Nestled within the luxurious enclave of Mayakoba, the Andaz Mayakoba has long been a more relaxed, bohemian-inspired retreat compared to its ultra-luxurious neighbors. But make no mistake—this isn’t your average beachfront resort. Mayakoba itself is an engineered paradise, built upon an intricate system of canals that wind through lush mangroves, connecting four distinct resorts: Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood. This man-made lagoon system, inspired by the ancient Mayan connection to water, allows visitors to navigate the resort by boat, bike, or even on foot, all while being enveloped by an astonishing variety of flora and fauna.
A Resort of Two Worlds: Jungle and Beach
One of the most distinctive features of Andaz Mayakoba is its dual setting—half of the resort is tucked into the jungle and lagoon area, while the other half spills out onto the sugar-white sands of the Caribbean Sea. A network of wooden bridges and winding trails connects the two, making exploration effortless.
One of the best ways to get around is on the free Andaz bikes, which you can pick up and leave anywhere on the property. Whether riding along the paved nature trails or cruising toward the beach, the resort encourages a laid-back, bike-friendly atmosphere. Even better, you can bike across all four Mayakoba resorts, making it an adventure in itself. Along the way, you might stumble upon a hidden cenote, where resort staff are present to explain the history and significance of these freshwater sinkholes.
What makes Mayakoba feel even more seamless is that every hotel offers complimentary transportation between resorts, and you can room charge at all of them. Whether grabbing drinks at Rosewood, having dinner at Banyan Tree, or enjoying a massage at the Fairmont spa, you don’t need to carry anything but your room key.
Another highlight? The free boat ride offered at Andaz. The resort’s lagoon system allows you to glide past stunning mangroves and hidden villas, spotting birds, turtles, and the occasional crocodile. It’s an easygoing yet immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Mayakoba.
Booking with Hyatt Points: Great Value in a Pricey Resort
I booked my stay at Andaz Mayakoba using Hyatt points—25,000 points per night for 4 nights. Given the sky-high cash rates of hotels in this area, redeeming 100,000 points for a four-night stay felt like a great value. This redemption made the sticker shock of food and drinks a little easier to stomach, as the savings on accommodations helped offset some of the steep resort prices.
Mayakoba Resort Pricing: What to Expect
For those considering a cash booking, here’s a breakdown of average nightly rates across the four Mayakoba resorts:
Low Season (Summer & Fall)
- Andaz Mayakoba: ~$400–$600
- Fairmont Mayakoba: ~$500–$700
- Banyan Tree Mayakoba: ~$800–$1,200
- Rosewood Mayakoba: ~$1,200–$1,800
High Season (Winter & Holidays)
- Andaz Mayakoba: ~$700–$900
- Fairmont Mayakoba: ~$900–$1,200
- Banyan Tree Mayakoba: ~$1,500–$2,000
- Rosewood Mayakoba: ~$2,000–$3,500
As you can see, Mayakoba is not a budget destination. Even in the low season, prices remain steep, and during peak travel times, nightly rates can skyrocket well beyond $2,000 per night at the top-tier properties. This makes points redemptions an incredibly valuable strategy for staying in Mayakoba without breaking the bank.
Accommodations: Spacious but Lacking the Luxe Factor
The rooms at Andaz Mayakoba are decently large, modern, and well-designed. They capture the brand’s playful yet relaxed aesthetic, with pops of color and a contemporary beachy vibe. However, they lack the high-end, luxurious touches that define neighboring properties. The bedding is comfortable but not ultra-plush, the bathrooms are nice but not opulent, and while the space feels well thought-out, it doesn’t scream five-star indulgence.
That said, Andaz has always been positioned as the more casual and artsy brand in Hyatt’s portfolio, so this wasn’t entirely unexpected. However, it makes sense that the resort is now closing and transitioning into an Alila—a brand more aligned with the elevated, boutique luxury feel that Mayakoba is known for.
Dining & Drinks: Be Ready to Splurge
The biggest drawback of Andaz (and Mayakoba in general) is the cost of dining. Lunch and dinner prices are shockingly high, with most meals averaging $100+ per person—and that’s before drinks. Even casual beachside bites, like ceviche or tacos, come with a hefty price tag, and cocktails easily run $20+.
Given these prices, having a rental car is highly recommended. Venturing out to Playa del Carmen or Tulum for meals can easily save hundreds of dollars over the course of a stay. Otherwise, if you plan to eat exclusively at the resort, prepare for some serious spending.
On the drinks and nightlife front, one of my favorite moments of the trip was enjoying after-dinner cocktails at the Banyan Tree lobby. The atmosphere was serene yet elegant, and the mixology was expertly crafted. If you’re looking for a refined, relaxing way to cap off the night, this is the spot.
Beaches & Vibes: Where to Be Seen
While Andaz’s beach is perfectly nice, the most happening beach scene is undoubtedly at Rosewood. If you’re looking for a social, energetic atmosphere, this is where you’ll find it. Rosewood draws a lively crowd, complete with upbeat music, expertly crafted drinks, and a vibrant beachfront scene.
One of the best parts of Mayakoba, however, is that you don’t have to stay confined to your own resort’s beach. You can walk the entire stretch of coastline, dipping into different resorts along the way. Whether you want a quiet, laid-back setting or a buzzing social atmosphere, you can find it along Mayakoba’s pristine shores.
Security: A Necessary Nuisance
One downside of staying in Mayakoba is the immense security presence at the main entrance. Armed guards verify every guest’s reservation every time you enter, which can lead to annoying delays—especially if you leave the resort often for meals or excursions. While it’s understandable from a safety perspective, it can feel excessive when you have to wait for verification each time you return. However, the trade-off is an extremely secure environment, which is something many travelers appreciate. The Rosewood even had an extra layer of security entering the resort via car, after clearing the Mayakoba security– with a very dramatic entrance.
Final Thoughts: A Fond Farewell to Andaz
Andaz Mayakoba was a solid, mid-luxury option in an otherwise ultra-premium resort enclave. The nature trails, free bikes, inter-resort access, and cenotes made the experience feel unique and immersive. However, the dining costs were prohibitive, the rooms didn’t quite match the luxury of its competitors, and the brand itself felt slightly out of place within the Mayakoba collection.
That’s why its transition to an Alila makes so much sense. Alila is known for boutique luxury with a more refined edge, which should fit seamlessly into Mayakoba’s overall aesthetic.
For those planning a visit before the transition, take full advantage of the free boat rides, nature trails, and inter-resort dining access. But if you’re looking to save on food costs, a rental car is a game-changer.
Would I return? To Andaz, probably not. But to Mayakoba? Absolutely.
