If you live anywhere along the East Coast this past winter (or spring at that), escaping the fleet, wind and snow was likely top of mind for most of the season. As soon as we were told the Polar Vortex was returning with a vengeance this year, it was high time to book a vacation and get out of town. When it came time to selecting a warm destination we had a few ‘must-have’s’ we had to source: warm weather, beautiful beach, non-stop flight and amazing cuisine. It wasn’t long (like all of 5 minutes) until we had already sourced, swooned over the gallery, fallen in love and booked the Fairmont Mayakoba.
Getting There
Accessing the resort was a total breeze. We flew direct from Toronto to Cancun with Interjet Airlines. A first for us with the airline, we were actually super impressed with how reasonable the prices were – yes, even upgrading your seat – and some of the amenities included like snacks and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Do anticipate a small wait for customs getting into Mexico if you’re arriving Friday to Sunday. I want to say that it was about an hour from landing to collecting our bags on a Saturday morning. We were escorted in a private vehicle to the property and within 30-40 minutes, had arrived at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
Mayakoba
To give you some background, Mayakoba is a gated complex located in the Riviera Maya. Within the vicinity are 4 properties: Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Andaz Mayakoba. The grounds are made up of lagoons, jungle and sugar sand beaches. You can access all the other properties and their restaurants by taking the Mayakoba shuttle, boat, by bike or walking along the beach.
Room Features
One of the reasons we love Fairmont properties is the attention to detail, particularly when it comes to their rooms and views. In Maui, every room had a view of the ocean, which was such a great detail. In Mayakoba, rooms have views of the lagoons, jungle or the beach – all equally stunning. We roomed in a Casita Suite during our stay. Since the hotel was almost at capacity, we were in a room with two queen beds vs. a King bed but we were more than happy to accommodate. Let’s be honest ladies, having a bed to lie out your clothes for the day is a dream come true!
With a walk out balcony that included two lounge chairs, the coziest beds you’ve ever slept on and his and her closets, your mind is already blown… till you enter the bathroom. Folks, we’re talking his and her sinks, a large soaker tub, a rain can showerhead in enclosed glass and a mini terrarium to view while soaking in your bubble bath. Rooms are situated in 2’s along the property much like access to a beach house – you either have the ground or top suite.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, one of the best brand collaborations has to be Fairmont and Le Labo products. From hand soap to body wash and shampoo, the entire line is available for guests in their hotel rooms. Don’t ask me how many bottles I took home as ‘souvenirs’ haha!
Getting Around
While the property can seem large at first, having access either by foot, bike or the shuttles makes getting around a breeze. And to be honest, the longest walk you’d have is from the lobby to the beach which might take you around 10-12 minutes. Upon arrival or departure, the staff is great in assisting with ensuring your bags can get from your room to the lobby in a timely manner.

The Pools
While we’re typically beach people, we spent a fair amount of time at the various pools around the resort. There were three separate pool areas on site. Our personal favourite was the Adults-Only infinity pool that overlooked the canal. With a mix of chairs in the sun and covered seating area, it was the perfect place to spend your day.
There was a secondary infinity pool located by the beach offering the best of both worlds. Sadly, we were too tall to ride but there was a slide and family friendly pool area that we saw many families enjoy spending time around during the day. I can’t speak to the kids programs on site but we chatted with a few parents over dinner that took advantage of the Babysitting Services on site and they were raving about the accessibility and services.
The Beach
Fairmont Mayakoba boasts the longest beach of all the properties in the Mayakoba region. From baby pink sunrises to golden hue sunsets, the beach setting was perfect. We loved setting up shop under one of the beach huts around 10-11am and would hang out there till about 4-5 everyday. What we loved is that we never had to scramble to save a seat (unlike other resorts we’ve seen) and because the beach covers such a sprawling area, it never felt crowded or overwhelming. And yes, the water is as crystal blue as the pictures make it look!
Activities
As if hanging pool or beach side wasn’t exciting enough, there are a ton of activities on and off site to keep anyone busy during their stay. The El Cameleon Golf Course is the first PGA rated course in Latin America. El Pueblito is a nearby village that all the properties can access featuring boutiques, café’s, scenic surroundings and more. The watersports available on location at the Fairmont Mayakoba were also impressive like beach volleyball; stand up paddleboards, snorkeling and sea kayaks. We chose to stay on site for our week’s stay but additional activities nearby included a day trip to Tulum, Playa del Carmen for nightlife, nearby cenotes, Chichen Itza (One of the new Seven Wonders of the World) or excursions to Sian Ka’an.
These were some of our favourites from our stay:
Tequila and Mezcal Tasting
The team at the Fairmont Mayakoba heard Adam was an adventurous eater so they set the both of us up with a tequila, mezcal and insect tasting at La Laguna restaurant. This was actually such a fun experience for us both getting to understand the products better, what ingredients goes into making them and learning that slow sipping and not shooting is the best way to enjoy. We both left with a new favourite tequila brand that was new to us and we grabbed it at Duty Free on the way home. When it came insects however, that’s when I bowed out. Adam was brave and tried grasshoppers, ants, ant eggs and worms and he enjoyed each culinary dish that featured them! We highly recommend for the brave!
A Boat Tour of the Property and Surrounding Area
Since the resort is built on a series of lagoons, we highly recommend taking a boat tour of the grounds. We kept joking it was like the jungle cruise but for adults equipped with coconut water and sightings of floral, fauna, wildlife and multi-million dollar residences. Be sure to bring your camera along for the ride!
Coral Reef Restoration Program
We both love a good snorkeling spot (let’s be honest, it’s the best way to get a head start on your summer glow ha-ha) and were thrilled to participate in the property’s Coral Reef Restoration program. We were taken on a catamaran to the coral reef located not far from the coastline and had the opportunity to not only enjoy a great day snorkeling but see the efforts the property had put into restoring the deteriorating coral reef and have a hand in encouraging growth!
El Pueblito Cooking Class
Cooking may not be my forte, but put a margarita in my hand and I’m your girl! We had a blast with chef Karla learning how to perfect guacamole, handmade tortilla flats and a scrumptious taco dinner with shrimp. She was so lovely and really walked you through the process. Whether it’s private or a group setting, I highly recommend this class during your stay!
The Willow Stream Spa
A signature feature of a Fairmont property, the Willow Stream spa is a must! The Mayakoba location has sweeping views of the property and beach and has a private balcony to relax on once your treatment is wrapped. I was a goof and didn’t apply enough sunscreen one afternoon so the Sun Worshipper Treatment featuring aloe vera and cooling gels was just what I needed!
Cuisine
One of the most asked questions I received during our stay was feedback on the cuisine. Guests can choose one of two options during their stay at the Fairmont Mayakoba: European plan, which includes breakfast or the Appetite for Luxury package, which includes unlimited food and beverage (yes, even alcohol) during your stay.
I have to say, this concept blew my mind. To think we could benefit from the perks of an all-inclusive resort but with the Fairmont quality level of execution on appetizers, meals and drinks just put this property over the top for us. From grilled octopus at lunch to Wagyu steak and mashed potatoes for dinner – the options were endless.
The property boasts three restaurants: La Laguna (Modern Mexican), Brisas (Caribbean inspired fare) and El Puerto (Latin-Asian). We loved enjoying breakfast on the patio at La Laguna, the most relaxing lunch overlooking the beach at Brisas and getting all done up for dinner and enjoying the cool breeze at El Puerto.
Another fun feature is that the property boasted ‘themed’ nights at some of the restaurants during our stay – like Brazilian night – which was a treat. We compared the costs once we came home and to have dined and drank as we did (and I’d like to think we aren’t gluttons) paying per item vs. the package price, the value is insurmountable. I would definitely recommend opting for the package – even if you did want to explore a restaurant or two nearby at another resort.
Summary
With a resounding YES, we’d 100% return once again. The property and grounds were stunning, the staff was so sweet and helpful, the weather was amazing and the food and beverages were second to none. We’re already trying to round up family and friends to return in 2020 so they too can experience what a wonderful property this was.
If you asked me to describe Cartagena in one word, I’d have to use ‘magical’. Tacky? Sure is, but there’s no other way of describing this romantic, lush and serene setting. Cartagena has been on my bucket list forever and I must admit, it took some serious convincing to get Adam to agree to this trip. Sadly, he was inundated with negative feedback on Colombia and had some ill-advised concerns for our safety. Ask Adam today what he thought of Cartagena and he’ll tell you he’d be on the first flight back if could. It takes quite a city to change this boys mind and I’m so excited to share our experience with you.
Getting There
Our vacation was a 10/10 and there’s nothing negative I could say about it… other than our journey there and back. With Toronto as our home base, we struggled to find any flight combination that was 3 flights or less to get to Cartagena. We flew from Toronto to Houston, Houston to Panama City and then Panama City to Cartagena. We nearly lost an entire day trying to get there which was a complete bummer. It appears that Jet Blue in Buffalo (for local readers) can complete the trip with 2 flights and I would highly recommend this option.
Tips and Tricks
For my Canadian readers, it was a surprise to us there was an entrance fee to get into Colombia upon arrival at the airport. The fee (which can fluctuate with exchange rates) was about $88 Canadian and could only be paid with credit card upon entry. Our card was flagged as fraud since the terminal name appeared odd to our provider so if you can call in advance, it might save you some time.
How long to Visit For
We booked our stay for 6 days and 5 nights. Having lost our initial day of travel, we made the most of our 5th full day and took a red eye flight home. We both agreed that 6-7 full days in the city is enough time if you’re looking to explore the walled city and surrounding areas, visit the Rosario islands, spend an afternoon pool side and taking your time becoming familiar with the city. Many suggested a day trip out to Bogota but given our limited time, we decided to stay put.
What to Pack
The weather in Cartagena was no joke. If we left our hotel at 10am, we’d both be dripping in sweat by noon just walking around town. I recommend lots of linen, light clothing, flowy clothes and a crossbody bag. We never encountered any issues of theft but heard of some experiences from guests at our hotel. Most restaurants aren’t super fancy in the evening so there’s no need to don multiple layers to fit in.
Getting Around
The best advice someone gave us was to be sure to stay within the walled city of Cartagena. With most sites and restaurants enclosed in this area, it’s also quite walkable. Any time we needed to get across town, visit the beach or if dinner required stiletto pumps, then we’d take a cab. Most cab drivers do not speak much English so be prepared to rely on your hotel staff to direct the driver on where you need to go and settle on a price or be prepared to rely on Google Translate quite often. Negotiating rates prior to getting into the cab are also highly recommended. And most cabs do not accept credit cards so always have some cash on hand. You can likely get from one stretch of the city to the other for no more than 8-10 USD.
Where to Stay
I must have combed through reviews and photos for hours and came to my theory on Cartagena. You can stay at a luxury, chain property such as the Conrad or Intercontinental on the beach but be removed from city life or you can stay at a boutique property within the walled city. Given that the beach wasn’t very nice (dark brown sand, murky waters, busy beaches), we opted for the walled city to get a taste of the culture. We visited the Intercontinental one afternoon to get a feel for the location, and it reassured us once more that boutique properties are absolutely the way to go for this town.
After a toss-up between Tcherassi Hotel, Hotel Quadrifolio and Casa San Agustin, we opted for Casa San Agustin. We were won over with the inclusive breakfast, aesthetic and that stunning pool set up. And having wrapped our stay, we both agree we made the right choice. The morning breakfast buffet (and a la carte menu) were scrumptious, the room decor was uber chic, a well-stocked (and complimentary) mini bar and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The pool, though small, was perfectly refreshing after a long, hot walk around the city.
What to Do
Rosario Islands: We opted for a more relaxed take on the nearby islands, but you can join a group or private tour of the Rosario Islands and hop from one remote destination to another throughout the day.
Blue Apple Beach House: As mentioned above, many people flock to the Rosario Islands for the day. Since we only had one day to escape the city, we were looking for a peaceful and low-maintenance day where we could set up on a beach and relax. Thankfully, Ashley’s review on Blue Apple Beach House completely sold me and we booked our passes for the day. Getting to and from the island was a breeze and to say this remote island was just what we needed, is an understatement.

Inspired by St. Tropez, the lounge music, food offering and Rose wine list made for the perfect setting. We shared the Paella for lunch which was life changing and highly recommend! We shared the experience with maybe 30-40 other people, and it made for such a peaceful and quiet day. At times, we even had the entire beach all to ourselves. This island is a MUST DO if you’re visiting the city and want to escape for a day to get a peek at crystal blue waters!
Explore Getsmani: Walking around the streets of the walled city is a no brainer but tourists start flooding the street early and the crowds can be even worse on a day when a cruise is in port. We were advised from our hotel staff to avoid Getsmani but after chatting with a few friends who had visited, we were advised it was completely safe. This part of town boats some stunning graffiti, bright coloured walls and bougainvillea galore. A short cab ride away from our hotel (about $5), we asked to be dropped off anywhere in town for a galavant without the crowds.
Mercado de Bazurto: Stop by the local farmer’s market for local fruit and delicacies. The prices were beyond reasonable here for a quick lunch or afternoon snack.
Where to Eat
Carmen’s: I’m embarrassed to admit I was attracted to this restaurant from a Real Housewives franchise show, but I figured, if they loved it, why wouldn’t I? And I wasn’t wrong. We enjoyed a late lunch at Carmen’s dining on their ceviche, grilled octopus and banh mi. Every single course was out of this world. And be sure to bring your camera for some Instagram content as well – this place was a designer’s delight.
La Perla: We booked this restaurant on a whim one night after it came recommended from our hotel staff. We were initially taken back form the décor and crowd, but glad we didn’t let that stop us. A mix of Peruvian focused food, we loved the seafood options they served here.
Alma: This restaurant was located in Casa San Agustin and since we enjoyed breakfast so much, we spent a tired evening dining close to home. We’re not normally ones to enjoy hotel restaurants but this spot was definitely an exception.
Maria: After reading a review of this restaurant in the Times and seeing the stunning pics of the interior, I knew we had to make a pit stop here for dinner one night. This might have been one of my favourite spots for interior inspo and the meals were superb. We loved the tenderloin and lemon chicken.
La Cevicheria: Every single person who’s been to Cartagena will tell you to visit here (Anthony Bourdain put it on the map). Sadly, it was closed for renovations during our visit but based on all the positive feedback, I’m including.
Donjuan: We stumbled upon this restaurant one night after dining at Maria. I fell in love with the rattan and striped interior and after reading the menu, we thought it looked great. Be sure to book a reservation here at spots fill up fast. We loved the prawns, lobster and octopus (hot dish).
On our list but we never made it: Vera, Saint Roque and La Langosta.
Bars and Café’s
Café Havana: Even if salsa dancing isn’t your thing, you must make a visit to this infamous bar in Cartagena. Feel free to stand on the sidelines with a cocktail or participate in the fun but it’s a must do.
El Baron: One of the most praised cocktail bars in the city – it’s a must do after dinner one night. The outdoor patio is great for people watching and the mixologist is on point!
Café Del Mar: Truthfully, we didn’t love the cocktails here but the sights of the sunset makeup for a lackluster drink in my books. Head here about an hour before sunset if you’re visiting in high season for a table.
Abaco Libros Café: A library with a great cup of coffee: what else could you need?