National Geographic

Our connection to the Riviera Maya lives in the landscapes we care for and the traditions we carry forward. Through a visual story created for Belmond by National Geographic, we share a closer look at the people and wildlife that make Maroma their home.

With photographs by Sasha Arutyunova and words by Sophie Mendel, the story explores how nature and culture shape life at Maroma. It brings attention to the daily work of our team, from tending native plants to protecting sea turtle nests along our stretch of the Mexican Caribbean Sea.

At our Melipona sanctuary, beekeeper Juanita Bautista Yah Tziu draws on four generations of family knowledge to care for these native bees. Her work reflects a connection between Maya heritage and the natural world that continues to guide us today.

That connection also finds expression in our surroundings. Textiles from Chiapas and Oaxaca and clay tiles crafted in Jalisco bring Mexican artistry into our spaces, while the jungle remains a habitat for the wildlife with which we share this land. By sharing these stories, we hope to deepen understanding of the Riviera Maya and the care that goes into preserving its character. This is a portrait of our home, shaped by the people who know it best.