Maya Chan review - any Questions?

Thank you so much for the reviews! I'll be there in 2 weeks and I can't wait!

So bummed they are already booked for our port day

We were there November 2nd. I can only describe it as Paradise on Earth!

The part about the ride down is correct - bumpy as all get outs, but sooooooo worth it! :D

The service is 5 star, the plants are lush, the scenery is stunning, the food is the best we had all week! Would go back in a nano second!

We'll be there on the 24th. Our idea of Black Friday. Thanks for the pics.

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I will be making our 6th visit to Maya Chan this December. Obviously we really like this place!:D

Mark, Jane and David have put together a beach area that is so guest friendly that's its difficult for us to visit Costa Maya and do anything else.

The food, drinks and atmosphere are top notch, all provided by locals that seem to love what they are doing.

Don't let a bumpy road, or a little seagrass, or a few sand fleas slow you down. Enjoy your visit.

Enjoy!

Kel

So happy to find this thread! I had three specific questions about Maya Chan:

1. I inquired about booking for our group of 8 and received an email back with several photos and an informative word document. One photo was a palapa with exactly 8 chairs and a hammock. Am I to assume this would be "our spot"? Do all of the palapas overlook the beach directly or are some of them in a "back row" and some in a "front row"? I ask because I would probably want to sit there during portions of the day while my son is in the water, but I'd still like to keep a close eye on him.

2. I'm a little concerned about the bumpy road. How "bumpy" is this? Should I be concerned about taking our kids without their carseats? From Google Maps I can see it's only 4 miles, so I think my son (8) would be okay with a seat belt and I was planning to put my daughter (2) on my lap and then in a seatbelt. Would this be a major safety hazard? If so, what would be a good alternative that we could be guaranteed shade and a lounger? (I'm traveling with some senior citizens that can be a bit picky...ahem...my mother) ;p

3. Sea grass...So many people have mentioned this, and I understand they can't control it and it depends on weather. I'm totally okay with this. Just wondering, is this more of a seasonal problem? I've noticed several reviewers found it especially bad in November and December. We're planning to be there the first week of April...?

We're not major drinkers, but we do enjoy some fun beverages and good food. I am not into the loud music/crowds/tons of drunk people scene, which is why I was considering Maya Chan in the first place.

Thanks in advance for any input!

1. They will escort you to your palapa when you arrive. All of the accommodations overlook the water. There is no front or back so will not be blocked from water view.(unless they have added a row).

2. You shouldn't need to worry about people flying out of their seats with the road. It's not that extreme. Your palapa should have some shade. And if not, there is an area under the bar/food area that is covered.

3. Seaweed/seagrass is seasonal anywhere in the Caribbean. Some years are worse than others. The year we went was probably the worst. All different times of the year.

4. No loud music. Very relaxing. This is probably why they have only so many reservations they take a day. To keep that type of atmosphere to a minimum. Maybe try to google Maya Chan, Costa Maya and see if any photos come up or review. Trip advisor will be helpful also.

Don't worry, you'll have a nice time off the boat. Enjoy!

Let me add, about the drive. The bumps were enough that both of our drivers (each way) drove slowly so that people wouldn't be bumped around too much in the car. We did not have our 3 year old in a car seat and we were never worried about safety. With that being said though, these are taxis, not contracted drivers. While I doubt you will get any crazy ones, because they won't want to tear up their car, I suppose it is a possibility.

We aren't big drinkers either, but the rum punch and Pina colada were nice, especially since I didn't drink on the cruise. IMO this was the best option for our family. Quiet, kid friendly, beach toys to entertain the kids, great food & drinks (virgin smoothies for the kids), etc.

1. They will escort you to your palapa when you arrive. All of the accommodations overlook the water. There is no front or back so will not be blocked from water view.(unless they have added a row).

 

2. You shouldn't need to worry about people flying out of their seats with the road. It's not that extreme. Your palapa should have some shade. And if not, there is an area under the bar/food area that is covered.

 

3. Seaweed/seagrass is seasonal anywhere in the Caribbean. Some years are worse than others. The year we went was probably the worst. All different times of the year.

 

4. No loud music. Very relaxing. This is probably why they have only so many reservations they take a day. To keep that type of atmosphere to a minimum. Maybe try to google Maya Chan, Costa Maya and see if any photos come up or review. Trip advisor will be helpful also.

 

Don't worry, you'll have a nice time off the boat. Enjoy!

This is so helpful! Thanks for answering all of my questions!

Let me add, about the drive. The bumps were enough that both of our drivers (each way) drove slowly so that people wouldn't be bumped around too much in the car. We did not have our 3 year old in a car seat and we were never worried about safety. With that being said though, these are taxis, not contracted drivers. While I doubt you will get any crazy ones, because they won't want to tear up their car, I suppose it is a possibility.

 

We aren't big drinkers either, but the rum punch and Pina colada were nice, especially since I didn't drink on the cruise. IMO this was the best option for our family. Quiet, kid friendly, beach toys to entertain the kids, great food & drinks (virgin smoothies for the kids), etc.

Well, I'm not one to turn down a Pina Colada! :p Thank you for your input. I value that, especially as you were traveling with a little one similar in age to ours!

This is so helpful! Thanks for answering all of my questions!

You're welcome! Please follow up to this post when you get back and let us know if anything has changed from what you have read here, so we will all know.

You're welcome! Please follow up to this post when you get back and let us know if anything has changed from what you have read here, so we will all know.

I definitely will! I used to love doing extensive photo reviews after my cruises, but now I have that issue with Photobucket. Ugh...

 

 

 

We were there November 2nd. I can only describe it as Paradise on Earth!

 

 

 

The part about the ride down is correct - bumpy as all get outs, but sooooooo worth it! :D

 

 

 

The service is 5 star, the plants are lush, the scenery is stunning, the food is the best we had all week! Would go back in a nano second!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like you might have been in the Taco Palapa! We are assigned the Taco Palapa (it’s the only one left) for our visit in April. I’m quite pleased that our Palapa has a name, is a little “behind the scenes” and I’m truly looking forward to it! Is this the one you had and what did you think of it?

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We made our sixth visit to Maya Chan last month and it was better than ever! Road is still bumpy and after a very wet month of December, all of the pot holes were filled with water -- not to worry, as we had a brand new taxi van with great A/C and suspension. No sea grass to speak of.

By the way: Jane wrote a book about the history and building of Maya Chan. I just ordered my copy off of Amazon; should be a fun read!

https://www.amazon.com/Helps-Crazy-Story-Maya-Beach/dp/1432794566/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515453810&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=building+of+maya+chan

Enjoy!

Kel:D

We made our sixth visit to Maya Chan last month and it was better than ever! Road is still bumpy and after a very wet month of December, all of the pot holes were filled with water -- not to worry, as we had a brand new taxi van with great A/C and suspension. No sea grass to speak of.

 

By the way: Jane wrote a book about the history and building of Maya Chan. I just ordered my copy off of Amazon; should be a fun read!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Helps-Crazy-Story-Maya-Beach/dp/1432794566/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515453810&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=building+of+maya+chan

 

Enjoy!

Kel:D

Thanks for the update. We're headed there March 2nd and I am so excited.

We just visited Maya Chan for our third visit on December 27 and it was as fabulous as ever! Service and food were wonderful and we look forward to returning again!

Enjoyed the review.

Keith

We visited for first time in September. Would definitely go back. We went with people who had been before and knew what to expect. Drinks were plentiful and very good. They really know how to make a mudslide. They have large floating chairs anchored out in the water and they do deliver drinks out there. Food was excellent and all you wanted. They have nice restroom facilities. Have water sports equipment. All in all well worth the money:D

Do they have life jackets for the kids?

They had them for adults and kids.

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They had them for adults and kids.

 

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thank you!

We made our sixth visit to Maya Chan last month and it was better than ever! Road is still bumpy and after a very wet month of December, all of the pot holes were filled with water -- not to worry, as we had a brand new taxi van with great A/C and suspension. No sea grass to speak of.

 

By the way: Jane wrote a book about the history and building of Maya Chan. I just ordered my copy off of Amazon; should be a fun read!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Helps-Crazy-Story-Maya-Beach/dp/1432794566/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1515453810&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=building+of+maya+chan

 

Enjoy!

Kel:D

I see you are a frequent flyer too. We made our 3rd, 4th (2017) and 5th coming in 3 weeks. In our humble opinion, the only to do is Maya Chan in Costa Maya. Catch of the day normally Sea Bass, food is to die for. I always hate leaving you miss them like family.

-Mike and Becky

I see you are a frequent flyer too. We made our 3rd, 4th (2017) and 5th coming in 3 weeks. In our humble opinion, the only to do is Maya Chan in Costa Maya. Catch of the day normally Sea Bass, food is to die for. I always hate leaving you miss them like family.

-Mike and Becky

Hey Mike and Becky,

Make sure you let David know that this is your fifth visit and he might set up the "Maya Ceremony" for repeat guests. This happened on our fifth visit and it was really fun with most guests taking part. Your photo will go up on the "Wall of Shame" between the bar and kitchen. Our's is under Lauren and Kelly, June 2017.

Send them an email to let them know this is your 5th visit coming up.

Have a wonderful visit,

Kel:D

I was there in December with a group of six of us. Our 4th time there, The food was awesome, drinks were watered down and massages were not very good. We were disappointed. Will be back in two weeks and hoping the experience is better.

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Looks like you might have been in the Taco Palapa! We are assigned the Taco Palapa (it’s the only one left) for our visit in April. I’m quite pleased that our Palapa has a name, is a little “behind the scenes” and I’m truly looking forward to it! Is this the one you had and what did you think of it?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I don't know if it had a name. It was just steps from the bar and food hut. I had inquired multiple times about shade and that shade was the most important thing for me and they had assured me that there was plenty of shade. When we arrived, they had us at one of the little palapas near the beach but not exactly shaded. I let them know it wasn't what I expected and I needed more shade and they promptly moved us to this one! I loved it! Slightly secluded and large, there were only two of us and my DH sat at the bar most of the day so it was just me and my tablet and a good book in that palapa. I liked it so well, if we are ever lucky enough to return, I'll ask for it specifically!

I don't know if it had a name. It was just steps from the bar and food hut. I had inquired multiple times about shade and that shade was the most important thing for me and they had assured me that there was plenty of shade. When we arrived, they had us at one of the little palapas near the beach but not exactly shaded. I let them know it wasn't what I expected and I needed more shade and they promptly moved us to this one! I loved it! Slightly secluded and large, there were only two of us and my DH sat at the bar most of the day so it was just me and my tablet and a good book in that palapa. I liked it so well, if we are ever lucky enough to return, I'll ask for it specifically!

Sounds perfect!

Jenn

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