Rosewood Mayakoba Hosts ‘Rockies on the Riviera’ Culinary & Bar Collaboration

Riviera Maya, Mexico (February 9, 2024) – As winter blankets the Rockies in snow, an epicurean journey awaits travelers seeking refuge from the cold. This month, Rosewood Mayakoba collaborates with Colorado’s top culinary and bar talent to host “Rockies on the Riviera” from February 26 to 29, 2024, bringing a taste of the Rockies to their warm weather oasis in the Mexican Caribbean.

Set at the Forbes Five-Star resort nestled among emerald lagoons and pristine white-sand beaches, this exclusive event sees some of Colorado’s most celebrated chef and bar talent joining forces with Rosewood Mayakoba's exceptional team, led by Executive Chef Edgar Chavez and Director of Bars Joshua Monaghan of Zapote Bar, ranked #11 at the North America 50 Best Bar Awards.

This distinctive series of experiences artfully marry the award-winning cooking styles of these talented Colorado-based guests with the bold flavors and ingredients of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The esteemed lineup includes:

• Michael Diaz de Leon of BRUTØ, Denver | James Beard Award nominee, Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star 2023, and former chef at BRUTØ who also has an exciting new project on the horizon

• Ian Palazzola, Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder | Michelin Star 2023 and James Beard Award-winner for Outstanding Hospitality (2019) and nominee for Outstanding Restaurant (2020)

• Christian Hammerdorfer, Yacht Club, Denver | Esquire Best Bars in America 2023, 50 Best Bars North America 2023 (No. 42), Tales Spirited Awards Best U.S. Bar Team 2023 Finalist, and recipient of the World's 50 Best Bars 2023 Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award

The journey spans across three enticing evenings:

• Monday, February 26 presents Sabores de Baja at Agave Azul, an outdoor celebration inspired by the street food and culture of Baja California, featuring sustainable seafood and a fusion of Mexican, East Asian, and Chinese influences, complete with Baja-inspired dishes from visiting chefs Ian Palazzo and Chef Michael Diaz de Leo

• Tuesday, February 27 hosts Al Fresco at Aqui me Quedo, the resort’s toes-in-the-sand, beachfront restaurant, with cocktails by Yacht Club followed by a collaborative dinner inspired by Mexico’s southern Pacific coast alongside visiting chefs Ian Palazzo and Chef Michael Diaz de Leon, who will each helm a dedicated food station for the evening featuring their take on Aqui me Quedo’s regional fare

• Wednesday, February 28 sees Yacht Club, courtesy of Senior Bartender Christian Hammerdorfer, taking over Zapote Bar, showcasing the bar’s signature approach of high-low mixology with breezy, fun – and occasionally nautical – cocktails like the Frozen Banana Daiquiri and Champagne Mojito

Denver conveniently offers daily direct flights to Cancun, located under an hour from Rosewood Mayakoba’s eco-reserve enclave on the Riviera Maya. This collaboration promises to be a unique culmination of talent, flavors, and cultures, offering guests an unforgettable experience.

Photos can be found here.