Rohan Marley Discusses Hospitality and Wellness in Puerto Morelos, Mexico

The entrepreneur brings good energy to a swanky resort on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Celebrity Hospitality Ventures

Would you rather sweat it out to dancehall or inside a temescal? At the latest venture from Rohan Marley, son of reggae great Bob Marley, you don’t have to choose.

The July 2020 opening of the Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos also saw the debut of his RoMarley Beach House, a club where guests can chill in cocoon-like wicker nests at the ocean’s edge, savor health-focused, locally sourced Jamaican-Mexican fusion, and groove to live mariachi and reggae sets from visiting DJs. In the works: Sun House, a wellness retreat program featuring sound baths, yoga, Reiki, and more.

Marley joins a crop of celebrities—like Pharrell with Miami’s Goodtime Hotel, and Lenny Kravitz, who launched his own interiors studio Kravitz Design—venturing into the hospitality space and drawing from their personal aesthetics and lifestyles.

I recently spent a rejuvenating weekend at the Fives dining on ceviche and vegan Jamaican patties, soaking in a generous jetted tub on my balcony, and watching the sun dip below the sea from the rooftop infinity pool. The real highlight, however, was speaking with Marley about his family’s history of hospitality, the importance of wellness, and why he believes Mexico is the perfect travel destination—particularly for those of the African diaspora.

Cultural Draw to Mexico

What drew you to Mexico, and specifically Puerto Morelos—rather than more popular destinations like Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

“There was definitely a cultural draw to Mexico. I found a crossover in the Yucatán with Afro-Caribbean culture, which I include in my idea of pan-Africanism. It’s sacred. The African diaspora spread across the globe and around the Caribbean we have that energy and flavor—from the food to the colors to the people. It’s another place we can call home.

Puerto Morelos is the most beautiful village I’ve ever seen—this charming fishing community is protected by the mangroves and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The more you go, the more you love it. We’re the only property on this part of the beach, so it’s low-key and secluded. Therefore, when I’m here, I’m at peace. I wake up with the sunrise, and after sunset, I stay up and watch the stars, right on the sea.”

Community Impact and Local Engagement

When big developments enter smaller communities, they can boost the economy but can also displace residents or jeopardize the essence of a place. Did you wrestle with that at all?

“I recognize this place existed before we got here, and it’s our duty to become a part of it, not to dictate it. Yes, I want guests to indulge at the Beach House; however, I also want them to engage with and patronize the local community in Puerto Morelos. There are lovely bistros and bars nearby. You can go for a walk and find incredible tacos right up the street. It is important for us to honor the amazing vibes here by supporting local businesses and respecting the natural environment.”

The Sun House Retreat

Tell us more about your plans for the Sun House retreat. Why were you interested in incorporating local medicinal and healing practices?

“I believe in the Rastafari philosophy of ‘I and I’—the unity of the physical and metaphysical self. I’m naturally drawn to spiritual pursuits and healing methods, and you have to be led by someone who really knows what they’re doing. It needs to be based on genuine relationships with healers and herbalists. I’m working on building those partnerships here. I would never want to bastardize ancient practices by just selling something. It’s not a gimmick. Mexico has awakened me—my hope is to share this journey with guests, to bring them to a beautiful home on the beach and offer opportunities for self-discovery and growth.”