For those of you who absolutely HAVE to stay at the luxe Mayakoba complex in the Riviera Maya and still want all-inclusive perks, you can get it by booking the Andaz resort within the complex.  The entire Mayakoba complex is located 25-min. south of the Cancun airport in a gated community of 620 acres with four major “resort” sections–the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, the Fairmont Mayakoba, the Rosewood Mayakoba, and the Andaz Mayakoba.  Just be aware that staying at the Andaz only allows you to visit other resort restaurants (you have to make reservations), but there is no general exchange privileges with the other three resorts in this complex.  Also, even though you may book the all-inclusive plan, you will have to pay for your food and drink orders at the other resort restaurants since they are not part of the all-inclusive plan.

There are two sections to the Andaz–lagoon and beach.  Since it is a rather lengthy trek from one to the other (can you handle a 20-min. walk, sometimes in the hot and humid weather conditions of this part of Mexico?), guests can use bicycles which are located all around the resort.  If you are “bicycle challenged”, you can request a ride on one of the golf carts to take you from place to place within the resort.

So, exactly what’s included in the all-inclusive package, or “open kitchen” concept which it is sometimes called?  First let’s talk about the rooms.  There are two basic categories here, regular rooms and suites, with each category having no less than 10 options from which to choose.  You can  book something as basic as a room with two double beds and a garden view, or something as fantastic as a Beachfront Bi-Level Plunge Pool Suite with easy beach access and ocean views.  The all-inclusive plan includes everything in the suite with the exception of wine and liquor–that is an extra expense.  I believe that room service is included, but you may have to check with the resort to verify that detail.  FYI:  This is a Hyatt property; if you book on the resort’s website click on “View All Rooms” even after you’ve selected your dates and the kind of room you want to book.  You will then get all the different packages the resort has to offer for your dates of stay and room choice.

The resort has two pool areas, one which includes two pools located by the lagoon, and the other pool which is located beachfront (the main pool is heated during winter months), a gym, spa (the AI package allows a $50 USD spa credit), and Kid’s Club (this is a family-friendly luxe resort).  The resort also offers a complimentary “Eco Cruise” which leaves every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The “cruise” allows guests to get close and personal with the lagoon area, if that is of interest to you.

Here’s what’s included as far and food and drinks with the all-inclusive package:

• breakfast at Cocino Milagro
• lunch at Tinto del Pulpo, Cocino Milagro, Sotavento, or VB (a vegetarian beachfront restaurant)
• dinner at Tinto del Pulpo, Cocino Milagro, Casa Amate, or Sotavento.  Dinners require reservations.
• snacks and “pop ups” during the day (pop ups typically refer to smaller food stations which can be moved)
• premium liquor starting at 11 a.m. at any of the on-site bars

FYI:  Be aware that not all food and drinks are included in the all-inclusive package.  This is especially true for some drink orders where you may unknowingly be charged extra.  Be sure to check with whoever is taking your order whether all items you want are included in the open kitchen package, otherwise you may get an unpleasant surprise when you have to sign your receipt afterwards.

That brings up another point about the all-inclusive concept here, it varies from other area all-inclusives in that everything you consume has to be signed for after your order.  This is due to the fact that, while most all-inclusive packages include all gratuities (unless you want to give certain staff an extra tip for stellar service), resort staff here expect a tip of 18%-22% on top of the 10% service charge added to your original bill.  So, while the all-inclusive plan may cover your order, staff will still expect 18%-22% of your original bill amount which includes the extra 10% service charge.  Gratuities are definitely NOT paid for at this resort.

Below is a video which was made by a well-respected travel blogger and family travel expert, Carmen Sognonvis.  It not only highlights the resort, but demonstrates how a family can have a good time at this luxe resort.

What do you think?  Would you stay here?