Maromar, a Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya reopened this month following the completion of an extensive property-wide reimagination.

The reborn resort now has 72 rooms, suites and villas, including 10 new one- and two-bedroom beachfront suites with unobstructed views and direct access to the beach. It is also home to the first Guerlain spa in Latin America, a signature restaurant from Michelin-star chef Curtis Stone, and a range of indoor and outdoor event spaces. The option to privatize Maromar for up to 200 guests is available.

Tara Bernerd & Partners’ redesign of the property honors Mexican heritage while enhancing the original architecture of the property, whose white stucco buildings are aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. Some notable design details are:

• 700,000 hand-painted Jalisco clay tiles created in collaboration with Mexican ceramicist José Noé Suro for use in the guestrooms;
• rugs woven from a hemp-like material sourced from a specific species of the agave plant;
• shadow boxes displaying native botanicals from artist Eduardo Ricon;
• handwoven textiles from Oaxaca;
• traditional glazed Saltillo floor tiles from Guadalajara;
• traditional Yucatan doors crafted out of heavy timber frames;
• and chandeliers crafted out of shells to Tara Bernerd & Partners’ designs, which were inspired by local Mayan jade jewelry.

Maroma Spa by Guerlain, which will open in November, is a newly renovated biophilic space featuring nine treatment rooms that overlook the jungle. It will offer rituals centered on the four elements of nature (fire, water, earth and air) and the sacred Melipona bee, revered by the Mayans for more than 3,000 years. It will also offer a selection of daily workshops exploring meditation, movement and yoga, and have its own apothecary.

Regional flavors are also in the spotlight at the resort’s dine and drink venues. Woodend by Curtis Stone serves seasonal dishes inspired by the farmers and fishermen whose ingredients are the heart of local fare. Mexican-born executive chef Danial Camacho will helm Casa Mayor, the menu of which celebrates the country’s rich culinary diversity using ingredients sourced primarily (90%) from Mexico. Bambuco bar features seasonal herbal drinks made fresh from the garden alongside an extensive collection of mezcal. And Freddy’s Bar, the beach hangout at Maromar, offers lively music, fresh seafood and cocktails, and a raw bar.

Maromar has a long history of working with local organizations on sustainability projects. It will continue to collaborate with Fundación Selva Maya and Mayahuum to protect the endangered Melipona bee, which is critical to the ecology of the Yucatán. In partnership with Guerlain, Belmond will expand resident bee hives, with the aim to reach at least 200 new hives by 2025, and introduce Guerlain’s Bee School and “Women for Bees” initiatives into Yucatán communities. It will also continue its flora and animal conservation and protection programs.