The Ultimate Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resorts

The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top places for holidaymakers looking for an all-inclusive resort experience. With dozens of options available online, it can be tricky to narrow down the options to find the perfect hotel for your upcoming vacation.

That’s why today, we’re sharing our guide to the ultimate Riviera Maya all-inclusive resorts.

Why Visit Riviera Maya?

The list of reasons to visit Riviera Maya is endless, but here are just a few to start with:

Beaches

The Caribbean coastline that runs along the Riviera Maya has to be seen to be believed. Pristine white sand gives way to the clearest turquoise waters imaginable. Most all-inclusive resorts in the region are beachfront and have their own private area for you to soak up the sun with the waves lapping at your feet.

Food

No trip to Mexico is complete without sampling its world-famous cuisine. In fact, Mexican cuisine is so important to the country’s culture that in 2010 it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The region is home to many incredible dishes that should be sampled by anyone visiting the region.

Archaeological Sites & Natural Beauty Spots

The Yucatan Peninsula offers some world-class day trips all within easy drives of the hotel regions. Chichen Itza, one of the new seven wonders of the world, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Maya people of the region and is conveniently close to Cancun and many other areas of Riviera Maya.

Or, maybe you’d like to take a dip in one of the dozens of cenotes in the area. These natural watering holes and caves are the perfect place to cool off after a day spent exploring in the hot Mexican sun.

Activities

If you’re looking for full-on relaxation, there are many world-class spas to be enjoyed along the coast. There are also many meditation and yoga retreats that can be combined with all-inclusive stays for the ultimate R & R.

For fans of more high-octane activities, the Caribbean sea provides some incredible diving as well as kite-surfing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Riviera Maya also boasts some top-level golf courses, should you prefer to stay inland.

Nightlife

If you like to venture outside of your all-inclusive resort while on vacation it won’t take you long to stumble upon an incredible array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Many visitors say that you can’t leave the Mexican coast without visiting Coco Bongo to experience its live performances and all-night parties.

Which Area in Riviera Maya Should You Visit?

The Riviera Maya is situated in the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. Within this region, there are several towns and cities that are recommended for all-inclusive visits. Our favorite areas include the following:

Cancun

When Riviera Maya is mentioned, Cancun is the place that’s often thought of first. If you’re heading to the region for the first time, Cancun is a great place to start because it offers everything you could possibly need. The beaches are pristine, the nightlife is lively, and there are lots of fantastic day trips to be enjoyed.

Cancun’s hotel zone boasts some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and is a great option for couples and families.

Puerto Morelos

Nestled between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is ideally situated for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. This area is less touristy than other options in Riviera Maya and has a more relaxed local vibe.

All-inclusive resort guests can enjoy authentic and well-priced food and drink options, and the beaches here are just as impressive as the better-known tourist destinations. Puerto Morelos is also ideally situated to take a day trip to Isla Mujeres for a taste of Caribbean island life.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is fun with a capital F. Fifth Avenue is one of the best party streets in Riviera Maya and there’s something on offer for every taste. During the daytime, there are also several lively beach clubs to enjoy. However, if you prefer your vacations to be more chilled there’s a good shopping scene and plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.

Cozumel

For something a little different, Cozumel is a great pick. Accessible via a 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel offers a taste of island life combined with some seriously stylish all-inclusive resorts.

If you’re serious about diving, you’ll love the coral reefs and giant starfish that the area is known for. Visitors also enjoy hiring a 4×4 or moped and exploring the island and its many off-the-beaten-track beaches.

Akumal

Just south of Playa del Carmen lies Akumal: a highly underestimated part of the Riviera Maya coastline. Akumal is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation and the wide beaches are much quieter than other areas.

Akumal offers some fantastic diving and is home to several breathtaking cenotes. There’s lots of natural beauty to be enjoyed in the area and Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a great day out for families to see monkeys in their natural habitat.

Tulum

Tulum is the most southern location on our list and is around a two-hour drive from Cancun. This area has a reputation as being a hippy paradise with yoga and meditation centers dotted throughout, but there’s much more to this region.

Tulum is home to some outstanding Mayan ruins and cenotes as well as some beautifully peaceful beaches. There’s also a great food and bar scene to explore in Tulum.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?

Riviera Maya has a stunningly tropical climate and is relatively stable in temperature throughout the year. Most visitors prefer the weather between December and March when it’s warm but not overwhelming. It’s also a drier time of year with minimal rainfall.

May is the hottest time of the year and December is the coolest. The rainy season runs from May to October and as well as being extremely humid there are short but intense downpours to contend with. Hurricanes can occur during the rainy season but the chances of encountering one are fairly low.

Why Choose an All-inclusive Resort?

An all-inclusive resort is a hotel where the majority of the trip is pre-paid for. This will almost always include your accommodation, unlimited food and drink, and some activities and entertainment. Most people choosing all-inclusive options do so because it provides a safe and stress-free way to visit a world-class destination. It’s also an easy way to stay on budget as you will have paid for everything before your arrival.

Guests can choose to use an all-inclusive resort as a luxury base for exploring the surrounding area, or they might prefer to stay on the property for the duration of their trip. That’s the beauty of an all-inclusive hotel: you have those options available to you.

Not every all-inclusive resort will offer the same amenities, so it’s important to closely check the packages on offer before booking. Some things you might want to clarify are as follows:

• Is Wi-Fi included and can it be accessed throughout the property?
• What food and drink is available and during which times of the day?
• Is top-shelf liquor included and are there any other limitations on drinks?
• Are tips included and are hotel staff members allowed to accept them?
• Is there a kids club available and is there an additional charge?
• What activities are included and which ones cost extra (motorized water sports, for example)?

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the ultimate Riviera Maya all-inclusive resorts.

1. The Royal Sands Resort & Spa

Just 20 minutes from Cancun airport you’ll find the stunning five-star Royal Sands Resort & Spa. Situated centrally next to one of the city’s best shopping centers, this hotel is a great choice for visitors that like to explore their surroundings.

The resort is beachfront and every room has a balcony and spectacular Caribbean sea views. Guests can take advantage of the very well-sized outdoor pool or head down to the white sand beach for a dip in the ocean.

Additional features include a gym, a spa, and wellness center, and tennis courts. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and the suites also have well-equipped kitchens. If you don’t feel like cooking, there are two fantastic on-site restaurants, a snack bar, and a sports bar.

Top amenities include:

• Suites with kitchens
• Spa and wellness center
• Tennis courts
• Free parking

Check availability for this well-located resort & spa here.

2. Iberostar Selection Cancun

This oceanfront property is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun because it offers so much to its guests.

There are four pools to choose from, including one specifically for kids. Or, you can head to the private beach area and enjoy the water sports facility. If you prefer your sports on dry land, there are tennis courts and a golf course available for an additional charge. For guests more focused on wellness, the on-site spa and hair salon is the perfect place to get pampered.

There is a huge variety of accommodation on offer at this property, including family rooms and villas with private pools. Each room is well-equipped and extremely comfortable for a stay you won’t soon forget.

The Iberostar also strives for sustainability which makes it a popular choice with eco-conscious travelers.

Top amenities include:

• Huge selection of room types
• Four outdoor pools
• Bar and restaurant
• Spa and wellness center

Check availability for this luxurious sustainable resort here.

3. Valentin Imperial

Tucked away on a private beach in Puerto Morelos, Valentin Imperial is the ideal place for ultimate relaxation.

This adults-only all-inclusive resort features a central swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. Sun loungers are spaced well apart which provides an element of peace and privacy. Food options are seemingly endless and include seven a la carte restaurants specializing in Italian, Mexican, and other global cuisines. For fans of staying active, Valentin Imperial can arrange kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you’d rather chill, the on-site wellness center offers full massages alongside other relaxing treatments.

Rooms are tastefully decorated and include high-speed internet access. Balcony rooms are available and some suites also have jetted tubs.

Top amenities include:

• Private beach access
• Seven a la carte restaurants on-site
• Spa and wellness center
• Rooms with jetted hot tubs are available

Check availability for this tranquil adults-only resort here.

4. Grand Residences Riviera

Located just 3.4 km from Puerto Morelos and 15-minutes from Cancun airport, Grand Residences Riviera is a fantastically positioned resort.

Two pools give you plenty of space to splash around, or you can settle in at the swim-up bar and make use of your all-inclusive package. The resort’s restaurant prides itself on delivering an authentic Mayan experience with its cuisine and contemporary Mexican art. There’s also an on-site market should you want to purchase any extra snacks during your stay. There are lots of activities on offer (for an additional charge) including a spa center, diving, and yacht trips.

Rooms are classically designed and very well-equipped. Imagine waking up to the sound of the Caribbean sea lapping at the white sand beach in one of the beautiful beachfront rooms. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Top amenities include:

• Authentic Mexican cuisine
• Swim-up bar
• On-site market
• Beachfront rooms available

Check availability for this Mayan paradise here.

5. Secrets Moxché

Further down the Riviera Maya coast in Playa del Carmen you’ll find five-star elegance at Secrets Moxché. This adults-only all-inclusive resort is beautifully designed and each room exudes luxury. This is especially true of the beachfront suites with tubs on their balconies where guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets in peace.

The stunning pool area has been designed to resemble a cenote and is dotted with palm trees for a wonderfully tropical vibe. There are 11 restaurants for guests to choose from, ensuring that dinner time is always an adventure. And from Japanese to Italian, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.

Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange available for comfort and convenience.

Top amenities include:

• 11 themed restaurants
• Cenote-style pool
• Rooms with outdoor tubs
• 24-hour front desk

Check availability for this elegant haven here.

6. Viceroy Riviera Maya

Located just ten minutes outside of Playa del Carmen, Viceroy Riviera Maya combines secluded tranquility with impressive accessibility.

The rooms at this resort have to be seen to be believed because they are the epitome of luxury. Private swimming pools, freestanding tubs, and open-air showers are all on offer in some of the top-end rooms, and every accommodation choice offers free Wi-Fi and well-stocked bathrooms.

There are two restaurants on-site, and room service is available. For guests looking to completely relax, the spa and wellness center features a gym, hot tub, steam room, and massage therapy. There are also yoga classes on the beach for guests to enjoy.

This hotel is pet-friendly, too, making it a great option for families traveling with animals.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with private swimming pools
• Two dining options
• Rooms with outdoor tubs
• Wellness center

Check availability for this family-friendly luxury resort here.

7. Andaz Mayakoba

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, Andaz Mayakoba is it.

Two outdoor pools are set among lush greenery that transports you out of day-to-day life and into the Mayan jungles. And, just a few steps away are the pristine white sands and warm Caribbean water that the Riviera Maya is known for. Plus, this beach resort is set on its own private land, so you can sunbathe and swim in peace.

Five a la carte restaurants including a vegan bar will satisfy all tastes, and Playa del Carmen’s many bars and restaurants are also easily accessible by car. The fitness and fitness center, 24-hour front desk for late check-in, and a well-stocked on-site mini market make this Riviera Maya resort a fantastic choice for families and couples looking for a balance of luxury and convenience.

Rooms are bright, modern, spacious, and well-equipped. Many have stunning beach views and some are on the oceanfront for uninterrupted vistas of the Caribbean sea.

Top amenities include:

• Five restaurants including a vegan option
• Oceanfront rooms
• Private beach area
• Fitness center

Check availability for this tropical getaway here.

8. La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret

For a taste of the lives of the rich and famous, head to La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret.

The spectacular infinity pool overlooks the Caribbean sea and accessing the beach is quick and easy. An on-site sauna and hair salon offer unbeatable relaxation and the fitness center is equipped for a great workout.

A continental or buffet breakfast is available each day and the four themed restaurants will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Service is second-to-none at La Casa de la Playa hotel Xcaret Mexico and guests love the A-list treatment received during their stays. The accommodation is also celebrity-standard and select suites include private swimming pools, breathtaking bathrooms, and outdoor tubs.

This property is less than 2 km away from Playacar’s beautiful white sand beach where snorkeling and canoeing can be enjoyed. And, as an Xcaret resort, guests can enjoy access to the Xcaret nature and water park which includes more than 50 natural and cultural attractions.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with private swimming pools
• Four themed dining options
• Well-equipped fitness center
• Access to Xcaret parks

Check availability for this A-list hideaway here.

9. Cozumel Palace

A short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen will reward you with the beautiful Cozumel Palace all-inclusive resort. And it’s well worth the journey!

Boasting an idyllic oceanfront location, guests can enjoy easy access to the hotel’s private beach. Pool lovers of all ages will enjoy the two outdoor options, and if you prefer to stay on dry land the lobby bar and snack bar both offer excellent cocktail hours. Dining is also an experience at Cozumel Palace and guests can enjoy world-class tacos, sushi, pasta, and more across four restaurants.

For guests looking to experience the island, the resort organizes daily activities such as snorkeling and fishing. There are also great themed parties each evening to keep you entertained. Another great bonus of this hotel is that guests have access to some of its sister hotels in Cancun, should you want a change of scenery at any point.

Top amenities include:

• Two outdoor pools
• Private beach access
• Daily activities and nightly entertainment
• Four themed restaurants

Check availability for this spectacular island escape here.

10. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

This may be the second Secrets chain resort on this list but the Akumal location is too good to skip. This adult-only hotel is tranquil, luxurious, and a superb option for all-inclusive vacations.

Three outdoor pools mean that there’s always plenty of space to relax by the water, and one is even heated for those rare cool days. There’s also private beach access for all guests and snorkeling is available. The hotel decor stays true to its Mayan Riviera roots and rooms are finished to an extremely high quality. As well as a sofa, desk, and outdoor seating, each room also includes a hot tub for ultimate relaxation.

If you can bear to leave your beautiful room you’ll find seven stunning restaurants ranging from elegant French cuisine to more casual local and grill options. The fitness center is state of the art and there’s also a beauty shop for all your pampering needs. When the sun goes down guests love the evening entertainment and on-site nightclub.

Top amenities include:

• Each room has a hot tub and outdoor area
• Private beach access
• On-site nightclub
• Seven restaurants offering various cuisines

Check availability for this hidden gem in Akumal here.

11. Bahia Principe

Bahia Principe is another fabulous option just south of Akumal on the way to Tulum.

Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee machine for lazy mornings enjoying your spacious room. When it’s time to explore the resort, you’ll be greeted with unique decor in every part of the hotel.

Bahia Principe is a huge resort and there’s truly something for everyone. Choose from three good-sized pools to swim and soak up the sun. Then, head to the impressive wellness center for a massage, manicure, or anything else you’re in the mood for. As night falls, head to one of six restaurants for a delicious dinner before enjoying the on-site nightclub and adjacent casino.

If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, Aktun Chen Natural Park and Xel-Há Park are both short drives from the resort.

Top amenities include:

• Oceanfront rooms
• Three outdoor pools
• Six themed restaurants
• On-site nightclub

Check availability for this spacious resort here.

12. Kore Tulum Retreat & Spa

Kore Tulum is a smaller and cozier adults-only option than some of the other resorts on this list and is an ideal spot for some serious R & R.

Rooms feature comfy canopy beds and tranquil garden or ocean views. Each room has a hot tub and comes with robes and slippers for a private spa experience. Free Wi-Fi is only available at the internet bar to help you switch off and enjoy your surroundings.

Kore has two restaurants serving buffet and a la carte options, and the fitness center is available to all guests. For anything else your heart desires, the hotel’s concierge is on hand with information and advice to help you make the most of your time in the Riviera Maya.

While not oceanfront, Tulum’s white sands are only a ten-minute walk away and the famous bohemian town can also be easily reached. Tulum’s archaeological site is just 4 km away and if you’re in the mood to explore further afield, Playa del Carmen is just a 45-minute drive.

Top amenities include:

• Ocean and garden views
• Hot tubs in each room
• Free Wi-Fi at the internet bar
• Concierge service

Check availability for this cozy boutique-style resort here.

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So that’s it! These are 12 of the most incredible Riviera Maya all-inclusive resorts. Each one offers something a little different but they all have something in common: they’re located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.