13 Best All-Inclusive Resorts on the Riviera Maya

byCassandra Angelie
Mexico's Riviera Maya coastline is 100 miles of powder-soft sand; turquoise Caribbean waters; and thick, lush jungle. The stretch of coast runs south of Cancun all the way down to Tulum. Here is where travelers will find some of Mexico's most impressive and luxurious resorts.

All-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya run the spectrum, from boutique and intimate to sprawling mini-communities, all perched on sugar-colored sand and shrouded in lush, tropical jungle. Some, like Hotel Xcaret Mexico, are designed for fun and adventure, while others, like the Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, are designed for couples-only romance. Mexico's Riviera Maya is well-known for its vast selection of luxury all-inclusive resorts, as well.

Ready to discover Mexico's Caribbean coast? Check out our list of the best all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya.

1. Palmaia - The House of AiA

Photo Source: Palmaia - The House of AiA


Highlights: A 14-acre beachfront retreat with stunning suites, a fire pit and DJ area, and a signature Rituals of Sound program

One of the newer resorts to hit the beaches of the Riviera Maya, Palmaia - The House of AiA has quickly skyrocketed to become one of the best all-inclusive resorts in this part of Mexico. With a perch directly on a soft, powdery stretch of white sand, the vibe here is boho-chic to the highest level.

The resort offers 14 acres of posh, beachfront playground for adults to kick back on. It's located in Playacar, which is heralded as being one of the best beaches in Mexico. It has 314 rooms, and each suite has its own lounge area and a patio or a terrace. Some rooms are swim-up suites, but each building block of rooms has its own pool, too. What's unique about Palmaia is that it has a roped-off section of the beach, which keeps an otherwise public beach quite private for resort guests.

You'll find most of the action at the fire pit/DJ area, complete with low-to-the-ground seating, caravan-style decor, and direct views of the ocean. The resort prides itself on its Rituals of Sound program, which brings beats from Africa and the Middle East to the beaches of Mexico.

Five dining options round out the resort, including a vegan taco truck that is open for lunch daily.

Address: P.º Xaman - Ha Lote 1-Manzana 1, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

2. Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Photo Source: Grand Velas Riviera Maya


Highlights: A gorgeous beachfront setting with separate areas for adults only or families, as well as spacious pools, and an 89,000-square-foot spa

Chic and classic, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the most well-known and luxurious all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya. Sprinkled with accolades, like the AAA Five Diamond Award, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the top resorts not only in the region, but one of the best resorts in Mexico.

The resort sits on a lush 80-plus acres of beach and mangrove jungle, with more than 490 suites across three different buildings: Zen, Ambassador, and Grand Class. Each suite has spacious, luxurious bathrooms and private terraces. Some rooms even have their own private plunge pools.

Zen is family-friendly, and one of the more subdued sections, with palapa roofs, soft music, and rooms on the "smaller" side for the resort. Still, they measure at 1,110 square feet.

The Ambassador and Grand Class sections are right on the beach. Ambassador is family-friendly, as well, while Grand Class is adults-only. Ambassador has the largest pool on the property, as well as many restaurants.

Grand Class is the most exclusive section on the property, with 90 suites, each of which has its own private plunge pool. The building has three restaurants and a beautiful infinity pool as well.

The stretch of beach on which the resort sits is one of the Riviera Maya's dreamiest sections, with rows of lounge chairs, cabanas, and a couple of beachfront restaurants.

But the real gem of the resort is its 89,000-square-foot spa, which is a member of the Leading Spas of The World. It has 40 treatment rooms, private whirlpools, relaxation areas, and more. For each treatment booked, guests have access to the Riviera Maya Water Ceremony, which includes a sauna, color therapy steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, ice room, and clay room.

3. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Photo Source: Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya


Highlights: A stretch of white-sand beach; many on-site amenities, like two swimming pools, a lazy river, a spa, and seven restaurants

The Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya is one of the hidden gems along the Riviera Maya coast. It may not be as luxurious as some of its competitors, but it has a loyal following because it does what it does very well. Oh, and it's a steal compared to other resorts in the area.

The adults-only resort is on an exclusive stretch of beach, known as Playa Secreto, which is a cut above other beaches in the Riviera Maya. The design is traditional resort, with elevated touches, like sweeping open spaces, marble floors, and fountains sprinkled about.

Rooms are spread across different categories, the largest being the Diamond and Imperial Suites. All rooms have private patios, and bathrooms are spacious. Imperial Suites have hot tubs on the balcony.

Other amenities include two swimming pools, including a lazy river pool. Aromancer Spa has several treatment rooms, and a fitness center offers weights, cardio equipment, as well as Pilates and yoga.

Seven different restaurants are available for dinner, serving everything from Italian and French to Japanese and Indonesian.

4. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Photo Source: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun


Highlights: Supremely romantic vibes at this couples-only resort, complete with a white-sand beach, spa, and rooms with whirlpool tubs

Playa Maroma continues to be recognized as one of the best beaches in Mexico, so it makes sense that one of the best all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya would be here. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a AAA Five Diamond Resort, known for its couples-only ethos and romantic natural beauty.

The luxury resort has more than 400 rooms, perched on one of the most sugary stretches of sand in Riviera Maya. Designed for romance, the resort has plenty of tucked-away pockets for couples to steal away to.

Rooms were renovated in early 2019 and are elegant and modern, with plenty of marble, wood, and rattan. Many suites on the ground floor are swim-up suites, but all rooms have whirlpool tubs.

One of the most beloved areas of the resort is the Secrets Spa, which has a menu of treatments, as well as hydrotherapy features. Other amenities include swimming pools and the sprawling beach.

For dining, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun has a buffet restaurant or a la carte restaurants, from Japanese hibachi to fresh seafood, Italian, and French.

5. UNICO 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Photo Source: UNICO 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya


Highlights: An adults-only all-inclusive complete with a lively pool scene with a social atmosphere, a fabulous spa, a quiet stretch of beach, and spectacular rooms

Couples and groups of friends are in for a treat when they book a stay at the adults-only, all-inclusive UNICO 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya. One of the only resorts of its kind, UNICO 20° 87° is an all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya where truly everything is included.

Perched on a stretch of bleached sand in the small beach community of Akumal, UNICO 20° 87° is one of the most luxurious resorts in the area - and one of the most fun, with DJ sessions, whirlpools, and tons of activities.

The 448 rooms are all massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces. Lower-level rooms are swim-up suites with direct access to shared pools, while rooms on higher floors have deep soaking tubs on the balconies.

The all-inclusive package is one of the best in the area, with even spa treatments and excursions included (though many do expect a 25 percent service charge).

And the dining is truly worth talking about, with four restaurants serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine, Asian specialties, and Mediterranean options. There is even a Cuban lounge, with vintage Havana vibes.

6. TRS Yucatan Hotel

Photo Source: TRS Yucatan Hotel

Accommodation: TRS Yucatan Hotel

Highlights: A resort-within-a-resort vibe exclusively for adults, with a private pool and restaurant, luxurious suites, and plenty of nearby attractions and amenities

The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya complex is a collection of several resorts on the same compound. The TRS Yucatan is the smallest and most luxurious, with 130 lovely suites along the beaches of Akumal, which is a smaller beach area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

The 130-suite resort-within-a-resort is an adults-only all-inclusive, with an elevated palapa-style look. TRS (which stands for The Royal Suites) is exclusive to its guests, but those in TRS suites have access to the other facilities of the complex. TRS Yucatan has its own private restaurant and pool, as well.

Rooms are decidedly sophisticated, with even the entry-level rooms, the Junior Suites, featuring hot tubs on the balconies. The best suites are the Mayan Suites, which are scattered across the resort's lagoon and have their own outdoor showers.

TRS has its own restaurant, El Garden, but guests have access to the other restaurants in the complex, from Chinese and Italian to Spanish and barbecue. The beach here is beautiful, though there are plenty of pools around the resort.

The nearby Grand Palladium Colonial is where the majority of the facilities are, from a theater and shopping to a kids' club area and water park. Guests can also find mini-golf, tennis, the Zentopia spa, and more.

7. Excellence Riviera Cancun

Photo Source: Excellence Riviera Cancun


Highlights: A classic and upscale all-inclusive resort with large rooms, six outdoor pools, five hot tubs, 10 restaurants, and an impressive spa

Designed for adults only, the Excellence Riviera Cancun is a luxury all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya, though it's just about 20 minutes south of the Cancun airport. The elegant, classic resort is shrouded in jungle foliage, which spills out to a lovely stretch of Caribbean beach. The airy lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light.

Rooms are large and bright, with neutral and cream colors, marble floors, and wooden accents. All rooms have balconies or patios, and Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suites have a private plunge pool, terrace, and ocean views. Junior Swim-Up Suites give guests access to the pool directly from their room.

Amenities include six outdoor pools, beach lounge chairs, five hot tubs, and the signature Miile Spa, which has 10 treatment rooms and beachfront massages available. Ten restaurants are offered, as well, along with vibrant nightly entertainment.

8. Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Photo Source: Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Accommodation: Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Highlights: A sprawling all-inclusive resort with a cenote-style design, hidden pools and rivers, 10 restaurants, and unlimited access to any of the Grupo Xcaret parks

Perhaps one of the most unique all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya is Hotel Xcaret Mexico. That's because it is so much more than an all-inclusive resort. It's a veritable interactive experience and one that is deeply rooted in staying authentic to the ethos of Mexico.

The resort was created by Grupo Xcaret, the parent company that owns the host of theme and adventure parks in the Yucatan, like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xavage, Xenses, and many others. The sprawling all-inclusive resort has 900 rooms spread across different "Casas," each of which has its own theme, like Family, Family Luxury, Adults-Only, Wellness, and more.

Sprawling grounds include stunning pools; architecture built around the landscape (including a spa built out of underground caves); 10 restaurants; a kids' club; and all-inclusive, unlimited access to any of the Grupo Xcaret parks.

Rooms are gorgeous and airy, with pink accents, textiles from Oaxaca, marble floors, and outdoor terraces with hammocks. Some are swim-up suites, as well. Casa Fuego, which is geared toward adults, has a private rooftop pool and its own restaurant.

9. Hotel Xcaret Arte

Photo Source: Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Accommodation: Hotel Xcaret Arte

Highlights: The same action-packed amenities and inclusions as the original Hotel Xcaret, except this resort is adults only

Just down the beach from Hotel Xcaret Mexico is its mirror-image sister resort, Hotel Xcaret Arte. Unlike the original resort, Hotel Xcaret Arte is adults-only, but the quality of service, amenities, and inclusions are the same.

Hotel Xcaret Arte is a massive resort, with 900 rooms spread over five themed "casas." Each casa is dedicated to a different division of art, whether it's painters, music, weaving, and more. The Casa de Los Artistas is the oceanfront house, which has its own rooftop pool with a "crystal bridge," – a favorite Instagram location because it's essentially a see-through part of the pool.

Restaurants are strewn about the property, including Xaak, which is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. Other dining options include Chinese and Mexican fusion, Lebanese and Mexican fusion, Caribbean, and more. The main dining venue is the Mercado de San Juan, which is an all-day dining venue that has everything from a quesadilla station to local tacos, ceviche, and more.

The main pool is the heart of the energy of the resort, with another restaurant, plenty of lounge chairs, and an infinity view out to the Caribbean Sea. The beach is small and a little rocky, but the water is calm and clean.

A cave-style spa is a highlight, as well, with hydrotherapy pools built into caverns, and spa treatment rooms that are in caves themselves. Like Hotel Xcaret Mexico, guests have unlimited included access to all of the Grupo Xcaret theme parks.

Address: Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juárez, Km. 282 L21-3 Colonia Rancho Xcaret, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

10. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

Photo Source: Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita


Highlights: An intimate all-inclusive resort featuring oceanfront suites and the first seaweed therapy spa center in North America

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is an intimate, 100-room all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya. The small size of the resort keeps the vibe decidedly quiet, and the beach palapas and clay-colored buildings evoke a beach village vibe. The owners of the hotel are world travelers and have incorporated tokens from their international travels around the resort to give it a truly personal touch.

All rooms at this AAA 5 Diamond property are oceanfront suites, each with a large terrace and traditional hacienda-style decorations. Rooms are equipped with Bvlgari bath amenities. The Impression Club Suites are brand new and offer private plunge pools.

The rest of the resort amenities are equally impressive, from the restaurants to the Thalasso Center, which is the first seawater therapy center in North America. The Center offers traditional healing remedies like Temazcal ceremonies, as well as yoga and a traditional gym.

11. Blue Diamond Riviera Maya Luxury Boutique Hotel

Photo Source: Blue Diamond Riviera Maya Luxury Boutique Hotel


Highlights: A 36-acre tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and an on-site cenote, along with two pools, restaurants, and beachfront casitas with rooftop terraces

Intimate and adults-only, Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is a beautiful and tranquil all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya. Its stunning location is what sets it apart from other resorts in the area, spread across 36 acres, with jungle-covered paths, waterways, a white sandy beach, and even its own cenote on-site.

Suites are superb, designed with nature in mind, with limestone and wood accents. They range from Patio Junior Suites to the ultra-luxurious Beach Front Casitas. These rooms are really spectacular, all with private beach access, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rooftop terraces with their own infinity pools.

Two pools are available, one that is facing the ocean surrounded by chic white lounge chairs. A second, smaller pool is surrounded by grass and framed by a wooden deck and palm trees.

Blue Diamond's dining options are excellent, as well, from ceviche and tapas to an exclusive Chef's Table experience. Included in the rate are activities like cooking classes, Spanish classes, yoga, and traditional Temazcal ceremonies.

The Spa by Blue Diamond gives all guests access to its steam room, sauna, and pools. There is a fitness center, as well, which is state-of-the-art, with Kinesis workout gear. Personal trainers can be requested for an additional fee.

12. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

Photo Source: Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla


Highlights: An all-inclusive, adults-only resort just outside Playa del Carmen with a lovely Yai Spa, heated pools, and seven restaurants

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is an all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya that is located close to the town of Playa del Carmen itself. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort is chic and elegantly appointed, with a modern and fun atmosphere and high-end amenities.

The sophisticated resort has nearly 400 rooms, which start at the Luxury Junior Suite and max out at the swim-up Master Suites. Guests can opt to upgrade to Royal Service, which offers a personal butler. Rooms are sleek, yet warm, with marble floors, neutral colors, furnished balconies, and luxury bathrooms.

Couples will feel most at home at this resort, with its beautiful pools, quiet atmosphere, and romantic touches like tango lessons. The Yai Spa has several treatment rooms, as well as hot tubs and heated pools.

Seven restaurants include a little bit of everything, from Mexican to Latin American, Mediterranean, and Asian.

The pools steal the show at Paradisus La Perla, with palm trees, day beds, and submerged loungers. Guests will likely prefer the pools to the beach, which is narrow and can often feel crowded.

13. El Dorado Maroma

Photo Source: El Dorado Maroma

Accommodation: El Dorado Maroma

Highlights: A relaxed all-inclusive resort with prime real estate on Maroma Beach, with overwater bungalow-style rooms that have direct ocean access

What brings people to El Dorado Maroma is its prime real estate on what is frequently heralded as one of the best beaches in Mexico. Right on Maroma Beach, the all-inclusive resort is popular among couples, especially because of the peaceful atmosphere; many pools; and lush, tropical grounds.

The resort has many different room options, but all are decorated in a traditional, yet elegant style, with dark woods, white linens, jetted tubs, and marble bathrooms. The highest category of rooms is the overwater palafitos, which were the very first of their kind in Mexico. Palafitos are overwater bungalow-style rooms that flank a very long wooden pier. Guest rooms have direct access to the ocean from their individual bungalows. A specialty restaurant is reserved just for guests of the palafitos, as well.

El Dorado Maroma has plenty of dining options, from the Peruvian-style Lima Limon to Mexican, Japanese, and Italian. A spa is on the property, too, but guests often prefer to take their massages at one of the oceanfront palapas.

Address: Carr. Cancún - Tulum Km. 55.3, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

Map of All-Inclusive Resorts on the Riviera Maya


Best Time to Visit All-Inclusive Resorts on the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is a year-round destination, but you'll find that certain times of year are better to visit than others depending on what you're looking for. The best time to visit resorts on the Riviera Maya are the months of April and May. During April and May, the weather is beautifully warm and breezy, with average temperatures between 85 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation is low, too, which means most days will be sunny.

Another best time to visit Riviera Maya is the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March. The weather here hovers around an average of the mid-80s Fahrenheit. November marks the end of hurricane season, as well. That said, this is the time when cruise ships are docking along the Riviera Maya, meaning hotel rates spike as do the number of people.

June, July, August, and September is hurricane season. The weather will be in the 90s, as well as incredibly muggy and rainy. You will, however, find the best hotel rates during these months.

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