A jungle? A beach? The answer is "yes." Chable Moroma is a gem tucked away in Punta Maroma, along a quiet stretch of sand in the Riviera Maya, just north of Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Vibe
In a word (or two): Upscale chill. The spacious resort's entrance is tucked away on the side of the highway and one of those delightful surprises that you would never know was there when you zoom past it on the way to Tulum or a mega-resort. The winding dirt road leads you to - out of nowhere - one of the grandest entries we've ever seen: a huge chandelier made from rope is the centerpiece of the open-air pavilion complete with water features and swings. But you aren't there for long as you're whisked away in a golf cart down a narrow, winding path lined with jungle flora and iguanas of all sizes crossing your path until you arrive at your casita. More on that in a moment.
The staff are extremely friendly, accommodating, attentive and laid-back. They were quick to anticipate our needs, but didn't needlessly hover while we were relaxing.
The grounds are very well maintained and if you're not careful you could take a wrong turn while you're making your way to the beach (or back to the casita after a few margaritas!) as there are pathways everywhere.
We spent our days lounging by one of the two pools on the edge of the beach, but the beach was also well manicured and dotted with comfortable lounge chairs and tables.
Accommodations
We were fortune to stay in one of the independent, spacious Casitas on the property. It was easily among the best accommodations we've ever had anywhere. Period.
From the hidden walkway that led to the huge lounge area on the porch, to the plunge pool surrounded on three sides by thick jungle walls, you could almost live in the outdoor areas alone! But on opening the heavy, double sliding doors, you may have second thoughts.
You're presented with a warm, spacious room that's flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling and wall to wall windows on either side of the room. When the auto-magic black-out shades are open, you have all the sunlight you could want while maintaining your privacy with tall, tropical hedges. We would spend our mornings sipping tea and partaking of the breakfast basket delivered to our front door while seated at the small table in one of the windows.
And while we could go on-and-on about the bedroom, the bathroom was the show stopper! Holy. Moly. A huge floating counter with double sinks. A double rain shower that leads to an outdoor shower. Two private toilets. And, of course, another lounge area. We could go on-and-on, but you'll just have to experience it for yourself.
Fare and Glass
Each day started with a basket quietly delivered outside our door, filled with fresh pastries and fruit - and great, quiet way to kick off the day at our own pace. Each afternoon - with a few fresh margaritas behind us, we'd either order off the pool menu, or grab an outdoor table at Kaban (the more "everyday" restaurant). These meals were everything from club sandwiches to amazingly fresh ceviche (which they later sent us the recipe for!).
We frequented the open-air Raw Bar that not only had a variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies, but boasted some of the most beautiful sunsets in that part of Mexico.
But the culinary highlight was the six-course tasting and wine paring at Bu'ul. Each beautiful plate came with a knowledgable walk-through of what was on the plate and the relevance to the local culture. It was simple, adventurous (to a point) and delicious.
The Verdict
Chable Maroma is modern, beautiful and inviting - and a place we will gladly visit again. Our favorite thing about this place was how quiet and laid back it was. And a close second was the Casita. It found it hard to leave it to head to the pool or beach and found ourselves draw back to it in the afternoons to nap, wade in the plunge pool and take in the seclusion.
A true diamond in the rough, it deserves the praise that's lavished on it - from the staff to the food to the grounds. Add this one to your list, whether for a long (or extra long) weekend, or an extended getaway. You will have zero regrets.
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