Elite Traveler July-August 2017

EXPLORE RIVIERA MAYA GUIDE TO RIVIERAMAYA

TOP RESTAURANTS

BENAZUZA, CANCÚN Rafael Zafra, prodigy of elBulli’s Ferran Adrià, brings Spanish glamour to the Riviera Maya with Restaurante Benazuza. InterpretingMexican products and classic cuisine with a molecular gastronomist’s slant, Zafra serves up rich moles, duck tamales and steamed tacos. Ensconced in sleek surroundings that befit the cuisine, the restaurant offers an unforgettable 20-course tasting menu. senscancun.com HARTWOOD, TULUM It’s difficult to get a reservation at the hottest eatery on the RivieraMaya, but it’s well worth the effort. See-and-be-seen Hartwood in Tulum serves locavore surf and turf and this 100 percent sustainable restaurant changes its menu every single day. In the restaurant, open-fire grills and a handmade wood-burning oven channel the techniques of MundoMaya— the soul of the region. Along with craft cocktails, expect items such as agave pork ribs, jicama salad, grilled octopus with sweet potatoes, lobster salad and house-made ice cream. hartwoodtulum.com YAXCHE, PLAYADEL CARMEN Delve deeply into the Riviera Maya’s roots at Yaxche, where Chef Ramón Lizaola borrows from his mother, creating and re-envisioning family recipes that may date back centuries. Utilizing Mayan flavors and ingredients, from peppers to achiote to pumpkin seeds, Lizaola introduces diners to his new renditions of Mexican favorites — such as chili rellenos wrapped in banana peppers rather than the classic poblano. With a whimsical ambiance that showcases the region’s temples and mysteries, Yaxche delivers a regional sense of place. mayacuisine.com CATCH, PLAYADEL CARMEN Call it a restaurant with a view. Overlooking the bustling town of Playa del Carmen and the sea, occupying the rooftop of the Thompson hotel, this hip seafood restaurant mixes global techniques with local products. Unique creations, such as the hellfire roll (with blue tuna caught just off the Ensenada coast, green apples and balsamic vinegar) hit the mark — as does crispy shrimp and catch-of-the day wonton tacos. Finish with “hit me” chocolate cake, a wonder of liquid Klondike, roasted with white chocolate ice cream brownie and devil’s food cake. thompsonplayadelcarmen.com

Some call it a more soulful Mexico. Infused with a preponderance of Mayan culture and steeped in history, the Yucatán’s Caribbean mingles tropical hues and flora withMexican high style. Flowing south from Cancún to Tulum, the beach district called Riviera Maya encompasses some of the area’s most exquisite crescents of sand, expanses of untrammeled jungle landscape (complete with jaguars and monkeys), and healthy offshore reefs. It’s trumpeted for stellar diving and snorkeling, and stands out as a prime spot to spy whale sharks. Though highly developed in parts, most construction has been conscientious, and the government has made sure that the region’s fascinating ancient ruins and temples (some of them listed by Unesco) reign as Riviera Maya’s true stars. With more artifacts discovered each year, these centuries-old finds continue to enrich our understanding of the past. Peppered with swimmable, fresh water springs — known as cenotes —Riviera Maya promises more than beach play. Those willing to leave the ocean adventures, sailboats and pool cabanas behind for the day can hike, ride horses, explore caves and temples and peruse museums. Opportunities to delve into local Mayan culture abound— from cooking courses to stints in a temazcal sweat lodge — a spiritual ritual meant to purify the mind, body and spirit. Cap that with nonpareil culinary offerings, exemplary hotels that brimwith personality and, of course, potent margaritas — and you’re sure to begin planning your next trip before you even return home.

by Becca Hensley

Photos Manu Padilla, the-stills.com