The Andaz Riveria Maya is a full-service resort located in the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s pristine Gulf Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Casa Amate is the property’s signature dining destination, a unique restaurant and bar located on a rock outcropping overlooking an inland lagoon. Like all venues, it is reachable by cart but distinctively accessed by foot via a nearby pedestrian bridge. The building is designed as a rural house that may have been created and lived in by an eclectic world traveler with interests in exploration, ecology, astronomy, and artifacts- particularly in Latin America.
As a house, it has domestic rooms that surround a courtyard with a special tree. Each intimate room, converted as it would have been the archeologist’s house has a specific design, each with dining for 16 to 20 people. Near the entry is the “Study”, which incorporates a small bar that functions as a lounge with residential furniture, a map collection, and shelves with artifacts.
The next room is the “Library”, which is lined with bookshelves on all walls, plus a large library table that is for groups or for guests to share. At the other end is the “Living Room”, which has a fireplace, shelves for collectables, and art with dining at various types of tables and chairs. Lastly is the “Dining Room”, with large sets of doors that connect to the courtyard and overlook the lagoon.
The exterior and interior is made with local stone, combined with stained wood, plaster, tile, and concrete. The colors are more subdued and classic than the vibrant colors of the other restaurants on location. This is a precious nighttime destination for dinner and lounging with a sense of history, while remaining contemporary.
The driving concept for the dinner-only offering at the resort needed to be a unique place unlike other resort restaurants. Each room of the house, be it the dining room, study, or living room have their own personality influenced by each collection and possible epic adventures. The intended luxury of the restaurant is enriched by its own history.
