Head to Mexico’s bustling city, known as “Playa” to the locals, for a luxury beach vacation you’ll be dreaming about for years to come. Playa del Carmen has luxury beach hotels running along Quinta Avenida so you are close to all the action and high-end accommodations further away from the city center for those seeking serenity. You have all manner of activities at your disposal in this chic beach town. Spend your days overlooking the ocean from a plush beach lounger, getting a massage, scuba diving the world’s second-largest barrier reef and more.
Best Luxury Beach Resorts 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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Fairmont Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of AccorHotels
A warm greeting, complimentary cocktail and all, welcomes guests to the sprawling Fairmont Mayakoba resort, located in Playa del Carmen. Here, romantic partners, families and even pet owners can easily customize the vacation of their dreams. There’s a stunning, private white-sand beach, where shaded lounge chairs offer guests the opportunity to look out at the crashing waves or, if they choose, the untamed jungle scenery that surrounds the property on either side. There’s also an impressive dining program, run by acclaimed Mexican chef Richard Sandovar, showcased across three impressive restaurants.
As far as accommodations go, 401 luxurious guest rooms, casitas and suites overlooking either jungle, lagoon or beach provide ample space for relaxation or as Fairmont Mayakoba puts it, “room to dream.” While this gated complex can be intimidating in its size, free boats, bikes and golf carts allow visitors easy, accessible transportation for freely roaming the grounds. And there’s certainly a lot to explore, including a whopping five pools and four bars. All-inclusive packages are optional but well worth it—it’s a great value and the best way to enjoy these exotic surroundings without opening your wallet.
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Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Damian Movali, Kat Carrol and Tadeu Brunelli
Whether you’re looking to relax or chase adventure, the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is the ideal location for a beachside vacation. Ready to unwind? Lounge around the indoor or outdoor pool areas while the staff brings your favorite drinks and snacks. For the utmost relaxation, schedule a trip to the award-winning Cenote Spa for a massage or facial.
Guests of the Grand Hyatt Resort are also privy to some of the most mesmerizing views of the Maya Riviera. Many of the hotel’s 314 rooms offer 180-degree beach views, providing an idyllic perspective of the coastline. The resort’s outdoor infinity pools further enhance the tropical experience by creating the illusion that they flow directly into the beautiful turquoise ocean.
The resort also offers an on-site restaurant, The Grill, and snack bar, as well as 24-hour room service. In-room amenities include a minibar, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. For outdoor activities, visit their garden area, take a dip in the ocean or go boating to get a closeup view of the area’s majestic sea life.
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Hilton Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Smack-dab in the middle of the Mayan Riviera’s hottest tourist destination, Hilton Playa del Carmen provides exactly the kind of luxury you want on your Mexican beach getaway. All accommodations are suites, and all have private balconies or terraces as well as whirlpool tubs. Swim-up suites are available, as well as suites with beachfront walkouts.
Unwind at the beach or at one of the resort’s pools; find a spot at the Olympic-sized freshwater pool, tranquil relaxation pool or in-pool hot tubs. Then, once your stresses have melted away, there are plenty of activities to fill the sunshine-splashed days: volleyball, tennis, Pilates, snorkeling, culinary classes, dance lessons, scuba lessons, kayaking and ping pong are some of the many things you can do without ever leaving the property.
The resort’s seven restaurants offer cuisine for every taste and mood. Choose from Asian fusion, traditional Mexican, Mediterranean, Mexican-French fusion, Caribbean fusion, American and International cuisine. Sample tequila at the Tequileria & Cigar Club Bar, relax poolside at the Trade Winds Bar, catch your favorite game at the Lobby Bar, or enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at the Royal Coffee House, the resort’s European-style gourmet café.
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Platinum Yucatán Princess All Suites & Spa Resort
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Princess Hotels & Resorts
The Riviera Maya is known for its all-inclusive vacation experiences and the Platinum Yucatán Princess All Suites & Spa Resort continues this tradition. As the name suggests, the resort boasts its own spa and wellness center, which features saunas, fitness areas and a variety of beauty-treatment options. There are also six on-site restaurants, seven bars and a nightclub, all within a short walk from your suite.
As part of the Grand Princess family, staying at the Platinum Yucatán Princess provides you instant access to all the facilities at the Grand Riviera Princess and Grand Sunset Princess Hotels. For sports enthusiasts, the Casa Club and Sport Park offers endless opportunities for indoor and outdoor leisure activities, including table tennis, archery, baseball and paddle boarding. All these adventures take place surrounded by the majestic scenery for which the Riviera Maya is known.
Each of the hotel’s 472 rooms exudes luxury with crisp, clean decor and modern furnishings. Want to wake up and instantly hit the pool? There’s direct pool access available with each of the resort’s three room levels—Junior Suite, Platinum Deluxe and Honeymoon Suite. Simply choose the Swimout variation of the style that suits your needs for the ultimate level of pool-side convenience.
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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.
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The Fives Azul Beach Resort Playa Del Carmen, by Karisma
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Guests will never run out of things to do and see when they stay at the Azul Fives in Playa del Carmen. This sprawling property caters to families looking for an all-inclusive beachfront experience just outside of the city’s main drag, making it ideal for escaping the stresses of the modern world. There are a whopping 480 units on the property, and accommodations are spacious and modern. Plus, roomier suite options—with kitchenettes and up to three bedrooms—are also available to those traveling with larger groups.
Children of all ages are taken care of here, with numerous amenities for babies, a playfully designed gym for kids ages 4 and up and the Extreme Breeze Teens Club—a great place for older kids to bond over some of their favorite games and activities. There are even spa services intended especially for kids ages 5–17, so parents and children alike can enjoy their own personal day of relaxation. All this, plus some stellar dining options guaranteed to please even the pickiest palates, makes the Azul Fives the perfect pick for your next family beach vacation.
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Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Perla
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Courtesy of Melia Hotels & Resorts
Spacious rooms and suites provide the ultimate in luxury, and all-inclusive means you’ll be spoiled from the minute you walk through the door. Swim-up suites are available, and most rooms have a private hydromassage tub. Feel like royalty as you while the day away poolside on a Bali bed, or sink your toes in the soft sand and drink in the glorious vista of the spectacular turquoise Caribbean.
The resort’s 14 world-class restaurants have something to tease and please every palate. Latin, Mediterranean, Italian, Italian-Argentine, tapas, Asian fusion, International and Mexican cuisine are all available on-site, and Seven-Star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui’s restaurant provides an elegant, adults-only dining experience that is second to none. For a quiet, intimate meal or cocktail, choose from the resort’s several adults-only restaurants and bars.
After getting a healthy dose of tropical sunshine at the beach or pool, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla offers lots of activities including sports, leisure, entertainment and cultural programs. Volleyball, stretching, meditation, Pilates, tennis, water aerobics and various workshops—like wine and tequila tastings—are all available onsite. Upgrade to Royal Service for a truly sumptuous beach getaway. A personal butler, private terrace whirlpool, private swimming pool and a water ritual at the YHI Spa are just a few of the extravagances that give “VIP” an entirely new meaning. Indulge yourself!
