Rosewood gives a warmer, more classic look with docks on the lagoon and a strong family side. Banyan Tree feels more minimal and Southeast Asian, with private villa pools. Both have the same lagoon and beach, and both photograph beautifully.
They share the same protected reserve, so the water and the light are the same. What differs is everything built around them. Here is how they compare in front of a camera.
Rosewood on Camera
About 129 suites, each with a plunge pool, and lagoon suites with their own docks. Warm wood, deep green water and a quiet, relaxed look. The Lagoon Lawn gives sunset colour on calm water, and the beach is close to family pools. It also has a kids' club, so it suits families too.
Banyan Tree on Camera
Opened in 2009 as the first Banyan Tree in North America, with villas that each have a private pool and garden. The look is cleaner and more minimal, with Southeast Asian touches. Saffron, its Thai restaurant, has decks over the lagoon, and its Sands beach club has an infinity pool. Our Banyan Tree guide has the details.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios work on this coast, so you can see how this light and water look on camera. It shows our work in the area, not necessarily at Rosewood Mayakoba.
Which to Choose
For photos alone, choose by style: warm and natural, Rosewood; minimal and architectural, Banyan Tree. Couples in a villa will love the privacy of Banyan Tree. Families often prefer Rosewood for the pools and the shorter routes to the sand. Our comparison of all four Mayakoba resorts adds Fairmont and Alila.
How It Works
Message us with your dates, who will be in the photos and where you are staying. We suggest the hour from the sunrise and sunset on your date, confirm availability, usually the same day, and send you a short plan for Rosewood Mayakoba. On the day, we guide you the whole way, so nobody needs to know how to pose. Your edited gallery arrives privately in one to three business days, in full 4K.