Inside Mayakoba Banyan Tree: A Look at One of Playa's Best Resorts

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a luxury eco-resort ($600-1,500+ USD/night) within the 620-acre Mayakoba development between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, featuring private pool villas (each with own plunge pool), world-renowned Banyan Tree Spa, access to El Camaleón Golf Course (hosts PGA Tour events), private Caribbean beach club, and mangrove lagoon activities (kayaking/paddleboarding). Transportation includes golf carts, water taxis through canal system, bicycles, and walking paths. The resort combines Asian-inspired hospitality with Riviera Maya nature, built around mangrove forests with minimal ecosystem impact. Good for honeymoons, anniversaries, golf enthusiasts, spa lovers, and those seeking privacy/nature immersion. Not ideal for budget travelers, nightlife seekers, or families with young kids (Fairmont Mayakoba better for families). All four Mayakoba properties (Banyan Tree, Rosewood, Fairmont, Andaz) share beach access and can use each other's restaurants.

The Setting

What makes Mayakoba unique is its commitment to the natural environment. The property is built around mangrove forests, lagoons, and canals, with minimal impact on the ecosystem. Rather than clearing land for traditional resort development, the designers worked with the landscape, creating a property where nature and luxury coexist.

The Banyan Tree takes full advantage of this setting, offering guests a resort experience that feels immersed in nature rather than imposed upon it. You'll see herons, iguanas, and countless bird species simply going about your day. The property feels like a nature preserve that happens to have world-class accommodations.

The resort features private villas rather than traditional hotel rooms. Each villa comes with its own pool, not a shared facility, your own private plunge pool. This creates an intimate retreat atmosphere that's fundamentally different from even high-end hotel experiences. The architecture blends contemporary luxury with natural materials, featuring lots of wood, stone, and open-air spaces that let the outside in.

The Experience

Staying at Banyan Tree Mayakoba is about more than just a hotel room. The resort offers a comprehensive experience:

• Private pool villas - Each accommodation has its own plunge pool for complete privacy
• Spa and wellness - The Banyan Tree Spa is renowned worldwide for Asian-inspired treatments delivered with genuine expertise
• Golf - Access to El Camaleón Golf Course, which hosts PGA Tour events and is considered one of Mexico's finest courses
• Beach access - Private beach club on the Caribbean with the same service level as the main property
• Lagoon activities - Kayaking and paddleboarding through the mangroves, a peaceful way to explore the ecosystem
• Multiple restaurants - Thai, Mexican, and international dining options, all excellent
• Cooking classes - Learn traditional recipes from skilled chefs
• Cultural experiences - Programs connecting guests to local Mayan heritage

Getting Around

The Mayakoba property is large, 620 acres, and getting around involves a mix of transportation methods that become part of the experience:

• Golf carts - Provided for villa guests to explore the property at will
• Boats - Water taxis handle the canal system, a uniquely Mayakoba way to travel
• Bicycles - Available for exploring the extensive paths through the property
• Walking paths - Throughout the natural areas for those who prefer to move at their own pace

The boat transportation is particularly memorable, gliding through the mangroves to reach the beach or a restaurant adds a sense of adventure to simple logistics.

What to Expect Price-Wise

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is firmly in the luxury category. Expect to pay $600-1,500+ USD per night depending on season and villa type. This puts it among the most expensive options in the Riviera Maya, but the experience matches the price point. Everything is included in terms of quality, there are no corners cut, no "nice hotel but mediocre restaurant" compromises.

Additional costs for spa treatments, golf, and some activities add up, so budget accordingly if you plan to take full advantage of the amenities.

Is It Worth It?

For a special occasion or a true luxury getaway, Banyan Tree Mayakoba delivers an experience that's hard to match in the region. The combination of natural setting, privacy, service quality, and comprehensive amenities creates something genuinely special, not just expensive, but meaningfully different from other options.

That said, it's not for everyone:

• Good for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, significant birthdays, golf enthusiasts, spa lovers, those seeking privacy and nature immersion, guests who appreciate Asian hospitality traditions
• Not ideal for: Budget travelers, those wanting nightlife and action, families with young children looking for kids' programs and activities (Fairmont next door is better for families), solo travelers seeking social atmosphere

Alternatives at Mayakoba

If Banyan Tree is fully booked or you want to try other properties within the Mayakoba development near Playa del Carmen:

• Rosewood Mayakoba - Another ultra-luxury option with stunning overwater suites, perhaps even more exclusive
• Fairmont Mayakoba - Slightly more accessible luxury with excellent family-friendly amenities and programs
• Andaz Mayakoba - Contemporary design with a more social, younger atmosphere while maintaining luxury standards

All four properties share access to the private Mayakoba beach and can use each other's restaurants, giving guests variety within the exclusive enclave.

The Bottom Line

Mayakoba Banyan Tree represents the pinnacle of what the Riviera Maya has to offer in terms of luxury resort experiences. It's an escape within an escape, a place where nature and luxury coexist beautifully, where Asian hospitality traditions meet Caribbean setting. If you're planning a special trip and budget permits, it's worth experiencing what this level of resort hospitality looks like in the Mexican Caribbean. You'll understand why people return year after year.

Related Playa del Carmen Resources

• Playa del Carmen Complete Guide
• Accommodations and Hotels in Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Morelos Guide
• More Riviera Maya Travel Tips