Trade in man buns for mangroves on Mexico’s Riviera Maya
where Chablé Maroma beckons guests (and
monkeys) with its low-key luxury.

Mexico‘s Riviera Maya has had a bad press. This once-pristine
stretch of Caribbean coastline is now more known for its big
resorts in places such as Playa del Carmen, or the dreamcatchers in

Tulum. Venture a bit further north, however, and it’s more
mangroves than man buns. It’s here, on the secluded beach of
Maroma, that luxury
wellness brand Chablé has chosen to build its second retreat.
Its Yucatan property shot to fame in 2017 when Cara Delevingne
celebrated her 25th birthday there, and the low-key luxury of this
new resort – think: stone villas with thatched roofs – looks set to
have similar star appeal.

Bedrooms

Inspired by the traditional “palapa” homes of the Mayan
nobility, each villa aims to bring elements of the rainforest
inside. The bedrooms feel fresh with plenty of wooden details,
turquoise tones and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the lush
greenery outside. The bathroom is big enough to swing a spider
monkey inside, and has an outdoor shower if you want to pretend
you’re in a shampoo advert. On your veranda you’ll find a private
plunge pool and a hammock, and in the morning, a hamper of freshly
baked pastries and coffee. That’s if the monkeys don’t get to it
first.

What’s for breakfast?

After your in-bed picnic, head to pool-side restaurant Kaban for
bowls of berries, amaranth, chia and coconut. There are also
pancakes or huevos rancheros if you’re feeling less saintly. The
juice bar will make your smoothie to order, whether you’re more
into spirulina or strawberries.

How about lunch and dinner?

One of Mexico City’s most lauded chefs, Jorge Vallejo, has
designed the menu in the main restaurant Bu’ul, which keeps things
local with freshly made pastas, zingy ceviche and herbs grown on
the property. The Raw Bar is a little more adventurous, with
grasshopper tacos, stone crab and lobster quesadillas.

Is there a bar?

Although wellness is very much the main event here, the
restaurants both have an extensive wine and cocktail list. The roof
terrace of the Raw Bar is a good place for a sundowner – tequila,
lime and soda is our aperitif of choice.

Amenities

The spa is a destination in itself. Built around a sacred amate
tree, it has three hydrotherapy pools and treatments which
incorporate traditional Mayan remedies featuring herbal compresses
and quartz crystals. For something to really write home about, book
a temazcal healing session, led by a shaman in the on-site sweat
lodge.

Things you should know

There’s morning yoga, held daily at 8am on the beach, and a salt
chamber is currently in the works.

Within a short walk you’ll find

The Great Mayan Reef – the second largest reef in the world.
Pipped to the post by the Great Barrier Reef, this it stretches
from Isla Contoy at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula all the way
down to Honduras. Just grab a snorkel and go…