3 Best Hotels in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

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.

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.

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.