Mexico has a long tradition of folk art and music, yet a new generation of artists and other cultural exponents are successfully marrying past traditions with modern innovation. From local handicrafts to inspiring photography, art and culture is thriving in Mayakoba, a luxurious resort on the Riviera Maya.
This Mexican resort is known for it’s eco credentials and stunning wildlife. Mayakoba is also making a name for itself as an arty hotspot. Come with us as we explore the cultural scene in Mayakoba.
Art and Culture in Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Andaz Mayakoba has some striking murals painted by Senkoe, chosen by Andaz to be one of their Cultural Insiders. He’s from Playa del Carmen but his colourful creations are popular worldwide.
Senkoe takes inspiration from Mexico’s bright colours, the sea, nature and comics to bring animals to life. We met him as he was putting the finishing touches to one of his artworks, celebrating the birds of Mayakoba.
There are several adorning the resort’s stairwells and Senkoe has also created many murals in the surrounding towns.
The octopus by the beachfront pool at Andaz is our personal favorite.
Its tentacles have spread over the side of the building. Much of Senkoe’s work is focused on regenerating existing public spaces so it’s fascinating to see what he has come up with for this brand new hotel.
Frida Kahlo Experience
The octopus mural was the star of the show during my recent Frida’s Wardrobe Experience at Andaz Mayakoba. Whether you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo or less familiar with this iconic Mexican artist, the photo shoot is great fun.
You get styled up in a couple of lovely outfits before having your photo taken by Sol and her expert team. She’s also one of the Cultural Insiders at Andaz and knows the very best locations throughout the property.
You can get to our next port of call, El Pueblito, by golf buggy, by bike or on foot along the nature trail. The buggies at Andaz Mayakoba are adorned with inspiring life journey quotes by famous artists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali.
El Pueblito
At El Pueblito, the resort’s traditionally inspired village square, you can purchase vibrant Mexican handicrafts like this Frida Kahlo knitted doll and these colourful masks.
On Sundays there’s a Farmer’s Market in Mayakoba with local producers selling their wares. It’s a good place to pick up organic beauty products and gourmet food.
Adding to the ambiance, these musicians were playing in the square’s pergola while a couple danced.
There’s a picturesque chapel, La Santa Cruz which has a Sunday mass and hides a surprise inside.
The chapel at Mayakoba has a stunning interior with a thatched roof, crystal chandeliers and striking pebble floor.
Approach the gilt altar a little closer and you’ll discover these incredible cherubs. They’re all slightly different and equally intriguing! The chapel is available to hire and a lovely spot for a wedding or christening.
Traditional Mexican Crafts
At Andaz Mayakoba, there are lots of colourful decorative touches like these traditional baskets decorating the walls of our suite and of Olla Taco, the casual beachside eatery that serves up delicious Mexican cuisine.
Over at Rosewood Mayakoba, a giant whale composed of a multitude of baskets adorns the walls of Punta Bonita. Diners can enjoy beautiful views of the Rosewood’s swimming pool and the Caribbean Sea while feasting on specialties from the Riviera Maya.
Mexican Tequila Tasting
Of course, the culture in Mexico isn’t limited to art, crafts and music. Food and drink plays an integral part and tequila is the tipple of choice. Aren’t these tequila bottles artworks in their own right? You can have an amazing tequila tasting experience in Mayakoba.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the exciting art and culture in Mayakoba.
Which of these experiences is your favorite?
You might also enjoy:
- Hyatt Andaz Mayakoba Mexico
- Tulum Street Art and Mayan Ruins
- Best Rio de Janeiro Attractions
- Best Things to Do in Los Cabos
Check out our vlog for more behind the scenes footage of this Riviera Maya paradise.
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Can’t get enough of this astonishing work of art. I bet it’s 1,000x better if you see it in person.
You’re right, Lux, you just have to go and see it in person!
It’s a lovely place, and Sol did a great job on the outfit!
Riviera Maya is such a great place to visit and yet it’s been ages since I gave up on going to Mexico. Part of the reason is that I have a tendency of going to the same places on and on and I wanted to stop that practice. However, now that I see how much things changed for the better in this area, I am very tempted to go back for a visit. I think your beautiful pictures do a lot of justice to the colorful art in Mayakoba.
That’s very kind, Anda and it’s tempting to return to the same places that we know and like but I hope that you do find the time to return to Mexico as I’d love to hear what you think about it now
It was such a surprise to come across an ornate interior like that, not what I was expecting and it really had the wow factor whilst being an appropriate place of worship for the locals
I’m very glad that you like them, Candice
One of the reasons I truly love visiting Mexico is the colorful artwork. I especially enjoyed seeing the whale made up of plates at the Rosewood Mayakoba.
It’s so creative, isn’t it! The artwork seems to match the people – very vibrant and full of life
I agree, they’re stunning and I’ll be writing about more fantastic murals in Tulum soon
Amazing, aren’t they! We also saw one of his works in La Playa, I’ll be posting about that and all the murals in Tulum soon
It’s so so so colourful and intricate! I also really love that photo of you channeling Frida Kahlo!
And that basket mural is just adorable.
I had a brilliant time dressing up in Frida Kahlo’s style, she was very elegant. Loved the basket mural too!
The cherubs are rather funny aren’t they 🙂 . I love that they have a Sundays Farmers market and that couple are so cute dancing! Mexicans really know how to have a lot of fun
Yes the cherubs certainly made me smile. It was so nice to see the couple dancing, I was tempted too!
What a great place. The colours in those paintings are amazing.
I think they really sum up Mexico! Such a brilliant place and I can’t wait to return
I absolutely loved the whale made out of baskets at the Rosewood!
So cute, wasn’t it! Simple but very effective
The cherubs were full of character, though they looked naughty rather than angelic! I’ll be writing about more murals in Tulum soon
Thanks very much, Catherine – I think that outfit would flatter anyone!
I brought back quite a few – a fan, a hat, a bird book and plenty of chocolate!
Suze this is such a bright and colourful post. It is very tempting for me to want to head over to Mexico for those murals alone, let alone the tequila and all the handicrafts and masks. Great, vibrant post.
Ooh you definitely should visit, Lyn – the colours are amazing there!
I love this kind of art full of life and vibrancy beautiful Lucy x
Oh wow such beautiful art and colourful paintings!