Planning a tropical getaway to Playa del Carmen? We’ve handpicked the 10 most beautiful boutique hotels along Riviera Maya, and put together a guide of what Mexico’s Caribbean coastline has to offer. So if a chilled margarita beside glistening shores is what you crave, Playa del Carmen could be for you.

Beaches

Playa del Carmen’s beaches are the perfect place to unwind as well as enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking. Expect crystal-clear turquoise water and champagne, silky sand. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, head to Mamita’s Beach Club where you can watch the sunset and listen to music as they serve delicious food and cocktails.

Jungle

The best way to experience the Mayan jungle is on a safari tour. You’ll be guided through the lush landscape on quad bikes and have the chance to experience the rainforest up-close, zip-lining tree to tree. Be sure to look out for the lagoons, or ‘cenotes’; natural rock formations that expose underground pools with cool, clear water, ideal for swimming.

Nightlife

Playa del Carmen’s nightlife centres around Avenida 5, a 3 mile strip where you can find a whole host of bars, restaurants and clubs. You’ll find Happy Hour (Horaz Feliz) between Calles 26 and 30, and if you’re looking to party all night long, head to Coco Bongo where you can watch dancers and acrobats until the early hours. Opt for the gold wristband to gain access to their VIP suite and avoid queues.

The Top 10 Hotels in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

We love: Incredible spa and relaxing vibe
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 5 miles
Rooms start £451/night
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This picturesque retreat is only 10 minutes from Playa Del Carmen and has an expansive spa, and stunning views of both the jungle and ocean. Grand Velas has three different areas – one has a jungle vibe and a very cool natural water pool in the spa. There’s a family friendly area that is more of a traditional holiday resort, and our favourite is the Grand Class area – it’s adults only and has the most beautiful ocean views and the suites lead directly onto the beach.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

We love: Boho villas and outdoor showers
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 4 miles
Rooms start £314/night
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Hello hammock life! Tucked away in the heart of the Mayan jungle, Viceroy’s beautiful villas are the ultimate mix of luxury and cool, each with their own plunge pool. We particularly love the bohemian style rooms giving the resort a relaxed atmosphere, perfectly blending in with it’s surroundings.

Rosewood Mayakoba

We love: Infinity pool
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 5 miles
Rooms start £525/night
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Rosewood Mayakoba is pure luxury, surrounded by rich wildlife this incredible resort has 3 pools, including a beachfront infinity pool. It’s the perfect mix of jungle meets the ocean, and suites come with private garden showers.

Secrets Resorts Maroma Beach

We love: Swim up suites
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 10 miles
Rooms start £304/night
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With a private beach and swim up suites, Secrets Resort is what dreams are made of. This adult-only hotel is nestled in the centre of pristine gardens, with an infinity pool overlooking the crystal clear Caribbean sea.

Fairmont Mayakoba

We love: Willow stream spa
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 5 miles
Rooms start £188/night
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Whether you want to lounge beside the lagoon pool or stroll along the glittering beach, Fairmont Mayakoba is a slice of paradise that ticks all the boxes. Connected by waterways, the resort can be explored by boat and is neatly tucked away in the jungle, perfect for those who enjoy privacy.

Blue Diamond Riviera Maya

We love: Snorkelling tour
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 5 miles
Rooms start £316/night
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Surrounded by tropical rainforest, you can enjoy everything from beachside tapas to unique spa treatments, (the hot stone massages sound particularly good!) at this beautiful all-inclusive.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

We love: Eco boat tour
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 5 miles
Rooms start £338/night
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This Asian-inspired retreat boasts rooftop infinity pools and palm-filled beaches, but if that’s not enough, you can even dine along the Mayakoba lagoon on the Ixchel river boat. There’s no such thing as too luxurious, right?

Excellence Resorts

We love: Spa hydrotherapy circuit
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 22 miles
Rooms start £212/night
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Enjoy first-class pampering at this exotic retreat located on the whitewash sandy beaches between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This adult-only resort has six beautiful pools, eight gourmet restaurants and a luxurious spa.

Zoetry

We love: Thalasso Center and Spa
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 25 miles
Rooms start £338/night
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If the look of this breathtaking resort isn’t tempting enough, then the award-winning restaurants and picture-perfect beach cabanas will be. Tucked away in the lush jungle, Zoetry focuses on wellness making it the ideal location for a relaxing getaway. With 16 wet and dry treatment rooms, yoga classes and Mayan healing practices, the spa will leave you spoilt for choice.

Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa Riviera Maya

We love: Temazcal (Mayan steam bath)
Distance from the Playa del Carmen: 10 miles
Rooms start £404/night
Website

Belmond Maroma is an indulgent retreat located along miles of pearlescent beach. The resort offers a range of on-site classes, from Spanish lessons to tequila tasting. Sunset cocktails after a day of unwinding at the Kinan Spa are a must.

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