Superbly positioned on the Riviera Maya, Maroma Resort and Spa in Mexico is bringing a touch of authentic Mayan culture straight to its guests’ doorstep by recreating an Aldea Maya (Mayan Village) on its grounds. The Aldea Maya will offer keen foodies a truly cultural experience by giving them a chance to sample genuine Mayan cuisine which will be produced both traditionally and sustainably.

Located in the shaded gardens of this luxury resort, central to Aldea Maya is a purpose built hut with a Palapa roof, what guests are invited to delve deep into ancient Mayan culture by sampling a dinner menu based entirely on regional specialties such as black bean stew with sour cactus fruit salsa and banana leaf cooked lion fish with mint and tomatillo.

Traditional Mayan methods of cooking foods over an open fire in clay pans will be used to create the exotic Mayan flavourings and 100% of the ingredients will be sourced locally from organic farmers and also from the hotel’s very own milpa style farm. Milpa farming is a method of crop growing used throughout Mesoamerica and most extensively in the Yucatan peninsula which involves farmers planting a dozen crops at once, all of which are nutritionally and environmentally friendly.

Demonstrating Maroma’s commitment to supporting local communities and protecting the environment, a portion of the Aldea Maya proceeds will be used to support ecological and educational programmes that will directly benefit the local Mayan communities.

General Manager Federico Echaiz says “Our daily contact with the Mayan people has given us the opportunity to participate in the economic, social, cultural and ecological development of the communities in a responsible and respectful manner.”