39 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

This Thai chain has brought its own traditions to Mexico's Riviera with stunning results—in addition to vaulted ceilings, lounge areas, dining rooms, private gardens, and Talavera earthenware sinks, all rooms have outdoor bathtubs and private 376-foot swimming pools, a unique perk. Guests are always greeted with a bow from the attentive staff, most of whom come from Thailand. An on-site romance coordinator can organize sunset boat tours with a private chef. The spa here is considered one of the best in Mexico, with 16 spa pavilions and state-of-the-art hydrothermal facilities.

At this resort on the south end of Maroma Beach, a 25,000-square-foot spa offers massages and body wraps made with chocolate, seaweed, and coffee, and winding paths extend over the mangroves, leading to bungalow suites that rise above the lush vegetation. Also available are five beach casitas and more affordable patio rooms built around sculpture gardens. All rooms have Asian influences like rice-paper walls, onyx sinks, and rain-forest showers. A private dock marks the launching point for diving expeditions. Since this property was formerly the Mandarin Oriental, it doesn't have the typical all-inclusive feel often associated with large resorts in this area.

Home of the "grand slam" (fishing lingo for catching three different kinds of fish in one trip), this charming lodge has nine bungalows, each with air-conditioning, two double beds, couches, bathrooms, and screened-in porches. Boats and guides for fly-fishing and bonefishing are included in the price; you can rent tackle at the lodge. Meals (which are also included) consist mainly of fresh fish dishes and Mayan specialties. You can book a three-night package for $2,155; weeklong stays are a comparatively better deal, though at $3,600 per person per week this is never going to be a cheap ticket.

This fishing lodge is on a rocky outcrop on remote Punta Pájaros Island, reputed to be one of the best places in the world for light-tackle saltwater fly-fishing. The almost all-inclusive stay includes your charter flight from Cancún, a fishing boat and guide, and all meals but not drinks for $6,649 per person per week. An open-air, thatch-roof bar welcomes anglers with drinks, fresh-fish dishes, fruit, and vegetables at the start and end of the day. Cheaper nonfishing packages are also available. A 50% prepayment is required.

The guest rooms at this sprawling resort—built around a lofty lobby with views across the grounds and to the sea—are lustrous, from the contemporary Mexican decor to the marble bathrooms. Some first-floor accommodations also have private plunge pools and direct beach access. Preferred Members enjoy a private beach area and VIP lounge, plus ocean views and private whirlpool tubs. By day you can enjoy volleyball, yoga, Spanish classes, and cooking courses, and, by night, live performances, theme parties, and movies on the beach. Sailing, snorkeling, and kayaks are also included. While parents relax poolside, kids can play at the Maya-themed Explorer's Club, which has a pyramid-shaped climbing wall, a planetarium theater, and a CPR-certified staff. An adjacent playroom with a ball pit and toys appropriate for small children is available for parents with babies or toddlers.

Although this beachfront property has been overshadowed by its newer neighbors, the location—amid 500 acres of lush jungle—is as alluring as ever. A crystal chandelier and marble infinity fountain vie for attention in the extravagant lobby. Junior suites have small sitting rooms, king-size beds, hot tubs, and ocean-facing terraces; in the more upscale Casitas Royale section, swim-up casitas have dome roofs and oceanfront terraces. Eight restaurants serve exceptional dishes. Despite the size of the resort, it strives to be eco-friendly by using solar water-heating systems, energy-saving air-conditioners, and recycled water; a 70,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse grows most of the vegetables served. There's free shuttle service to Cancún and Playa del Carmen for organized shopping tours.

The family-friendly sister hotel to The Royal (which is across the street) has downtown Playa's best accommodations for the schoolyard set. Two pools, a Jacuzzi, a giant chess set, minigolf, afternoon bingo and blackjack, and a kids' activity room (with babysitting!) will keep young ones busy while Mom and Dad get massages on the beach or mimosas at the breakfast buffet. Although adults may find cast-concrete Grecian columns, New Orleans-style wrought iron breezeways, and walk-in Moorish showers a bit grandiose, they'll make an impression on the juniors. Oceanfront rooms have access to The Royal, and all categories have access to Gran Caribe Real in Cancún. Beach-facing rooms are significantly nicer than those in back, with corresponding prices.

This all-inclusive resort offers Mexican luxury at its best with top-notch gastronomy, stylish rooms, a certified Blue Flag beach, an outstanding spa, and lots of activities for all ages. There are three different types of suites (Zen, Ambassador, Grand Class), but they're all large and have luxury amenities like an ample terrace and a plunge pool or whirlpool tub. The resort might be a bit pricey but it's definitely worth it. 

Live out your rock-star fantasies at this 85-acre all-inclusive—either in the adults-only Heaven section, a pampering resort within the resort, or the family-friendly Hacienda wing, which has a teens' club, disco, kids' pool, 100-foot climbing tower, snorkeling cove, and obstacle fitness trail. This is a great place to bring little tykes, too—the Ultimate Playtime package includes everything from babysitting and diapers to strollers and Gerber baby food. All rooms have balconies, hydro-spa tubs, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. The free Music Lab program lets you play instruments, mix beats, and shoot a music video. Plenty of good restaurants and an enormous spa are also on-site.

At this sophisticated, adults-only sanctuary—in a secluded complex just 15 minutes south of Cancún's airport—a modern Mexican design and a natural color palette with touches of turquoise blue complement the outstanding ocean views. Not a party resort, this intimate all-inclusive property has a calm lagoon-like pool plus an oversized, two-level pool where guests quietly socialize around a swim-up bar. Even the twice-weekly evening DJ's playlist is subdued. The all king-size bedded suites, with either a private swim-out or balcony with a hot tub, include luxuries like twice-daily maid service.  Elevate your stay by booking a Serenity Club oceanfront suite with multiple VIP amenities. On-site restaurants include a Mexican steak house, Asian Fusion with Teppanyaki stations, and the upscale Olios, with a Mediterranean flair. The mixology program is backed by award-winning Yucatán bartenders who are happy to handcraft drinks to your taste. Head to Moons for cabaret five nights a week or join hosted events like casino night. The expansive spa offers cutting-edge treatments, with a hydrotherapy regimen and alternative healing techniques, including Reiki, shamanism, and energy work.

If you are looking for the royal treatment, this massive, colonial-style resort has everything from laundry service and a 24-hour on-site doctor to in-room whirlpool tubs and fully stocked minibars. Ordinary-size rooms are tasteful and equipped with king beds and minibars stocked with snacks (and refilled twice a day); swim-up rooms have clever pool entries from the sliding doors. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Despite its size, this all-inclusive resort—consisting of the adults-only Tucan and the family friendly Quetzal sections—has managed to preserve natural surroundings that are home to flamingos, turtles, toucans, peacocks, and monkeys. Landscaped pool areas surround the open-air restaurant and reception area. Spacious rooms have cheerful color schemes and patios overlooking dense vegetation. Activities include bike tours, yoga sessions, salsa dancing, and Zumba programs. The roaming animals, kids' club, teen disco, and designated pool for children make this hotel a family favorite.

A perfect spot for a romantic getaway, this lavish adults-only hotel is in the heart of Tulum's world-famous hotel zone. Although the Diksha Spa is considered its main asset, the two excellent on-site restaurants don't stray far behind. Rooms offer wide ample space and make smart use of wood furniture and floors, including the spectacular bathtubs carved out from a single piece of fine local wood.