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10 Photos That’ll Make You Want to Drop Everything and Escape to This Paradise

When it comes to this tropical heaven, the only Polar Vortex you have to worry about happens inside a blender.

Mayakoba is a picture-perfect beachfront oasis for travelers looking to escape the frigid winter temperatures. Located on the Riviera Maya and surrounded by the natural beauty of mangrove forests and lagoons, this under-the-radar Mexican gem will make you want to call in sick during those last few weeks of winter.

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Location

There’s no excuse for skipping a quick jaunt to Mexico this winter, as there are a handful of major airlines that make direct flights to Cancun every day. Visitors of the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya can hop into one of the resorts private SUVs and take a quick 40-minute ride away from the bustle of Cancun to the acclaimed eco-friendly resort. Guests are transported to a lush natural setting with a wealth of warm weather activities. The only ice that exists here are the cubes in your cocktail.

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Transportation

Visitors to Mayakoba have the option of varying transportation to explore the 1,600-acre destination. Grab a bike and cruise along the crystal clear coast, take the golf cart trails to experience the wonder of the mangrove forests, or kick back on a boat as it traverses the canals linking the four resorts in Mayakoba. If exercise is what you came here for, the hilly bike paths through the carefully maintained plant life won’t disappoint.

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Excursions

Compared to the international nightlife scene in Cancun, Mayakoba thrives on the quieter side of things. Yet, beach bums and thrill seekers alike will find endless opportunities along the Riviera Maya coastline and the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Take the 45-minute drive from Mayakoba to Kantun-Chi Ecopark and you’ll be transported into an oasis of open-air cenotes, naturally formed grottos, and indigenous flora and fauna.

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Dining

An appetite is required when visiting Mayakoba. With a vast amount of plants available on the Yucatan peninsula, visitors have the chance to taste food that is uniquely Mexican and unforgettable. Most meals here are cooked on an open flame which enhances the already mouth-watering flavors and aromas. Mexican native and world-renowned Chef Miguel Gomez heads four Mayakoba restaurants celebrating local ingredients and creativity alike.

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Mezcal

Get a taste of Mexico’s rich distillery culture with Mezcal from all over the country. Added benefits? With no additives or sugars, the hangover from this traditional Mexican liquor won’t slow you down at all. The beach bar, OllaCeviche offers an array of botanical-based tropical cocktails and a view of the Caribbean. The local bartenders prove to be a great resource for recommendations in the area, in addition to excellent mixologists. Lounge poolside or float weightlessly with a drink in your hand and no worries about the next impending snow squall.

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Eco-tours

If you can bear to tear yourself away from your inflatable swan raft, you’ll find a network of canals that run throughout Mayakoba. Hop aboard one of the canal boat tours, which will get you up close and personal with exotic birds, iguanas, and other amphibians. The indigenous species will add a layer of appreciation for how much love, care, and respect the locals and community have for the land.

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Art

Peppered throughout Mayakoba are colorful murals, cabanas, and decor. Take a walk and explore the properties as the murals are just waiting to be Instagrammed. Looking for more inspiration? Once a week local artists come together and put on an event called, Collectivo Caminarte. Offering a showcase of colorful paintings and photography, visitors can get to know the artists behind some of the iconic imagery you see when exploring Mayakoba.

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Spa

As if you needed another excuse to relax, there are four spas located on Mayakoba. With a relaxed atmosphere and eco-friendly vibe, take your pick of rejuvenating activities such as a Tequila Body Wrap, Vitamin C facial, and/or a Mayan stone massage that will combat any memory of the sub-zero temperature you left behind.

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Beach

Between the powder-like sand along its coastline and the iconic palm trees, it’s easy to recognize why Riviera Maya has one of the world’s best shorelines. Rise early and be rewarded with soft pastels that fill the sky over the calm Caribbean Sea. Grab a book, a cabana, and prepare to relax with an unforgettable view.

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Romance

When you find yourself searching for flights to Mexico every couple of hours it might be time to pull the plug on this warm weather paradise. Be sure to bring along your significant other because the Mayakoba coast is the perfect romantic getaway. Experiencing candlelit dinners, private boat tours, and couple massages are all designed to thaw even the coldest heart.

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