the concierge upon check-in; you can always make changes later.

About the Fairmont Mayakoba: Property + Rooms

Navigating the resort is pretty straightforward. The layout isn’t overly spread out and most areas are walkable. You can get around the property in three ways – walking, golf cart shuttles, or complimentary bicycles. It took a day or two to get acclimated, but once we did, everything felt easily accessible. We brought strollers but never used them at the resort. However, they did come in handy at the airport. During peak times, the wait for shuttles could get a little long, but for the most part, they were quick and convenient.

We stayed in a Signature Casita Suite with two queen beds. The rooms and bathrooms were spacious, and include an iron, hairdryer (they’re a bit dated but functional) and Le Labo bath & body products. Each room also has a small balcony. If you’re traveling with multiple families, you can request to be in the same area, which worked out perfectly for us. There are also residences available with villas that can be reserved at Heritage Place, if you’re looking for more of that shared living space feel.

There’s lots of wildlife around the resort! Upon arrival, we were warned about the resident animals – monkeys, turtles, lizards, and various bird species – so it was no surprise when we saw raccoons and coatis daily. They’re harmless, but they were definitely interested in our poolside snacks! One raccoon even tried to join us for dinner (literally)! But don’t let this deter you – if I survived it, anyone can!

All-inclusive or Not?

We opted for the all-inclusive package and it worked out great for us, especially with kids. If you plan to explore other resorts or dine off-site, the pay-as-you-go option might be a better fit. But for families, the all-inclusive option is super convenient – you can try different restaurants without worrying about the cost. If your kids change their minds about what they want to eat (which, let’s face it, happens a lot!), you can simply order something else. On some nights, if one restaurant didn’t fully satisfy us, we’d hop to another for a second round of food. It also gives you the freedom to try more options. If we were to go again, we’d definitely choose the all-inclusive route again.

Dining: Let’s Talk Food!

While I typically don’t rave about food at all-inclusive resorts (the standards are often different from what we’re used to), I can honestly say that the food here was better than most resorts I’ve been to (so far!). The kid-friendly menus go beyond the typical pizza-and-pasta fare. I loved the flexibility of dining options – whether you’re in the mood for a casual poolside meal, fine dining, or grab-and-go snacks, there’s something for everyone. The ambiance and vibe at each restaurant felt unique, upscale, and clean. There is also only one buffet option for breakfast; all other restaurants are sit down and plated.

Our favorite spots were Bassano (Italian), Tauro Steakhouse (American), Brisas at Maykana (Mediterranean), Hix Bar & Lobby Lounge (Sushi), and Café Maya! Fuego at Maykana is beautifully located on the beach and has great ambiance, but food-wise, it didn’t blow us away. Ki Beach Bar & Korean BBQ also missed the mark for us, and as vegetarians, we skipped Gaia at Maykana (Seafood) altogether. We dined at Bassano and Tauro multiple times and enjoyed the food and dessert at both.

What I do want to highlight is the quality of beach and poolside food – Las Olas Pool Bar and Aqua at Maykana had some excellent, healthier options! The Baja tacos (without fish) were great and we couldn’t get enough of the kale salad, churro bites, and French fries. Again, these reviews are not necessarily based on U.S. standards, but for an all-inclusive, I found them pretty good.

La Cantina offers buffet breakfast every morning (the only buffet on the property), or you can head to Café Maya for coffee and grab-and-go items like pastries, sandwiches, cookies, and ice cream. The lines can get long in the mornings, so plan accordingly. We’d grab fresh fruit to-go from Café Maya every day – the kids loved it and it was so convenient.

Cielo at Maykana is a beautiful rooftop bar & lounge that I’d highly recommend. With firepits overlooking the ocean, it has a really nice ambiance and several unique drink options. It is adults-only and requires reservations, so plan accordingly.

Head to Part 2, where I’m sharing more about the pools, beaches, as well as activities and experiences from our trip to the Fairmont Mayakoba!