79 Best Hotels in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Just 15 minutes from Cancún Airport, this sprawling adults-only resort is centered on an indulgent spa and six meandering pools. Its grand entrance leads to a Spanish marble lobby; rooms are similarly opulent—all have whirlpool tubs, ornate Italianate furnishings, and private balconies. Guests have a choice of 13 bars and 10 restaurants, including a lobster house and an Indian restaurant, all with dinner dress codes that make every night date night. There are plenty of activities here, including kayaking, volleyball, tennis, archery, and dancing lessons, and if you prefer lounging on the beach to learning to salsa, this is where you'll find one of the largest, nicest beaches in the area. This is one of the few all-inclusive resorts that doesn't require guests to wear wristbands, make dinner reservations, or sign for services. For something extra romantic, ask about a room with a rooftop whirlpool tub.

There isn’t another hotel for miles, so this solar-powered B&B offers blessed isolation in beachfront cabanas that have kitchenettes, king beds, Wi-Fi, and private decks. Inspired by the ancient ruin Yaxchilán, upstairs beach-view rooms have Maya artwork and unique touches like hand-painted sinks and wood-framed mirrors in the large bathrooms, as well as king beds and sleeper sofas. In-room massages, cooking classes, diving tours, and fishing trips can be arranged on request. A three-night stay gets you a free cooking class, and a weeklong stay earns you one free night (in low season). This tranquil property mainly attracts guests over 50.

From the moment you set foot on the palapa-roofed boat that brings you to your room's private dock, the Rosewood transports you to an exotic world—one where meandering trails lead through grounds featuring a labyrinthine network of lily-strewn lagoons. In keeping with the contemporary Mexican motif, villas are crafted from indigenous materials such as wood and limestone, and many are built on stilts over the water. Every romantic room has a garden shower, plunge pool, boat dock, and rooftop sundeck; all nine accommodation categories also include personal butler service. Its romantic atmosphere notwithstanding, the resort is welcoming to families.

Punta Bete's most luxurious jungle-beach resort is romantic and exotic, with sumptuous palapa villas that have private plunge pools, "moon bath" showers in palm-shaded gardens, and every imaginable creature comfort—from silky-soft sheets on canopy-draped king beds to soap hand-cut by your butler. The resort makes the most of its setting, greeting you with a copal smoke blessing performed by a Maya shaman, but the winding paths through deep greenery and the appearance of the occasional monkey may not be for everyone. (There's bug spray at every corner, and you are advised to use it.) Junglephobes can stick to the pool, out of the woods and steps from the beach. Meals at the two restaurants are exceptionally fine, especially at the more formal La Marea.

Ocean breezes sweep through this pretty little hotel adorned with wicker-basket pendant lamps and mosquito-net-draped queen-size beds that swing from ropes. Rooms sleep up to three and have all the basic necessities including hot water, air-conditioning, TVs, and Wi-Fi. For an ocean view, request one of the four suites. Outside, a small stream winds through the open-air courtyard to a palapa bar and restaurant. The beach—and the hotel's adjacent beach club—are a stone's throw away.

Named after the Maya sun god, Kin Ahau, this beachfront property has rooms ranging from simple Balinese huts to palapa suites with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, enormous decks, and two-person hammocks that make you forget the day of the week. Suites are in two-story buildings, and top-level rooms have vaulted ceilings and sprawling ocean views, while those on the ground floor open onto the sand. The more affordable huts offer jungle views and portable air-conditioning units on request. Yoga and aerial dance classes are available for an extra fee. For a sunny nap with an ocean breeze, head to one of the beach beds or shaded hammocks dotting the sand.

One of only two fully green eco-hotels in the area, Almaplena Resort also happens to be the most luxurious, with large, rustic-chic rooms—in two-story white buildings—featuring textiles from Chiapas, rugs from Michoacan, wood from Yucatán, and iron from Jalisco, as well as stone floors, private balconies, and four-poster beds. Choose one on the ground level (with direct beach access) or move up a floor for better views. Rainwater is collected for daily use, and wind turbines produce the hotel's electricity. The remote location, halfway between Mahahual and Xcalak, means you fall asleep to the sound of waves. The restaurant and beach club are open to the public, often turning the isolated beach here into a crowded hot spot for cruise-ship passengers.

This small, eco-friendly resort hotel caters to the yoga and meditation set, with three spacious, second-floor yoga studios—one with sweeping beachfront views. Rooms are small and simple, with large, firm, comfortable beds draped in gauzy mosquito nets, open bathrooms, and decks or balconies that open to the sand. A small pool, spacious deck set with sun beds and tables, and small, health-conscious restaurant overlook the beach.

At this upscale, adults-only boutique hotel, rooms are contemporary in design, with polished concrete floors, spacious living rooms, direct beach access, and sundecks; king beds that have mosquito net canopies face double French doors that open to unobstructed views. Backing the property is a meandering lazy-river-style pool and sandy pathways that lead to rooms via a wooden bridge. Although it has amenities like air-conditioning and (slow) Wi-Fi, the hotel remains eco-friendly. Breakfast is complimentary and guests have a choice of two restaurants—Ziggy's, where cuisine is a modern take on Mexican staples, or Fresco's, where everything is fresh, local, and made to order. Junior suites feature private garden-surrounded pools and sun beds. The Beach Tulum is attached to a more budget-friendly counterpart, Cabanas Tulum.

Connecting jungle and beach, a labyrinth of paths threads through the grounds at this elegant, renovated-in-2023, Maya-themed hotel, where butterflies and parrots fly, and the scent of flowers fills the air. Rooms, which have private terraces, are exquisitely decorated with indigenous art and handcrafted furnishings; king-size beds are draped in mosquito netting, and there's nightly turndown service with aromatherapy. Luxurious beachfront suites have their own fitness rooms, plunge pools, and indoor–outdoor showers. Daily à la carte breakfast is included, and there are plenty of activities and unique experiences like cooking classes, tequila tastings, bee therapy, and under-the-sea meditation.

Five minutes from the town square and opposite the main beach, this charming hacienda-style bed-and-breakfast has five rooms with firm, comfortable king-size beds plus private terraces, some with partial ocean views, and six larger cabañas with kitchens. Each cheerfully decorated option features local artwork, terra-cotta tile floors, and added perks like a small refrigerator, a coffeemaker, filtered drinking water, organic shampoo and conditioner made with honey, and beach towels. 

A pair of curvaceous buildings contains stylish condo rentals, each complete with a fully equipped kitchen, washer-dryer, and Balinese furnishings. In El Taj Oceanfront, luxurious touches range from stone showers to private whirlpool tubs and rooftop barbecues. Across the street at El Taj Beachside, a lap pool set off by tree-trunk columns winds through a quiet courtyard. You can make your own meals in each condo's designer kitchen or dine at nearby Plank, where El Taj guests receive 15% off. Guests also receive 15% at the Magic Hands spa and free access to The Gym, including fitness classes. El Taj is also one of the few pet-friendly properties in Playa del Carmen.

About 40 minutes outside Chetumal, at the edge of the Kohunlich ceremonial grounds, this luxury eco resort lets you feel adventurous without really roughing it. Daily excursions include trips to nearby ruins, lagoons, and forests for bird-watching, mountain biking, kayaking, rappelling, and hiking; the most popular option is a night kayaking tour that concludes with a four-course dinner on the shores illuminated by tiki torches. You return in the evening to Mexican-style suites filled with natural textiles and woods. All guest quarters are strung along a serpentine jungle path; they're very private and have showers opening onto small gardens. Most guests stay a week to take advantage of all the tours, the infinity pool, and spa. Plan to disconnect, since there are no TVs or Internet here.

Situated on 50 acres of jungle, this sprawling estate—once the home of an Italian duchess—has been converted into one of the Riviera Maya's most luxurious hotels. Nestled within the gardens are two-story cottages featuring private pools, enormous living rooms, wooden pavilions with outdoor dining areas, and high-tech entertainment rooms; villa rooms, tastefully decorated with hardwood furnishings and white linens, include a surplus of amenities like a Sub-Zero bottle refrigerator (stocked), and a satellite TV. Not a single detail has been overlooked, so expect everything from double rain-shower heads and Molton Brown bath products to 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. The service is exceptional, as is the food.

At this sophisticated little hotel on the northern end of Soliman Bay, a large stone Buddha flanked by birds-of-paradise greets you in the lobby—which is outfitted with Indonesian carved-wood doors and Moroccan art—and two small swimming pools nestle in a garden of palms just beyond. Elegant rooms have Italian accents, with natural stone floors, luxurious linens, and top-end bathrooms; junior suites have large terraces with private plunge pools. Protected by a reef, the bay here is great for snorkeling or splashing around with kids. Indeed, for a place with such grown-up style, Jashita is remarkably child-friendly—it even has a baby crib-hammock for beach use. Breakfast is served overlooking the water, and if you head to the restaurant for another meal, skip the international portion of the menu and focus on the well-made Mexican classics.

Mosaic stone paths wind through lovely gardens, and colonial-style hardwood furnishings gleam throughout at this inn on a side street. At the center of the property are a botanical garden and stunning pool area with multiple pools, some interconnected, where tiki torches and illuminated palm trees lead to two-story adobe buildings. Rooms are small, but most have balconies and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. There's a common area with a bar, pool table, little library, and games, as well as a small spa where guests get 15% off. Although La Tortuga isn't on the beach, the pool area is a delight, a sundeck is available, and guests get discount passes to three nearby beach clubs.

On the shores of Laguna Bacalar, Rancho Encantado’s property is dotted with freestanding Maya-themed casitas, each of which is uniquely decorated with murals and hammocks and can comfortably sleep four people. Some are on the water and some are closer to the road; the newest are tucked away in a garden in between. Pick a room away from the road, or your nights may be marred by the sound of trucks zooming by. Rooms 8 and 10 have the most privacy. You can swim and snorkel off the private dock leading into the lagoon or tour the ruins in southern Yucatán, Campeche, and Belize. A large breakfast is included in the rate, and guests have free use of kayaks and paddleboats.

Art and antiques from around the world fill the lobby, and streams, waterfalls, and fountains fill the grounds of this 13-acre resort on a stretch of pristine beach. Luxurious rooms with two queen-size beds, sitting areas, and ocean-view terraces are set in two- and three-story colonial-style villas, each with its own concierge. Prepare for some serious pampering; service is second to none.

Secrets pushes typical all-inclusive boundaries by including, well, pretty much everything—international calls, gratuities, premium drinks, greens fees at the nearby El Mayakoba Golf Course, plus a laundry list of amenities and activities like gourmet restaurants, 18 swimming pools, sailing, archery, dance classes, and tennis clinics. Six of the eight restaurants are open 24 hours, and reservations are never required—even at the popular French-inspired Bordeaux (request a cellar table); if you'd rather dine in, room service is unobtrusively delivered through Secrets' signature magic box. Guest rooms ooze luxury with their carved rich woods, canopy-draped poster beds, and private whirlpool tubs; Buildings 17 and 27 have unobstructed ocean views, but 85% of the rooms look onto the sea.

Designed by owner-architect Sebastian Sas, this chic beachfront hotel is like a beautifully executed canvas—each room is a pure work of art, with exteriors made from the wood of reclaimed train tracks, peaceful outdoor terraces or balconies, and interior features that might include wicker couches and Brazilian wood floors draped with cowhide rugs. Rooms 16 and 20 have rooftop pools, shady lounge areas, and sweeping views of the ocean and Sian Ka'an Reserve. Meandering through the property is a plank pathway that leads to two pools and a two-story beachfront restaurant with nightly live music. Void of TVs, this peaceful hideaway is all about relaxation. Private yoga lessons and massages at the (expensive) spa can be arranged upon request.

Each small room in the main building of this bright, colorful seaside hotel has an ocean view and a private terrace, and next door are more expensive condos with Spanish colonial touches. The spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom units have full kitchens, living and dining rooms, and oceanfront balconies. Decor is simple and beachy. Guests can rent golf carts, bikes, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks by the hour, day, or week on a first-come-first-served basis.

Set under a mangrove canopy, this sprawling luxury resort sets new standards in the Riviera Maya for sustainability and comfort—not only is it recognized for its green practices and community involvement, but it also has biodegradable bath products, a recycling program, rooftops made from recycled tires, and bicycles stationed throughout the 240-acre property. Golf carts pass every five minutes, and wildlife boat tours are offered hourly. All three types of rooms were built within the existing habitat, including standard rooms in the main building, oceanfront suites, and casitas with lagoon or mangrove views. Guests have access to the Mayakoba golf course, tennis, and the spa with its own Melipona beehive for honey treatments.

A pair of stone dragons guards the entrance to this eclectic resort, where the spacious rooms—all with sweeping sea and jungle views—are elegantly styled after worldwide destinations, Italy, Mexico, and Bali among them. Manicured grounds feature colorful parrots and wild lizards. All-inclusive really covers everything at Zoëtry resorts, from food and drinks to tips, phone calls, laundry and room service, a sunset catamaran ride, and full access to the thalassotherapy spa. You can also upgrade with a private romantic dinner in the 125-label wine cellar. If you take advantage of all the extras, the expensive property becomes a good deal. Menus in the five restaurants riff on Asian and Mexican traditions, and the three bars offer three very different ambiences: one a quiet, lush, air-conditioned library, another a sunny beachfront pool bar, and another with billiards and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Considered the most upscale property on Laguna de Bacalar, Akalki offers nine luxurious cabanas built over the water, each with a private dock and direct access to the enchanting turquoise waters. Solar-powered cabanas have hardwood floors, king-size beds, thatch roofs, hot water, and electricity (evenings only). Pampering perks include soft linens, thick towels, and other amenities like honey shampoo, chocolate soap, and handmade candles. Dishes at the restaurant are prepared with natural ingredients from the on-site garden, and the small spa offers massages, mud masks, and temazcal rituals, but gets decidedly mixed reviews. Kayaks and bikes are included in the rate, while yoga and boat trips are available at extra cost.

On the powdery shores of Xpu-Há, this boutique inn has four chic rooms named after the four elements, all with hardwood floors, thatched roofs, and beds draped in white curtains. Rooms on the top floor have unobstructed ocean views, while those on the ground floor have private plunge pools; the two-story villas have their own infinity pool and are the only category that allows children. Patios with two-person hammocks face the sea, but if you want to get closer, head to the tiny palapas in the sand where silk curtains hang over thatched umbrellas for added privacy. Since a car is needed to reach restaurants in Playa del Carmen, most guests opt for the half-board package, which includes breakfast, dinner, a bottle of wine, and a couples' massage.

At the most recent addition to Mayakoba's selection of superluxurious resorts, guest rooms are fresh, modern—with a palette inspired by the colors of the surrounding jungle—and loaded with a wide array of deluxe amenities. There are six gourmet à la carte restaurants, including a vegan bar and a stylish Mexican bar with live music. A great spa, kids club, two outdoor pools, world-class golf course, and canal boat rides, make for great complements of an all-around outstanding resort. 

This small, colorful inn three blocks from the beach is split in two, with a family-friendly side and a separate adults-only area, both with pools. The garden restaurant serves up tasty fare for an early dinner (try the tequila shrimp, but go early: it closes at 9 to keep noise down for guests). A palapa out back hosts a weekly fresh market and daily pay-what-you-can yoga classes. The design is a work of art, with Mexican decor, batik wall hangings, and rustic wood-frame beds. Junior suites in both buildings have living rooms and microwaves for a quick meal. There's also a small business center and spa.

Situated on a beautiful beach with a protected reef just offshore, this all-inclusive family-friendly resort has six pools, eight restaurants, and several categories of rooms, including swim-up rooms and family suites that accommodate two adults and three children. Most of the 435 rooms on property—tastefully done with cream bedding and marble floors—are oceanfront. Kids will appreciate a kids-only water park, welcome drinks, and piñata-making lessons. For families, strollers, bottle-warmers, changing tables, and baby food are included.

This all-inclusive megacomplex consists of four upscale hotels (Akumal, Cobá, Tulum, and Sian Ka'an) with extensive shared facilities reachable by shuttle from 7:30 am to midnight. The two luxury lodgings—Akumal and Sian Ka'an—have access to facilities at all four properties. For peace and relaxation, Sian Ka'an is near the golf course in a jungle setting and has an adults-only section; if you want an ocean view, opt for Akumal. For families, the massive Cobá resort has a water park and family zone, while Tulum has a dolphin pool with daily programs. As with many all-inclusives, there are tons of buffet and à la carte restaurants; the difference here is that the food is tasty in all of them. Other on-site facilities include a little market area, and a disco, spa, and casino.

Ecologically sensitive Balamku, located 5 km (3 miles) south of town, sits on a stretch of pristine private beach where you can lose all track of time. Cool, spacious rooms are bright with Mexican tiles and textiles, and outdoor palapas are set up for the hotel's top activity—"hammocking." But it's not all about sleeping in the sun: a famously generous breakfast plus kayaking and snorkeling equipment are included in the rate. Canadian expat Carol Tumber runs an ecologically tight ship. In addition to generating power with solar panels and wind generators, the property uses water-saving toilets and composts all hotel waste. There's an outer reef for snorkeling and a platform where you can catch some rays after a swim. The restaurant serves only snacks, but there are two more robust restaurants five minutes down the beach road, one in each direction.