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Staying at the 72-room oasis was a true immersion into the colors and joy of Mexico.

Aerial view of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Credit:William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Salmon, avocado, and anything remotely healthy or adventurous?

Real hard sells these days.

It turns out the protein-filled snack, popular in Oaxaca, makes for an excellent garnish.

Main Building lobby staircase and Ranas Fountain at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Want to try one?

Sure, he replied, unflinching.

One bite and he was hooked.

Main pool surrounded by palm trees with lounge chairs at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

But I wont eat the guacamole.

Opened in 1995, Maroma was arguably the first luxury resort in the region, now a tourism behemoth.

Evidence of the locals craftsmanship can still be seen in surprising ways.

Interior of a guest room at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

William Jess Laird/Edgardo Contreras/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Every May, the staff does a ceremony to honor their presence.

Heres a closer look at the standout features.

Years ago, they were free of TVs; not so anymore, a nod to 21st-century living.

A plate of food and Casa Mayo on the beach at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

From left: Jacqueline Gifford/Travel + Leisure; William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

The resort sprawls across 11 low-lying buildings, each charmingly named and marked for aloteriacard.

A bonus in my book?

The entry level is a deluxe garden view room from 336 to 423 square feet.

The kitchen and and a building exterior at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

(Three in our case, since Bobbywilleat steak.)

Though we loved our dinner of duck carnitas,Sahuayo-style, the daily breakfast stole the show.

Kids can even participate in swim sessions outdoors.

Loungers on the beach at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Two highlights during our stay involved culinary experiences, which were booked as add-on activities.

The Spa

The freestanding spa was built many moons ago to resemble a temple.

Another wonderful option for families is cooling down in a cenote (watering hole).

Interior of a treatment room at the Spa at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

William Jess Laird/Courtesy of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya