The food in Mayakoba is superb and —yes— you can drink the water.

At Fairmont Mayakoba, experience Chef Richard Sandoval’s style and flair fueled by Latin ingredients and international flavors. Brisas, the beachside coastal Latin grill, serves fresh local seafood, fine steaks, pork and chicken, all seasoned with vibrant Latin marinades and spices. The grill is the centerpiece at this restaurant, as the food is cooked on a brick-oven grill.Start with the wood-grilled avocado with pea shoots, chili oil, corn pico de gallo and mixed lettuces; the heirloom tomato & Burrata with hearts of palm, watermelon, avocado, burrata cheese and a balsamic-chipotle vinaigrette; or the grilled oysters a las Brisas, barbecued with roasted butter and charred tomatillo ponzu.

You can’t go wrong with any entrée, but the Zarandedo-style pink snapper was a winner, marinated in achiote and citrus and served with avocado, a bittersweet cabbage slaw and homemade flour tortillas. Try El Puerto, the Latin-Asian seafood and steakhouse with an array of gorgeous sushi, salads, small plates, steaks, chicken and vegetarian entrées (also don’t miss the list of 100 tequilas, sake, Latin wines and more).
La Laguna, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is super causal; the outdoor eating area is surrounded by the emerald waters of the lagoon. Be sure to stop by the daily breakfast buffet at least once for more offerings than you can possibly imagine. For lunch, try the guacamole, shrimp bacon quesadillas or mahimahi fish tacos. Tostadas en La Fondita by Rosewood in El Pueblito or if you can get a spot don’t miss La Ceiba Dinners also at Rosewood – a magic Mayakoba moment!

At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, head to the recently opened HAAB’, for a night to remember which offers a new Mayan dining experience deep in the jungle, under the stars. Named for the Mayan Zodiac, HAAB’ is an experience you won’t forget. I just die for Thai food so Saffron @ Banyan Tree and Agave @ Rosewood fight for my honors in a very healthy sense of the word! I promise recipes will follow – I have to rush off to dinner with Sabine @ Saffron – I need my curry fix!