Curator’s statement
I had the pleasure of traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for a familiarization trip hosted by Maya Luxe, the largest luxury villa rental company in the Riviera Maya. This was a one-of-a-kind way to experience the region—complete with meals showcasing local cuisine prepared by a private in-villa chef and cultural and wellness activities hosted right onsite. We stayed at the beautiful Villa Kin Ich, located in the walkable and secure neighborhood of Playacar Phase 1, and over a few days, we experienced the best of luxury villa living—leaving us eager to return.
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What makes the Maya Luxe experience stand out? Here are a few of my top takeaways:
Design: Maya Luxe’s villas are thoughtfully designed to bring the outdoors in, with wide terraces, private pools, and open-air living spaces that flow seamlessly to the beach or garden. My second-story room had floor-to-ceiling windows facing the coastline, offering sunrise and sunset views that framed each day. Natural light filled every corner, creating a sense of calm and spaciousness. With so many open-air lounge spaces to choose from, I spent my down time listening to the ocean while catching up on emails—or poolside, sipping a fresh piña colada made by the villa’s incredible staff.

The kind of workspace that makes you forget it’s work
Service: From arrival to departure, I was blown away by the level of service we experienced both at our private villa and during property tours. The Maya Luxe staff was warm, welcoming, and always one step ahead, anticipating our needs. After returning from a half-day snorkeling excursion to Cozumel, we were greeted at the door with refreshing cool towels and freshly made mocktails. The staff took the time to get to know us—and for us to know them—making the experience far more personal than a typical resort stay.

Still dreaming about these private chef prepared breakfasts
Value: We were pleasantly surprised by how much value these properties offer, with multiple options starting at or below $100 per person, per night. After touring a handful of nearby villas, we were all texting our friends and family back home—already planning when we could return for our own group vacations. Each villa includes a dedicated onsite staff and daily housekeeping, delivering five-star service from the moment you arrive. Many properties also offer an all-inclusive meal plan starting at $75 per person, per day. Every meal prepared for us by the in-villa private chef was exceptional. With a beautiful selection of fresh fruits and juices, plus local dishes like chilaquiles, breakfast is a don’t-miss!
Special requests: One of my biggest takeaways from this trip—the Maya Luxe team almost never says no. If you can dream it, they’ll find a way to make it happen. From themed celebrations and custom dining experiences to personalized touches throughout your stay, they’re dedicated to creating something truly one-of-a-kind. This is where partnering with an advisor makes a difference—I’ll work in advance with the dedicated concierge team to make sure every detail is handled so that all you have to do when you arrive is relax and enjoy.

Sunrise yoga onsite at our villa to start the day
Beyond your villa rental, Maya Luxe also offers a curated portfolio of local experiences with vetted partners. We took part in several, including in-villa massages, a snorkeling excursion to Cozumel, a mezcal tasting, and even a surprise Mariachi performance. Personally, I loved connecting with the local culture through the mezcal tasting, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the spirit and how it’s best enjoyed.

Learning the local art of mezcal production with colorful drinks in hand
Need to know
Having seen these neighborhoods and properties in person, I’d love to help make sure we find just the right villa for your group and your vibe. Plus, when you book through a Fora Advisor, you may receive an experience credit to enjoy the region’s magic for yourself.
Whether you’re planning a milestone celebration, a multigenerational getaway, or a relaxing girls’ trip, you’ll find a seamless blend of privacy, personalization, and five-star comfort. With villas that feel like private resorts and a team dedicated to every detail—combined with my firsthand experience—Maya Luxe is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an effortless and unforgettable Riviera Maya escape.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico page.

Travel Advisor
Connie Norwell

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