Mahekal Beach Resort Mexico

Mahekal Beach Resort
Playa de Carmen, Mexico

By Lynn Walker

Get Acquainted
Mahekal Beach Resort is one of the “Best Kept Secrets” in Playa del Carmen, now considered to be “the trendiest city” of the famed Riviera Maya. Mexico. Getting there could not be easier, with a plethora of direct flights into Cancun from most southern hubs. It is recommended to arrange airport transportation through the hotel for the best rate (approx. $120 round trip per person), comfort, security and ease of mind. Car rental is an option if you plan on traveling out-and-about once you arrive, but parking is limited and tours can be arranged on property. Once you arrive, you will find plenty of activities on property that may keep you from venturing out.

Full disclosure, when I found out I was going to Playa del Carmen, I immediately thought, lots of tourists and over-crowded beaches… not really what I am looking for in an intimate retreat. But, Mahekal is one of those sweet spots that you will want to keep to yourself, but it is such a perfect place for a Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, you will want to share.

Here’s the Scoop
Mahekal (the Spanish pronunciation is MAGICAL’) was conceived over 50 years ago by a local Mexican family when they built six thatched–roof palapas for back-packers on the beach. Now, decades later and after a recent, three-year, $16 million re-imagination, along with the union of the adjacent property Las Palapas, Mahekal now has 196 guest rooms with even more charming palapa bungalows, beachfront casitas and suites to accommodate even your most charismatic guest.

Mahekal is an Unplugged Experience, no, I do not mean you will not be able to use your phone, iPad, tablet or other electrical devices, it simply means there are no TV’s in the rooms and the phones are strictly in-house to be used for your convenience. However, the property is equipped with a state-of-the-art WiFi system available throughout.

Pick your pleasure, lush garden, tropical jungle or pristine beach, you cannot go wrong. Each of the room styles have all the amenities you will want with open-air terraces, hammock and some have outdoor moon-showers, in the authentic Mexican bungalow design with palapa style roofs. The resort is family friendly with a variety of room sizes, offering king, queen, two-bedroom suites, ocean front beach houses and penthouse suites (which are adult only).

Mahekal is not an all-inclusive resort, but they offer a meal plan with breakfast and dinner inclusive in the price of the room. You may swap dinner for lunch if you prefer, even after you check-in. This flexibility will allow guests to customize their own schedule and enjoy time off-property and not feel guilty for missing something they have already paid for.

Get the Dish

There are three restaurants on property to entice every pallet. Las Olas Restaurant and Bar is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, offering regional specialties with captivating pool and ocean views. Cocina, a fine dining restaurant with a Bohemian feel is open for dinner with an exquisite buffet featuring global specialties. The newest addition Fuego is open for all three meals with a more laid-back casual atmosphere, featuring a wood burning oven where the chef prepares some local delicacies over open flames.

We Simply Adore

• The Ambiance – So romantic, yet homey. You really won’t want to leave.
• The Staff – So Wonderful! I can’t say enough about how warm and accommodating the entire staff at the resort are, exuding “Southern Hospitality” and we all know how that is!

Out and About

Location, location, location! Playa del Carmen is known for the fabulous shopping on 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) and Mahekal is located within 2 blocks to the heart of 5th Avenue. This location makes this property an exceptional choice for a Destination Wedding. Your guests will be able to venture out without the need for transportation.

In addition to the famed 5th Avenue, for the best shopping and delicious eateries, there are endless activities that the staff at Mahekal will be happy to arrange for friends and family. Explore the history of the area at the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. Make note that there is a bit of a hike so wear comfortable shoes and a bottle of water is recommended. Embark on a sail to the Mesoamerican Reef to the second largest barrier reef in the world, for a snorkeling tour.

You don’t have to go Out and About for fun. There are endless activities on property to keep you very busy or relaxed.

• Don’t miss the Artisan Hut where you can paint your own pottery. This is a great activity for all ages and can be arranged as a “Sip & Paint” by adding cocktails for a fun evening event for your guests.
• Take a Mayan Cooking Class, where you may get your hands dirty but the culinary creations will be worth it!
• If chillin’ is your thing, grab your partner and stroll over to Revive Spa for a relaxing couples massage or you may want to utilize their Salon services for your wedding day glam.

Mahekal is the perfect “Sweet Spot” to plan for your Magical Day and as a get-away for that Magical Night!