The Yucatan Peninsula offers natural wonders, including cenotes and idyllic beaches along with an ancient culture that’s still very much alive today. From Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Tulum and beyond, these magnificent resorts in Mexico offer some of the very best stays in the region.
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Puerto Morelos
Located just north of Playa Del Carmen, Belmond Maroma connects jungle and beach with a labyrinth of lush paths that wind through the grounds, parrots and butterflies flitter about while the scent of exotic flowers fills the air. One of the world’s luxurious resorts, the high-end facilities includes palm tree-lined pools, an award-winning spa and multiple restaurants and bars. Rooms all come with private terraces and feature an open-air design with handcrafted wood furniture and king-size canopy beds draped in mosquito netting. Choose a luxurious beachfront suite for your own plunge pool. Lounge on the powdery sands of the resort’s private beach, or join activities like cooking classes, tequila tastings and themed dinners.
Blue Diamond Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
Blue Diamond Riviera Maya is designed to provide the ultimate in rest and relaxation, perfect for couples looking for an intimate but luxurious all-inclusive, away from the crowds and noise in Cancun. This adults-only resort sits across beautiful grounds that are partially jungle-like and partially-manicured, just north of central Playa del Carmen. It has an isolated feel, and its swimming pools, beach and restaurants offering a more tranquil atmosphere. Suites come equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace or garden, along with lavish amenities like outdoor bathtubs and flat-screen TVs – some also feature a plunge pool. The hotel’s all-inclusive package offers culinary options as well as access to a competition golf course and fully-equipped spa.
Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
Nestled between the sensual Rosewood Mayakoba and the Asian-influenced Banyan Tree Mayakoba under a mangrove canopy, this sprawling luxury resort upholds the high standards of the Fairmont brand along an idyllic stretch of sand just north of Playa del Carmen. Recognized for its green practices, all elegant rooms and suites, outfitted in tropical-inspired décor, were built within the existing habitat and boast spacious soaking tubs, while some private suites stretch out to a pristine white beach. Play golf in Riviera Maya PGA El Camaleón course and get pampered at the world-class Willow Stream spa, which offers invigorating massages under a leafy canopy overlooking the treetops of the mangrove forest.
El Dorado Royale a Spa Resort by Karisma, Playa del Carmen
This adults-only resort is all-inclusive, spread across a massive 450 acres of jungle along the Riviera Maya. It offers practically an overwhelming number of dining options, as well as 12 swimming pools (one of which is a natural salt-water pool), spa services and exciting nightlife options, including shows and live music, as well as a ton of on-site activities. When you’re ready to explore, scuba diving trips, certificates, rental equipment and deep-sea fishing excursions are available.
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita, Cancun
Step through the entrance to this luxurious resort and experience its boutique feel. All of its spacious rooms at this top-rated resort in Cancun offer sweeping jungle and sea views and are beautifully styled, and are individually appointed with hand-selected art from around the world, reflecting seven cultural regions. The hotel’s all-inclusive truly includes everything, from food and drinks to tips, room service, sunset catamaran rides, champagne and much more. You can also sign up for cooking classes, private dinners on the sand and trips to Puerto Morelos. Enjoy gourmet dining at the multiple restaurants, including one sushi and ceviche bar, then visit the spa for relaxing Thalassotherapy, special native Mayan treatments, skin care, couples massages, body wraps and more.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
The Grand Velas is set across more than 80 acres of mangroves that meet a picture-perfect white sand beach at the edge of azure waters. One of the Riviera Maya’s most elegant properties, this all-inclusive boasts impressive suites with whirlpool tubs, flat-screen TVs and some with private terraces, plunge pools and uninhibited water views. Customer service is extraordinary, while its gourmet cuisine and revitalizing spa services also keep guests coming back. You’ll also enjoy 24-hour butler service and access to snorkeling tours, all types of water sports and even classes on mixology.
Hacienda Temozon, Temozon Sur
Hacienda Temozon offers a different type of Yucatan experience, located inland offering tropical rainforest ambiance in a converted hacienda south of Merida. You’ll find mahogany furnishings, weathered wooden doors, intricate mosaic floors and rose petals that reflect the natural display of the Mayan cultural surroundings. Rooms boast Spanish tiles, high ceilings and unique hacienda décor throughout, while Junior Suite 1 Kings offer a private plunge pool on an ample terrace. Within its beautiful grounds, you’ll find Casa Temozon Restaurant, renowned for delicious dishes and a romantic atmosphere, as well as a spa where you can experience a massage in the cenote.
Royal Hideaway Playacar, Playa del Carmen
The Royal Hideaway is located on the white sands of an idyllic beach on the Riviera Maya and offers an exclusive all inclusive, adults-only getaway. The upscale rooms feature high-end amenities, while a full-service spa, several pools, tennis courts and multiple restaurants will keep you busy. It also boasts a magnificent beachfront location just a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue. Whether inside the resort’s facilities or on the idyllic beach in front of the hotel, guests have a variety of different choices available, including adventure and water activities.
NIZUC Resort & Spa, Cancun
Tucked within a beautiful, uncrowded white sand beach sheltered by mangroves, the NIZUC Resort faces the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, where you can enjoy spectacular snorkeling and awe-inspiring Caribbean views, renowned for boasting the most picturesque and secluded location in all of Cancun. Villas and suites all feature high-end bath products along with mini-bars and private balconies or terraces with garden or ocean views. Upgraded rooms add private pools and free-standing soaking tubs. Step into the Havana Lounge where you can enjoy a hand-rolled cigar paired with aged sipping rum and dine at four swanky restaurants, including Asian-accented Indochine and Ramona. The ESPA spa offers a long list of pampering, Mayan-inspired treatments too.
Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen
One of the best family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts on the Yucatan Peninsula, this luxury property is located directly on the Caribbean and offers access to a white sand beach. It features a long list of restaurants and bars and a water park with various pools, slides and giant water buckets. There’s a Family Concierge that provides personalized services, while there’s a full program of activities and excursions to choose from. Little ones will love the Kids Zone, which features workshops, sports and a game room, while parents can get pampered at the luxe spa.
Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, Playa del Carmen
This high-end all-inclusive property is located on a magnificent stretch of white sand beach at the edge of brilliant turquoise waters just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Barceló Maya Palace is a 5-star hotel with exclusive services, offering rooms surrounded by beautiful pools and immaculate grounds. The hotel has multiple restaurants, all with a view of the Caribbean Sea, offering Brazilian, French, and Caribbean (seafood) cuisine, as well as other world cuisines. Activities include kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling as well as tennis and basketball, with nightly entertainment including live shows. Spectacular pools, one for adults only and one water park for kids, will not disappoint. There’s also a gym, shopping center, U-Spa and U-Kids Spa.
Excellence Riviera Cancun, Cancun
This adults-only resort lives up to the Excellence name, including the standard amenities of the luxury chain like its meandering pools and an indulgent spa with beachside treatment huts. Rooms are similarly lavish, all featuring indoor and outdoor living spaces, with the best luxury hotel suites elevated with opulent in-suite services, jacuzzi tubs, and private terraces. After enjoying a relaxing spa treatment, sip margaritas beneath a beachside palapa or take part in all sorts of activities, including dancing lessons, kayaking, archery, tennis and volleyball.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Playa del Carmen
One of the best all-inclusive resorts for honeymooners, this Secrets outpost south of Cancun boasts pearly white sands lined with palapas, cabanas and sunbeds at the edge of cerulean waters on one side and lush tropical gardens on the other. An adults-only property, it offers exceptional service along with stylish rooms, each with a king-size bed (or two double beds), private terrace or balcony, in-suite hydrotub for two, complimentary mini-bar and much more. There are multiple on-site restaurants, a buffet venue, a grill and a café. You’ll also find an array of activities from scuba diving and windsurfing to water aerobics and dance lessons, while the magnificent destination-style spa offers couples’ treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach.
The Desire Pearl, Puerto Morelos
The Desire Pearl is a couples-only, clothing-optional, all-inclusive resort located on a pristine white sand beach right outside quiet Puerto Morelos. Rooms are designed for romance, equipped with luxe linens, private balconies or terraces and expansive living rooms along with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and free Wi-Fi. The spa has earned rave reviews for its excellent treatments. Designed to awaken your senses through a sensual, all-inclusive program, it includes unmatchable services and amenities. You can also look forward to lounging alongside the expansive pool and prime access to the beach.
