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Mel Gibson's Mexico
At Maroma Resort & Spa, the first luxury resort on the Mayan Riviera, experience peace and love in the Mayan tradition.
By Rita Silvan
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A room at Maroma Resort & Spa.
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There are also eco-archeological theme parks, such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha, where you can swim among a variety of marine life, as well as take tours of cenotes (steep-walled, subterranean natural spring caverns). The Mayans believed these to be sacred places that formed magical windows to the underworld. Human sacrifices to Chac, the Mayan god of rain, were performed in some cenotes. Once you've dried off back at the resort, enjoying a nice cup of Mexican coffee, you can brush up on your Spanish. By wearing a special pulsera, or bracelet, in your room, you indicate to staff that you wish to speak only Spanish that day; they will happily oblige.
What to take
If you are looking for a place to show off your newest Burberry bikini and the latest cool shades from Tom Ford, try another resort. Maroma exudes a refined, laid-back elegance; guests dress up a bit more for dinner, but South Beach it's not. Instead, opt for beach-wear, comfortable hiking boots and summer dresses for shopping excursions in nearby villages.
Eating, shopping and spa-ing
From early morning, when a carafe of hot coffee is left outside your hacienda, to the mid-morning delivery of fresh fruit ices to your beach palapa, simple yet delicious food makes you feel simultaneously decadent and wholesome-the hotel's chef has created a menu based on local and international flavours. The resort also boasts one of the world's top-rated spas, Kinan Spa. And if you can tear yourself away from the property, visit the nearby town of Playa del Carmen for great deals on sterling silver and local pottery.
Insider tips
At breakfast, order the chaya juice. Chaya is a local green plant that is packed with protein, vitamins (A and C) and minerals (calcium, iron and phosphorus). Mixed with pineapple, the juice still looks very green but tastes delicious. Eat authentic, homemade tortillas made in the traditional Yucatán style by Chonita. Reserve dinner à deux with your own private waiter at the open-air El Mirador tower with a view of the ocean and the stars. Book room 23, one of the first rooms built at Maroma, which has the best views of the ocean and the gardens. Farrah Fawcett stayed in room 35, Robert Plant stayed in room 1, and Sharon Stone, a Pisces, reserved -- you guessed it -- the Pisces Villa. h
For more information, visit www.maromahotel.com.
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Image courtesy Maroma Resort & Spa
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