A 6-night journey of discovery, revelation and sensual luxury in the Mayan Riviera and Tulum
Ahhhh…Mexico…the country evokes images of all-inclusives, beach vendors and travellers on a budget in oversized sombreros with tequila-laden margaritas…doesn’t it?
….but not this time…not with The Divine Destination Collection. Prepare to be romanced by a country steeped in rich and ancient history, relaxed by balmy breezes on pristine powder-sand beaches and seduced by the up-close and personal experience of a destination longing to reveal its beauty, magic, dignity and soul to you…
Upon arrival, The Divine Destination Collection will greet you at airport and whisk you off to pure paradise: The Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa.
Relax, unwind and unpack your luggage and all remnants of the cold winter and hectic Canadian pace you have left behind.
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
Set among verdant jungle beside a white, sandy beach, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa ranks as one of Mexico’s top luxury hotels offering pure escapism with a touch of Mayan magic. Widely recognized as one of the most indulgent Riviera Maya resorts, it’s a true haven of well-being.
Tonight, wind your way through this haven to the beach for a private Welcome Beach BBQ – renowned as the best powder-sand beach on the Mayan Riviera.
Entitled Barefoot and Blissful, the welcome Beach BBQ begs you to dig your toes in the sand, surrender to the warm tropical breeze, while enjoying the delicious elegantly casual ambience and cuisine. Why not wear something white to commemorate the purity and bliss of your experience. Under the tropical night sky, as the ocean gently laps the shore, we will sample some of the country’s best Mezcal while a local guitarist serenades. (Not to mention a few surprises…hey it’s us!)
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
Spend lazy days in ocean and poolside restaurants or stroll through flower-filled gardens where parrots and butterflies perch. Explore some of Mexico’s great heritage sites, dive in mysterious underwater caves or shop till you drop in Playa del Carmen.
Experience healing Mayan rituals, unique to this mystical land, at one of the world’s top destination spas.
Foremost among Riviera Mayan spas, every part of Kinan Spa has been aligned with the stars to create a positive energy flow. Treatment rooms point east to west, representing day and night. Massage beds face east, symbolizing new beginnings.
Open terraces let in the light and warmth of the Caribbean. Verdant gardens offer bursts of color and cooling shade.
Discover your own personal sanctuary in one of the top Riviera Maya resorts. Exquisitely finished with indigenous art, handcrafted furnishings beautifully evoke Mexican living. Sumptuous bathroom suites and king-size beds complete the experience.
Breakfast is included and is at your leisure in the resort restaurant.
The Divine Destination Collection has arranged to provide Private Yoga with Mediation & Maya Astral Journey. Start your day by awakening your senses…and soul!
Morning at leisure: Enjoy the award-winning spa, walk the labyrinth, relax by the pool, stroll along the magnificent white sand beach. Sit at Freddy’s Bar and contemplate life over a chilled margarita.
The Divine Destination Collection private concierge desk will offer optional activities to the Xel-Há and Xcaret eco theme parks, or golf at one of the nearby clubs. Complimentary workshops at the spa include the Good Luck or Abundance Amulet workshop, Mayan Cleansing workshop, Melipona Honey Treatment workshop, and more.
Xel-Há
The ancient Mayas baptized this wonderful site with the name Xel-Há, which in the Mayan language means “where the water is born.”
Due to its privileged location, during pre-Hispanic times Xel-Há served as an inner port, trading center, place of pilgrimage and shelter for sailors, as well as being a food reserve during bad weather.
According to legend, Mayan gods joined together their wisdom, illusions and love for beauty to create a place that would bring together the best of nature, and that place was called Xel-Há. Once created, the gods were so pleased with this heavenly place that they decided to permit the entry of all mortals. To take care of it and the elements that surround it, the gods appointed three guardians: Huh, the Iguana, Guardian of the Land, Chuc Kay, the Pelican, Guardian of the Air, and Kay Op, the Parrotfish, Guardian of the Water. It is said that these guardians still protect and care for the Park and everyone who comes to visit.
A sprawling natural aquarium of unparalleled natural beauty
This tropical Park is a place of unparalleled beauty where you can swim and snorkel among hundreds of multicolored fish that have made the river and the lagoon their home. Discover this beautiful paradise walking, by bicycle or on the mini train, and admire different species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Enjoy an unforgettable experience in an all-inclusive park. Indulge your taste buds with traditional Mexican dishes in any of the four restaurants or enjoy popular flavored drinks or a refreshing cocktail here at Xel-Há.
Xcaret
Delve into the trails of Xcaret to discover how the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico combine in more than 50 exciting attractions. Located on the seashore near Cancun in the Riviera Maya, Xcaret has attractions for everyone. Enjoy a traditional Fiesta Charra and the Mayan Ball Game, or if you are a nature lover, visit the Jaguar Island and our colorful Butterfly Pavilion.
You can also enjoy the Caribbean Sea! Take a snorkeling tour, swim in underground rivers and have fun with the Dolphin Swim. When night falls, be our guest of honor at the presentation Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a celebration of light and color with 300 artists taking you through the history of Mexico.
Tonight we will transfer into Playa del Carmen to the well-known Aldea Corazon Restaurant. Located in a sacred garden away from the busy street, this magical place reveals Mayan culture in its ambiance and setting alone.
The Divine Destination Collection has created a magical encounter for you as we take over the private garden courtyard. Surrounded by dream catchers, tropical greenery, old leaf trees and underground cenotes, one swears you can almost hear the chanting of ancient ceremony.
Corn and cacao: the mainstay of Mayan and Mexican cuisine
Tonight is all about Mexico’s affinity to corn. This staff of life originates in Mexico and Mayan legend says that the first people were made of corn. In this enchanting and serene setting, we will learn of the history, tradition and ceremony around this important food. Each course will highlight how corn has become a mainstay in Mayan & Mexican cuisine.
Cacao is also sacred in the ancient Mayan tradition and for dessert we will indulge and be initiated ceremonially into the mystical properties of chocolate. Simply Divine really! Prepare for an experience unlike any other as traditional Mayan ceremony and folklore is woven into the fabric of your evening.
Rise, breathe in the heavenliness of your destination and enjoy breakfast at leisure in the resort restaurant.
Depart this morning on a truly magical adventure…spelunking at the great Secret River.
Río Secreto could very well be one of the great wonders of the world. The Divine Destination Collection has created an experience that reveals this stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in a most unique and transformational way.
Imagine finding a hole in the ground and lowering yourself into the unknown where you uncover a breathtaking underground world untouched for thousands of years. That is truly how this underground river system was first discovered. Before 2007, almost no one had entered Río Secreto except for the man who first found it. Since then, Río Secreto has become a protected nature reserve where you can safely explore the Yucatan Peninsula’s most awe-inspiring underground universe.
Don’t worry, if you would rather stay on dry land, a “dry” walking tour of the caverns is also available.
Whether you’re an adventurer, world traveler, or simply a curious soul, a journey through Río Secreto is surreal, mystical and truly memorable.
Once we emerge, (we love that word…emergence…hmmm) a casual local lunch is served under a shady palapa. Relax, reflect, and enjoy an ice-cold beer over a replenishing local lunch as you contemplate the transformation occurring in you.
Rio Secreto — Riviera Maya’s unique crystal museum
The discovery of Río Secreto, previously known as Pool Tunich, has brought much excitement to Quintana Roo. This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river, is located only a few miles from Playa del Carmen. It is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken.
Most caves found in the Yucatan are underwater, and if you want to explore these, you must receive specialized training in cave diving. That requires practice and study, as well as a hefty investment in diver certification and dive gear. Río Secreto has more than 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of semi-sunken cave mapped out with 15 natural outlets located in different areas. There’s nothing else like it!
Keep in mind, this exotic and fragile geological formation requires an incredible amount of eco-awareness and sensitivity. We limit the size of tour groups to minimize impact on the cave. This will ensure that many generations get to see our planet’s natural history carved in mineral substances.
You will be provided with optional wetsuit, water shoes, life vest & helmet with light. We will be split into smaller groups (10 people each) and will have an expert bilingual guide to lead us through this magnificent journey.
Later today, make sure you are on the beach, not only to take in the incredible sunset, but to enjoy a surprise that awaits you…“Wade, Wallow & Wine”, exclusively for the Divine Destination Collection.
Dinner at leisure and on your own this evening. Feel free to dine at the resort, or we will be providing transportation into Playa del Carmen should you wish to explore some of the many wonderful restaurants that abound.
Playa del Carmen, its main axis, 5th Avenue, is a catwalk where the ultra chic meets the hippest funk in a blend of styles, colors, and tastes. The night itself comes alive as explorers stroll this lively Avenue, drinking coffee al fresco, dining on an exotic dish accompanied by an excellent local beer, tequila, or wine, savouring a cocktail in a lounge, and later on, why not trip the light fantastic on a local club’s dance floor or on the sand.
The Divine Destination Collection concierge will be happy to make restaurant suggestions and reservations for you.
Rise and shine, and enjoy breakfast at leisure in the resort restaurant.
This morning extend the peaceful nature of this soulful place by participating in the Private Yoga with Mayan Aviary Totem Meditation, designed exclusively for The Divine Destination Collection.
Then, with your mind refreshed, take your stress free, aliveness and presence into your morning and consider your options: enjoy a blissful massage at the award-winning Kinan spa, walk the labyrinth, relax and catch a few rays by the pristine pool, wiggle your toes and stroll along the magnificent expanse of bone-white sand beach. Remember Freddy’s bar from the other morning? It’s never too early to pop by, say hello and order another Margarita. Hey, you’re on Mexican time.
Of course, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider one of the optional activities like practicing your swing at the PGA-famous El Camaleon Golf Course, or at one of the many other breath-taking clubs that dot the area.
Not a golfer? Plan for an exploring excursion to the interactive zoo at Xcaret or at Xel-Há where you can explore, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. For something a little more sedentary, contemplate a complimentary workshop at the spa—choose from Good Luck or Abundance Amulet workshop, Mayan Cleansing workshop, Melipona Honey treatment workshop. Tasty, indeed.
Xel-Há
The ancient Mayas baptized this wonderful site with the name Xel-Há, which in the Mayan language means “where the water is born.”
Due to its privileged location, during pre-Hispanic times Xel-Há served as an inner port, trading center, place of pilgrimage and shelter for sailors, as well as being a food reserve during bad weather.
According to legend, Mayan gods joined together their wisdom, illusions and love for beauty to create a place that would bring together the best of nature, and that place was called Xel-Há. Once created, the gods were so pleased with this heavenly place that they decided to permit the entry of all mortals. To take care of it and the elements that surround it, the gods appointed three guardians: Huh, the Iguana, Guardian of the Land, Chuc Kay, the Pelican, Guardian of the Air, and Kay Op, the Parrotfish, Guardian of the Water. It is said that these guardians still protect and care for the Park and everyone who comes to visit.
A sprawling natural aquarium of unparalleled natural beauty
This tropical Park is a place of unparalleled beauty where you can swim and snorkel among hundreds of multicolored fish that have made the river and the lagoon their home. Discover this beautiful paradise walking, by bicycle or on the mini train, and admire different species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Enjoy an unforgettable experience in an all inclusive park. Indulge your taste buds with traditional Mexican dishes in any of the four restaurants or enjoy popular flavored drinks or a refreshing cocktail here at Xel-Há.
Xcaret
Delve into the trails of Xcaret to discover how the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico combine in more than 50 exciting attractions. Located on the seashore near Cancun in the Riviera Maya, Xcaret has attractions for everyone. Enjoy a traditional Fiesta Charra and the Mayan Ball Game, or if you are a nature lover, visit the Jaguar Island and our colorful Butterfly Pavilion.
You can also enjoy the Caribbean Sea! Take a snorkeling tour, swim in underground rivers and have fun with the Dolphin Swim. When night falls, be our guest of honor at the presentation Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a celebration of light and color with 300 artists taking you through the history of Mexico.
El Camaleon Golf Course
Book in to the luxurious Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Late morning we pack our bags and check out of the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa and continue our sensual adventure to the luxurious Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
So why make the shift in hotels? Because you simply must!
Be swept away by pristine coastlines and robust life forms in this bounty of freshwater lagoons and mangroves, natural dunes, intricate coral reefs and the famed Riviera Maya coast. Dance your soul on the wind of the Caribbean. Mayakoba is an arcadia of indigenous fish and bird species and has a carefully maintained ecosystem.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the epitome of premium resort living, bringing Asian hospitality to the idyllic Riviera Maya. Nestled within the private gated integrated resort development of Mayakoba, immerse yourself in untouched nature complemented with the Riviera Maya luxury resort’s familiar warmth and charm.
A sanctuary for the senses, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a place where ancient civilizations embrace each other and where the passionate nature of Mexico is soothed by the gentle touch of the Far East.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a site of almost mythical beauty. It flawlessly blends elegance and nature, in exquisite harmony, taking the Caribbean lifestyle to an unprecedented new height. A breathtaking getaway for relaxation, rejuvenation, romance and world-class dining, it is also the region’s most sustainable five-star resort. With its revitalized culinary concepts, Thai-inspired therapies at the Banyan Tree Spa, and the Greg Norman signature 18-hole El Camaleón golf course, home to the PGA Tour Mayakoba Classic, the resort raises the bar for leisure options.
Step into Banyan Tree Spa Mayakoba and partake of unique refreshments found nowhere else. The Rainforest, with its hydrothermal circuit comprising alternating hot and cold thermal cabins, is designed to indulge guests with pure wellness.
The Rainforest Trail features eight different hydrothermal therapy experiences that include the Rain Walk, Aroma Steam Chamber and Finnish Sauna to afford you a holistic and revitalising experience in a tropical world of extravagant natural beauty. Unique to this spa outlet is the use of Melipona Honey gathered from Mexican bees. The Honey Oil, an extraction from the bees, is a time-honoured remedy for detoxifying and healing skin.
Partake in an authentic Mayan ceremonial evening
The Mayan Mystery Revealed promise continues to endure as this afternoon we will meet in the lobby to head deep into the jungle for an authentic Mayan Ceremonial evening. The event is private for The Divine Destination Collection and features an entire village hosting and submerging us with humility and grace into their culture.
The experience begins when we arrive and enjoy a welcome drink of traditional hibiscus water. We will meet the local Shaman (holy man/healer) and he will instruct us around the Temazcal (Sweat Lodge), an ancestral indigenous ritual created to purify and to renew the mind, body and spirit. The Temazcal or Sweat will be performed in a terra-cotta sweat lodge and uses hot volcanic stones with an infusion of aromatic herbs to obtain the healing steam.
A cleansing swim in the Cenote
After the Temazcal we will have the opportunity to take a cleansing swim in the Cenote, a term originating from the Mayan word “dzonot” which means “pit” and refers to wells of fresh water created by erosion of the limestone. The Mayas believe that water is the source of life as well as a gateway to the wonders of the underworld.
For those who do not wish to partake in the Temazcal Sweat, feel free to swim in the Cenote, learn to make hand-made tortillas or interact with the local community who will be on hand to share their traditions.
We include a lovely typical meal served by the local Mayan women. In Divine fashion, cold beer and margaritas will accompany the repast, of course! This is Mexico at its most magical and authentic, revealed up close and personal exclusively for you.
Bring your bathing suit and casual clothing, as we are heading deep into the jungle.
Today is Tulum.
Private Breakfast Interaction – This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while guest speakers, Paco and Liz Rosas, experts in Mayan tradition, culture, folklore and archaeology, regale us with stories and provide an overview of the importance and the significance of the Tulum ruins.
Paco & Liz Rosas
Paco is a well know shaman within the spiritual community. He leads a variety of activities such as weddings, vow renewal, herbalist lectures, spiritual and historical lectures and is also a home remedies teacher, Mayan astrology teacher, Mayan calendar reader and meditation practitioner.
Liz is a professional folkloric dance instructor and continues to pass down folkloric traditions and dance to the children within the community. Liz also works side by side with Paco during his many activities.
Paco & Liz also practice Tai Chi and help others learn this art. They donate their time to help 80 senior citizens attain optimum health and mobility.
Together, they also assist a local community in promoting & selling their palm products to sustain the families so they can continue living within their traditional communities.
Built between 1200 and 1500 AD, Tulum was a seaport, trading mainly in turquoise and jade. As well as being the only Mayan city built on a coast, Tulum was one of the few protected by a wall. After entering the ruins through one of five doorways in the wall, we are greeted by a field of gently-rolling hills. Black and grey stone outcroppings, which were once buildings, dot the sun-baked landscape.
Here we reflect Tulum’s remaining structures and imagine the possibilities. Given that the seaport was once a link with the outside world, are there any clues as to what happened to the civilization here? Hmm, historians and archaeologists still grapple with the question.
Tulum
Like the questions which surround the decline of the Mayan world, there are several theories as to why a wall surrounds Tulum. One has a Mayan population of 600 on the inside, protected from invaders. Another suggests only priests and nobility were housed within the walls, while peasants were kept on the outside.
Most prominent among the remaining structures is the Castillo, or castle, which is perched on the edge of a 12-metre limestone cliff, overlooking the Caribbean coast.
In front of the Castillo is the Temple of the Frescoes, one of the better preserved buildings. Peer inside the temple to see a mural painted in three sections. The first level represents the Mayan world of the dead, the middle is that of the living, and the final, highest piece, is of the creator and rain gods.
Interesting to note in the middle of the living section is a god astride a four-legged animal believed to be a horse. If in fact this is a horse, it would mean Mayans still occupied Tulum in 1518 when they would have seen the animals for the first time with the arrival of the Spanish.
Chiselled above the doorway of the temple is a figure with what appears to be bird’s wings and a tail. This diving god is believed to represent a Mayan deity who protected the people and is particularly well-preserved on various buildings around the site.
Tulum remains popular because of its elegant setting on sheer limestone cliffs above the turquoise splendour of the crashing Caribbean, the only Mayan city built on the coast.
Once back at the resort, relax by the pool, treat yourself to a spa treatment or hop on your bicycle and explore the property. So much to experience.
This evening we will board small resort boats and indulge in another Divine Destination exclusive as we cruise the waterways taking in the local wildlife with drink in hand while enjoying tasty canapes. Ahhhh, the good life!
Because you are sophisticated and cosmopolitan travellers, we absolutely would not command all of your time, and tonight we offer you the opportunity to enjoy dinner at leisure (with a dinner allowance) at the resort or perhaps partake in our small intimate “Kitchen Party” with the Executive Chef in the resort’s kitchen. Try one of the many restaurants on property…Saffron is the resort’s signature Thai restaurant and offers outstanding cuisine.
The Divine Destination Collection private concierge will be delighted to arrange reservations for you.
In this area of the world, the morning hours exude a palpable peace and calm. To enrich that experience, The Divine Destination Collection offers private self-healing meditation.
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at leisure in the resort restaurant.
Today presents a full day at leisure to completely and utterly surrender to the beauty and brilliance of your destination. The Divine Destination Collection will have private shopping shuttles that will be running into Playa Carmen throughout the morning for your convenience and any last minute purchases you may wish to pick up.
Of course, the beach beckons, or why not step into Banyan Tree Mayakoba Spa and partake of unique treatments found nowhere else. The Rainforest, with its hydrothermal circuit comprising alternating hot and cold thermal cabins, is designed to allow guests utter wellness.
As you saunter slowly and sated back to your room, you are called by The Divine Destination Collection to join our private Pop Up “Make It Mayan” Cocktail Party. Here, tucked into a private tropical nook, we will learn the hotel’s recipe to their simply divine guacamole, pico de gallo salsas, and to- die-for margaritas. Sampling the wares is a must!!
A cave dinner? Of course!
The Mayan Mystery revealed culminates in the core of its being. Dinner in a cave, anyone?
For 10,000 years this cave has been waiting for you. Alux welcomes you.
This unique and authentic space is made up of seven unique, beautiful and magical areas, where we invite you to enjoy the mystical and natural environment of this unusual and special place. Here, The Divine Destination Collection will have our own private cave area, complete with open bar and an elegant menu paired with fine wines. Here we will dine surrounded by living stalactites and stalagmites, candles, flower petals, intimacy and sensuality…the setting is breathtaking and the ultimate in magical and unforgettable evenings!
What a sublime and transformational way to bid farewell to the magic of the Mayan Riviera & Tulum.
Breakfast at leisure in the resort restaurant.
Check out and depart for the airport and flights home. The Divine Destination Collection will assist with departures at the airport.
Resting aboard your flight, you feel relaxed, rejuvenated, re-imagined and deeply satisfied. The elegance, the dignity, the magic, the ancient ones and the energy have gently and magnificently played their harmonious song on your heart and your soul, and you are forever changed.
And so it is……
