DESTINATION
WHERE TO STAY IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
The Riviera Maya is home to long stretches of soft, white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and small bays protected by a chain of coral reefs. The region’s collection of modern, design-forward hotels is thoughtfully balanced with these natural elements, creating an immersive environment that continues to draw travelers back year after year. Many of the best hotels in the Riviera Maya have among the highest repeat-guest rates in the world, a reflection of both the setting and the experience.
Even the most seasoned traveler can find a pocket of the Riviera Maya that feels a bit removed and more authentic. From Tulum to Playa del Carmen and north toward Cancun, the landscape shifts, and so does the style of each stay. Many hotels are built with local materials and influenced by regional design, offering a stronger sense of place than you might expect. For those comparing destinations, it’s worth also exploring luxury hotels in Cancun or the quieter, more residential feel of Playa Mujeres, each offering a different take on the region.
Mexican hospitality plays a major role in what makes this destination stand out. There’s a natural ease to the service, where small details are anticipated before you even think to ask. It’s not uncommon to return from a day exploring cenotes or Mayan ruins to find your favorite drink already waiting. That level of familiarity is what keeps people coming back.
Collectively, our team has spent extensive time in the Riviera Maya, and it’s a destination we continue to return to. We enjoy crafting thoughtful itineraries here that blend wellness, culture, and time to simply enjoy the setting.
We’ll help you choose the right place to stay and bring everything together so your trip feels seamless from start to finish.
RIVIERA MAYA
Luxury Hotels
Start with the Riviera Maya Travel Tips & Insider Insight below, and we’ll help you plan a trip that reflects how this destination is best experienced.
ALILA MAYAKOBA
VIBE
hip, modern, cultural
PERFECT FOR
adventure seekers, small social groups, friends & families
WHY WE LOVE IT
Alila Mayakoba offers a more modern, design-driven take on the Riviera Maya, set within the lush, nature-filled Mayakoba enclave. The architecture is clean and intentional, with a strong focus on sustainability and a seamless connection to the surrounding mangroves and waterways. The atmosphere feels quiet and refined, with a slightly more understated, boutique feel compared to some of the larger resorts nearby. It’s a great fit for travelers who appreciate thoughtful design, strong service, and a setting that feels both elevated and deeply connected to nature.
WELLNESS
A holistic approach shapes the wellness experience, with treatments, movement, and rituals designed to connect you to the natural surroundings. The spa incorporates local ingredients and traditions, complemented by yoga, fitness, and time spent exploring the waterways and open spaces. The overall experience feels balanced and restorative, encouraging a slower, more intentional pace.
VIBE
unique, chic, cultural
PERFECT FOR
adventure seekers, girlfriend getaways, friends & families
WHY WE LOVE IT
Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers a villa-style experience that feels both private and immersive, with accommodations set along winding lagoons and surrounded by lush jungle. Each villa features its own pool, creating a strong sense of seclusion while still being part of a full-service resort. The design blends Asian influences with the natural Riviera Maya setting, and the overall atmosphere feels calm, romantic, and intentionally removed. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for privacy, space, and a more tranquil pace.
WELLNESS
Spa treatments draw from Asian traditions and local ingredients, set within a quiet, nature-filled environment. The experience is calming and restorative, with a strong focus on relaxation and balance.
VIBE
old world, cultural, total relaxation
PERFECT FOR
wellness weekends, romance seekers, friends & families
WHY WE LOVE IT
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel offers one of the most iconic beachfront settings in the Riviera Maya, with a wide stretch of soft white sand and a more intimate, boutique feel. The design blends traditional Mexican style with refined details, creating a sense of place that feels both authentic and elevated. Service is warm and highly personalized, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed, romantic, and quietly luxurious. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for something timeless and well-executed.
WELLNESS
A serene, traditional approach defines the spa experience, with treatments inspired by Mayan healing rituals and local ingredients. The setting is peaceful and immersive, creating a calm, restorative atmosphere that pairs naturally with the beachfront environment.
VIBE
modern, sophisticated, eco-friendly
PERFECT FOR
unique hotel lovers, wellness weekends, foodie travel
WHY WE LOVE IT
Chablé Maroma offers a deeply tranquil, wellness-focused escape set along one of the Riviera Maya’s most beautiful stretches of beach. The design blends natural materials with a soft, understated aesthetic, creating a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. With a smaller footprint and a strong emphasis on privacy, the experience feels intimate and intentional. It’s a great fit for travelers looking to slow down, reset, and fully immerse themselves in a more peaceful, refined setting.
WELLNESS
A holistic approach shapes the experience, with treatments rooted in traditional Mayan healing practices and a strong focus on mind, body, and spirit. Rituals are intentional and immersive, complemented by movement, meditation, and a setting that naturally encourages you to slow down and reset.
VIBE
modern, nature-forward, serene
PERFECT FOR
couples, wellness weekends, total relaxation
WHY WE LOVE IT
Etéreo offers a refined, design-forward escape set within a lush stretch of the Riviera Maya, where architecture and landscape feel intentionally connected. The atmosphere is calm and understated, with a smaller, more intimate feel than many nearby resorts. It’s a great fit for travelers who appreciate thoughtful design, strong service, and a setting that encourages you to slow down and fully settle in.
WELLNESS
A holistic approach guides the wellness experience, with treatments inspired by local traditions and the natural surroundings. Movement, spa rituals, and time spent in open-air spaces create a balanced, restorative rhythm that feels both grounding and easy to integrate into your stay.
VIBE
active, classic, escape
PERFECT FOR
families, golf lovers, social groups
WHY WE LOVE IT
Fairmont Mayakoba offers one of the most well-rounded resort experiences in the Riviera Maya, set across an expansive network of lagoons, jungle, and beachfront. The layout gives a real sense of space, with easy access to multiple pools, dining options, and a beautiful stretch of beach. It’s a great fit for families and groups, with a balance of activity and relaxation, all within a setting that feels connected to the natural surroundings.
WELLNESS
A full-service spa experience anchors the wellness offering, with treatments designed to relax and restore in a peaceful, nature-filled setting. Fitness, yoga, and time spent biking or exploring the waterways create an easy balance between movement and relaxation.
VIBE
stylish, all-inclusive, escape
PERFECT FOR
friends & families, mother & daughter getaways, wellness weekends
WHY WE LOVE IT
Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers one of the most elevated all-inclusive experiences in Mexico, with a level of dining, service, and attention to detail that consistently surprises people. The resort is spread across a lush stretch of coastline and jungle, allowing each section to feel distinct, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with family. It’s polished but easy, with spacious suites, standout restaurants, and an overall experience that feels far beyond the typical all-inclusive model.
WELLNESS
SE Spa by Grand Velas Riviera Maya has received a Five-Star accolade, the highest rating in Forbes Travel Guide. Only six Spas in Mexico were able to achieve this coveted award. This calming sanctuary pampers you with rejuvenating skin therapies, soothing massages, and ancient holistic rituals that restore and renew.
VIBE
exclusive, old world, laid-back luxury
PERFECT FOR
boutique hotel lovers, girlfriend getaways, privacy
WHY WE LOVE IT
Hotel Esencia offers a quiet, understated luxury experience on a beautiful stretch of beach between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Originally built as a private estate, the property still feels intimate and residential, with lush grounds, spacious suites, and a calm, low-key atmosphere throughout. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for something refined and discreet, with excellent dining, strong service, and a setting that feels effortlessly relaxed.
WELLNESS
Housed under traditional palapa thatched roofs, Esencia Spa and the fitness room integrate hallmarks of modern wellbeing with ancient customs of cultivating beauty, balance, and peace.
VIBE
active, cultural, full-service resort
PERFECT FOR
small social groups, adventure seekers, anniversaries
WHY WE LOVE IT
Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a more immersive, experience-driven take on the all-inclusive model, with a strong focus on Mexican art, culture, and design throughout the property. The resort is adults-only and expansive, with access to the Xcaret parks adding a completely different layer to the stay. Despite its size, the atmosphere feels thoughtfully curated, with standout dining, beautiful natural surroundings, and a wide range of activities that go far beyond the typical beach vacation.
WELLNESS
We took the beauty and wisdom of ancestral rituals to create holistic experiences that cater to your energy needs, offering healing, peace, and personal connection. We use organic products that care for both your skin and the environment.
VIBE
active, cultural, modern
PERFECT FOR
families with older kids, adventure seekers, small social groups
WHY WE LOVE IT
Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers one of the most activity-rich resort experiences in Riviera Maya, combining a beautiful natural setting with access to the entire collection of Xcaret parks and experiences. The layout blends jungle, waterways, and beachfront areas in a way that feels immersive and uniquely tied to the region. It’s especially well suited for families and multi-generational groups who want more than just a beach vacation, with endless opportunities for adventure balanced by strong dining and resort amenities.
WELLNESS
Harmonize with the energy of the universe in Muluk Spa, a mystical sanctuary that fuses ancient techniques with the latest in products for your skin. For you to continue in the total wellness path through fun, we have 3 gyms, paddle and tennis courts, open space functional training circuit, yoga lessons, meditating sessions, and non-motorized aquatic activities like paddleboard and kayak.
VIBE
sophisticated, adults-only, high-style design
PERFECT FOR
honeymoons, foodie travel, views for days
WHY WE LOVE IT
La Casa de la Playa offers an ultra-luxury, adults-only experience that feels completely separate from the larger Xcaret resort complex while still giving access to its parks and experiences. The hotel is intimate and highly design-forward, with oceanfront suites, personalized service, and a strong emphasis on Mexican art, culture, and cuisine. It’s a great fit for travelers who want something exclusive and immersive, with a level of privacy and detail that feels far more boutique than traditional all-inclusive.
WELLNESS
We took the beauty and wisdom of ancestral rituals to create holistic experiences that cater to your energy needs, offering healing, peace, and personal connection. We use organic products that care for both your skin and the environment.
VIBE
timeless, romantic, beachfront elegance
PERFECT FOR
couples, honeymooners, beach lovers
WHY WE LOVE IT
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel offers one of the most iconic beachfront settings in the Riviera Maya, with a wide stretch of soft white sand and a more intimate, boutique feel. The design blends traditional Mexican style with refined details, creating a sense of place that feels both authentic and elevated. Service is warm and highly personalized, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed, romantic, and quietly luxurious.
WELLNESS
A serene, traditional approach defines the spa experience, with treatments inspired by Mayan healing rituals and local ingredients. The setting is peaceful and immersive, creating a calm, restorative atmosphere that pairs naturally with the beachfront environment.
VIBE
wellness-focused, secluded, nature immersion
PERFECT FOR
wellness weekends, couples, total relaxation
WHY WE LOVE IT
The House of AïA offers a more intentional, wellness-driven experience in the Riviera Maya, where the focus shifts away from traditional resort distractions and toward rest, movement, and connection to nature. The atmosphere feels peaceful and immersive, with thoughtful design and a setting that encourages you to fully slow down. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for something restorative, low-key, and deeply rooted in well-being.
WELLNESS
Well-being is woven into every part of the experience, from movement and mindfulness practices to holistic treatments and nourishing cuisine. The approach feels immersive but approachable, creating a rhythm that supports both relaxation and renewal throughout the stay.
VIBE
unique, laid-back luxury, high style design
PERFECT FOR
hopeless romantics, friends & families, adventure seekers
WHY WE LOVE IT
Rosewood Mayakoba offers one of the most refined and immersive luxury experiences in the Riviera Maya, set among lagoons, mangroves, and a beautiful stretch of beach. The suites feel private and residential, many accessible by boat along the waterways, creating a strong sense of space and tranquility throughout the property. Service is exceptional and highly personalized, while the overall atmosphere feels polished, serene, and deeply connected to the natural surroundings.
WELLNESS
Reflecting on the peace and beauty of the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba is a sanctuary for both physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Guests of this Riviera Maya spa resort calm their minds and bodies within the spa and fitness facilities — including a heated pool, fully equipped gym, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and relaxation areas as well as yoga and meditation classes.
VIBE
modern, elevated, nature-forward
PERFECT FOR
couples, luxury travelers, wellness-focused stays
WHY WE LOVE IT
The St. Regis Kanai Resort brings a fresh, architectural approach to luxury in the Riviera Maya, with a striking design that feels fully integrated into the surrounding mangroves and coastline. The atmosphere is polished and contemporary, with sweeping views, strong dining, and a more elevated, tranquil energy throughout the property. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for a modern resort experience that still feels connected to nature.
WELLNESS
A thoughtful, holistic approach shapes the wellness experience, with treatments inspired by local traditions and the surrounding environment. Spa rituals, movement, and time spent in the peaceful, natural setting create a calm, restorative rhythm throughout the stay.
VIBE
stylish, hip, adults-only
PERFECT FOR
honeymoons & romantic getaways, small social groups, wellness weekends
WHY WE LOVE IT
UNICO 20°87° Riviera Maya offers a more modern, adults-only all-inclusive experience with a strong sense of style and personality. The design feels contemporary and locally inspired, with thoughtful touches that give the resort a stronger connection to Mexico than many traditional all-inclusive properties. The atmosphere balances relaxation with a social energy, supported by strong dining, a lively pool scene, and a level of service that feels polished but approachable.
WELLNESS
Esencia Wellness is an immersive experience for the self featuring signature spa treatments, a full-service beauty salon & barbershop, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Begin a journey of well-being and enhance your UNICO 20°87° experience.
VIBE
private, barefoot luxury, adults-only,
PERFECT FOR
romantic honeymoon resorts in the Caribbean & babymoons, foodie travel, mother & daughter getaways
WHY WE LOVE IT
Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a secluded, villa-style escape tucked into the jungle just north of Playa del Carmen. The private villas, many with plunge pools and outdoor living spaces, create a strong sense of privacy and immersion in the natural surroundings. The atmosphere feels romantic and intentionally low-key, with thoughtful service and a setting that encourages you to slow down and disconnect from the outside world.
WELLNESS
Renewed energy and wellness are all part of the experience at Viceroy Riviera Maya. Our full-service resort spa near Playa del Carmen is called WAYAK and it awakens ancient Mayan traditions known for their power to soothe and relax you.
VIBE
elegant, tranquil, refined
PERFECT FOR
couples, wellness weekends, total relaxation
WHY WE LOVE IT
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya offers a polished, contemporary luxury experience with a quieter, more refined atmosphere than many nearby resorts. The design is elegant and understated, with spacious suites, ocean views, and a strong sense of calm throughout the property. Service feels attentive and personalized, while the overall setting makes it easy to settle into a slower, more relaxed pace.
WELLNESS
A calming, restorative approach defines the spa experience, with treatments inspired by local traditions and the natural surroundings. Open-air spaces, hydrotherapy, and a slower pace throughout the resort create an environment that naturally encourages relaxation and renewal.
VIBE
secluded, cultural, escape
PERFECT FOR
babymoons, beach walkers, mother & daughter getaways
WHY WE LOVE IT
Paraiso de la Bonita offers a quieter, more intimate all-inclusive experience in the Riviera Maya, with a strong focus on relaxation and personalized service. The atmosphere feels calm and residential compared to larger resorts, with spacious suites, ocean views, and a setting that encourages you to fully slow down. It’s a great fit for travelers looking for an adults-oriented stay that feels more understated and peaceful.
WELLNESS
Experience the ancient concept of Sanitas per Aqua (SPA), which is Latin for health through water. This tranquil, holistic wellness retreat combines relaxing Thalassotherapy, special native Mayan treatments, skincare, couples massages, body wraps, and more.
Riviera Maya Travel Tips & Insider Insight
Riviera Maya stretches along a large portion of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, so understanding distances and where to base yourself is key.
- The region runs south from Cancun toward Tulum, with most luxury resorts spread out along the coast rather than in one central area.
- For a standout dining experience, Hartwood in Tulum is a favorite, known for its open-fire cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
- Tulum Ruins are a must-visit. Set above the sea, they offer one of the most scenic archaeological sites in Mexico and are easily paired with a beach day.
- Many beaches in this region are seasonally affected by sargassum, making hotel selection and exact location important.
- Riviera Maya is often compared with nearby destinations like luxury hotels in Cancun and the quieter, more residential feel of Playa Mujeres, each offering a different pace and overall experience.
We are experts in Riviera Maya and will plan an incredible trip for you while managing all the details of your stay.
