‘Best Of’ … the Riviera Maya

Yo Yo, you said it was so.  And we threw in our 2 cents.

Here with the resorts that you, aka…Our Community, chose as the ‘Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya‘

If you’ve got a different take, throw us a comment below.   We are all here to learn.

1st up……

Palafitos at El Dorado Maroma

The Why:

If being on one of the top 10 beaches in the world isn’t enough for you….then snuggle into the only all-inclusive overwater bungalows in Mexico at Check PricesPalafitos at El Dorado Maroma!

• Glass floors let you see the fishies day or night.  At night the underwater lights come on – and the sea looks freaky.
• Do a cannonball off your deck…or that perfect swan dive.
• You never have to leave the Palafitos, with its exclusive restaurant, spa and room service to provide for your every whim.
• Sra. Dolores and Sr. Jose Martinez, owners of El Dorado Resorts, put their heart and soul into creating this fairy tale just for you.

Excellence Riviera Cancun

The Why:

Check PricesExcellence Riviera Cancun is legendary for excellent service…..They are crazy good at taking care of you.

• It’s perfect if romance and relaxation are your thing. Get ready for lots of those deep, satisfied, “I’m-so-happy” sighs.
• Nothing like dinner in your very own wine cellar at Chez Isabelle. Tres chic and romantic!
• Walk the white sand beach to Puerto Morelos for some local flavor.
• The Miilé Spa is like something out of a movie.
• Want some seclusion? Go for the Two Story Rooftop Terrace Suite with a private Plunge Pool … and leave with happy wrinkles
• The Excellence Collection of Resorts have an extremely high repeat factor. For a reason.

Hotel Xcaret – Riviera Maya

The award-winning Check PricesHotel Xcaret sits on the same grounds as Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park, which is just a short gondola ride away from the resort (or you can take a luxury air-conditioned bus for a quicker ride), and is surrounded by impressive gardens, natural river formations and a private cove.

The Why:

• The resort is designed to utilize the natural environment in creative ways, such as incorporating the limestone caves into the Spa (as treatment rooms) as well as a very cool beachside restaurant complex (Las Cuevas).
• The park is committed to the education and preservation of local history, culture, and wildlife, with interactive exhibits featuring sharks, dolphins, jaguars, manatees, turtles, butterflies, flamingos and more.
• It features a traversable waterway that connects the lagoons and cenotes for an amazing and relaxing kayaking experience that winds throughout the resort complex.
• Popular with both families and kidless couples, with both family-friendly and adults-only sections, including the art-immersive Hotel Xcaret Arte next door.
• Entrance to Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park (as well as Xel-Ha, Xplore, Xplore Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xenotes, Xichen and a new park Xavage) is currently complimentary for guests of Hotel Xcaret and the brand-new adults-only Check PricesHotel Xcaret Arte located next door (at this time, but this could change, please check before booking).

El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma

The Why:

It’s hard to explain this resort within a resort.  One of those ‘hadda be there’ situations.  But we’ll give it a shot.  Check PricesEl Dorado Casitas Royale

• Each circle of Casitas is in its own little jungle world.  With its own jungle swim-up bar, communal hot tub and beach.
• You can go terrorize the inhabitants of the huge El Dorado Royale resort (next door), with all its restaurants, bars and activities – then escape back to quiet solitude away from the chaos.
• If you like a nice path for a long morning run, walk or rawk (run a little, walk a little), this is the resort for you.
• They are seriously eco-friendly.  No laundry detergent or tomatoes are harmed on this property.
• Food is their focus. Don’t let them hear you say the word ‘buffet’…..it’s a ‘food display‘.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

The Why:

Check PricesHard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, is a ‘limitless’ epic Partay mi amigos.

• Cut out all that Macho $hit and learn how to play guitar.  The hotel gives you a Fender to jam on.
• Get crazy at the foam party.
• Go to Heaven (the adult section) and spark up a topless relationship in your private lagoon.  Git Git Yahh!
• Or hang in the Hacienda (family section) in a splash park, water slide, kids club or trash the “Woodward Wrecktangle”, LOL.
• Get all fu-fu at the Yoga Temple or Shaman Temazcal.
• btw….the Teens Club and the Adult Only Nightlife are the best.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The Why:

Check PricesGrand Velas Riviera Maya checks all the boxes…eco-friendly, white sand beach, and some suites have a private plunge pool (a must have!).

• Is this heaven?  No, it’s Grand Velas – a postcard perfect resort with bright pink Bougainvilleas (everywhere), a long stretch of beach and jungle setting.
  
• Three unique experiences include Grand Class for Romance, Ambassador for Family Fun (and these rooms are close to the Kids’ & Teens’ Club and Fitness Center), and Zen Grand for Relaxation.
• A large resort and yet you never feel like you’re in a crowded space.
• Velas family owned and consistent to all Velas resorts – innovative programs, guest experience, quality, service and value.
• What truly sets Grand Velas apart is their Se Spa, named one of the most luxurious spas in the world by Forbes. The seven-step Water Ceremony is a must. Se Spa has also been certified by Wellness for Cancer, which provides personalized wellness services to individuals touched by cancer.

Marriott Paraiso de la Bonita

Editor’s Note: This property is currently closed while Marriott – who took over the former Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita – is giving the resort a total makeover, including renovations and upgrades. Currently scheduled to re-open in late 2024, Marriott’s plans (which also includes adding a 10-suite VIP exclusive enclave with even more luxurious accommodations, services, and amenities) will result in an even more upscale Spa Resort, earning it a continued spot on this list. We’ll re-evaluate after it re-opens.

The Why:

The Paraiso de la Bonita an intimate boutique wellness resort, also on our list of Best All Inclusive Spas, has relaxing ‘zen’ vibe, large private terraces, and beautiful ethnic decor.

• Only 20 minutes from the airport via a private chauffeur so you’re just a blink away from baggage claim to top-shelf poolside drinks.
• Wellness cooking lessons, yoga, Chinese Medicine Services and a number of other wellness-focused classes and services set Zoetry apart.
• Included experiences like the Complimentary 20-minute Thalasso Seawater Experience, traditional Temazcal steam room ceremony, one hour catamaran sail with sparkling wine and more.
• Adults-only experience for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Generations Riviera Maya

The Why:

Check PricesGenerations Riviera Maya is a luxury all-suite beachfront resort, unlike anything else, for the entire family.  Adult guests (18+) can also enjoy the facilities, restaurants, and amenities at Check PricesEl Dorado Casitas Royale and Check PricesEl Dorado Royale, both located right next door.

• This is where you’ll find those large (huge!) suites, so Generations is perfect for families, grandparents, extended family.
• While you’re enjoying a round of golf or some ‘me time’ at Naay Spa, the kids will stay happy at the Kiddie pool, EKO Kids Club, or the Arts and Crafts center.
• Enjoy a family dinner on the beach or plan for a family outing at XCaret Nature Park in Playa del Carmen.
• No details spared here…if you’re in need of a nanny, stroller, crib or other baby needs, they have them.
• Adults will love the swim up bars, huge palapas, canopy beds, and beachside service.

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

The Why:

Check PricesIberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, adults-only on a stunning beach with a Mayans-meet-Vegas vibe, is the place for relaxation, romance and adventure.

• When you stay at “the Grand” you can go to any of the other four Iberostar resorts in the same complex.
• The Paraiso Complex, which is like a little town, includes a large gym, shopping village, and entertainment.
• There’s a PADI diving school (additional fee) as well as catamarans and kayaks for exploring the sea.
• Thalassotherapy and the spa for relaxation and the Mayan bath, a unique activity, combines ethnic instruments and music therapy for focused meditation.
• If you’re looking for more seclusion, then the Villas may be for you. These one-bedroom villas have a hydro-massage tub, living room area, and a spacious private terrace with hammocks.

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

The Why:

Check PricesUNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, located about 70-minutes from Cancun airport, is unlike any adults-only all inclusive resort you’ve ever experienced.

• Rustic elegance, contemporary décor, handcrafted art and the locally built furnishings connects guests with the culture of Mexico.
• Here you can immerse yourself in the Mayan culture and connect with local hosts to discover and experience more of Mexico (and maybe consider voluntourism.
• Enhance your wellness focus with UNICO’s holistic fitness program, which includes personal training sessions, meditation, yoga, open space gym, and beachfront classes.
• La Botella, is the resort’s wine store, where you can enjoy their curated wine selection and connect with their sommelier.
• Explore more with one of the signature tours, which include Mystical Cenotes, Muyil Archaeological Ruins, and Kaan Luum Lagoon Experience.

Royal Hideaway Playacar

The Why:

Check PricesRoyal Hideaway Playacar, an adults-only beachfront resort is luxuriously elegant and has been wowing guests for years.

• Known for their mahogany furniture, the 201 rooms offer garden and ocean views, and the Royal Casita is great if you’re planning a girls’ getaway and would like your own bedrooms.
• Leave the ordinary for the extraordinary at the palm and coconut tree lined beach with hammocks – it feels like your own private hideaway.
• You can walk to Playa del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) to shop, explore, or stop at a local bar (you can take a cab back for a few dollars).
• The Chef’s Table, a unique feature at Las Ventanas (fees apply), where you can interact with the chef and this is the only venue on the Yucatan Peninsula to offer this experience.
• Great dining venues and it’s best to make your dining reservations prior to arrival.

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