Rosewood Mayakoba, a luxury property situated between mangroves and the Caribbean Sea in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, is known for its wellness programming, from sound bath meditation to yoga float; suite amenities include aromatherapy shower steamer pods and reflexology stone wading ponds. But even wellness-seekers crave a good cocktail, which is why accommodations come stocked with the makings for a pineapple, habanero mezcal margarita mixed by your personal butler on demand. And the attention to well-made drinks doesn’t end there.
At the resort’s Zapote Bar — dubbed a “love letter to the Yucatán” — a laid-back, shabby-chic vibe reigns throughout the indoor and outdoor space. The focal point is a gnarled tree trunk wrapped in hanging leaves and branches shooting through a round skylight, a nod to the cenotes that dot the region. But it’s not all palm fronds and pretty textiles: World’s 50 Best Bars recently named Zapote Bar the No. 11 bar in North America. Ingredients and technique attain the next level, no doubt why the lounge garners quite a following beyond resort guests.

Mayayo © Rosewood Mayakoba
The menu is divided into signatures, mocktails and libations designed for day or evening, but no one’s looking if you want a Manhattan at noon. The signature Mayayo, a tropical gimlet love child, combines local Gin Katún, sour orange, guava and lemon leaves, while Eneldo offers a refreshing spritzy blend of vodka, St. Germain, cucumber, lime, fennel and Xtabentun (Mexican anise and honey liqueur). Obviously, agave spirits get their fair shake, as in the earthy, brooding, spicy Manzano, which shakes sotol with Ancho Reyes, Aperol, beetroot and chili. If you love tangy, aromatic tipples, Wana Bana infuses tequila with lemongrass mixed with soursop purée, lime and chili. Not imbibing? Sip a watermelon and cilantro Sandia or the Manzanilla, with clarified grapefruit juice and chamomile soda.
Joshua Monaghan, director of mixology, also curated the drinks program for Rosewood Mayakoba’s latest venture, La Isla Secreta. The exact location of the secluded bar remains undisclosed to guests, who must access it via a private boat ride through the mangroves. At the destination, they’ll find a Tulum-inspired lounge decked out with pillows and low tables, artisanal Yucatán textiles, hanging plants and flickering lanterns, all surrounded by dense jungle and a winding lagoon.
The team eschews a formal menu for the pre-Prohibition-style cocktails, instead offering an organic and Bohemian interaction similar to an intimate cocktail party with friends. Small-batch local spirits like Reves Whiskey from Baja California, Rum Libertad from Chiapas and Uruapan Charanda (a sugarcane distillate from Michoacán) are joined by fresh fruits and herbs from the on-site garden, used for sophisticated bespoke cocktails. Exclusive, tucked away and fleeting (the pop-up runs through spring), this swank experience is indeed the best-kept secret in Mayakoba.
Read This Next
High Peaks Resort Review
March 2023
May 6, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 13, 2025Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series
Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Feb 13, 2025Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok
More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.
Daily
Feb 12, 2025Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March
Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox
On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.
6 Destinations and Hotels for Solo Women Travelers
Daily
Feb 12, 2025New SIRO Hotel to Open in Tokyo in 2029
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer
Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.
ShareThis