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DG Amazing Experiences
Insider Travel Briefs For Private Aviation Travelers

 
Special Report:
Rosewood Mayakoba just got $15 million better
 
Check out our DGAE Library featuring:
Insider reviews of unique experiences from VIP supercar tours of Italy, treks to see the Polar Bears, safaris in Africa, Cuba by private jet and previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seaboard Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Breakaway, and Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas


 
Return to Rosewood Mayakoba

Back in September I had the hardship duty attending a conference at the 5-star Mayakoba Resort complex in Riviera Maya. It also gave me a chance to go back and take a look at some of the renovations and refurbishments at Rosewood’s resort which sits alongside hotels from Fairmont, Banyan Tree and Andaz on the 700 acre complex about 40 minutes south of Cancun Airport. So far theyve spent $15 million with another $15 million budgeted in the next year. In this issue you will find our Special Report on Rosewood Mayakoba.

My New Book


Available on Amazon ($24.95)Jet Card Pricing, 19 Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Private Jet Flights gives you a detailed look at what you need to know before you buy a jet card. While there are 14 variables that can cost you money, there are five ways the way you travel can save you money - all of which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars gained or lost if you don’t know. The book is currently available free to all paid subscribers of Private Jet Card Comparisons.

All the best,

Doug Gollan
Founder/Editor



Subscribe now for the 2019 Private Jet Card Comparisons edition and get 2018 access...

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Table of Contents 

A.   Private Aviation Headlines
B.   Before You Buy Reports - Jets, Yachts, Villas
1.   Overview
2.   Accommodations
3.   Dining and Bars
4.   Spa
5.   Golf
6.   Children’s Programs
7.   Meetings/Family Groups
8.   2016 Awards
9.   Key Contact
10. Executive Security Reports
11. Jet Card Insider Reports
12. Best Of DG Amazing Experiences Library


A.  Private Aviation Headlines


End of Year Jet Card Promo Roundup




Sponsored:
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Special Report:  Rosewood Mayakoba
 
 1. Overview

Rosewood Mayakoba is one of four hotels that make up the 590 square acre Mayakoba resort complex, 26 miles south of Cancun International Airport. The others are Fairmont, Banyan Tree and Andaz (Hyatt’s attempt to compete with W Hotels).

Culled out of the jungle that separates the highway from the Caribbean Sea, the resort was an early adapter to eco-principles of development, meaning it is low density building with a focus on nature. Where the jungle ends is white sand beaches that you find on many “best” lists. Recently Rosewood spent over $1 million on sausage-like barriers to prevent erosion and then another $15 million on a new adult pool complex (below) with yet another $15 million in planned upgrades to its existing rooms and suites. When staying at Mayakoba you get signing privileges across all the hotels, so there are lots of options to dine and play. Playa del Carmen with its galleries and cafes is only seven miles south down the highway, and you can be in Cancun in 45 minutes if you want to disco until dawn or do some luxury shopping.


If you want to feel a million miles away from it all, Rosewood offers that as well. The 128 low-rise units are situated along a series of canals amidst mangroves, jungle or on the beach. The resort is spread out, and you get bikes to peddle around or you can jump on golf cart shuttles that ply the twisting pathways. The footprint of the hotel is divided between a beach area and the main resorts, and the paths are good for jogging or walking.

 

I’ve stayed at the hotel twice recently, both times when it was sold out during major events (a luxury travel conference and a PGA golf tournament held annually on the resort course), and both times service was excellent. Room service was fast, orders were correct, and despite a full house, neither of the two pool areas or the beach seemed particularly crowded.

 

In terms of ratings, Rosewood is ranked #1 of 227 hotels on Trip Advisor in Rivera Maya. There are 2,018 reviews. There has only been one Terrible/Poor reviews since January 2017.

 

Keith Waldon, founder of Departure Lounge in Austin, Texas, who was there when I stayed the first time told me, “It’s really a spectacular setting, but at the end of the day, it’s the service that makes place really special. He says the key is to decide if you want to be on the beach or a lagoon in the jungle-like mangroves. I prefer beach, but others I spoke to like the novelty of being on the canals that cut through the jungle where you can spot birdlife and wildlife from your deck. There is a fun element of being picked up or dropped off on your dock.

As part of the $15 million that was spent on upgrades, there is a new hacienda style adults only beach club called Aqui Me Quedo which translates to “Here I stay.  The new beach club has three pools, a seaside cantina and show kitchen. It can also be used as event space for up to 220 people
 
2. Accommodations 

In choosing where you want to stay, you have to choose between the beach locations and those on the canals, which give you a bit of a jungle experience. See the resort map above.

Private Residences (7 in category)

 

Casa Laguna combines 6,500-sq. ft. of interior space with 3,500-sq. ft of exterior space. There are 6 more similar residences, which are private homes you can rent, although they are all furnished to the Rosewood standards. You enter into a large living and dining room overlooking the lagoon with floor to ceiling windows. Adjacent to the living area is a chef’s kitchen good for hosting parties. On the main level, there are three bedrooms including two master suites with en-suite bathrooms. There is a media room and outdoor space with a private pool overlooking the lagoon. A boat dock and a private dining deck are good for fresco entertaining and there is a dedicated staff of five.

 
You also get roundtrip airport transfers, non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruit and afternoon snacks daily, plus a private golf cart with butler. There is also Xbox and you get VIP reservations at restaurants.

Beachfront Presidential Suite

 

The crescent moon-shaped Presidential Oceanfront Suite features floor-to-ceiling glass walls with Caribbean Sea views. There are three large bedrooms, bathrooms, TV rooms, lounge terraces and two oversized plunged pools. 



The master bedroom has a swim-up pool. You can  connect to two other beachfront suites, making it good for large families. There is 3,435 interior sq. ft. and 2,837 exterior sq. ft. of space. As the suite is at the end of a cul-de-sac, it can be closed off for extra privacy and security.
Presidential Lagoon Suite


This 3,800 interior sq. ft./4,750 exterior sq. ft. three-bedroom suite features a large living and dining area, circular TV room, studio and kitchen with a separate pantry. Connected to the main building by a bridge, the Presidential Lagoon Suite offers a separate master bedroom for additional privacy, large bathroom, walk-in closet and private plunge pool. 



Each of the two additional bedrooms offers private bathrooms. One offers a king bed; the second features two queen beds. In the main building, there is a large private pool and extensive wood terrace.

Two-Bedroom Mayakoba Suites (4 units)


These townhouse style Two-Bedroom Mayakoba Suites are comprised of a lagoon side grand master bedroom, including king size bed with seating area, large bathroom and outdoor lounge area. An upper level living area with sleeper sofa, a second bedroom with two full beds or one queen bed, a full bath and closet space. The outdoor terrace features a private plunge pool, and a rooftop sundeck with a day bed and lounge chairs offering Caribbean ocean views. Like other suites, there is substantial outdoor space (1,187 sq. ft.) and 1,562 sq. ft. interior suite.
 
Oceanview Suites (12)



The Oceanview Suites are 966 sq. ft. of interior space and 1,530 sq. ft. of exterior suite with panoramic views of the ocean from the living room. These suites are located on the second floor of units just across the pathway from the beach. The rooftop terrace with plunge pool offers ocean views and private sunning or evening star gazing. There is also butler service.

Deluxe Lagoon Suites (12)


Offering views of the lagoons and mangroves, these one-bedroom suites include a sitting room with sofa bed that can be closed off from the bedroom with sliding doors for additional privacy, as well as a second bathroom with rain shower. 



Exterior features include outdoor rain shower, roof top terrace and pool terrace with sun loungers.

 There is 1,103 interior sq. ft./1,057 exterior sq. ft. There is butler service, a heated plunge pool, outdoor deck and boat dock.

Island Suites (5)


These split level suites located on the same island as the spa have floor to ceiling windows with 1,533 interior sq. ft., 599 sq. ft. exterior and butler service. The bedroom and master bathroom are located on  entry level, while the downstairs living room includes a full wet bar as well as second bathroom with rain shower. Additional features include a private treatment cabin with outdoor rain shower for in-suite spa services, and marble bathrooms with indoor shower and sculptured tub.

 You get a heated plunge pool, outdoor deck and boat dock.
 
Beachfront Studio Suite (17)

 

Located on the beach, Beachfront Studio Suites offer unobstructed ocean views and a wood deck with chairs, table for dining, loungers and a heated plunge pool. Waiters who roam the beach with various drinks and treats will come up and serve you in your plunge pool with their offerings. The suites (I’ve stayed in them twice) are a single room in an L-shape with dining area, sofa and King bed. You can close off the dining/bar area from the sleeping/sitting area with a curtain.



Highlight is the outdoor shower and deep, sunken stone tub. There is 779 sq. ft. of interior space and 653 sq. ft. outdoors. Tropical bushes and vegetation provide a reasonable level of seclusion, and there are steps down to the sand. 

3. Dining and Bars
 
Casa del Lago

Overlooking the main pool and lagoon below, Casa del Lago features “Italian fare with Mexican flavors.” There is a good breakfast buffet featuring lots of tropical fruits, juices and freshly baked breads and pastries. At night Casa del Lago serves modern contemporary Italian cuisine. In the afternoon at the bar, there are tapas. On Tuesday evenings, the sommelier provides pairings of cheeses and wines. 

La Cava

La Cava is a glass-walled Wine Room, which is also used as a private dining space for romantic dinners, although it can seat up to four people. You can order the Casa del Lago menu or a customized menu of your choice. Reservations are required. 

Punta Bonita


Overlooking the Caribbean Sea Punta Bonita serves light lunches and pizzas plus regional Riviera Maya specialties. There is indoor and outdoor seating and the food/bar goes until 11 pm.

Agave Azul Sushi & Tequila Bar


Near the reception area with views of the main lagoon and mangroves there are 100 tequilas to go with sushi and Asian-inspired dishes. A lunch buffet when I was there offered a number of stations with different Mexican specialties, with preparation as you wait.
 
Avicenna


With high-vaulted ceilings and limestone walls Avicenia is a private room holding up to 16 people and is a good location for VIP dinners, board meetings, family and friends groups or even a romantic dinner.
 
4. Spa


The 17,000 sq. ft. spa is set on a jungle surrounded private island. You cross a small bridge to get there. There are 12 treatment rooms and eight couple’s suites. Separate dressing areas for men and women feature plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas. There are inside and outside relaxation areas. A variety of treatments range to $975 for six hours although there are a number of one hour treatments. There is a large focus on local elements, Mayan techniques and philosophies, and there is a unique hot house massage. You can also have a one-hour Shaman Consultation for $170. There is also a separate spa menu for the kids.

A perk of Mayakoba is you can also try out Banyan Tree’s spa, which is the ethos of the company with a tilt towards Asian treatments as Willow Stream, Fairmont’s award-winning spa offering.
 
Fitness Center

The 24-hour fitness center features Technogym, an area for stretching and free weights. Scheduled activities include Yoga, Pilates, Cardio Combat and Iron Legs, offered from 8 to 10 a.m. Access is complimentary.
 
Pools

There are six pools. Casa del Lago Pool is near reception and is set with jungle views. There is a beach-front infinity edge pool for families and a spa pool exclusively for adults, plus three new sunken pools for adults only on the beach with private cabana options 

5. Golf
 
The Greg Norman 7,000-yard, 18-hole course, El Camaleón, is the first golf course to host an official PGA Tour event in Mexico. It is dotted with water and sand hazards.
 
6. Children’s Programs

Special programs for children include kids yoga and spa, eco boat tours with a biologist, scavenger hunts, pizza and cookie-making classes and themed pajama parties. The hotel can also arrange babysitting services.
 
Other Activities
 
There is horseback riding, kayaking, nature walks, archery, croquet, jungle biking, tours to the Mayan ruins, dolphin excursions, diving, and deep sea fishing. There is also a Cenote swim excursion taking you through underwater caves that gets strong reviews. There is birdwatching on property with several hundred varieties calling the resort home. As you navigate the canals and lagoons on a boat, it’s possible to spot crocodiles and other wildlife in the mangroves. There is a Mayakoba cooking school opened last year as well as a tennis complex.
             
7. Meetings and Family Groups

 
There is 2,615-sq. ft. of indoor meeting space with a capacity of 100. Not surprisingly, there are numerous spaces on the beach and around the resort that are good for cocktails, dinners or parties. Le Ceiba Garden & Kitchen is a 20,000-sq. ft. outdoor space (above) with open kitchen. It is the location for cooking classes, but for lunches or evenings becomes a magical garden venue with hanging lanterns and tables set around a large Zapote tree. The resort has lots of experiences putting together parties to wow your guests, from white parties to Caribbean and Mayan themes. The aforementioned oversize beach palapa created for Sir Philip Green provides a blank canvas to create unique events as does the white sand beach.
 
8. Awards

- AAA Five Diamond Award
- Brides Magazine Best Honeymoons Award, ‘Top Resorts in Mexico’
- Condé Nast Traveler ‘Readers’ Choice Awards’ Top 10 ‘Top Resorts in Eastern Mexico’
- Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Hotel
- Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award ‘Best Resorts of The Americas’
- Trip Advisor 2018 Travelers’ Choice Award: #1 Top 25 Hotels in Mexico; Number #13 Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the World
- Travel+Leisure Mexico: Best of the Best 2018; # 1 ‘Best Hotel in Mexico; Best Resort Mexico; 
# 1 ‘Top Hotels and Resorts in Mexico, #30 ‘World’s Top 100 Hotels
- US News & World Report’s: Best Hotels in Mexico
 
9. Key Contact

Rosewood Mayakoba Managing Director Daniel Scott: daniel.scott@rosewoodhotels.com or +529841680512


8. Executive Security Reports



9. Jet Card Insider Program Reviews



10. Our Most Popular Special Reports

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Crystal Esprit is perfect for groups up to 64
 

Crystal Esprit sits in the wide gap between chartering a super yacht and even the smaller luxury cruise ships that take 200-300 passengers. There are 91 crew and 62 guests, and the passenger areas are spread across four decks. 

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About DG Amazing Experiences
 
My name is Doug Gollan. I am a strong advocate of the private aviation industry.  You can read my frequent coverage of private jets and luxury travel at Forbes.com.
 
I’ve chosen you to receive DG Amazing Experiences because I believe you share my passion for both business aviation and the best travel and luxury experiences in the world.
  
DG Amazing Experiences is your e-newsletter guide to the best places and experiences for private jet travelers like yourself. The content is personally selected by me with the help of some of the smartest and best travel advisors in the world. My goal is to give you a look ahead at what's new, what's hot, and the best of the best. To make it easy for you, the stories are short, but detailed, and I provide plentiful links to additional, relevant information.

If you are looking for private aviation solutions from on-demand charter to jet cards, fractional and even full ownership, please visit our sister website Private Jet Card Comparisons to access our buyer’s guide to over 250 jet card programs and our exclusive on-demand charter guide. Our VIP assistance program can help you decide which solutions are optimal for you.

Credit: Photos in the fireplaces story provided by each hotel



 
 
 
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