Photo courtesy Royal Hideaway Playacar
Looking for luxury in the Mayan Riviera? Check out our recommendations of the best 5-star resorts in Playa del Carmen
When it’s time to start planning that luxury vacation to Mexico, be sure to include the Riviera Maya on your shortlist. Set overlooking the Caribbean Sea on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, this once-overlooked region is fast becoming the go-to destination for luxury travelers seeking a more laidback tropical paradise in which to chill.
In addition to the beautiful island of Cozumel and the Mayan coastal community of Tulum, it’s here you’ll find Playa del Carmen, a rising star on the world’s ever-growing list of must-visit luxe vacation spots. Unlike its larger neighbor Cancun an hour to the north, Playa del Carmen boasts a less busy, more boutique-style resort experience that’s favored by vacationers intent on relaxing rather than constant partying.
Not that Playa del Carmen’s dull. Far from it. If you do want excitement there’s plenty to do here, from spending time in the Xcaret water park to enjoying first-rate shopping. And come nightfall, there’s no end of fantastic food and drink experiences to enjoy, as well as live music and entertainment, all of it accessible from your resort so you won’t have far to travel when it’s time to switch off.
Find out more with our list of the best 5-star resorts in Playa del Carmen.
The Best 5-star Resorts in Playa del Carmen
Royal Hideaway Playacar
Prefer to spend your luxury time away without kids hanging around (yours or anyone else’s)? Then consider the 5-star Royal Hideaway Playacar, an adults-only all-inclusive beachfront resort that’s popular for its elegance and comprehensive amenities. The resort’s 200 rooms and suites are housed in 11 villa buildings surrounding a sprawling pool deck adjacent to the beach, each tastefully appointed with handmade custom furniture, exquisite marble floors, and spacious spa-like bathrooms.
On-site fun includes access to a variety of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling, along with organized activities including basketball, beach volleyball, and tennis. For an additional fee, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing excursions can be booked.
Peckish? Culinary delights await at six on-site restaurants including buffet-style dining and 24-hour room service. For a truly unique experience, partake in the excellent chef’s table dining experience or enjoy a meal and a laugh at the resort’s dinner theater.
Discover more at Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Fairmont Mayakoba
The Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxurious 5-star family resort set within the 240-acre Mayakoba development. One of only a handful of Caribbean resorts to achieve AAA Five Diamond status, you can choose between all-inclusive or room-only options where you pick and choose your dining experiences here or off-site. And while there are 401 rooms and suites to choose from, including beach and lagoon-front casitas, you’ll never feel lost in a crowd.
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s proximity to the El Camaleon Golf Course, home of Mexico’s only PGA TOUR event. Other activities include exploring the Mayakoba beach, visiting the other luxury resorts on the development, or participating in outdoor activities including kayaking, and sailing, or hiking and biking the nearby nature trails using the resort’s BMW mountain bikes.
Time for a little self-indulgence? Book a spot at Willow Stream Spa, a sanctuary of relaxation and pampering and one of Playa del Carmen’s largest hotel spas. Dining options abound, with La Laguna serving classic Mexican cuisine, El Puerto offering Latin/Asian fusion, and Brisas featuring ocean-to-table seafood.
Find out more at Fairmont Mayakoba.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
Part of the Belmond luxury hotel collection, Maroma offers an intimate 5-star boutique experience in its 63 rooms and suites. Book a stay here and you’ll enjoy personalized service and a range of recreational activities including three swimming pools, two tennis courts, and various beach and water sports.
Want to venture off-site and explore the area? Unique excursions such as cenote snorkeling can also be arranged by the resort’s helpful concierge staff. Brought the kids with you? Families are well-catered for with kid-friendly menus, the Discovery Club play area, and an Adventure Camp providing all-day supervised activities.
Dining is a delight with homestyle Mexican food and Yucatán-specific options to choose from. An all-inclusive dining plan is also available, or if you prefer to eat around, you can opt for room-only rates. The award-winning spa offers treatments designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
Visit Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya for more details.
Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Although its name suggests it might be located elsewhere, Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is most definitely situated in Playa del Carmen. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort features 291 Mediterranean-style guest rooms and suites, each boasting a four-poster bed, marble bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, and a furnished balcony or patio. You’ll also enjoy an unlimited mini-bar, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary phone calls to the US and Canada.
Resort activities range from cooking classes, yoga, and Pilates, to archery, skeet shooting, and salsa dancing lessons… so there’s never a chance you’ll get bored here. Complimentary golf rounds are also included. Dining options include seven unique dining options, a 24-hour café, and great room service. Evening entertainment features musical performances, dancing, and movies under the stars.
Discover more at Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The opulent Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the only all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean to achieve AAA Five Diamond status and is a great choice for those looking for a stay at one of the best 5-star resorts in Playa del Carmen. This all-suite resort offers three distinct experiences: the Grand Class for couples, the Ambassador for families, and the Zen Grand for a luxurious family stay, each offering tailored accommodations and amenities to suit your needs.
Situated on a beautiful beach just five minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, you’ll enjoy complimentary snorkeling, kayaking, and boogie boarding when adventure calls. As for dining options, there’s plenty of choice with no less than five restaurants to try out during your stay, with flavors as diverse as classic French and Mexican to Italian, Asian, and Japanese. A word to the wise: the resort’s dining has such a good reputation that reservations are strongly recommended.
Find out more at Grand Velas Riviera Maya.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Co-Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.