By PAUL RUBIO
Rising above the caricature of media punching bag, Mexico is finally regaining its stature as a truly majestic nation, eager to welcome tourists south of the border. And thanks to some recent laws and court rulings, today’s Mexico holds very special interest for LGBT tourists.
After Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009, Mexico’s Supreme Court gave “two snaps”–in Z formation–to the Mexico’s 31 other states a year later, mandating legal recognition of same-sex matrimony. Now more than ever, LGBT travelers are heading south to explore a land of astounding archaeology, diverse cultures, and luxury hotels, and show their support for a country with a progressive stance on LGBT issues.
One of the best things about modern Mexico is that it’s filled with top-notch luxury enclaves that easily rival the Caribbean’s most treasured islands. Case in point: Mayakoba, along the Yucatan Peninsula’s “Mayan Riviera.”
Located five miles north of Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba doubles as a private community and ecological reserve, housing three upscale hotels, residences, and plenty of biodiversity across 1,600 acres. Flanked by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the east and thriving mangrove colonies to the west, Mayakoba’s super ”green” hotels are built around complex labyrinthine waterways that connect the Yucatan’s underground sinkholes and the deep blue sea.
The opening of the first resort on premises in 2006, the gay-friendly Fairmont Mayakoba, ushered in a new era of luxury tourism for Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. The resort’s wide range of room product, from comfortable classic “Fairmont-view” rooms in the principal towers to colossal, oceanfront and lagoon-front casita suites, present options for both couples and families to revel in the beauty and amenities of this environmental paradise.
Most notably, the outcropping of 34 romance-oriented suites along the resort’s eastern perimeter underscores the global “hotel-within-a-hotel” trend, offering a more private experience while having the resort’s full offerings at hand. Although it’s hard to escape the indulgences of these elegantly understated suites–like the 24-hour butler service, private plunge pools, sprawling al fresco terraces, and glass-heavy, jaw-dropping mega-bathrooms–the chic common pools, cabana-ready beachfront, and ecological boat tours are not to be missed. Moreover, you’ll want to peruse the greater resort to sample the cuisine at its four fabulous farm-to-table restaurants: the authentic Mexican eatery La Laguna Grill and Bar, the award-winning Las Brisas, the sushi-and-cocktails-driven Lobby Lounge, and the fine dining steakhouse, El Puerto. Savvy travelers should opt for the new “Appetite for Luxury” package, which includes all food and beverage on property, excepting El Puerto. This arrangement prevents any guilt (caloric, financial, or otherwise) associated with enjoying that third tamarind margarita, a second bowl of fresh ceviche, and an order of lobster summer rolls, either on the beach or at the swim-up bar (between meals of course).
To feed those urges for self-pampering, the 20,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa is a veritable spa-topia, best appreciated in the couple’s treetops suite, followed by lengthy soaks in the mineral pool, and capped off by a cocktail around the adults-only infinity pool. Golf enthusiasts delight in the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed “El Camaleón,” best known for the annual PGA Mayakoba Golf Classic at the Fairmont. Nature buffs will want to rise early for the morning bird-watching tour.
More than just providing love nests for couples, the Fairmont Mayakoba welcomes alternative families. In line with its kid-centric ethos, the hotel shows as much love for kids as it does for the grown-ups. Each day, kids 4-12 years old get three complimentary hours of fun-filled activity at the dynamic Discovery Club & Adventure Camp. From toddlers to teens, they can make new friends at the four family pools, including one with a water slide. The hotel also generously comps kids up to 5 years old during family meals.
To learn more about Mayakoba, Mexico, visit: fairmont.com/mayakoba