Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen: It’s hard to believe that once upon a time, Playa del Carmen was a sleepy fishing village. Nowadays, it is a cosmopolitan coastal town known and loved for its palm-tree-dotted beaches and coral reefs. Positioned on the eastern shores of Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a vibrant beach town at the heart of the Riviera Maya, with a more authentic Mexican feel than what you’ll find in Cancun. Between upbeat bars and trendy shops, you’ll find swanky hotels and many exciting attractions to visit.
Playa del Carmen offers a great mix of lodgings with most travelers opting for the many upmarket resorts in the area. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen where your every wish and desire is taken care of. There are also more intimate boutique hotels for a quieter stay.
Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen for Couples

Royal Hideaway Playacar
The Royal Playa del Carmen is right on the beachfront and offers guests all-inclusive, adults-only packages which include buffet-style meals, selected beverages, non-motorized water sports and organized sports like volleyball. Scuba diving and snorkeling can also be arranged at an extra fee.
The 200 rooms are contemporary, featuring marble floors, solid wood furnishings and luxury bathrooms. Meals are taken at one of six restaurants in the resort or order room service 24 hours a day. The villa-style resort boasts a sprawling swimming pool and relaxing deck area, right next to the white sandy beach.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera
As an AAA’s 5 Diamond Award Winner, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera is world-class, all-inclusive resort for adults. As one of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen, the property boasts 13 swimming pools, 7 onsite restaurants and a swanky coffee shop.
Each exclusive suite is equipped with a hot tub, private terrace and mini bars. There are plenty of secluded guest areas to get quality time with your love. The resort is right on the beach and all-inclusive packages include non-motorized water sports for your enjoyment.
Iberostar Grand Paraiso
This grand award-winning adults-only resort is right on the beachfront and immediately gives you a sense of tranquility the moment you arrive. Suites are spacious and sumptuous, offering luxurious comfort and amenities like coffee machines.
The resort itself is nestled amongst a tropical jungle and features a large sparkling pool that leads directly to the beach. Grab a comfortable seat under the thatched umbrellas on the beach and order drinks from the bar. There are 5 themed restaurants and 2 buffet restaurants onsite to give you new taste explorations night after night. Activities include yoga, Spanish classes, cooking classes, dance classes, diving classes and an 18-hole golf course.
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya
Nestled amidst lush gardens and with direct access to Playa Del Secreto, this is one of the best 5-star resorts in Playa del Carmen. The all-inclusive adults-only resort boasts one of the biggest swimming pools in Mexico, 8 themed restaurants, 9 bars and romantic dinner for two packages.
Activities offered include wine tasting, Latin dancing lessons, nightly entertainment, tennis, snorkeling and day excursions. Each suite is tastefully and comfortably furnished, providing guests with amenities like a spa bath, private patio and coffee station.
Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen for Families

Fairmont Mayakoba
This superb family-friendly resort offers a unique configuration of low-rise buildings connected by waterways, all the while being surrounded by lush jungle. Onsite restaurants include a grill, seafood restaurant, sushi bar and poolside bar. There is a treetop spa for adults to enjoy while kids are entertained at the vibrant kids club.
Activities include paddling, nature trails, golfing and snorkeling to name a few. Rooms are neat and luxurious in true Fairmont style, with spacious bathrooms and generous windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
This is one of the great smaller, boutique resorts in Playa del Carmen, surrounded by lush tropical jungle and right on the beach. The resort has 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts and a large selection of beach and water sport activities to enjoy. For kids, there is a dedicated kids menu and supervised daily kids club to keep the little guests happy.
For parents, there are 2 restaurants to dine at – one serving Mexican food and the other an ocean grill – as well as an award-winning spa to help you relax and unwind. Many of the ultra-luxurious rooms boast uninterrupted views of the turquoise ocean and are spacious enough for families.
Gran Velas Riviera Maya
This is the only all-inclusive family resort to achieve AAA 5 Diamond Status, with an all-inclusive package geared specifically towards families. The luxe, beachfront resort has vibey kids and teens clubs with boogie boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear provided on the beach.
There are 8 restaurants to choose from to cater to all tastes, some close to the sparkling swimming pool. There are also 5 bars and a poolside bar to cater to your every need. Suites are generous and elegantly furnished with all the luxury amenities one would expect to find at an award-winning resort.
There are some of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen for all budgets and travelers. Whether you want and intimate trip away with your partner or a fun-filled family adventure in Mexico, you will always find the perfect spot to stay in Playa del Carmen.
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Playa del Carmen vs Cancun 2021: Which is the Best Vacation Destination