Not so long ago, Playa del Carmen was often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more famous resorts of Cancun and Tulum. However, this has slowly been changing over the past five or so years, and now Playa del Carmen is an internationally renowned destination in its own right hosting everything from all-inclusive luxury resorts to the best boutique hotels.

Each year, more than 1 million tourists head to this beautiful beachside city for a week or two to relax in the sun and enjoy Mexico’s rich culture and history. With more tourists come more luxurious hotels to accommodate them.

Now, dozens of lavish, decadent properties along this part of the Caribbean coastline are ready to give you a vacation to remember. In this article, we’re looking at the most lavish luxury accommodations in Playa del Carmen.

Visiting Playa del Carmen

If you’re thinking of visiting Playa del Carmen for your next overseas vacation, there are a few practicalities that you’ll want to consider. Below we’ll lay out how to get there and what time of the year is best to visit. In addition, you’ll want to know which area suits your vacationing style.

How to Get There

Playa del Carmen is ideally situated for visitors from many parts of the world and is incredibly convenient from the US. Cancun International Airport is the closest major airport and is just an hour away by road.

There are plenty of licensed taxis at the airport, or your hotel can arrange a shuttle service to collect you. The ADO bus company also runs regular buses from the airport to Playa del Carmen hotels, making it a safe, affordable, and reliable option. Renting a car is also a good option, especially if you plan to see more of the Riviera Maya on your trip.

Once you’re in Playa del Carmen, getting around is easy. The center of town is extremely walkable and flat, so bicycles are also a good option. There’s no Uber or Lyft service available, but plenty of official taxi ranks are easy and safe to use (and most drivers in the tourist areas speak at least some English).

What Time of Year is Best to Visit?

Playa del Carmen is situated on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and has an incredible climate for most of the year. April and May are the best months to visit, and daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 80°F, with comfortable, cooler evenings.

October through March are also dry, but it can get a little cold at night, so be sure to pack a sweater. Hurricane season runs from June to September, and the weather can be wet and volatile, but dangerous weather is rare.

Which Areas Are Best to Stay?

Playa del Carmen is a relatively compact city, but each area offers a completely unique experience. Where you choose to stay will largely dictate your vacation type, so here are the most popular areas for tourists to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Fifth Avenue

5th Avenue, or Quinta Avenida in Spanish, is the life and soul of downtown and the heart of the city’s nightlife. Most visitors view this bustling street as a great area to stay in if it’s your first time visiting Playa del Carmen.

This famous street runs parallel to the ocean and is overflowing with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. There’s also some great shopping around this area if you want to pick up some souvenirs or a new outfit or two.

Being central also provides great access to the city’s best beach clubs where you can eat, drink, sunbathe, and people-watch. 5th Avenue is also close to where the ferry to Cozumel departs from, and the ADO bus station is here, too, if you’re planning on visiting other parts of the region by bus.

Playacar

Playacar is positioned on the city’s southern end and is one of the most luxurious spots on the Caribbean coast. This upmarket, gated neighborhood has pristine white sand beaches, plenty of amenities like a golf course, and some of the best hotels on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Playacar is close enough to downtown Playa del Carmen for the action to be accessible, but it’s secluded enough to give guests a real sense of peace and tranquility. For this reason, couples and families with young children often prefer to stay around here.

Centro

Centro, or downtown, is a large area that runs from the beach back to the highway connecting Cancun to Tulum. This part of Playa del Carmen is safe and walkable and has a less touristy vibe, so it is the perfect spot to experience the ‘real Mexico.’

Centro is also perfectly positioned for visiting other parts of the Riviera Maya as it’s closer to the highway. Many of the region’s best cenotes (natural swimming pools) are also nearby.

Mayakoba

Mayakoba is a 500+ acre development that rivals Playacar in terms of luxury and tranquility. The main difference between the other areas is that Mayakoba is also home to wild lagoons and tropical mangrove forests, in addition to the beautiful beaches synonymous with Playa del Carmen.

Visitors who want sustainable options are often drawn to this region. Eco-tourism is huge in Mayakoba, making it very family-friendly for adventurous groups. There’s a real sense of being off the beaten track while staying in this part of the city, which is an excellent change of gear for guests wanting to forget daily life’s stresses.

Staying in Mayakoba will still give you superb access to Centro and 5th Avenue if you want to sample the city’s food and drink scene.

Now, let’s get into our pick of the most lavish luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Parks All Fun Inclusive

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a gigantic five-star property that takes the all-inclusive concept to the next level. It combines access to all of the Xcaret parks and tours with first-class service and pristine facilities.

While access to Xcaret parks makes this the best destination for families, if you are looking for a more tranquil experience, you can check out the top all-inclusive adult resorts in Playa del Carmen instead.

The wellness center is a luxe spot to relax and unwind, and the soothing hot tub will ease your aches and pains. The modern fitness center is well-equipped and has plenty of space for guests to keep up with their fitness routines during their vacations.

Fans of being on the water love this resort. Various water sports are on offer, and the hotel’s concierge staff can arrange trips to the area’s best cenotes on your behalf. The resort has two stunning outdoor swimming pools and a private beach area with well-maintained facilities and spotless white sand.

The rooms at Hotel Xcaret Mexico have been designed to give guests the space and amenities needed for the best stay possible. Guests love that many of the rooms overlook the natural beauty of the adjacent river and the clear blue ocean, and views can be enjoyed in peace from hammocks on the private terraces.

Swim-up rooms are also available, providing private access for early-morning and late-night dips. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be greeted with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious private bathrooms.

Top amenities include:

• Spa and fitness center
• Two outdoor pools
• Private beach area
• Rooms with hammocks and private terraces

Check availability for this fun-packed all-inclusive resort here.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of the most beautiful hotels imaginable and will serve as the perfect backdrop for your next luxury vacation. Set in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s tropical mangroves, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world.

The villas at this five-star resort are the epitome of luxury and comfort. Each one is set apart from the rest to give you plenty of privacy, and all suites also have a private pool to cool off in. Views of the surrounding natural beauty can be enjoyed from the suites, which adds to the relaxing, secluded vibes of this property.

Each bungalow at this Mayakoba resort also offers a private sun terrace, a walk-in closet, free Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, and a lavish bathroom.

If you can drag yourself out of your private plunge pool, you can enjoy two swimming pools, a deluxe spa, and a modern fitness center. There are also regular mangrove boat tours that depart from the lobby.

Fans of fine dining will enjoy this resort’s 11 restaurants that serve beautiful dishes, including fresh seafood, authentic Asian cuisine, and local Mexican plates.

Top amenities include:

• Villas with private pools
• Two swimming pools
• Mangrove boat tours
• 11 restaurants

Check availability for these tropical, secluded villas here.

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen Adults Only All Inclusive

This elegant, adults-only five-star all-inclusive resort is a beautifully-designed property that exudes luxury.

The lagoon-style swimming pool has been designed to resemble a cenote and is the perfect place to relax under the Mexican sun (ideally with a margarita in hand). The palm trees dotted around the pool create a tropical vibe, and the lush green walkway leading directly to the white sand beach will take you from pool to ocean in moments.

The beachfront suites in this adults-only resort continue the luxury theme with large, comfortable beds, spacious seating areas, and bathrooms with marble finishings. Some suites also have private hot tubs on their terraces where guests can enjoy sunset views in ultimate peace.

The food at Secrets Moxché is superb and will satisfy even the most exotic cravings. With 11 all-inclusive restaurants on-site serving everything from fresh Japanese cuisine to hearty Italian fare, you’ll dine like royalty throughout your stay.

This resort is known for its friendly, helpful staff, and the front desk is open 24 hours a day for anything you might need during your stay. Comfort amenities abound so that you don’t have to go far from the resort – free Wi-Fi is included, and the hotel can arrange currency exchange.

Top amenities include:

• Cenote-style lagoon pool
• Suites with private tubs
• 11 restaurants
• 24-hour front desk

Check availability for this elegant resort here.

Palmaïa – The House of AïA Wellness Enclave All Inclusive

If you’re looking for world-class service in luxury surroundings, Palmaïa is one of the best hotels for your next Mexico getaway.

The joy of Palmaïa is that it’s equidistant between the beach and the jungle while still being close to the center of Playa del Carmen. The juxtaposition between the two ecosystems adds a wonderful sense of adventure to the property.

There are plenty of options for both foodies and sun worshippers at this resort. For example, there are seven superb restaurants on-site serving an incredible range of global cuisine and plenty of authentic Mexican dishes. In addition, the large outdoor pool that runs parallel to the resort’s suites provides plenty of space for sunbathing, peace, and privacy.

The suites at Palmaïa are incredibly spacious and comfortable and have been designed with luxury in mind. There’s a vast array of room options, but whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a large seating area with a flat-screen TV. There’s also a minibar and Nespresso machine in each room, and some have stunning sea views.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll love the holistic children’s program. Led by certified Waldorf Educators, this special and unique experience allows kids to play in the tropical environment in a safe and educational way.

Top amenities include:

• Close to the beach and jungle
• Large outdoor swimming pool
• Suites with sea views
• Holistic children’s program

Check availability for this service-led luxury resort here.

Andaz Mayakoba Concept By Hyatt

Andaz Mayakoba is a tropical, luxurious paradise you’ll never want to leave. It’s also a highly sustainable resort that caters well to eco-conscious travelers.

There are two outdoor pools at Andaz Mayakoba that are set among the lush mangroves of the area. This setting will transport you away from your daily stresses and into the tranquil Mayan jungle. The Caribbean ocean is also just steps away, giving you the best of Mexico’s natural beauty just moments from your suite. Another big bonus of this beach resort is that it’s set on private land, so you can swim and sunbathe peacefully.

There are five á la carte restaurants at Andaz Mayakoba, including a tasty vegan bar for plant-based guests. The state-of-the-art fitness center is excellent for getting a satisfying workout in, and there’s an on-site mini-market for picking up snacks and other necessities without needing to leave the resort.

The guest rooms at this luxury resort are spacious, bright, and modern and are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Many offer sublime vistas, and some oceanfront suites have uninterrupted views of the spectacular Caribbean sea.

Top amenities include:

• Two outdoor swimming pools
• Private beach area
• Five restaurants including a vegan bar
• Suites with sea views

Check availability for this eco-friendly resort here.

Fairmont Mayakoba

The Fairmont is another Mayakoba institution with an outstanding five-star luxury and hospitality record.

Surrounded by tropical forests and offering spectacular ocean views, natural beauty is at the heart of this resort. This intimacy creates a true sense of peace and solitude and gives guests plenty of privacy during their stay. Fairmont Mayakoba is also completely car-free, and guests can access the resort’s different areas by boat, on foot via well-marked trails, bicycles, or staff-driven electric golf buggies.

This lavish AAA Five Diamond Award winner resort comprises a series of low-rise structures connected by waterways. Guest suites are as luxurious as the rest of the property and offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a large comfy bed, and a lavish bathroom with high-quality toiletries.

This stunningly beautiful resort has plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable, such as several restaurants and bars, including a sushi bar, a grill restaurant, and a swim-up bar.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll love the Discovery Club & Adventure Camp, which offers cultural activities to kids aged from 5 to 12 years old.

The resort also has five outdoor pools as well as private access to a secluded area of the Playa del Carmen coastline. For an additional charge, guests can enjoy Fairmont Mayakoba’s 20,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa.

This rejuvenating space offers treetop treatment areas and a fantastic range of beauty and massage treatments based on the region’s local traditions and flora. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center on-site.

Top amenities include:

• Car-free resort
• Private suites with stunning views
• Private beach area
• 20,000-square-foot spa

Check availability for this AAA Five Diamond Award winner resort here.

Mvngata Boutique Hotel

This luxurious boutique hotel is a beautifully elegant alternative to the larger resorts in the area.

The palm tree-shaded private beach area is the perfect hideaway to relax and recharge your batteries, and the tranquil Caribbean sea is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Back at the hotel, head to a perfect sunset opportunity on the roof to enjoy the infinity pool and a cocktail.

The guest rooms at Mvngata have a real designer feel with their stripped-back luxury decor and high-class amenities. The Premium Panorama Ocean Front rooms are our pick for the best ocean views, and their private balconies with hot tubs are incredibly luxurious. Whichever room you choose, you’ll benefit from air conditioning, a spa bath, a coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, and a private deluxe bathroom.

This hotel isn’t all-inclusive like the others on this list, but an on-site restaurant serves a fresh and tasty Continental and American breakfast each day. Room service can be arranged, and plenty of drinking and dining options are nearby. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk for flexible check-in and free private parking.

Top amenities include:

• Private beach area
• Rooftop pool
• Rooms with private balconies
• Flexible check-in

Check availability for this five-star haven here.

Viceroy Riviera Maya – Luxury Resort

Viceroy Riviera Maya is located just ten minutes outside Playa del Carmen and expertly combines impressive accessibility with secluded tranquility. Even though you’ll be a short drive to the center of Playa del Carmen, the idyllic setting will have you feeling like you’re a million miles from reality.

The rooms at Viceroy Riviera Maya are unbelievably luxurious and have some true five-star amenities. Some suites have private swimming pools, open-air showers, and freestanding tubs, and every room has free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and beautifully luxe bathrooms.

The resort has two restaurants serving a la carte menus, and the poolside bar is the best spot for a sunset cocktail or two. Room service is available if you’d prefer to dine in the privacy of your room.

Additional amenities at Viceroy Riviera Maya include a spa and wellness center with a gym, steam room, hot tub, and massage therapy. The resort also hosts beachfront yoga sessions to help you achieve the ultimate zen.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with private swimming pools
• Two restaurants with a la carte dining options
• Spa and wellness center
• Beachfront yoga sessions

Check availability for this idyllic property here.

Playa del Carmen Is Ready To Host Your Vacation Dream

No detail is overlooked, and no expense is spared at these luxurious Playa del Carmen properties. Whichever resort you choose for your next Mexican getaway, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a five-star experience that you’ll never forget.

Look to Travel Yucatan for all the insider information on where to stay, what to do, and the best times to travel for planning your Mexico getaway.