Round Up: Luxury Hotels of Riviera Maya, Mexico

Riviera Maya, the beach destination located south of Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, has many hotels. There’s something for everyone: family-oriented resorts, romantic adults-only resorts, all-inclusive, quirky boutiques, etc. So, how do you decide the best option for your trip? We’ve collected our site inspection notes and photos from our numerous regional trips to help guide the planning process. But remember, the hotel is not the only important aspect of the journey! If you are looking to experience the area, get to know the local customs, try the fantastic cuisine, dive into a cenote, swim with whale sharks, or explore an archaeological dig, be sure to let us know, and we can help build an itinerary designed just for you!

• Viceroy Riviera Maya
• Luxury Hotels of Mayakoba: Andaz, Fairmont, Rosewood, and Banyan Tree
• Belmond Maroma
• Hotel Esencia
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya

This region has so many great hotel options, eye-popping beautiful beaches, and fascinating cultural and historical sights. There is something for everyone, and each individual must have their own opinion about which is best! After my site inspections, I decided my top three favorite hotel options would be:

1. Banyan Tree Mayakoba: I love the rooms’ privacy and the plunge pools’ size. The top-notch service and food seal the deal for me!
2. Viceroy Riviera Maya: This is the best bet for couples. The exotic jungle atmosphere and intimate setting will surely set a romantic mood!
3. Hotel Esencia: If you’re looking for an organic, personal approach with extreme privacy and exclusivity, this is the place for you!

But, when David did his site inspections a few years ago, he came to very different conclusions. David gravitated toward the authenticity of Maroma and the delicious food at Rosewood. He was not a fan of the design or layout of Banyan Tree, and the Tides (now the Viceroy) had such bad reviews that he didn’t even bother visiting. This just shows that a) a lot can change in only 4 years and b) there is no clear winner of the hotel options in Riviera Maya! All of the luxury hotels in the region check the significant boxes for what we expect a luxury resort to offer our clients; the decision of where to stay genuinely comes down to your personal preferences, and we’ve seen it all, so we can help guide you in the right direction!