The four-pearl Ocean Riviera Paradise is massive with 974 rooms, five pools, a water park, 13 meeting rooms, 10 restaurants, 11 bars, rocky beach access, and a bowling alley. The rooms are spacious and done in a sophisticated design with balconies, free minibars, coffeemakers, and trendy bathrooms. Some have swim-up access or terraces with hot tubs. Guests have noted issues with the air-conditioning in rooms and mildew smells. There are separate areas in the hotel for adults and families, but the massive size isn’t for everyone and occasional drawbacks include crowds, bland food, overbooking issues, and time-share pitches. Rates are all-inclusive, but Privilege guests get higher quality booze and food. For something more intimate and service-focused, consider the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, a boutique property that has a smooth sandy beach and free breakfast.

The upscale, 120-room Reef 28 is a hip adults-only hotel with an optional all-inclusive package and setting just a few minutes' walk from the beach and popular 5th Avenue. Style goes for miles at this modern, boho-chic property, and its younger-leaning guests typically favorite the rooftop pool area, chic spa with hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and three restaurants with Mexican, Asian, and buffet fare. Spacious Junior Suites have minibars, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces, while Master Suites add kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and living spaces. The all-inclusive plan covers all meals, alcoholic drinks at three bars, all activities and water sports, and gym access. However, expect loud poolside techno music and a shortage of pool loungers, plus having to take a shuttle for beach clubs. Travelers wanting direct beach access should consider the luxury Royal Playa del Carmen.

Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar -- a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.

The 201-room Royal Hideaway Playacar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering a luxury beachfront experience in Playa del Carmen. Extensive features consist of six swimming pools, a full-service spa with great treatments, lovely beachfront with sunbeds, and a good array of activities and entertainment. Unfortunately, guests have complained of loungers at the main pool getting snagged early. Six restaurants serve well-regarded food, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines, but there’s no buffet and all eateries require reservations. Premium-branded liquor and non-alcoholic beverages are served at the three bars. Colonial-style rooms range from attractive standard units with jetted tubs, separate showers, and furnished terraces to two-level Casitas with living spaces and kitchens. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, adults-only policy, and beautiful coastal location a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue make it one of the most attractive options for couples in Playacar. Families, meanwhile, should consider the kid-friendly Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive luxury resort.

This adults-only, luxury all-inclusive property with 507 rooms appeals to both 20- and 30-something couples. A particular draw of the Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort is its proximity to the nightlife of downtown Playa del Carmen, especially bustling Fifth Avenue, which the party-oriented appreciate. But the gorgeous stretch of beach and the sophisticated rooms with two-person jetted tubs means romantic-minded couples will be pleased here as well. The range of features is, unsurprisingly, extensive, including seven restaurants and five bars, an Olympic-sized pool, a wedding center, and a spa. The adults-only Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun has a much more secluded beach, but it's farther from downtown.

The massive, expanded Hotel Xcaret, which now features approximately 1,800 rooms (up from 900), is an eco-minded, upscale all-inclusive resort that draws an equal number of families and couples thanks to its array of immersive experiences and multi-age offerings. With the Summer 2025 expansion complete, the resort now features five distinct Casas tailored to specific age groups, over 20 restaurants, 16 pools including rooftop escapes, five water slides, entertainment zones for every generation, and enhanced spa and convention facilities—creating a luxurious, multifaceted destination. Guests can expect a serene yet vibrant atmosphere, complemented by thoughtful design and an abundance of amenities. The June–July 2025 expansion has dramatically elevated the resort’s capacity and appeal.

Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury resort known for its gorgeous jungle grounds, wildlife sightings, and excellent food options. Foodies will appreciate three excellent gourmet restaurants and the resort's partnership with a celebrity chef, while the pet- and kid-friendly features such as dog kits, a kids' and teens' club, and waterslide are popular with families. An expensive restoration project has widened the beach and renovations have modernized a few public spaces, though decor in most of the 401 rooms, casitas, and suites feels a bit simple and underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber. Standout features include a fantastic spa with hydrotherapy, cooking classes, and insect gastronomy, and several resort activities are included in rates. All-inclusive packages are available. For a smaller beachfront luxury property with great food and walkable grounds, consider Le Reve Hotel & Spa.

A boho-chic, beachfront property, the upper-middle-range Mahekal Beach Resort has 196 rooms with garden or ocean views, many of which have thatched roof bungalows -- though they lack TVs and telephones. Features include four swimming pools, three bars, three restaurants, and a spa with a gym. Kids are welcome here, but with its bars, sexy, naturalistic decor, and proximity to nightlife, the resort feels more like a place to bring a significant other (or to meet one). For a boutique hotel property in Playa del Carmen more geared to families, travelers could try the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo instead.

The Platinum Yucatan Princess is a solid adult-only all-inclusive luxury resort on the Riviera Maya, and stands out for its extensive facilities and activities program. It has six tennis courts, a multipurpose court for soccer and baseball, a (slightly aging) Sports Park with golf putting and archery, and water sports. Other features include six restaurants (where reservations are generally not required) and eight bars -- including swim-up bars at two of the 13 pools -- entertainment programs, a fully equipped fitness center, and the Princess Spa. The 472 rooms have balconies or terraces, and multiple swim-out rooms are available. Just know that the food quality and the beach are not the highlights, and some features are found at the neighboring sister resorts, which are a decent walk away. The nearby Valentin Imperial Maya has similar rates and a better beach.

The Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive resort encompassing four separate resort areas, one of which is adults-only. There are 819 rooms in total, all of which are actually suites with furnished balconies or patios. Haciendas have small semi-private pools and whirlpool hot tubs, while most other rooms have jetted bathtubs. The massive resort is located in the gated community of Playacar near the center of Playa del Carmen. It's right on the largest private white-sand beach in the area, making it a good choice for guests who want to a vacation that combines beach time and sightseeing. Because of its large size and four-resorts-in-one set-up, Sandos offers more activity and dining options than most other properties in the area.