We just returned from a week at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, and while the property is undeniably stunning, it’s the people who made this trip truly unforgettable. First, a huge shoutout to Alberto and Angel—the Batman and Robin of our vacation. Communicating through the WhatsApp concierge was seamless, and every message—whether about dinner reservations, tennis or snorkeling, the Barcelona fútbol match, or even handling a tricky poolside situation—was answered within minutes. Their responsiveness and warmth set the tone for an incredible stay. Juan at Sur Beach Club welcomed us daily like family. His attentiveness made us feel completely cared for—and his cocktails? Absolutely phenomenal. We spent most days sunbathing at Sur and evenings dining at Sands, where Oscar helped us select and grill our own freshly caught fish. We kayaked across the lagoon with Lizzette, witnessed a Mayan ceremony at the on-property cenote, stayed still as monarch butterflies landed on our heads, and enjoyed ceviche and aguas frescas at El Pueblito—all while zipping around on the resort’s complimentary bikes. Throughout our stay, team members like Alan, the director for Sands and Sur, were incredibly attentive and quick to resolve any hiccups, making sure we stayed firmly in vacation mode. We also got to meet even more of the amazing staff during a lively appreciation night at La Copa, where we had the chance to sample delicious signature dishes from each restaurant—a perfect way to experience the heart and flavor of Banyan Tree’s culinary team. And then there’s Andrea. From our very first exchange, she understood how meaningful this trip was—we were celebrating our son’s high school graduation. She helped us secure hard-to-get reservations at Zapote Bar, Cello, the Latin Beach BBQ, Sands, and Agave Azul, and went above and beyond to arrange a celebration surprise for our son in our room that brought me to tears. Her kindness and attention to detail made our stay truly unforgettable. Banyan Tree is breathtaking, but what makes it one of a kind is the staff. You may come across a few reviews that are less than glowing, but from our perspective, this experience exceeded every expectation. Sometimes, the extraordinary gets overlooked when luxury is defined too narrowly. But here, the magic is in the human touch, the thoughtful details, and the care behind every interaction. We can’t wait to return. Mil gracias a todo el equipo de Mayakoba!