Playa del Carmen boasts a reputation as the fastest-growing city in Latin America and one of the chicest in Quintana Roo. It’s a tropical playground with white-sand beaches, endless shopping on Quinta Avenida and access to all of Mexico’s most popular natural wonders. Why not stay in a beach hotel as unique as the town itself? Playa del Carmen has a host of boutique hotels that inspire relaxation at first glance. Book your boutique hotel in Playa to enjoy privacy, serenity, and, of course, the beach.
Best Boutique Hotels in Playa del Carmen
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Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – A Concept by Hyatt
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
Enjoy the best in boutique luxury when you plan a stay at the Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya Resort in Playa del Carmen. Start each day with a complimentary breakfast buffet, but not before you take in the view from your spacious suite. Beachfront rooms comprise about half of the property’s accommodation options—and the view of the ocean is known to be breathtaking—while other rooms sport their own impressive views of serene lagoons and Playa del Carmen’s lush tropical greenery.
The four restaurants at the Andaz provide creative spins on traditional Latin American cuisine, offering flavors that are both accessible and adventurous while playing up local ingredients, like freshly caught seafood. While the hotel is large, guests are welcome to hop on a bike (no fee required) to get around. If you’re traveling here as a family, you won’t no one will miss out on fun or relaxation with the hotel’s luxurious Naum Wellness & Spa and the on-site kids program. Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya Resort is also an ideal location for large events—whether you’re hosting a business conference or destination wedding, the 14,000 square feet of event space is sure to wow guests. All these impressive features, plus access to the El Camaleón Golf Club and the Mayakoba Tennis Center, make this a great choice for your next beach getaway.
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Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
If you’re looking for a resort that boasts both stylish architecture and stunning natural beauty, a kid-friendly atmosphere, and lots of on-site amenities and activities, look no further than the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort in Playa del Carmen. The options here are endless, beginning with the eclectic dining options—all of which are rated highly by guests and critics alike. And, whether you’re working on your handicap or playing for the love of the game, playing through the 18 holes at El Camaleon—home to the annual Mayakoba Golf Classic, the only PGA Tour event in Mexico—is a must.
Of course, after a long day at the golf course, you’ll want to unwind in your own private paradise, and the rooms here fit that bill perfectly. Each of the Banyan Tree’s luxury villas is quite large and showcase the same impeccable eye for design you’ll see on the rest of the property. On top of that, each comes with its own private garden area, complete with its own pool—meaning you won’t have to compete for a lounge chair when it comes time to go for a swim.
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Mahekal Beach Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Mahekal Beach Resort
Mahekal Beach Resort features 196 rooms with ocean or garden views, and many are thatched-roof bungalows. The décor—described by the resort itself as “Gypset style”–tastefully and seamlessly blends Mexican tradition with forward-thinking design. The beach is, of course, the main attraction, and 920 feet of soft, white sand–the longest uninterrupted beach in Playa–is just what the doctor ordered to unwind and disconnect. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.
Four pools are located onsite, including an infinity pool, a heated pool with a hot tub and a pool with a swim-up bar. Choose the Las Olas Pool for a gorgeous beachfront setting or the Treehouse Pool for a serene garden location; you’ll share the space with birds, iguanas and lush jungle vegetation. Additionally, many of the oceanfront casitas have their own private plunge pool.
Three bars and three restaurants are on-premises and ready to serve guests. The Cocina Restaurant is open-air and great for a breezy lunch, while Las Olas Restaurant and Bar offers a magical nighttime setting by the glow of the pool lights. Check out Boli’s Bar for drinks and a fun atmosphere, and try your skills at table tennis or at one of the cobalt-blue pool tables.
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Thompson Beach House
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Thompson Hotels
With just three floors and 27 rooms, you can avoid the tourist crunch and overbearing salespeople that are all too common at large resorts. Thompson Beach House, built in 2016, is a chic little Bohemian getaway and an extension of Thompson Playa del Carmen hotel, located a couple blocks away. The best part of the Beach House is…well, the beach. You could almost throw a stone into the water from the balcony of your ocean-view room—it’s that close. Private daybeds, cabanas and an oceanfront lounge are exclusively for Beach House guests. Bicycles, yoga, paddleboards and other water sports are also available on site.
Guests of the Beach House can take the five-minute walk to the main hotel and enjoy the fantastic infinity pool right on the roof, with seating and private cabanas. The restaurants and bars at the hotel are also available to Beach House guests. This includes access to CATCH, the hotel’s spectacular rooftop restaurant with great seafood and a 360° view of Playa del Carmen from the turquoise Caribbean to the city’s western edge.
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Viceroy Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Viceroy Hotel Group
Offering idyllic views and high-end amenities, this resort creates the perfect atmosphere for a stress-free, private getaway. There are two on-site restaurants—the Coral Grill and La Marea. The Coral Grill & Bar offers a seaside dining experience, featuring an international dish selection and locally-sourced ingredients. The La Marea specializes in Mexican food with a modern spin.
The Viceroy Riviera Maya’s 41 villas are tucked away in the jaw-dropping beauty of the region. The resort’s award-winning Wayak Spa offers a pampering experience like none other. Couple’s massages are completed in the natural jungle landscape, featuring a waterfall. The spa also offers body treatments, facials and beauty services. Guests can also take advantage of the Viceroy’s many wellness activities, including private yoga, fitness and meditation classes.
At this seaside resort, couples experience the true sense of a getaway. Each villa boasts a private patio with a plunge pool, along with an outdoor shower. Inside, every edge of the room is designed with comfort in mind. The beds are fitted with down pillows and Egyptian cotton sheets for the highest quality sleep and relaxation. There are seven villa styles available, that allow visitors to choose ocean, jungle or mixed views.
