10 BEST HOTELS IN MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA
Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
The Riviera Maya sits on a gorgeous stretch of coastline along Mexico’s Caribbean shores on the Yucatán Peninsula. Encompassing popular tourist destinations like Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cancún, there are as many hotels to choose from as there are beaches to sunbathe. From sprawling all-inclusive resorts in Cancún’s hotel zone (like Moon Palace and Hyatt Ziva Cancún), to thatched-roof jungle lodges offering bespoke concierge service along Tulum’s beaches – there’s truly a hotel here for everyone.
For parents traveling with little ones, Cancún’s luxury resorts offer a plethora of activities ranging from water sports to kids’ clubs. For honeymooners craving a romantic getaway, Tulum’s boutique hotels feature heated plunge pools, oceanfront views, and fine dining options. For those desperate to disconnect from their work email, wellness sanctuaries near Chichén Itzá promise healing rituals inspired by ancient Mayan practices. Whether you’re looking to party at a beach club in a Cancún hotel, explore nearby Isla Mujeres, or simply while away the hours in an infinity pool or beachfront cabana, these are the best hotels to check into on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
At the Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, it’s impossible to get a bad room. This beachfront resort prides itself on being suite-only, which means every guest room is a luxurious suite offering a choice of lagoon or ocean views. Expect minimalist decor with natural stone and wood elements, and notable amenities including heated plunge pools, private balconies and outdoor rain showers. For golf lovers, the golf course at Rosewood Mayakoba is about as beautiful as it gets. Picture an 18-hole golf course set in a lush tropical setting with Caribbean sea views. Golf not your thing? Don’t worry, this resort has everything you could possibly want, from a spa and swimming pools, to a fitness center, movie nights for kids, and eight different restaurants and cocktail bars on-site. And, the over-water bungalows make this an excellent alternative to the Maldives.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
HOTEL ESENCIA
Image courtesy of Hotel Esencia
Hotel Esencia was once the private vacation home of an Italian duchess who craved a hideaway on one of the most beautiful beaches along the Riviera Maya. I can’t blame the duchess for wanting a slice of paradise to herself; but today, her 50-acre estate has been transformed into the glorious Hotel Esencia, a stunning boutique hotel with access to a private beach, heated swimming pools, and an organic spa. Unlike other resorts with over 500 rooms, Hotel Esencia has more of a boutique feel, with just 45 suites and three villas available for check-in. Notably, Hotel Esencia sits on Xpu-Ha Bay, where sea turtles come to nest every year. Imagine watching that from your private oceanfront terrace!
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA
Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Barefoot Luxury is the name of the game at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, which offers a blissfully private, five-star experience at a convenient price point. Guests stay in freestanding villas, each boasting its own private pool and sexy, understated design - think wood-panelled walls, stone surfaces, and minimalist furniture. The resort prides itself on its fusion of Mexican and Asian influences, from its spa — offering Chinese- , Indian- and Balinese-inspired treatments — to its Thai restaurant, Saffron. Another plus: Banyan Tree offers one of the only Kosher restaurants around. Kids, too, will be happy here: immersive activities (treasure hunts, beach sports, movie nights, archery) abound.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
NIZUC RESORT & SPA
Image courtesy of Nizuc Resort & Spa
Nizuc Resort & Spa is an award-winning luxury resort in Cancún located on the secluded Punta Nizuc. Just a 15-minute drive from Cancún International Airport, this paradisical resort sits in Cancún’s hotel zone and is flanked by wild mangroves, verdant jungle, and private beaches on all sides. With over 200 suites and villas scattered across the 29-acre property, nearly every room offers stellar ocean views. For foodies, this Cancún hotel has a whopping six on-site restaurants, each offering world-class cuisine (from Mexican to Asian to Mediterranean fare). If you want to indulge in some nightlife, a Havana-inspired cigar lounge and oceanfront bar serve up delectable cocktails throughout the day and evening. And for those traveling with children, Nizuc Resort & Spa is both a family-friendly and dog-friendly hotel.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast.
Complimentary private airport transfer (minimum $100 value).
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA
Image courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Grand Velas is a sprawling all-inclusive resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast with a unique twist. Here, guests can choose from one of 500+ suites in three different categories: relaxation, romance, or family-friendly. In the romantic rooms, couples will find private plunge pools, oceanfront terraces overlooking turquoise waters, and ample privacy. In the relaxation suites — known as the Zen Grand Ambiance — rooms are tucked away in a jungle sanctuary away from the main resort, overlooking a Koi fish pond and sparkling swimming pool. Meanwhile, in the family-friendly rooms, kiddos can have fun at the teen and kids clubs, enjoy an abundance of water sports and swimming pools, and all the perks that come with a beach resort. For families traveling with picky eaters, the on-site Italian restaurant cooks up family-style meals and hearty plates of pasta.
Fora Perks:
$50 daily spa credit per guest.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
CHABLÉ MAROMA
Image courtesy of Chablé Maroma
Chablé Maroma is a five-star resort considered by many to be one of the best hotels in the Riviera Maya. Because it’s smaller than some of the other all-inclusive resorts on the coast, Chablé Maroma feels as though every room and experience is curated to meet each guest’s needs. Located in Playa del Carmen, this beachfront hotel is made extra special by the myriad experiences that pay homage to Mexico’s culture and Mayan heritage. For example, cooking classes connect guests to local grandmothers to try their hand at traditional Mexican fare, while excursions to nearby cenotes showcase the beauty of these natural wonders, considered sacred by the Mayans. Active day trips are available for those wanting to kayak or snorkel to nearby reefs, while a visit to the iconic Mayan ruins of Riviera Maya is a must for anyone visiting Mexico.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
BELMOND MAROMA
Image courtesy of Belmond Maroma
This five-star luxury resort sits in the heart of Riviera Maya, offering the ideal Mexican getaway. Everything about this beachfront haven is dreamy, from its thatched roofs to the white-sand beach to the private balconies. Located between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, don’t let the word “resort” fool you. The Belmond Maroma offers more of a boutique hotel experience, with only 63 rooms decked out in Indigenous Mexican art and terracotta details. Here you can truly disconnect, as exemplified by the lack of televisions in the rooms. Rather than sit in bed, the Belmond Maroma encourages guests to unwind and live in the moment. Whether that means spending the day at the spa, soaking in a plunge pool, having a beach day, or raiding the minibar — it’s completely up to you.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast.
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
ETÉREO, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Image courtesy of Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, Etéreo is one of the newest luxury hotels to hit the Riviera Maya. The name Etéreo translates to ‘ethereal,’ which perfectly describes this luxury hotel which prides itself on offering guests a way to disconnect from stress and reconnect to nature. Inspired by ancient Mayan philosophies, the hotel focuses on providing travelers with world-class cuisine, jaw-dropping ocean views and meaningful encounters with nature and local culture. Suites here feature expansive views of the Caribbean sea, private balconies and terraces, hot tubs, plunge pools and even butler service. Beyond the rooms and beachfront views, what makes Etéreo one of the best hotels is its exceptional experiences carefully curated to honor Mexico’s vibrant heritage. Expect everything from day trips to nearby Tulum and Mesoamerican storytelling sessions, to gratitude ceremonies dedicated to the cenotes, and spiritual rituals focused on healing. Other activities include family snorkeling trips, kids club activities, and golf.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
$35 daily breakfast credit.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
PALMAÏA, THE HOUSE OF AÏA
Image courtesy of Palmaïa, The House of AïA
A veritable wellness sanctuary, Palmaïa is the equivalent of stumbling across El Dorado in the middle of the jungle. Far from other beachfront all-inclusive resorts, Palmaïa is tucked away amidst verdant foliage, offering a level of seclusion not often found at other sprawling luxury resorts. Palmaïa’s Eco Spa offers everything from massages and spa treatments to healing ceremonies, and specialized retreats focused on improving the mind, body and soul. Beyond seclusion and wellness, Palmaïa prides itself on being dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. Its suites, for example, are guaranteed cruelty-free, devoid of animal-made or animal-tested products such as leather or feather-filled bedding. Unsurprisingly, the gourmet restaurants mirror this commitment by serving vegan and plant-based dishes that are so delicious, they’ll inspire you to ditch meat altogether. Sure, if you’re looking to party, a hotel like the Hard Rock Hotel Cancún might be a better fit, but if you’re angling for true relaxation and self-care, Palmaïa is for you.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort/hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA
Image courtesy of Viceroy Riviera Maya
Located just outside Playa del Carmen along the powdery sands of the Riviera Maya, Viceroy Riviera Maya is a seaside refuge extending deep into the tropical Mayan forest. The 41-villa property and its stunning spa are the epitome of unpretentious luxury exuding the ambience of an exclusive private club. Great for couples looking for an ultra-relaxed getaway, the sleek Viceroy Riviera Maya is adults-only, and a plus: all rooms have private plunge pools and hammocks. Guests enjoy especially inventive cuisine (scallops with white chocolate coconut mole, homemade blue cornbread with sikil pak… the works).
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel/resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ready to start planning your trip to the Riviera Maya? Get in touch to customize and book your experience!
