cruise craft resort 600

Cruise Craft Resort 6m Review

Wide open water with a bad habit of cutting up rough is the kind of water the Cruise Craft Resort 6m takes in its stride.

It’s an ability that is no doubt helped by the bloodline it shares with its offshore-running stable mates the Cruise Craft Outsider and Explorer hulls. So the Resort 6m bowrider isn’t fazed by the 25klm open-water crossing of northern Moreton Bay that’s required to reach those pieces of heaven we call Moreton Island’s western beach.

Not only can the Cruise Craft Resort 6m make this crossing safely, but she does so without pounding the livingbejesus out of her occupants and instills in the crew the confidence that the trip home against the sea will be just as comfortable. The run back to the ramp from any of the similar boating heavens that are dotted along the coast between Cairns and Port Philip Bay ‘ where an average 20-knot afternoon sea breeze makes open water boat rides a misery are no different. They are all lovely places for bowrider style boating, but few boats of this type are capable of giving that ‘no worries’ peace of mind ride like the Resort does.

The Cruise Craft Resort 6m is a hybrid of Cruise Craft’s earlier Resort 600. Many of the changes that have been made to the boat are purely in details, such as the new sporty carbon fibre instrument panel and a new windscreen frame with a rounded top section that doubles as a grab bar. However, others are more significant. For example there’s a new wrap around aft lounge, which integrates well with an optional table unit, plus there are 55lt storage bins under each seat. But when you lift the centre section of the lounge seat to stow the table away, there’s an even more profound change to be found.

The boat the Modern Boating team tested was an outboard powered Resort 6m. When we opened this centre section we discovered a huge empty space, about the right size for a sterndrive motor. I wonder if there is a sterndrive version in the wind’ If there was one on the way it would bring the Resort 6m into direct competition with many imported 6m bowriders. And why not, this all-Aussie effort from one of our proudest family-run boat builders can stand next to any of them and still be proud. From the waist down the Resort 6m hull shows its true bloodline. She looks exactly like the Explorer 600 hull with a distinct plank along the keel line, a 20-degree deadrise at the transom and large turned-down chines.

One of two running strakes at the forefoot fades three quarters of the way down the hull leaving its neighbour to continue all the way aft. But from the waist up the Resort 600 is all bowrider, or at least a bigger and better version of this increasingly popular layout. The beauty of being 6m long is that she can carry six or more people in comfort and style. The bow lounge area is as spacious as only a 6m hull can allow it to be, with high upholstered backrests and a pair of well positioned grab handles. The area beneath the bow seating is used for storage, while a neat bow tonneau closes the bowrider cockpit off when it’s not required.

The bow tonneau comes as standard equipment on the Resort 6m. There’s an anchor locker set into the tiny foredeck that has a flush fitted hatch, which keeps the ground tackle under control. The bow mooring bollard is also hidden away inside this locker. It’s completely functional, but remains completely out of sight. Set into each side of the walk-through windscreen bulkhead are watertight hatches that seal storage compartments under the dash area. A hatch beneath the glove box in front of the passenger seat lifts to reveal a small insulated ice box/drink cooler.

Above this is the (lockable) glove box proper. The team liked the new reinforced windscreen frame, which serves the dual purposes as frame and grab bar. Our time with the Resort 6m occurred during a steamy subtropical summer morning, which encouraged us to remove the bow tonneau and enjoy the airflow beneath the screen. We deduced that with the centre of the screen closed and the bow tonneau clipped in place, the deeply upholstered bucket seats behind the screen would enjoy excellent shelter in those cooler climates down south.

A Clarion marine CD/radio sound system, tucked safely underneath a spray-proof cover behind the steering wheel, was another option fitted to our test boat. A tilt adjustable and very ‘racing car’ brushed metal, leather and carbon fibre steering wheel comes as standard. Yamaha digital instrumentation also looked the part integrated into a carbon fibre dash panel. A switch panel controlling bilge pumps and the likes, resides beside the driver’s knee. Only the driver’s seat adjusts fore and aft to enable the driver to adopt a comfortable position behind the racy steering wheel.

Between these seats was a usefule underfloor ski locker. We’ve already looked at the aft lounge, but neglected to mention another worthwhile development in this area ‘ the transom door. This opens towards a folding ladder that’s stowed in a recess on the port swim platform. It’s kept out of the way until it’s folded down to allow easy exit and entry over the stern. Beaches, swimming and skiing are obviously on the agenda for the Cruise Craft Resort 6m. The aft cockpit table is another option that stows out of the way on this outboard powered boat. It was an option we’d find hard to do without.

Other options fitted to the test boat were a ski pole and a bimini top, which we removed for the photo shoot and missed greatly once the day got tropical. Not much has been left to option on this boat. We like the way Cruise Craft build boats and it’s easy to take for granted details like the pop-up stern cleats, the armoured glass windscreen, the quality of the upholstery and the flawless finish of the hull’s gel coat. Our test boat was powered by a 200hp Yamaha HPDI two-stroke brandishing impressively loud V-Max logos. The team thought these added to the racy looks of the bright orange hull and we heard that all future Yamaha HPDI two-strokes will wear these decals.

At the time of our test, Cruise Craft were of two minds about whether the Resort 6m performed better spinning a 17′, or an 19′, Yamaha stainless prop. We ran a full set of figures with three adults onboard and recorded a top speed of 42.2 knots at 5700rpm with the 17′ prop. Later we ran the boat again, but this time with the 19′ prop and only two adults onboard. This time we hit a top speed of 46.2 knots, also at 5700rpm. We won’t bore readers with two sets of quite parallel figures except to note that without resorting to stop watches there was little discernable difference in acceleration with either propeller.

About the only difference between the two we found of interest was that at a 3500rpm cruise the 17′ prop produced 23.7 knots, while the 19′ version hit 26.1. Power delivery from the low emission two-stroke was effortless right across the rev range and the big bowrider certainly went just like it looked… fast! At the time of writing final pricing figures were still to be decided.

Words and Photos by Warren Steptoe

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“Always Buying, Consigning and Selling Queensland’s Best Used Boats Since 1964”

Cruise Craft Resort 6

• Boat Details
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Now sold- more quality, late model bow riders from Cruise Craft | Signature | Stejcraft and Bayliner wanted.

Make selling your late model boat, simple and hassle free through JCM - Call Matt and Jim on Ph. 3890 2322

 Each year, John Crawford Marine sells numerous quality, late model trailer boats, however there are always a few standouts for a multitude of reasons – condition / history / design / presentation / set up / practicability / aesthetics and the unexplainable “shiver” of excitement a boat can give you…

Well, this stunning Cruise Craft Resort 6 ticks all these boxes and so many more….

The flexibility of boating is what makes this Cruise Craft Resort 6 bowrider a popular choice for water sports families and social boaties.

As Cruise Craft states in their own words “Roomy, stable, mild mannered and an exceptional performer that is the delight of boating aficionados, the Resort 6 can be seen on waterways virtually everywhere in Australia” and we couldn’t sum it up any better in words ourselves.

Comfortable and socially designed upholstery, carpeted throughout, overhead sunshade and bow lounge again with lavish seating for the children and fellow thrill seekers to enjoy when underway.

One thing often lacking in bow riders is storage – for the safety gear and ropes and importantly, the anchor! The locally made Cruissy nails this issue with abundant storage from bow to stern as pictured.

Repowered by a September 2017 built Yamaha F225XCA outboard that takes this package to the next level. These engines are now more than $35K new if you can source one! Maximum power for maximum fun, performance is exhilarating for the water sports enthusiasts and those families that enjoy water skiing at speed.

The motor is in stunning and mechanically near faultless condition spinning a stainless steel prop and steering is light as a hydraulic steering system that is fitted. Range is assured with an underfloor fuel tank of approx. 160L capacity.

JCM further backs the big performing Yammy with a BIA warranty for buyers further confidence removing the risks associated with buying from the private classies.

Features and accessories include:

Yamaha F225XCA  225Hp with Digital Shift

Lowrance HDS “Live” combo sounder / GPS

Bluetooth stereo system with speakers with

Overhead folding 3 bow sports bimini

Full custom-made quality boat storage/towing cover

Electric bilge pump / Compass / V sheet

Mirror / Inshore flares / 4 x Adult PFD 1 Life jackets

Sand anchor kit inc line and chain / Anchor locker in bow

Stainless steel ski pole

Stainless steel ski hooks fitted

Dual battery system (one brand new battery) and isolation switch

Deluxe seating with bow and stern lounges

Dual dash glove boxes with carbon fibre finish

Underfloor storage locker

Approx 160L underfloor fuel tank

Hydraulic steering system fitted

2 drink holders on dash

Walk through transom and door

Ample storage throughout

Stainless steel 3 step folding telescopic boarding ladder

Painted alloy wheels and matching spare

Drive on/off multiroller trailer (with experience)

Walkway on trailer

New disc brakes and wheel bearings fitted and serviced Dec 2022

LED trailer lights

SPECIFICATIONS

Hull Length:        6.095m

Beam:                  2.45 m

Deadrise:            20 degrees

Length on Trailer: About 7.70m

Engine:                Yamaha F225 four-stroke extra-long shaft

Fuel:                     160lt

People Day:        7

Trailering is made easy as the hull sits atop a Cruise Craft / Redco Sportsman RE200T-MO tandem axle, multiroller trailer that marries near perfectly to the hull. Not only an exceptional choice for highway towing but the ease to launch and retrieve on these trailer sets them apart from many other trailers.

Featuring walk way for added safety, spare wheel for on road towing safety and backed with the knowledge that JCM has had our own workshop go over the trailer and service it, to ensure it meets road worthy and our high standards advancing your towing interest once purchased – reassurance and service you don’t get from buying privately.

If you are in the market for an Australian made and very special summer/social/ski boat then look no further as opportunities like this are very rare and seldom present themselves unless you pay top dollar for a brand new outboard powered bow rider.

#rundontwalk

About JCM – a simple reason for why we have been in business for over 55 years!

You can have confidence in buying a boat from John Crawford Marine, Queensland’s Used Boat Specialists. Since 1964 we have been buying, consigning, and selling only the best range of quality used trailer boats.

For guaranteed personal service, call us to avoid the traps of a private purchase or from an Auction and read why John Crawford Marine leads the Used Boat Trailer market.

At JCM, the advertised price includes our industry leading reputation for our pre-sale du-diligence reporting, ensuring we only on-sell warranted and simply the best quality pre-owned trailer boats.

Unless otherwise advertised, our trailers are sold in roadworthy condition, right down to tyre pressure checks and an R- clip being supplied on the trailer coupling!

Other benefits include the supply of the PPSR certificates to guarantee title, complete the administration and pay the associated fees to transfer the balance of QLD registration on the hull and trailer for Qld buyers and back our outboards with a Boating Industry Association warranty.

#Johncrawfordmarine #Est1964 #JCM #qualityusedboats #QldsUsedBoatSpecialists #boating #Skiing #fun #Watersports #letsgoboating #Family #Timewithfamily #Getouthere #Cruisecraft #CCBoats #Yamahaoutboards #Yamaha #Bowridersarefun #Aussiemade #Webuyboats #SellyourboattoJCM

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CRUISECRAFT 600 RESORT BOW RIDER  AUD $31,990

• Condition: Used
• Brand: Cruise Craft
• Model: RESORT 600
• Hull Type: Fibreglass
• Length: 6.00 Metres
• Stock Number: CN Cru Resort 600

LOCATION : BRAESIDE

Cruisecraft 600 Resort Bow Rider 200hp Mercury 2-Stroke Outboard Dunbier Tandem Trailer with Brakes Features: Bimini Top Fusion Stereo Rear Ladder Carpeted Floor Compass GPS Unit Rear Lounge Safety Gear Registration ************************

Quintrex National Dealer of the Year 18/19 Mercury Vic/Tas Dealer of the Year 18/19

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WE OFFER TRADES, FINANCE AND INSURANCE! CHEAP FINANCE AVAILABLE T.A.P - Get the boat of your dreams today!

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Cruise Craft. Resort 600 Bowrider

Cruise craft resort 600 Mercury 275hp verado one of a kind surveyed and tagged for 300hp . Great all round boat for skiing and wakeboarding as well as fishing offshore or just enjoying the bay. Boat has new heavy duty transom with walk threw and stainless fold away ladder, deluxe bucket seats and removable rear lounge with storage. Lowrance sounder vhf radio and navigation lights. Motor is a mercury 275hp verado 4 stroke recently serviced with low hrs.

Trailer is an FMS self centering multi roller that is very easy to load and unload. Boat has many more extras . I am a qualified mercury technician and am happy to help the new owners with any service or questions they might have.any questions call Warren on phone.

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List of all Cruise Craft boats

If you’ve ever wondered when a particular Cruise Craft boat was made, or if you’ve wanted to know when they stopped making a particular model, this is a good place to start.

Here you’ll find all Cruise Craft production boats, starting with the Cruise Craft Rebel V16, built all the way back in 1967. It covers all boats built over the company’s 50+ year history and includes current new Cruise Craft boats.

Trade-a-Boat also has reviews on all current-model production boats. Click the links below to see a full report on each. You’ll also find many boat tests on boats that are no longer in production.

You might also want to check out the history of Cruise Craft boats or visit the Cruise Craft timeline .

LIST OF ALL CRUISE CRAFT BOATS

Updated April 2015.

More From Forbes

This luxury golf resort in mexico offers much more than great play.

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At Mayakoba you can have it all: One of Mexico's best golf courses, stunning beaches, luxury hotels ... [+] (this is the Fairmont) and the resort's 6-mile canal and lagoon sytem, plied by environmentally friendly e-boats.

There are a lot of standout golf courses South of the Border—and a lot of luxury resorts—but when the PGA Tour decided to add a tournament in Mexico for the first time, they went to Mayakoba. When the rival LIV Tour decided to go to Mexico for the first time, they also went to Mayakoba. If you want to play golf in Mexico, you might want to join the best players in the world and choose Mayakoba.

But unlike many top golf resorts, this one is about more than golf. Much more.

Mayakoba is home to 28 Forbes Stars (four 5-Star and two 4-Star). I have been several times, and even got the unique chance to visit a couple of years before it opened. The developer held an event to outline what seemed like an outlandish vision—turning roughly 600-acres of challenging terrain into a forward thinking, environmentally sensitive, sustainably focused, luxury resort with four different hotels, each with a significant spa, plus multiple beaches and dozens of bars and restaurants. Shared amenities include 3-miles of nature trails, bike paths connecting it all, a stunning Greg Norman designed golf course, dedicated golf academy (with Jim McLean golf school), and El Pueblito, a village center modeled after the historic colonial plazas of Mexico. In addition to the many shops and eateries within each of the hotels, El Pueblito has a mix of sidewalk restaurants and shops surrounding a parklike Plaza. It hosts art exhibitions, craft markets, live entertainment and cultural activities throughout the year and has a family friendly arcade and dedicated cooking school.

The aptly named El Cameleon (Chameleon) golf course changes settings dramatically throughout, ... [+] including this coastal beachfront stretch.

The scope of Mayakoba is highly unusual in North America, most similar to the mega-resorts of Hawaii (Kapalua, Wailea, Waikoloa, etc.) which couple multiple hotels with golf courses and other amenities on a large parcel of land. But unlike Hawaiian resorts—or any resorts I know of anywhere—the hotels, beaches and facilities at Mayakoba are all linked by a series of navigable canals/lagoons. These in turn host a fleet of electric boats and greatly reduce the need for cars within the property. For guests who want to move about under their own power, all of the hotels have loaner bikes, and the path system allows for easy exploration. When you do need a four-wheel lift, such as to the golf course, shuttles are on demand and very responsive.

The minimization of vehicles is part of the ongoing effort to preserve the lush water and jungle ecosystem. There are more than 300 species of birds and native wildlife, plus mangrove forests, and among the first employees of Mayakoba were the team of naturalists who started mapping habitat and planning for sensitive development before ground was even broken. Biologists worked with the architects, and while each hotel has a beach and some have beachfront villas, the hotels were all intentionally set back to lessen waterfront density and minimize coastal environmental impact. Almost a third of the entire property is protected acreage, including the mangrove forests—which have grown and improved in health since the resort opened—and all four hotels hold notable environmental certifications. Mayakoba has won many awards for sustainability, including the Ulysses Prize from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

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The juan soto trade has helped both the yankees and the san diego padres, four reportedly hurt after army horses run loose through central london.

Walking the fairways or boating the lagoons - why choose when you can do both?

I say challenging terrain because most of the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula on which it is located is topped with a thick layer of limestone—about70,000 square miles of the stuff. It is costly and difficult to excavate and build on, especially when digging out massive canals and infrastructure. With little top soil, even the simple act of growing grass is difficult. I’ve seen many proposed hospitality projects over the years that sounded great until reality set in, and the logistics behind the creation of Mayakoba suggested that its completion might be unlikely. But a couple of years later, the resort opened, I returned, and it was everything they had hoped for and more. In the years since, it has only gotten better. In the past three years alone, there was $120 million in improvements, which are highly visible.

The greatest Mayan ruins are found here, includng Tulum, Coba and this one, Chichen Itza.

One of the big pushes has been the expansion of “Mayakoba Experiences,” which include offsite tours and transportation. The resort operates its own fleet of luxury SUVs with full-time employee drivers, uncommon in the industry. Airport transfers include onboard coolers stocked with beer, soft drinks and food (the arrival experience is hard to beat!) and off-site tours include local highlights such as Mayan ruins. They also added the $1.7 million VanDutch Yacht, equipped with Sublue underwater scooters and offered for charters from a two-hour snorkeling trip to full-day cruise with chef-catered meals. The resort has a variety of other watercraft, with fishing, diving, sunset cocktails and all sorts of ocean excursions available.

One of the most interesting experiences is the opportunity for guests to participate hands on in the coral reef restoration project Mayakoba launched a decade ago. Working with two non-profit foundations, there are three coral nurseries in the Puerto Morelos National Park, from which healthy coral fragments are transferred to the offshore reef restoration sites. Guests can snorkel the farms, help with the relocation, and since 2015 more than 2,000 corals have been added.

All of Mayakoba is interconnected by biking paths, and it's a great way to get around.

One thing that I love about Mayakoba is that all of its four hotels have a distinct personality and all are owned by the same local ownership (a Mexican hotel group) as the resort itself, which is very unusual. In most cases a hotel lot is sold to a developer who then contracts with a management brand. This unique setup has allowed the owners to control the quality, reinvest regularly and provide an exceptional consistency of service and products across the entire property. I can think of two different resorts with golf and multiple hotels that opened with Ritz-Carltons as their flagships, then repeatedly downgraded over the years to less and less luxurious brands. But while many hotels flip flop and change management every few years, Mayakoba has stayed the course, and repeat visitors know what they are going to get. The past three years have seen the owners invest $120 million in improvements that range from new beach clubs, restaurants, spas and luxury villas at individual hotels to a brand new dive and watersports center for all resort guests. The golf course also got a major facelift in 2023.

The lodging array also gives travelers addicted to loyalty programs a couple of options, Hyatt’s World of Hyatt (28 brands including luxury names such as Miraval, Alila, Park Hyatt and Thompson) and Accor’s Live Limitless (Fairmont, Delano, Raffles, Banyan Tree SLS, Sofitel, OneFineStay, Swissotel, etc.)

With close to three dozen bars and restaurants, you won't go hungry. This is the fresh seafood ... [+] display at one of the eateries at the Banyan Tree resort.

On the other side of the country, Cabo San Lucas is home to multiple luxury hotels from many of the world’s best known brands, and it can be very hard to choose. But in the Riviera Maya, the vast majority of larger resorts are all-inclusive, with a slim handful of small luxe boutique properties thrown in. If these are not what you are looking for, there is little competition outside Mayakoba, making it easily top pick in the large region. There’s even less to choose from for golfers not seeking all-inclusive, and in any case, the Greg Norman designed El Cameleon is the region’s best (I have written extensively on golf in the Riveira Maya and played the other nearby courses). It means The Chameleon, and is so named because it changes character every few holes, with sections that are oceanfront, in mangrove forest, in jungle, and even featuring rocky cenote canyons. It’s like a tour of the region’s ecosystem while enjoying great golf.

If you have not played golf at Mayakoba, you have probably never played over a fairway cenote ... [+] (sinkhole cave).

Mayakoba is also home to the first and only Jim McLean Golf Academy in Mexico . McLean is one of the world’s top golf instructors (ranked number four by Golf Digest) . The school has two-bays equipped with the latest instructional technology, and Mayakoba also has a state-of-the-art practice facility.

In addition to golf, Mayakoba has a full dive and water sports center with SCUBA, jet skis, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and more. You can also kayak or hydrobike on the six miles of crystal-clear canals and lagoons through the resort’s protected mangrove forests. The tennis and racket sports center has regular courts, pickleball and fast-growing padel.

The e-boats and canal system connects hotels, restaurants, and can even take you to your guest room

Mayakoba’s lodging pre-eminence in the area is even more important because the Riviera Maya itself is one of the world’s greatest tourism regions, a place I frequently recommend to inquiring friends, with something for almost every taste. It is home to the world’s second longest barrier reef (after Australia), while inland it is full of cenotes, holes in the limestone filled with water that offer great diving and snorkeling. The watersports are world class, from diving to fishing, and the region is full of the most famous Mayan ruins and pyramids (too many to list but highlights include Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza). There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches, the charming anchor town of Playa del Carmen, the offshore island of Cozumel, many cultural attractions, and excellent food all over the place.

Whether you want to golf, lay at the beach, dive, fish, sail, indulge in culinary exploration or travel back in time, this is the place. The gateway airport of Cancun (south of Cancun itself, as is the Riviera Maya) is a modern airport with a lot of flights from all over the U.S., and a new international airport just opened at the region’s southern end, Tulum. Mayakoba sits pretty much in the center, and while it has always been easy to get to, now it is even easier.

$120 million in recent renovations added this new beach club and adjacent beachfront luury suites at ... [+] the Banyan Tree Mayakoba.

The four hotels within Mayakoba are all excellent but span a nice variety of price points. They are easy to move between but separated enough so that you feel like you are in one individual resort wherever you stay. This is not one of those spots with hotel after hotel lined up along the beach, and nothing is high-rise. Each is self-contained, spread out, and has a feeling of immersive privacy. In past visits I have stayed at all except the Rosewood. Most recently I visited this year and stayed at the Banyan Tree. There are also residences for sale within the Rosewood and Fairmont properties, and some of these are in the rental pool in addition to hotels rooms, suites and villas. Owners have access to all of the facilities across the four hotels.

Overwater luxury villas at the Forbes 5-Star Rosewood Mayakoba.

The two most luxurious are the Rosewood and Banyan Tree, both of which earn the highest possible Forbes 5-Star rating. Both also have Forbes 5-Star spas attached. Rosewood is one of the best U.S. based luxury hotel brands, and I have never been to one that disappointed. The Rosewood Mayakoba completed a $20 million renovation in 2019, and has nothing but 129 suites and lavish villas, and even the smallest suite, the Lagoon Studio Suite, has a private plunge pool and outdoor shower and spans 788 square feet inside and over 1,000 in total. Units have private docks and the check-in experience includes arrival at your room by boat. There are even overwater suites, and the hotel sits on a mile-long stretch of white sand beach. The 5-Star spa, Sense, has eight “island suites”, and a sensory garden. There are seven bars and restaurants with an emphasis on varied Mexican cuisine, as well as a chef’s garden.

Banyan Tree is likewise one of the top Asian luxury brands, based in Singapore but launched in Thailand. It is known for its villa-based architecture, excellent cuisine, and emphasis on spa and wellness, and the Mayakoba location does not disappoint, with villas from 3,153 to 5,511 square feet. The hotel was massively renovated in 2022, adding the expansive new Sands Beach Club, 34 new beachfront pool suites, and 7 new floating rooftop pool lagoon villas. Every unit has its own private plunge or full-sized pool and private garden-style outdoor living area, and some have full outdoor bathrooms with showers and soaking tubs. It has a large and elaborate private beach club, beachfront villas, and an exceptional spa—every therapist comes here from Thailand.

If an outdoor shower just isn't enough, luxury villas at the Banyan Tree add an outdoor soaking tub ... [+] - and private pool (not shown).

For its number of rooms, the dining options are unbelievable, with a dozen bars and restaurants, and a varied, eclectic selection. They even have live cigar rollers in the lobby bar on weekends. In addition to Mexican there’s a Latin steakhouse with South American flair and open fire cooking, a high-end Italian eatery, an immersion cultural experience serving Mayan cuisine with entertainment, an adult-only tapas and paella spot and even a Kosher restaurant. But the signature is the waterfront Saffron, serving Thai cuisine in honor of the brand’s roots, and this is the most popular eatery within all of Mayakoba, drawing guests from every hotel. Specialized dining options include romantic canal dinners on the resort’s electric boats and private in-villa barbecues, cooked in your garden.

Saffron, the waterfront Thai eatery at the Banyan Tree, is the signature restaurant for the entire ... [+] Mayakoba resort.

The Forbes 4-Star Fairmont Mayakoba is the largest hotel here, with 401 rooms and suites, including a collection of larger beach and lagoon casitas. Sitting right on the course, it was the first to open and the most golf-centric. It also got a resort-wide renovation in 2022, adding the new Maykana Beach Club, home to a whopping five new dining concepts, plus a new rooftop bar, El Cielo, and updates of its 188 suites. The 37,000-square-foot newly renovated Spa also gets Forbes 4-Stars and features 20 treatment rooms, mineral pools and steam rooms.

You can travel from the Caribbean to South Pacific, but you won't find many hotel beaches better ... [+] than the one at Andaz Mayakoba.

The Andaz Mayakoba (Hyatt) is technically the entry level choice, and the only one without Forbes stars, but I stayed here and absolutely loved it. The food was great, and while all of the beaches at the hotels here are exceptional, with gently sloping shallow water stretching far from land, sandy bottoms and protective outer barriers, this was my favorite—and one of the best hotel beaches I’ve seen in the world. The central pool complex spills down to the sand, and there’s just an escapist, tropical flair to the low rise resort. The Andaz features 214 guestrooms, including 41 luxury suites with private plunge pools, multiple restaurants and bars, and of course, a large spa and state-of-the-art gym.

While the lodging choices are very varied, the good news is that there is no wrong choice. You could go to Mayakoba over and over again, stay in different places, do different things and eat at different restaurants, and it would take a lot of vacations to see and do it all. You’re not likely to fit in every great experience available here, but it would be fun to try.

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