Describe the hotel in 3 words: Tropical beach paradise.
What’s the deal?
Nestled about 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen on the coastline of the Mayan Riviera, Chablé Maroma offers a two-way experience like few others: a confluence of lush tropical nature and pristine white-sand beaches all in one place. That’s because the property’s 70 villas are built amid verdant jungle canopies that serve to cocoon your experience while also offering easy access to 650 feet of private oceanfront.
These villas utilize all aspects of nature deliberately to enhance your stay. Each has its very own terrace and private pool—so you can take a cooling dip any time you want. Because the units are enveloped by the area’s natural foliage, you’ll enjoy a singular level of privacy. Don’t expect to see or hear your neighbors unless you cross paths on your way to the restaurants and communal pools, which are about a three-minute walk from any villa.
The resort’s restaurant hub has access to “758 acres” of ocean, from which you can experience myriad activities, including reef snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. For those content to relax on land, two communal pools, two restaurants, and a spa will keep you nourished, hydrated, and pampered.
The best room:
The Grand Presidential Villa is not only the most spacious unit on the property; it’s also the most private, sitting its own nook near the beach and significantly separate from the rest of the villas. That’s not it’s only perk. Essentially a duplex, the unit is two floors and two villas in one—with 3 bedrooms. The ground floor is home to a master bedroom, which features a one-of-a-kind handcrafted bathtub and not one but two walk-in rain showers (both with outdoor “moonshower” options).
This level also has a full dining room and living area with a U-shaped sofa, a coffee table setup, and a six-person dining room. Both the master bedroom and living space open onto a huge terrace, which is only eclipsed by a private heated pool that’s big enough for swimming laps. There’s also an outdoor dining table, a daybed, and a sofa, so you won’t lack for lounging space after your swim.
On the second floor, you’ll find another villa, making this an ideal unit for families or couples. This level is split into two as well: a king-size bed on one side, and two queens on the other. Like the ground floor, the interior opens onto a balcony terrace with even more outdoor seating and a second, smaller pool. The result is space that allows bigger groups to enjoy the resort together without even having to leave your villa. Of course, when you do decide to head to the beach, the Presidential Villa is closer than any other to the sand and sea.
Did they greet you by name at check-in?
Yes, a private driveway drops you off in a lovely open-air lobby. The moment the car doors opened, three staffers were waiting for us, ready to take our luggage and check us in on the lobby couches.
Welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.
Yes. Not only was a drink ready and waiting, but we also we had a number of choices, ranging from mini bottles of beer to wine and delicious hibiscus juice. We toasted our arrival over a Corona.
Does the resort have a standout perk?
While some would argue that the white-sand beach is the property’s piéce de rèsistance, the villas are the rockstars here. Enveloped by the natural foliage, they deliver a rare level of privacy that you won’t find even at many 5-star luxury resorts. Inside, the rooms are handsomely appointed with dark wood and neutral-beige tones that take cues from both area’s Mayan heritage and the natural environment. Every bathroom features double sinks, robes, and flip flops, and each comes with a multihead shower with both indoor and outdoor “moonshower” options. And here’s the kicker: Every single unit comes with a full-size terrace and a private plunge pool. All of that conjures a space that feels more like a luxury condo than a guest room.
Does the resort offer a standout activity?Wellness and fitness enthusiasts won’t find a lack of options at Chablé Maroma. The property offers multiple kinds of yoga—from Vinyasa to Ashtanga—including a 7 a.m. class on the beach to start your day. You’ll also find myriad wellness-focused activities and treatments at the resort’s spa, from Mayan-inspired purification ceremonies to a full range of 60- and 90-minute massages. We took the 90-minute Obsidian stone couples massage.
As the name implies, this treatment combines the use of hot stones into a hour and a half massage that’s delivered by seasoned pros. It’s bookended by time at the hydrotherapy pool, which allows you to punctuate your massage with refreshing dip.
Private butler for every room?
No, but the staff here is attentive, warm, and decidedly service-focused. They will be at your villa at a moment’s notice should you need something. If you want to explore some of the resort’s activities, the concierge office will also be more than happy to make the arrangements, whether it’s snorkeling on the reef or taking a habanero-dip cooking class.
Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?You can double that. Chablé Maroma’s beds come with 600-thread Egyptian cotton sheets that are sewn in local Mexican workshops. The troughs and decorative cushions, which were made with the Sna Jolobil community in Chiapas, are designed to evoke nature, but you’d be forgiven for thinking the turquoise accents reflect the blistering blue pool in front of you.
1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here.
4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch.
7-8: Very good to great. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms.
9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?
Rates start at $1,289 a night for Treetop Villas, $1,439 for Serenity Pool Villas, $1,739 for Jungle Pool Villas, and $7,700 for the Grand Presidential Villa.
