The three-day event transforms Mayakoba’s four acclaimed resorts into a destination-wide journey honoring Mexico’s living traditions of culture, cuisine, and art
RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mayakoba, the Riviera Maya’s 595-acre luxury resort and residential destination, today announces the return of its annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. From October 29 through November 1, the three-day celebration will honor one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions through destination-wide programming inspired by remembrance, artistry and connection.
Home to Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, and the newly opened Alila Mayakoba, Mayakoba was envisioned as a destination where luxury is inseparable from Mexico’s extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage. Connected by emerald lagoons, winding waterways and protected mangrove forests, Mayakoba provides a distinctive setting for experiences that celebrate a deep sense of place, an approach reflected in the destination’s annual Día de Muertos celebration.
“At Mayakoba, we believe the most meaningful luxury experiences are those that create a genuine connection to a destination; its people, traditions and stories,” said Luis Durán, CEO of RLH Properties, the owner group behind Mayakoba “Día de Muertos offers the opportunity to honor one of Mexico’s most treasured cultural traditions with authenticity and respect while inviting guests to experience the heritage and natural beauty that define Mayakoba.”
Dating back thousands of years to Indigenous civilizations in Mexico, Día de Muertos honors the enduring bond between past and present. Rooted in the belief that loved ones return to visit those they have left behind, the tradition is celebrated through ofrendas (traditional altars), cempasúchil flowers, music, food and shared rituals that preserve the memories and stories of generations past. Rather than simply recreating traditional festivities, Mayakoba’s Dia de los Muertos weekend weaves regional folklore throughout the guest experience, celebrating the stories, customs and cultural heritage that have long shaped the Riviera Maya.
Mayakoba’s celebration is anchored by a tribute to the local legend of Zunu, a hummingbird believed to guide visitors between worlds. From the moment guests arrive, rituals rooted in ancestral traditions immerse the senses through rich aromas and tasting experiences inspired by the culinary memories of generations past. The celebration then unfolds through destination-wide culinary collaborations, vibrant art installations, live performances, wellness offerings, and Mayakoba’s signature nighttime canal journey. Highlights include:
- The Once-in-a-Lifetime Boat Journey: The pinnacle of the celebration, guests will embark on a curated nighttime procession through Mayakoba’s pristine waterways aboard electric boats, where floating artistic installations and live performances create a breathtaking tribute to remembrance and connection.
- Culinary Legends & Cross-Property Takeovers: Mayakoba’s culinary leaders—including Executive Chefs Edgar Chávez (Rosewood Mayakoba), Alejandro Rodríguez (Banyan Tree Mayakoba), and Daniel Noguera (Fairmont Mayakoba)—will host exclusive dining events. Highlights include Banyan Tree’s immersive “Dinner of Legends,” a dark Mexican culinary experience paired with Mayan folklore and Catrina parades with ash-infused cocktails, Rosewoord’s Zunu-inspired mixology takeovers at the acclaimed Zapote Bar, appearances from two Michelin Chefs, Steven Molnar and Roberto Alcocer, in collaboration with Fairmont at El Pueblito Mayakoba, and special programming at Alila.
- Live Performances & Cultural Programming: Traditional music, dance and cultural performances will take place throughout the destination, celebrating the artistry and spirit of Día de los Muertos.
- Interactive Masterclasses & Workshops: Guests can participate in hands-on culinary traditions, including traditional Pan de Muerto baking classes at Oriente, mixology workshops at Cocina Corazón, and group cooking masterclasses hosted by Chef Sandra de la Mora at El Pueblito.
- Cultural Rituals & Family Programming: From candle-lighting ceremonies over the water and custom lobby altars to Zunu-inspired children’s activities at Rosewood and specialized wellness rituals across all resort spas, every age group is invited to connect with the heritage of Día de los Muertos.
Through these experiences, Mayakoba invites guests to engage with Día de Muertos as a living tradition that honors the past and celebrates the present while bringing generations together through shared moments and storytelling. To book your exclusive Day of the Dead experience, please visit Mayakoba’s website or follow @mayakoba on social media for more details.
ABOUT MAYAKOBA:
Nestled in the Mexican Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a 595-acre resort and residential destination surrounded by nature and distinguished by its emerald lagoons, jungle, tranquil waters, and a sugar sand beach. Four meaningfully placed luxury hotels can be found within Mayakoba — Alila Mayakoba, which recently opened its doors following a comprehensive renovation; Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba — each with distinct personalities and amenities, perfectly complementing one another, and two collections of private residences, including Rosewood Residences Mayakoba, and Fairmont Heritage Place Mayakoba.
Within the coveted destination are a wealth of lifestyle experiences including three acclaimed spas, more than 25 restaurants with eclectic cuisines and El Pueblito, a village square that serves as an event space modeled after the historic colonial plazas in Mexico. In addition, guests have access to a three-mile long nature trail, an array of recreational pursuits through Mayakoba Experiences, the Dive and Water Sports Center and Mayakoba Dive School, and El Camaleón Mayakoba, the most prestigious 18-hole golf course in Latin America, designed by Greg Norman.
For more information, visit www.mayakoba.com
PR CONTACT:
Quinn, an Interluxe Group Company
rlhproperties@quinn.pr
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SOURCE RLH Properties
