Whether you are looking for a five-star luxe getaway or an eco-friendly boutique, the Riviera Maya has romantic hotels for all travel styles. Covering about 75-miles between Cancun and Punta Allen, Mexico’s Caribbean coastline has white sand beaches, turquoise seas and every sort of resort-style imaginable. If you want to eat and drink without counting pesos, there are all-inclusive properties like the Hilton Cancun that will also keep you entertained. But if your idea of romance involves sleeping in a luxe beachfront bungalow with a jetted plunge pool in a small hotel the Le Zebra or Mi Amor in Tulum will satisfy. Here are our eight picks for the best Riviera Maya Resorts for all styles of travelers.
We hope you love the Riviera Maya Resorts we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. The most luxurious resort in the Riviera Maya
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
For a true five-star luxe romantic resort experience with excellent service, check into the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Located just 35 minutes south of Cancun, it is one of four luxury resorts in the 500-plus-acre gated Mayakoba development complex. Guests have signing privileges at the spas and restaurants of all resorts in the complex and a free shuttle service transfers you between them. If you golf, the development also is home to the championship PGA El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course.
The Andaz has the two best restaurants in Mayakoba: award-winning Casa Amate and Sotavento. We love Sotavento, which does wood fire-grilled seafood and fresh salads al fresco on the beachfront for dinner. To check out another property, however, take the shuttle over to the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, for dinner at their signature Thai restaurant Saffron.
The Andaz also sits on a lovely stretch of turquoise meets white sand beach. Rooms and suites are artsy, modern and blend perfectly into the surrounding environment. The Naum Wellness Spa here is worth your time. Try the Naum Signature Ritual, which combines volcanic stones, Swedish rhythmic techniques and aromatherapy in a blissful 90-minute session.
2. The best eco-friendly resort in the Riviera Maya
Hotel Poc Na Tulum
For eco-friendly romance, it is hard to beat the Hotel Poc Na Tulum, which is set on a stunning stretch of Riviera Maya beachfront inside the protected Tulum National Park. Away from the hustle of the Hotel Zone, this small hotel takes its pledge to sustainability seriously and has done a good job of preserving and blending into the surrounding jungle.
The rooms and suites here are self-contained units that are rustic-luxe with Caribbean style. Some have ocean views, others face the jungle. Our favorite rooms come with private plunge pools and hammocks on porches facing the sparkling blue sea.
Despite its small size this Tulum hotel is home to four restaurants and the food is excellent at all. The Kogure Japanese Kitchen Restaurant is a real treat. Resident chef Yusuke Kogure is one of Mexico’s top international chefs and his sushi creations are pure magic.
During the day head to Berna Tulum, where you can order a dozen oysters and a margarita right to your cushioned sun-lounger on the beach while listening to a Latin house soundtrack. After dark Cleo Tulum comes alive with sensual ambiance, music, wood fire cooked seafood and innovative mixology.
3. The best all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya
Hilton Cancun
The brand new Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive is a great, luxury romantic Riviera Maya option if you want to be able to eat and drink to your heart’s content without worrying about the cost. About 20 minutes from the international airport it is easy to access. It is also located down a long, private stretch of road away from the hustle of the Hotel Zone, making it ideal for anyone worried about security.
We love the interior design here, especially in the main lobby area. Rooms and suites come in a number of shapes and sizes. For romance, try a room with a swim-up balcony and sunset views or an ocean-front suite with panoramic views from a wrap-around balcony.
The food and beverage service is also excellent for an all-inclusive property. Drinks are strong and premium spirits are included in the rates. There are multiple restaurants cooking up dishes from around the globe with both buffet and a la carte service. All sorts of tours and activities can be arranged through the concierge. This Hilton is also very dog-friendly!
4. The best boutique hotel in the Riviera Maya
La Zebra a Colibri Boutique Hotel
At the south end of Tulum’s Hotel Zone, the trendy, romantic La Zebra is the best all-around boutique hotel in the area. Set on a gorgeous stretch of beach, the property is part of the network of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and service is top-notch.
The rooms are beautifully designed, self-contained bungalows. There are six different styles and four of these come with personal, jetted plunge pools that kick up the romance level another notch.
La Zebra has a fun atmosphere that can keep you entertained day or night. But its central location also makes it easy to explore other restaurants, bars and shops along the main strip. Note that Tulum’s Hotel Zone is much more boho chill than what you’ll experience in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You won’t find any mega resorts or clubs here, but lots of beachfront lounges where DJs spin late into the night.
Don’t skip at least a few meals at La Zebra, however. The restaurant faces the sea and serves authentic Mexican fare paired with craft cocktails.
5. The best new resort in the Riviera Maya
Mvngata Boutique Hotel
Opened in the middle of the pandemic, Mvngata Boutique Hotel is a sexy new Riviera Maya romantic resort on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. Named for glow of the full moon on the ocean, Mvngata is located on a wide gold sand beach. It has a popular beach club with cabanas and food and drink service right by the sea. The hotel, and beach club, are both dog friendly.
All rooms and suites face the ocean, which is a serious bonus. They are also very stylish with super comfy beds draped in quality linens. The premium panorama oceanfront rooms are massive and come with deep soaking tubs on private terraces with panoramic ocean views, perfect for romance.
The rooftop restaurant and swimming pool is also divine. Start with the tuna tostada before moving on to the stuffed chili with seafood. Pair with a tequila or mezcal cocktail. DJs spin on Saturdays and Sundays.
6. The best adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya
Mi Amor Hotel Tulum
For romance in intimate environs that is adults-only it is hard to top Mi Amor in Tulum. The boutique property has just over 30 rooms and was designed with love in mind (its name says it all). Set on a cliffside overlooking the sea, the hotel is not in Tulum’s central Hotel Zone, which is a plus for many. Instead, it is just inside the boundaries of Tulum National Park. The entire property is gorgeous and looks like you walked into a designer’s Instagram feed.
The sea view rooms with plunge pools are our personal favorites. There is also a spa onsite and a restaurant and bar. The restaurant features Italian and Mexican classics including a very good pasta Bolognese. For the ultimate romantic dinner, arrange for a private dining experience on the rocks facing the sea.
7. The best resort in the Riviera Maya for active travelers
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla
For active vacationers who care less about direct beachfront access or an all-inclusive experience and more about exploring the surrounding area, Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla offers a five-star hotel experience in a less expensive price point. This leaves you plenty of extra cash to check out Cancun’s myriad of activities including diving and snorkeling around the nearby Cancun Underwater Museum.
Located in the Hotel Zone next to the La Isla shopping and dining complex, this property is just a five-minute walk from one of Cancun’s most beautiful beaches. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and hot tub as well as sun-loungers and food service. There is a second restaurant in the artsy lobby area. Rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable with fun extras like hanging chairs and murals from local artists.
8. The best beach resort in the Riviera Maya
Mahekal Beach Resort
Right on the beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mahekal Beach Resort is another romantic option that is walking distance from the restaurants, bars and shops on the city’s famed 5th Avenue district. This property has a devoted fan base with guests returning year after year to stay in its boho-chic suites, elegant beach houses and tranquil treehouses surrounded by lots of lush foliage.
There are four pools on the grounds as well as sun-loungers along the beach. If you want to explore the region’s underwater treasures, Mahekal’s respected dive shop can organize snorkels and dives in the ocean and the freshwater cenotes (collapsed limestone caves that are now swimming holes) the region is known for.
The resort is also home to the Revive Spa with a range of Mayan-inspired treatments and relaxing massages. Half and full-board rates are available if you want to have some meals and drinks pre-paid. 