Top Resorts

Champagne greetings, private butlers, beachfront massages—the services provided by Riviera Maya's resorts are endless. Recently, luxury has been taken even further with everything from in-room chefs to personal Range Rovers.

Although not as prevalent as in Cancún, all-inclusive beachfront resorts still define the Riviera Maya. Popular with families, the majority have plenty of activities, entertainment, food options, and of course, swimming pools for the kids.

Whether you choose to relax poolside or on the beach in a sun bed (some have built-in mist-sprayers), chances are you'll spend a good part of your trip admiring the ocean view. In fact, it's rare to find a resort that is not perched on the white sands of the Caribbean. Nearly all resorts (and public beaches) along the Riviera Maya are only accessible through a security gate off Carretera 307.

Death of the All-Inclusive?

A crop of new resorts along the Riviera Maya takes pampering to a higher level. By eliminating the all-inclusive option, they can provide every luxury imaginable. The price for a room at these resorts is exorbitant and you'll be charged for every single indulgence you consume. But in the end, you'll get exactly what you pay for, rather than paying for something you don't want.

Banyan Tree

Named for the Banyan tree that centers the property, the focus of this Asian-style resort is the award-winning spa. The service here is unparalleled, and the location is downright surreal. Designed to blend with their natural surroundings, some villas are built on stilts over the water, while others rest on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. For the ultimate in relaxation, every villa has a private pool, sundeck, and pavilion.

Mandarin Oriental

At the Mandarin Oriental Spa, you can meet with a lifestyle guru who determines what herbs would be most beneficial to your body. Once these herbs are selected from the on-site garden, they are infused into everything from your massage oils to your bathwater. Each of the villas (either lagoon or ocean view) has its own plunge pool, onyx sinks, hardwood floors, and, of course, a private butler. The use of indigenous materials such as limestone, wood, and coconut skillfully blends the natural environment with each villa's modern design. Many rooms are structured around a series of "art patios," and 99% of the property remains a conservation area. The resort also has a private marina, three pools, and a trendy beach club where sushi is served. Diving courses are also an option.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Pushing the boundaries of luxury, this exquisite resort spills across 20 acres of crystal-clear lagoons. Nestled under a canopy of mangroves, rooms are spacious (some 3,200 square feet) and include outdoor showers, plunge pools, garden baths, rooftop sundecks, and private docks from which guests are transported throughout the property by boat. Reminiscent of Venice, roads are replaced by water canals that wind from the limestone lobby to the pristine beaches. The 17,000-square-foot spa is on its own private island.

The Tides Riviera Maya

Tucked in the forest of Riviera Maya, this luxury refuge embraces nature in every sense of the word. Thirty air-conditioned bungalows are surrounded by waterfalls and jungle. On arrival, guests are greeted with a coconut-lemongrass cocktail and then escorted to their suites by private butlers. Sprinkled rose petals create a natural path, leading from your private plunge pool into the palapa (thatch roofs) suite, with its garden terrace, crocheted hammock, and outdoor shower. Those who want to explore the area can use one of the hotel's Range Rovers, reserved exclusively for guests. Unlike many properties in the area, the Tides introduces guests to the environment and traditions of Mexico with tequila tastings, diving courses, and Mayan rituals.