Mayakoba: hidden eco-resort oasis

Urogynecology has a lot of benefits...hours aren't too bad most of the time, compensation doesn't suck, and the leadership always chooses the best places for conferences. After some recent significant burnout, the need for urogyn company and lectures that make me remember why I started this job was sky high. Luckily, AUGS Urogyn update came to the rescue and was just about the same time as my first attempt at girls trip 1.0.

Andaz Mayakoba: The Mayakoba resort complex was originally preserved as an ecological reserve by the Mexican government. They offered development to several high end resort companies with the stipulation that all development needed to be eco-friendly utilizing renewable resources and with minimal disruption to the natural mangrove structure. They did this beautifully. There are 4 hotels on the complex: Andaz (modern and minimalist theme with art throughout property), Rosewood (which also has private homes), Fairmont (has a pro golf course), and Banyan Tree (high end Asian themed property).

My free day prior to lectures was spent exploring the property, including borrowing one their free bikes to explore the 4km of nature trails, heading down to the beach to Olla Ceviche to have a big bowl of super fresh fish and a Pacifico (pro tip: get a beer to go and explore), walking the beach, and taking one of the electric boats on an ecotour of the mangrove channels that surround the property. Disclaimer: you cannot swim in the channels...there are crocs and baby barracudas... You can, however, get a kayak tour with a guide that will prevent being consumed by reptiles, which I also booked. You get a great view of all the resorts from a different vantage point so I highly recommend it.

Olla Ceviche and Olla Taco are excellent, but Andaz also boasts some high end experiences as well. Sotavento is brand new and specializes in traditional Caribbean grill and very good wines. The grilled octopus and conch ceviche were amazing, as were the mexican root vegetables. At night, on the beach, this place is pretty special. Also at the resort is Casa Amate, specializing in Mayan food. The view and the staff are impeccable. They also offer a complimentary happy hour for guests with really good small bites and a cocktail making class during the week!

Casa Amate

Once my crew showed up, however, we booked a reservation at Saffron in the Banyan tree complex. With a chef straight from one of the bests restaurants in Thailand and a ridiculously serene setting, I was kind of in awe here. The menu is quite authentic, and they warn you about asking for items 'spicy', which, of course, I did. In addition to a massive appetizer sampler of all their finest, I also ordered a grouper red curry (made spicy). It was, by far, the best curry I have ever had.

Saffron at Banyan Tree

Alas, all conferences do end, but this was the start of girls trip 2019! Stay tuned for more...