We had the pleasure of staying at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques for 8 days over Christmas. Our decision to go there was somewhat last minute influenced by a few important factors: My spouse was recovering from cancer treatment, and our original European agenda would have proved too draining. I work in Bogota, and we wanted something more than just a Latin experience. We wanted something quiet, personal and luxurious. And as we had stayed at Banyan Trees in Asia, we knew the brand well.


Initially we had looked at the BT Mayakoba, which was fully booked for the holiday. In retrospect, we are very happy that it happened this way. The way I’d describe the difference between these two excellent facilities is that the Mayakoba is like a luxury Texas mall… high end, with lots to offer, but big and somewhat impersonal. The Cabo Marques was more like a luxury boutique, where the staff know you by name, get to know your preferences and anticipate your needs.


Some individuals were just outstanding, Guadalupe the bar attendant, Antonio the pool attendant, Julian and Diego the waiters could not have done more to be helpful. On the humorous side, we decided that they assigned Christopher name tags to trainees, as while the Christophers we encountered all tried hard, but were clearly still on a learning curve.


We did face some challenges. As it was the holiday season, the restaurant schedule was a bit flakey. We couldn’t always get a clear answer as to what was open when. While I had asked for a secluded room, what we originally got was WAY too secluded. But by ten o’clock the next morning we were moved to a spectacular room with sunset views near the Saffron restaurant. And, per a couple of the other comments, the maid service was not always prompt. I called one evening 4 times before raising a response.


The only real problem we had was with our plunge pool, the filter of which overloaded and needed to be shock cleaned. They came right away to start the work, but we were without the pool for about 12 hours. They offered to move us to the room next-door, but we decided to stick it out. Ricardo the manager did send a nice bottle of champagne for the trouble. Although it took a day or so for the chlorine to regulate back to an acceptable level, really these were all simply minor, minor matters.


We tried all the food options.


We loved the fact that only three hours from home we could have authentic Thai food. Expectedly the Saffron menu is a little limited vs. BT in Thailand. Unfortunately while we were there the Thai chef was home for the holidays, so we weren’t able to order off -menu. But the food was delicious, flavorful and our favorite.


Los Rocas grill was spectacular. Probably the best fish we’ve ever had.


After eight days the breakfast buffet did get a bit tiresome. But the made to order dishes were wonderful.


Even room service was good. Though I think the chef got confused on our first night. We ordered gnocchi they used goat cheese instead of ricotta. Good as a spread on the bread, but a bit salty for as a full portion.


The rooms were spectacular, on par with any we’ve had in Thailand, and of course a private infinity pool, overlooking the pacific during sunset was just breathtaking. Our room, on the crest of the hill was very secluded. In fact, as it was Christmas most the time we had the whole resort to ourselves, something that we will always cherish. We had two full days at the general pool as the only people there. Wonderful!


So all in all, we loved the experience. The staff was outstanding, the resort stunning, the sunsets spectacular, the food great. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a restful, romantic or regenerative getaway. Especially with the Banyan Tree service level and Thai influence it provides much more than a typical Mexico experience. We returned home felling that we actually gone on a much more worldly trip. And we’d go back at the drop of a hat!