Things to do in Riviera Maya

The Best Resorts in Riviera Maya for Every Type of Traveler

Discover the best resorts in Riviera Maya, whether you’re looking for luxury, a place for all the family, or an eco-friendly hotel.

The best resorts offer luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and fun-filled things to do in Riviera Maya, that will elevate your vacation experience. Let's travel on a journey through the best resorts in Riviera Maya.

Luxury Resorts

Luxury resorts are a slice of pure paradise. Book your stay now, and start planning things to do in Riviera Maya.

Photographer: Eduardo Cano Photo Co.

1. Vidanta

Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards named Vidanta Riviera Maya as one of the top five hotels in the eastern part of Mexico, and it's not hard to see why.

This sprawling 400-hectare resort contains multiple pristine pools, more than 15 restaurants and bars, two luxury spas, and a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It also borders the beach, giving guests full access to the Caribbean Sea. If the beach isn't your thing, you can still have a splashing good time at the on-site Jungala Aqua Experience.

Vidanta is also the exclusive venue of our show JOYÀ, which tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl who ventures into a mysterious jungle within her grandfather's imaginary world. JOYÀ’s theater was carefully designed and crafted with its inspiration and story in mind — it’s as if architects drew it from the Mayan jungle itself.

2. Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Banyan Tree Mayakoba blends Asian culture with local Mexican hospitality. Drop the kids off at the Rangers Club and treat yourself to a rejuvenating session at the Asian-inspired Banyan Tree Spa.

After working up an appetite on the El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course, discover a blend of international flavors with lunch at Oriente restaurant. When you get your second wind, visit ancient Mayan ruins to learn about the peninsula's history.

3. Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya provides luxury suites, each with their own private terrace. Enjoy a swim in the infinity pool before heading to Frida restaurant for Mexican haute cuisine and live music. The whole family can take part in activities at Grand Velas, from snorkeling and kayaking to swimming with dolphins.

Separate clubs for kids and teens allow your kids to wander off with others their own age. Meanwhile, you can indulge in skin therapies and massages at SE Spa.

Photographer: Dayana Brooke

Family-Friendly Resorts in Riviera Maya

Set out on Riviera Maya excursions from these kid-friendly resorts to make memories that will live forever in your family photo albums.

Photographer: Asad Photo Maldives

4. Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Kids love the aquatic parks at Paradisus Playa del Carmen. Leave them at the Kids Zone while you indulge your senses at the YHI spa, or take macramé classes to craft a souvenir to take home.

Food connoisseurs gorge on the Argentine-style steaks at Sal Steak Cave restaurant. Those who prefer pasta can enjoy fine Italian cuisine at Cappella, courtesy of Chef Antonia Lofaso.

5. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Despite its location just a few minutes from downtown Tulum, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa feels like an isolated jungl. It's right on the beach, so you can start your day with a morning stroll or swim.

Take a trip to the Xel-Ha natural aquapark, or visit the ancient Mayan ruins. When hunger strikes, 16 nearby restaurants and bars serve everything from French cuisine to sushi.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Riviera Maya's all-inclusive hotels make your stay easy and stress-free. Here are some of our favorites.

6. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Enjoy a romantic getaway at the all-inclusive Secrets Maroma Riviera Cancun resort. Stroll on the beach at sunset, hand in hand with your beloved, or enjoy a sensual couples massage. Share gourmet meals on the unlimited dining plan, along with premium drinks.

Whether you visit alone, with a partner, or with friends, leave room for all the daytime activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Why not try a dance class or learn to craft cocktails? The nightly entertainment at this resort is sure to make you smile.

Photographer: Sergey Torbik

7. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Only adults are allowed at the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya resort, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere! This all-inclusive resort is modeled on a Mexican hacienda surrounded by gardens.

Dive into one of the many swimming pools, order your favorite food from one of the seven à la carte restaurants, or take a stroll along warm, white sand that stretches half a mile.

8. Royal Hideaway Playacar

Another adults-only resort in Riviera Maya, the Royal Hideaway Playacar, is located close to Playa del Carmen.

Every one of the 200-plus spacious rooms is well-furnished and surrounded by some of the world's beautiful scenery. Ventanas restaurant offers a menu designed to tantalize your taste buds.

Take part in Mexican art classes, bicycle tours, and more. If you'd rather do your own thing, you can make use of the extensive facilities, including six swimming pools, two tennis courts, a spa, and a gym.

Eco-Friendly Resorts

These resorts offer eco-friendly lodging for guests to enjoy.

9. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort encourages you to explore the jungle with a fun-packed program of daily activities. Swim among the mangroves or snorkel in the cenotes.

Enjoy a Mexican buffet at Las Máscaras restaurant, which is adorned with Mexican masks and artwork.

10. Fairmont Mayakoba

The jungle takes center stage at Fairmont Mayakoba, where the tropical forest is interspersed with the resort's facilities. The El Camaleón golf course winds through the jungle on its 18-hole journey, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the mangrove wetlands.

During your stay at Fairmont Mayakoba, you can snorkel coral reefs or soak up the sun beside the pool, cocktail in hand! At the end of the day, retreat to your spacious guest room to snuggle into a big bed. Kids are welcome here, along with small dogs and cats, so the whole family can make memories together.

Photographer: Maja Novak

Embrace the Beauty and Diversity of Riviera Maya Through Its Premier Resorts

We're thrilled to present our show JOYÀ, available exclusively at Vidanta Riviera Maya. Join us in our custom-built theater to experience the adventures of a teenage girl in a fantasy jungle.

Inspired by the migration of the monarch butterfly, JOYÀ is an incredible spectacle — and dining experience — featuring fascinating animal characters. Lose yourself in a story that boils down to one thing: love. Marvel at our aerial mastery and gasp at the hypnotic fire displays. We can't wait to see you there!

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