The 8 Best Luxury Resorts in Riviera Maya | Hand-Picked for 2025
We researched all the high-end properties along the beachfront and found the best luxury resorts in Riviera Maya that deliver an exceptional balance of upscale comfort, experience, and setting.
This stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, stretching from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, is, frankly, a pretty perfect destination for travelers craving a mix of beachfront serenity, upscale accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences.
The Riviera Maya luxury resorts we reviewed here offer more than just a room, they give you an entire world, crafted for rest, indulgence, and tropical wonder.
Whether you’re craving a wellness-focused escape, a romantic ocean-view experience, or want to indulge at a decadent all-inclusive retreat, the best luxury resorts in Mayan Riviera will certainly deliver all the excess you can handle.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best luxury resorts Riviera Maya has to offer, we reviewed thousands of guest ratings across Booking.com, Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We also made sure to only include properties that are rated 5-stars (and have had their rating verified by independent sources) and achieved a review score 4.5 or more out of 5.0.
Then, using our in-house ranking criteria that measures location quality, room features, beachfront access, spa and wellness services, dining quality, and overall guest satisfaction.
The 8 Best Riviera Maya Luxury Resorts – 2025 Full Guide
8. Fairmont Mayakoba
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located on 240 acres of protected mangroves and canals
- Offers 5 pools and an expansive 20,000-square-foot spa
- Access to El Camaleón Golf Course
The Fairmont Mayakoba is, in a way, like its own private world nestled within a vast eco-friendly compound. Here, the polished grounds feature winding canals, lush greenery, and white-sand beaches that blend effortlessly into the design of the resort.
Rooms and suites feel quite modern and plush, with marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, and spacious terraces. For those who enjoy being near nature without giving up comfort, the lagoon and jungle-view casitas are absolutely fitting.
The dining options are superb (and well-rated), featuring cuisines from coastal Mexican to Italian, and several plans are all-inclusive, which typically include gourmet meals, snacks, premium drinks, and 24/7 room service.
The beach here is beautifully maintained and there are plenty of loungers, shaded areas, and beachside food and beverage service that elevate the scene.
Fairmont’s Willow Stream Spa is an experience on its own, with hydrotherapy pools and a strong focus on regionally inspired treatments. Plus, being near Playa del Carmen means you’re close to shops, restaurants, and ferries to Cozumel.
7. Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort – Most Affordable
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 5-star property directly on Akumal Bay, known for sea turtle sightings
- Offers 4 a la carte restaurants and a smoothie bar along with all-inclusive packages
- Wellness programming includes yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments
- One of the most budget-friendly luxury resorts in Riviera Maya
Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort isn’t just relatively budget-friendly, it’s also full-featured and still very highly-rated.
It’s arguably the best luxury resort in Riviera Maya if you’re trying to watch your spending but still want white-glove service and oceanfront comfort.
All suites offer breathtaking ocean views and feature Jacuzzis on the terrace, which is, honestly, a rare inclusion at this price point. Rooms are bright, clean, and designed with an understated aesthetic that lets the beach do the talking.
This all-inclusive package covers meals, cocktails, yoga classes, paddle boards, and even snorkeling gear, so you can swim with turtles right off the beach. Dining includes sushi, Mexican cuisine, and a laid-back burger lounge.
The beach here is one of the best in the region. It’s wide, calm, and teeming with marine life, which is great for beginner snorkelers or those who prefer gentler surf.
It’s only a short drive to the Tulum ruins, and you’re near plenty of cenotes and small shops, making it a practical choice for families or wellness-focused travelers on a mid-range budget.
6. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 85 acres of beachfront, jungle, and mangrove preserve
- All-inclusive with 8 restaurants, including AAA Five Diamond Cocina de Autor
- Three unique zones: Ambassador, Zen, and Grand Class
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is, quite frankly, designed for travelers who don’t just want upscale—they want extravagant.
The entire resort is split into three distinct areas: family-friendly Ambassador, spa-focused Zen, and adults-only Grand Class.
The accommodations are incredibly large, with suites ranging from nearly 1,000 square feet up to multi-room villas. Expect premium touches like plunge pools and indoor soaking tubs.
Food-wise, it’s truly over-the-top. From French fine dining to molecular gastronomy, the restaurants go far beyond buffet expectations.
The all-inclusive package here really means all meals, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour in-room dining, and even mini-bar replenishment.
The beach is long and scenic, and the resort maintains beach zones that are smoother for swimming, plus a beach butler service that makes it really feel easy and indulgent.
Meanwhile, their Zen Pool and Grand Class Pool offer serene alternatives to the ocean, and the massive SE Spa is frequently rated one of the top in Mexico.
Nearby, Playa del Carmen’s shops and nightlife are a short ride away, making it one of the best luxury resorts in Mayan Riviera based on overall service, amenities, and location.
5. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Best-Seller
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Located on one of Riviera Maya’s best snorkeling beaches
- 434 high-end suites with private whirlpools
- All-inclusive with 8 restaurants and 24-hour room service
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is an adults-only retreat that’s wildly popular for good reason. It’s located directly on Akumal Beach, where the water is calm and clear, and sea turtles are often just offshore.
The vibe is quite relaxed but elegant, with manicured gardens, elegant fountains, and buildings that blend with the surrounding greenery, with each suite including a private balcony or terrace.
This all-inclusive package includes gourmet meals, unlimited top-shelf spirits, daily entertainment, and room service. Dining ranges from beachfront seafood to Pan-Asian teppanyaki, and guests often praise the cocktails for being generously poured and well-mixed.
There are also multiple pools, including an infinity option, and the on-site spa features hydrotherapy, massage, and facials. You’re within easy reach of Tulum and a short drive from several major cenotes.
It’s a consistent best-seller thanks to how well it balances sophistication, location, and quality, which is why it’s one of the best luxury resorts in Mayan Riviera, especially for those looking for an all-inclusive experience.
4. La Casa De La Playa
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- 63 stunning ocean-facing, suites only rooms
- 24-hour butler and chef-curated minibar
- Direct access to Xcaret Park and other Grupo Xcaret attractions
La Casa De La Playa is a boutique luxury property offering a more intimate feel, while still being over-the-top in terms of personal service and high-end design.
Each of its 63 suites comes with a private plunge pool and spectacular oceanfront views.
Suites are incredibly detailed, using Mexican artistry in the decor, and tech-forward features like touchscreen lighting, smart TVs, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Food and drink offerings are top-notch, with menus crafted by celebrity chefs and ingredients sourced locally.
All meals, premium beverages, and minibar items are included, and are often customized per guest preferences.
The beachfront here is slightly more secluded, with soft white sands and easy access to lounging platforms and shaded beds.
But perhaps the most exciting part is the complimentary access to Xcaret, Xplor, and other Grupo Xcaret eco-parks, making it ideal for adventure-loving travelers with a taste for elegance.
It’s quiet, private, and deeply personalized, which is exactly what some people are looking for in the best luxury resorts in Riviera Maya.
3. Palmaïa The House of AïA All Inclusive Wellness Resort – Top Value Pick
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Beautiful suite-only property with jungle and ocean views
- All vegan and plant-based culinary options available
- Wellness programming with daily rituals and spa therapies
Palmaïa The House of AïA is one of the best Riviera Maya luxury resorts as it manages to feel both high-end and meaningful.
It’s actually built around the idea of holistic wellness, so the experience here is focused on mind-body balance rather than high-energy nightlife.
Rooms are all suites, equipped with soaking tubs, ocean-facing balconies, and minimalist decor that’s rich in natural textures. There’s an eco-conscious feel throughout, from the linens to the bath products.
The all-inclusive package is slightly different here: it includes all meals (with a strong vegan focus), daily wellness activities like sound baths and yoga, a personal “Architect of Life” guide, and beach access with canopy beds.
The beach is wide, uncrowded, and filled with soft sand and gentle waves. Plus, you’re a short distance from Playa del Carmen for off-site exploration.
Between the Atlantis Spa and the resort’s low-key but immersive vibe, this is a wonderful fit for travelers seeking a luxury resort that feels calming rather than overwhelming.
We think it’s one of the best luxury resorts in Riviera Maya to consider in terms of overall value.
2. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Mexico’s first overwater bungalow property
- Private infinity plunge pools and glass-bottom floors
- Butler service, in-room dining, and direct ocean access
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows are, in other words, a one-of-a-kind experience for the Riviera Maya.
Suspended above turquoise waters, these bungalows bring a level of exclusivity that is incredibly rare in mainland Mexico. You’re not just near the ocean, you’re literally living over it.
Every suite includes a private infinity pool, outdoor shower, oversized indoor soaking tub, and glass panel floors that give you a peek into the sea life below.
Butler service is included with every stay, and attention to detail here is, frankly, off the charts.
As part of the larger El Dorado Maroma resort, guests have access to gourmet restaurants, bars, and the Náay Spa. However, staying in the Palafitos section comes with access to exclusive dining areas and upgraded amenities.
The all-inclusive plan covers à la carte meals, top-shelf drinks, 24-hour in-room dining, and beach butler service. Dining is impressively refined, featuring Mexican-Caribbean fusion and an emphasis on fresh seafood and high-quality ingredients.
The beach at Maroma is among the most beautiful in the region, and Palafitos guests have a roped-off section with cushioned loungers and attendants offering cocktails and snacks.
It’s best suited for couples, honeymooners, and those seeking privacy and extravagance in equal measure.
You’re also close enough to Playa del Carmen for an off-site excursion, though most people staying here rarely leave the deck.
1. Rosewood Mayakoba – Top Overall
Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:
- Lavish 1,600-acre resort with boat-accessible suites
- Private plunge pools in every suite
- 9 dining venues and one of Riviera Maya’s best spas
Rosewood Mayakoba is, without a doubt, the gold standard, which is why we think it is the best luxury resort in Riviera Maya.
Spanning an enormous swath of mangrove jungle, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons, the property was designed with harmony in mind, both with nature and with the high expectations of discerning guests.
The suites here are more like standalone villas, each with its own plunge pool, rooftop terrace, and outdoor garden shower. Many suites are accessible by boat, which adds to the serene, almost otherworldly feel of the place.
The food and drink program at Rosewood Mayakoba is exceptional, covering cuisines that range from contemporary Mexican to Asian fusion and Mediterranean coastal flavors.
Each of the nine dining venues has its own personality and menu, and the service consistently earns praise for being polished yet personal.
The beach is pristine and very well maintained, with loungers spaced far apart and quiet zones for maximum relaxation. Beachside dining and bar service are available throughout the day, and the waters are typically calm enough for paddleboarding or a refreshing swim.
Spa and wellness services here are seriously next level. Sense, A Rosewood Spa, is set on its own private island and offers Mayan healing rituals, hydrotherapy circuits, and a long list of bespoke treatments.
Nearby, you’ll find the El Camaleón Golf Course and access to other attractions within the Mayakoba development, including boutique shopping and nature walks.
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