Riviera Maya is a stretch of coastline on the Caribbean Sea in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Staying at an all-inclusive is one of the most popular ways to visit the Riviera Maya and the area has a plethora of all-inclusive resorts. If you’d like to stay close to town, Playa del Carmen or Cancun are some great options. For a more secluded spot, check out Tulum, where you can take part in a yoga retreat near the ruins of a Mayan city as well as white sand beaches.

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa


Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel on a gorgeous stretch of sand in-between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This 63-room property is one of the most luxurious resorts on Playa de Punta Maroma. It attracts mostly couples with its tranquil atmosphere, delicious and sophisticated cuisine, thatched-roof terraces, and private plunge pools in some rooms. The breakfast is included and get especially high ratings from guests. There are three pools, with one being adults-only. The spa offers gorgeous treatment rooms, hot tubs, and a selection of ancient Mayan rituals designed to help you relax and unwind during your visit.

Carretera Cancun-Tulum Km. 51, Punta Maroma, 77710, Playa Del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-99-88-72-82-00

Akumal Bay - Beach & Wellness Resort


Akumal Bay - Beach & Wellness Resort is a gem of a property located along a long, picture-perfect stretch of sand just south of Akumal. The resort has 324 rooms, which all feature luxury fixtures, outdoor hot tubs, views of the ocean, and spacious bathrooms. The entire property was renovated near the end of 2014, adding a wellness center that offers yoga, spa treatments, fitness classes, and a number of pools and lounge areas, including a kiddy pool for young visitors. There is a spacious buffet restaurant as well as a 24-hour snack bar, a sushi bar, and four a la carte spots, providing plenty of options for dining during your stay.

Carretera Federal Cancun-Chetumal Km. 104, Yodzonot, 77760 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-75-75-00

Ventus at Marina El Cid


Located on Mexico’s popular Maya Riviera, Ventus at Marina El Cid is a sprawling all-inclusive resort in Puerto Morelos, about 4.3 miles from Croco Cun Zoo and 16 miles from Cancun International Airport. Rooms are spacious, bright, and modern and are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, desks, safes, tea and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, and furnished balconies with beach views. Suites also have living and dining areas. Some rooms have direct access to the sea. Guests enjoy access to the food court serving global cuisine, a posh French restaurant, three bars, a private beach, a spa, a gym, and an outdoor infinity pool surrounded by palapas and Thai beds.

Blvd. El Cid, Mz. 20, Lote 1-01 Unidad 11, S.M. 03 Puerto Morelos, Q. Roo. México, C.P. 77580, Phone: 866-306-6113

Barcelo Maya Palace

Barcelo Maya Palace

© Courtesy of Kenishirotie - Fotolia.com

Barcelo Maya Palace is a high-end resort on a beautiful white sand beach about 15 minutes to the south of Playa Del Carmen. Of the three resorts in the Barcelo family, the Palace is the newest, smallest, and most high-end. The property has three swimming pools with one reserved for adults. There is a poolside massage gazebo, which is part of the luxury, full-service spa. Even though it is quite high-end, the property is still great for families with children. There are kids’ and teens clubs, large family rooms, a kiddy pool, and even a spa just for kids.

Carretera Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Km. 266.3, Pino Suarez, 77750, Solidaridad Riviera Maya, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-75-15-00

Barcelo Maya Colonial


The Barcelo complex is a shared complex with three resorts ranging from the budget-friendly Barcelo Maya Caribe & Beach to the high-end Barcelo Maya Palace. The Barcelo Maya Colonial is the mid-range option within the complex. It has everything you would expect to find at a family-friendly all-inclusive, including a number of pools and a long list of amenities. The Colonial shares it’s fitness facilities, teen club, and sports facilities with the more affordable Maya Caribe & Beach, but the Colonial has a number of exclusive restaurants. A favorite feature among guests is the 24/7 All Inclusive Plan, which provides snacks and drinks to guests all night in the lobby.

Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juarez, Km. 266.3, XPUHA Q, 77750 Riviera Maya, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-75-15-00

Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa


The Dreams brand has several hotels in the southern part of Mexico, but this property is their most luxurious. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is perfect for families as it offers a fantastic kids’ club with a daily schedule of activities, a beach with calm water for little ones to swim, and a number of swimming pools. However, individuals and couples won’t feel left out as the 486 guest rooms at the hotel offer a relaxing and romantic retreat and there are plenty of adult-geared activities and amenities on the property as well. Take a spinning class in the cycling studio, have a drink at the swim-up bar, or enjoy a nice meal at one of the property’s nine restaurants and you will be glad you chose to vacation here.

Carretera Federal Chetumal Puerto Juarez Km. 307, Puerto Morelos, 77580 Benito Juarez, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: 866-237-3267

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa


Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is a mega resort offering one of the longest lists of amenities and features of any all-inclusive in the area. It is located on a quiet and secluded white sand beach approximately 40 minutes from Playa Del Carmen. The resort is massive, with beautifully manicured grounds and large rooms. Activities include tennis, water sports, offshore snorkeling, a fitness center, and more. The kids’ club has plenty on offer to keep your youngsters begging to return, with a play fountain, rock climbing wall, and even an arcade. There are seven restaurants, 24-hour room service, and six bars. The remote location is perfect for an escape but not great if you want to experience nightlife, so it is best suited for eco-tourists rather than those who want to be at the center of the action.

Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km. 236.7, No. 1, Col. Tankah, 77761 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-71-33-33

Excellence Riviera Cancun


a class="ref1" href="https://www.excellenceresorts.com/riviera-maya-cancun/excellence-riviera-cancun/" target="_blank">Excellence Riviera Cancun truly lives up to its name and is an excellent option for your Riviera Maya vacation. The resort is located right on the beachfront, just a little north of Puerto Morelos. The property is adult-only, making it a good place for couples to relax and get away. Dining options include 10 restaurants and 11 bars, none of which require reservations. There are six swimming pools, numerous hot tubs, and a spacious spa with a long list of treatments on offer. The resort has a variety of activities available such as snorkeling, private boat trips, Spanish lessons, and dance classes.

Carretera Federal 307, Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Mz 7 Lote 1, SM 11, 77580, Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico

Fairmont Mayakoba


Fairmont Mayakoba offers a degree of privacy unparalleled at other resorts in Riviera Maya. The contemporary-style rooms are located amongst lagoons and forests, giving you the impression that you are vacationing in nature. However, you will still find all of the modern amenities of a luxury resort. The rooms have luxury spa-like bathrooms with showers and separate tubs. The views from the rooms are priceless and feature either the ocean, the forest, or the lagoons. The grounds are so large you will need to use either a bike or a golf cart to get around, but both are available at the hotel. There are five swimming pools, including a spacious main pool, a kiddy pool, and a pool solely for adults.

Carretera Federal Cancun-Playa del Carmen, Km. 298, 77710 Playa del Carmen, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-42-06-30-00

Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts


Grand Palladium’s resort complex in Riviera Maya is made up of five separate and unique resorts under the same umbrella: Kantenah, Colonial, Riviera, and Royal Suites. Royal Suites guests have access to all of the features of the other four but the others are not able to access Royal Suites’ exclusive amenities. The four other resorts can access all of the amenities, dining options, and entertainment at any of the other properties. Altogether, the property is massive and has more than 30 bars and restaurants, with dining opportunities on the beach and swim-up bars. You are sure to find something to suit your palate. There are a range of family-friendly features, including a kids’ club and a water park. There are live shows, fitness classes, language lessons, a night club, and more on their long list of attractive amenities and features.

Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts , Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km. 256-100, Municipio Solidaridad, Akumal, Riviera Maya 77710, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-77-21-00

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun


Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a luxury all-inclusive with spacious suites featuring large patios or balconies, and many have full kitchens. There is a mini market and a grocery shopping service available for those who wish to take advantage of their room’s kitchen. However, dining options outside of the room are limited to one onsite restaurant that serves three meals a day. However, the lack of variety in meals is made up for by the beautiful beach, three on-site swimming pools, and other amenities. The beach itself is calm and relatively free of seaweed, making ocean swimming a popular activity.

Blvd. El Cid Mz 20 Lote 1, Unidad 28, SM 3, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-99-88-72-81-48

Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa


The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive on a grand scale. It has nearly 1,000 rooms with modern decor, large bathrooms, comfy beds, and sitting areas. The resort is situated on a rugged coastline approximately 1 hour south of Cancun airport. The beach area is a little rocky but has plenty of lounge chairs, beach games, rocks to climb, and even Mayan ruins. The property has two large pools complete with a lazy river and swim-up bars. To really experience nature during your stay, the property has an eco-garden and free-roaming wildlife, such as monkeys, raccoons, birds, and capybara.

Carrtera Federal Cancun - Tulum, Km. 256.3 77780 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-75-17-00

Grand Velas Riviera Maya


Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the most modern and sophisticated all-inclusive resorts in the area. The gorgeous property has 491 suites in three buildings spread across 80 acres of mangrove forests. The beach is perfect with 1,000 feet of white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Two of the buildings are family-friendly, while one is adult-only, giving couples a bit of peace and quiet. Each building has its own pool complex, gyms, and dining options. The spa at Grand Velas is one of the best anywhere in the world. It covers nearly 90,000 square feet and has 40 treatment rooms and a very long list of services.

Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62, 77710 Playa Del Carmen, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-32-22-26-86-89

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya


This Hard Rock Property is a massive 1,200+ room luxury resort on a private beach fronting a lagoon in Puerto Aventuras. The property has an exclusive adults-only area called Heaven, featuring an adults-only beach, spa, and numerous amenities to create the perfect couple’s retreat. There are six large swimming pools with swim-up bars, the luxurious Rock Spa, and numerous shopping opportunities. There is an 18-hole golf course nearby that you can access via free transportation from the resort. Even though the resort is great for couples, there is plenty on offer for families as well, with kids’ and teen’s clubs, a kiddy splash area, and a waterslide.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya , Km 72, Carretera Cancun-Chetumal, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-75-11-00

Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya


Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is an upscale resort sited in the equally luxe area of Playacar, Playa del Carmen. The 400-room resort features modern rooms and a large number of amenities. You certainly won’t go hungry with a fabulous 24-hour all-inclusive dining plan and six restaurants in house. There is a large pool, kids’ club, playground, water sports, and daily entertainment. For all of your wellness needs, the property has a nice spa, sauna, steam bath, and fitness center. In addition to all of the amenities on offer at the property, resort guests can access five other Riu properties around Playacar for even more versatility and fun.

Paseo Xaman-Ha, Mz 9 y 10 Lt 1, Fase II Solidaridad, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-77-22-80

Playacar Palace


Playacar Palace is an upscale hotel in an exclusive residential neighborhood. The resort is located on its own private beach near the harbor, right in the middle of Playa del Carmen. The harbor’s proximity means that it’s easy to hop on a ferry for a quick trip to Cozumel. The property is styled nicely throughout and has a number of luxury touches. The rooms have marble floors, two-person hot tubs, furnished balconies and terraces, and more. There is a large pool with a section for kids and a modern fitness center. Dining options include three on-site restaurants serving a variety of international fare and a late-night Thai restaurant.

Bahia del Espiritu Santo s/n, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-73-49-60

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun


Set on a secluded, private white sand beach, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is the perfect destination for a romantic couple’s retreat. The property is adults-only and offers a range of amenities curated especially with couples in mind. The rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. They feature balconies except on the ground floor, where the rooms are swim-up suites. Dining is top-notch and includes eight al la carte options and a buffet with food ranging from Japanese teppanyaki to high-class French cuisine. The property’s six bars offer free-flow drinks with top-notch liquor. Guests have their greens fees waived at nearby Grand Coral Golf Course, which is perfect for those who like to play a few rounds of golf while on vacation.

Carretera Federal 307, Chetumal-Cancun Km. 306.5, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: 866-467-3273

Hilton Playa del Carmen


Another option for couples who are looking for an adults-only escape is the luxuriousHilton Playa del Carmen , an adult-only resort. The property is relatively quiet itself, but is perfect for those who like to party due to it’s proximity to popular Playa del Carmen nightlife sights and the happening Fifth Avenue. However, if you don’t want to leave the resort, you will find plenty of activities to keep you busy and happy. There are free introductory scuba lessons, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a spa. There are seven full restaurants serving a variety of international dishes as well as a gourmet coffee shop, five bars, and 24-hour snacks in the lobby lounge.

Avenida Constituyentes 2, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Play del Carmen, QROO, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-77-29-00

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya


The Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya is located in an exclusive part of Riviera Maya called Playa Secreto. Guests come to experience the long, beautiful white sand beach and the property’s massive pool. The main pool is huge, with a lazy river and two swim-up bars attached. Throughout the resort there are nicely decorated rooms with traditional decor, all of which have balconies, terraces, or access to the pool. There are 11 bars, which offer top of the line liquor and eight restaurants serving a variety of different cuisines. There is nightly entertainment in the restaurants and games on the pool deck each day.

Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal, Puerto Juarez Km. 311.5, 77710, Playa del Carmen Solidaridad, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-42-06-36-60

Viceroy Riviera Maya


Viceroy Riviera Maya is one of the most upscale resorts in the Riviera Maya. It is tucked away in lush rainforest gardens complete with monkeys and tropical birds. The hotel is about 15 miles from downtown Playa del Carmen, so not too far to take in some urban sights if you like. The beach is lovely and features a nice pier. Accommodations are in chic villas with luxurious touches and private outdoor spaces, heated plunge pools, and outdoor showers. The resort isn’t suited for families with young children as under 14s aren’t allowed. However, it’s great for a couple looking for a romantic retreat in the middle of nature.

Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7, Riviera Maya, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-77-30-00