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Latifah Al-Hazza, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
Located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula between Cancun and Tulum, Playa del Carmen has quickly risen to popularity due to its laid-back atmosphere, turquoise Caribbean waters and abundance of eco-parks and cenotes. This strip of the Riviera Maya is constantly welcoming new hotels, but one of the best ways to get the most out of your time in this paradise is at an all-inclusive resort. The best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen allow you to kick back and enjoy the region’s beaches and natural beauty with food, drinks, activities and more all rolled up into your rate.
If you’re planning a trip this year, our top recommendation is Hotel Xcaret Arte, which offers some of the best views, food and activities in the area, while wellness lovers are sure to enjoy the vegan-friendly dining options and unique spa treatments at Palmaïa, The House of AïA. For a luxury experience with phenomenal room options, we recommend Fairmont Mayakoba, while Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers the perfect combination of entertainment and activities for groups. Below, our selections for the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen for 2024.
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen Overall: Hotel Xcaret Arte
- Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Fairmont Mayakoba
- Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: La Casa De La Playa
- Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
- Best All-Inclusive Resort For Spa And Wellness In Playa del Carmen: Palmaïa, The House Of AïA
- Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Playa del Carmen: Hotel Xcaret México
- Best All-Inclusive Resort For Romance In Playa del Carmen: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
- Best All-Inclusive Resort For Groups In Playa del Carmen: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
- Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Hilton Playa Del Carmen
- All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Playa del Carmen: Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen Resort
- All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Playa del Carmen: Sandos Playacar
- Best All-Inclusive Resort For Foodies In Playa del Carmen: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen Overall: Hotel Xcaret Arte
The resort is divided into various buildings, each offering unique workshops and interior design elements.
Hotel Xcaret ArteHotel Xcaret Arte
Who Will Love It: Couples; friends; artists; creatives; foodies
All-Star Amenities: Xaak restaurant helmed by chef Paco Méndez, who was awarded a Michelin star; swim-up suites; a variety of workshops; access to Xcaret parks
What Not To Miss: The rooftop infinity pool at Casa de los Artistas; hydrotherapy ritual at Muluk Spa
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
A perfect choice for guests who want a wide variety of activities at their fingertips, the unique Hotel Xcaret Arte pays homage to Mexican artists. The resort is divided into various buildings, each offering unique workshops and interior design elements. For example, Casa del Diseño (design) features large buttons as door handles and a wall of sewing machines, along with offering a variety of textile workshops. Casa de los Artistas (artists) features large paint brushes as door handles as well as a wall decorated with paint buckets; painting workshops can also be reserved at this casa. Casa de la Pirámide (pyramid) offers pottery workshops, and Casa de la Música (music) allows guests to engage in dance classes.
At this adults-only resort, culinary options are extensive. Xaak—which is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Paco Méndez, among others—offers an exception tasting menu and wine pairing, while Kibi Kibi offers a Yucatan and Lebanese fusion menu with a unique underwater level view of a pool. Guests can’t go wrong with the plethora of Mexican food options at Mercado de San Juan, and Arenal offers a variety of delicious options in a whimsical setting, to name a few of the eateries at the resort. The all-inclusive rate also grants guests unlimited access to nine highly sought after parks in the area.
Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Fairmont Mayakoba
The hotel also has several freshwater pool options from a 10,000 square foot pool with a swim-up bar, to an adults-only infinity pool.
Fairmont MayakobaFairmont Mayakoba
Who Will Love It: Honeymooners; couples; groups; mothers and daughters; families
All-Star Amenities: 13 different dining options; seven different pools
What Not To Miss: Cielo rooftop; Maykana beach club; tequila tasting experience
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
For guests looking for unique amenities and luxurious accommodations all rolled into one, Fairmont Mayakoba is a superb choice. Here, guests can take an eco-boat tour through a mangrove, snorkel to see coral restoration in action, relax on a white sand beach, or walk through the resort’s rainforest. Guest rooms, suites, and residences are all surrounded by freshwater canals, lagoons, or are located right on the beach. The resort offers 13 dining options, from Tauro Steakhouse to a Korean grill. Not to be missed is Maykana, a beach club inspired by ancient Mayan culture, and Cielo, a rooftop bar with fire pits.
If you’re not already impressed, the hotel also has several freshwater pool options, ranging from a 10,000 square foot pool with a swim-up bar, an adults-only infinity pool, a children’s pool and three beachfront pools. More exciting activities offered at Fairmont Mayakoba include archery, culinary classes, and birdwatching tours. For those seeking tee time, the resort also houses a Greg Norman-designed golf course featuring 18 holes with views of the sea and jungle.
Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: La Casa De La Playa
This boutique resort most notably features a 131-foot infinity pool that protrudes towards the ocean.
La Casa De La PlayaLa Casa De La Playa
Who Will Love It: Couples; honeymooners
All-Star Amenities: Access to restaurants at three resorts
What Not To Miss: The infinity pool; the chocolate boutique
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
This boutique all-inclusive offers just 63 intimate suites and caters to guests who enjoy privacy. The resort is divided into three buildings—Natural, Fiesta and Wellness. All suites include experiences by Xcaret Xailing (sailing), premium dining experiences, roundtrip airport transportation in luxury vehicles, visits, and exclusive activities in the Xcaret parks. Some wellness suites include benefits in the Muluk Spa. The boutique resort is also home to a chocolate boutique, a library, a concept store featuring Mexican art and textile creations, a cave with an exclusive selection of wines, and most notably, the 131-foot infinity pool that protrudes from the resort towards the ocean.
In addition to having access to the 21 restaurants at Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte, guests at La Casa de la Playa also have the opportunity to dine at Tuch de Luna, an artistic experience that applauds the flavors of Mexico, created by an all-women team. Hotel guests can also enjoy the fusion of Peruvian and Mexican culinary cultures at Estero. The boutique’s spa is not to be missed, with salt rooms, mud rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and a cold room with ocean views. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings, as this property is a favorite of many bold-faced names.
Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Benefits of this all-inclusive resort include fitness classes, non-motorized water sports, beach waiter service, and gratuities.
Grand Velas Riviera MayaGrand Velas Riviera Maya
Who Will Love It: Families; friends; couples
All-Star Amenities: A well-kept beach; three experience types for different types of vacations: romance, family getaways, and peaceful relaxation
What Not To Miss: Karaoke bar; treatments at the holistic spa
Location: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
Set on a beautiful white sand beach, Grand Velas offers unique experiences catered to different travel types. The Grand Class experience is your perfect romantic getaway, with private plunge pools, jacuzzi tubs and all the pampering you can imagine. The Ambassador experience is best for family vacations, as rooms are spacious and located next to the kids’ and teens’ club. And the Zen Grand experience is perfect for any traveler whose primary goal is experiencing peaceful relaxation.
Included in your rate at this all-inclusive resort are three a la carte or buffet meals a day, fitness classes, non-motorized water sports, premium beverages, daily activities, beach waiter service, and gratuities. The resort hosts eight restaurants that serve French, Italian, Asian, and Mexican dishes. There are also four bars including a sports bar and a karaoke bar. The holistic spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a variety of traditional rituals and treatments such as the healing aloe massage and wrap and the coffee and cocoa experience.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Spa And Wellness In Playa del Carmen: Palmaïa, The House Of AïA
Suite options include oceanfront suites, swim-out suites, family suites, and meditation suites.
Palmaïa, The House Of AïAPalmaïa, The House Of AïA
Who Will Love It: Travelers who need a break; wellness gurus; avid meditators; friends; couples; mothers and daughters
All-Star Amenities: Special retreats; beachfront work areas; children’s activity program
What Not To Miss: The electronic music program with occasional notable guest appearances
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
A sanctuary for wellness lovers, Palmaïa, The House of AïA is a luxury wellness retreat complete with suites filled with cruelty-free products and toiletries. Guests can choose from oceanfront suites, swim-out suites, family suites and meditation suites. The resort’s all-inclusive rate grants guests three a la carte meals a day at six dining locations, premium alcoholic beverages, a bike sharing service, a jungle gym, stand-up paddle boards, daily mind, body, and soul activities, and access to the electronic music program. The resort also offers beachfront work areas for guests who may not be taking PTO.
The resort’s vegan-friendly restaurants follow The Nourishing Biome, meaning they use minimal amounts of processed or packaged foods, no refined sugars, no refined seed oils, homemade fermented food options, organic vegetables, seasonal fruit and natural unbleached flour. Wellness lovers can take advantage of guided meditations, deep stretch therapy, cacao ceremonies, yoga sessions, watercolor painting classes and more. The Atlantis Spa’s ambiance and design and is inspired by the surrounding jungle and offers traditional Temazcal ceremonies and ayurvedic treatments with master healers.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Playa del Carmen: Hotel Xcaret México
For families with children, be sure to book Casa Viento as it is situated near the pool, family club, kids club, and Chibalí restaurant.
Hotel Xcaret MéxicoHotel Xcaret México
Who Will Love It: Kids; families; large groups; foodies
All-Star Amenities: Access to theme parks; twelve restaurant options
What Not To Miss: The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
For families who want to make sure the little ones never get bored, Hotel Xcaret Mexico is more than just your traditional all-inclusive: it’s an all-fun inclusive, too. In addition to your typical all-inclusive benefits, the resort offers unlimited access and roundtrip transportation to all Xcaret theme parks, such as Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage and Xenotes. The rate also includes roundtrip transportation to catch the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres with Xcaret Xailing. All décor in the resort’s 900 suites is made by local talent from vulnerable communities.
Five buildings pay homage to symbols of the Mayan cosmovision: Casa Tierra (land), Casa Fuego (fire), Casa Espiral (spiral), Casa Viento (wind) and Casa Agua (water). For families with young children, Casa Viento is situated near the pool, family club, kids club and Chibalí restaurant, which is home to a candy station. The resort has 12 diverse restaurants on-site ranging from Bio, located in a natural cave which offers a plant-based menu, to Teatro del Rio’s tasting menu with live performances, to Xpiral’s Sunday brunch. For parents who want to let off some steam, the resort also has three gyms, tennis courts, yoga lessons, meditation sessions and functional training circuits.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Romance In Playa del Carmen: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
Each overwater bungalow has a king size bed, air conditioning, an aromatherapy shower and a ladder for direct access to the ocean.
dPalafitos Overwater BungalowsPalafitos Overwater Bungalows
Who Will Love It: Couples; honeymooners
All-Star Amenities: Overwater bungalows; outdoor showers; stunning ocean views
What Not To Miss: Couples’ massage class
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
For couples looking to get away from it all, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows is a romantic resort with endless ocean views. Each overwater bungalow has a king size bed, air conditioning and ceiling fans, an aromatherapy shower, an outdoor shower, an indoor whirlpool for two, a glass bottom floor, a private deck with furniture, and a private infinity pool. Each bungalow also comes with a ladder for direct access to the ocean. A major perk is the personal snorkel equipment that is provided to each guest. Room options include overwater bungalows, elite overwater bungalows that are in idyllic locations, and two-bedroom presidential overwater bungalows.
Palafitos guests have exclusive access to the resort’s restaurant as well as unlimited access to restaurants at El Dorado Maroma resort. A unique offering at the Palafitos Spa is the couples’ massage class, which teaches basic techniques to strengthen the bond between couples, as well as a hydrotherapy circuit that offers a variety of water experiences and transitions between different temperatures.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Groups In Playa del Carmen: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Guests also have the option to book a room at Heaven, an elevated experience at the resort featuring a private adults-only beach.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera MayaHard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Who Will Love It: Groups; families; large parties
All-Star Amenities: In-room guitar video lessons
What Not To Miss: The Rock Star Suite with a personal assistant; Heaven retreat; ability to reserve a guitar
Location: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
Located on a private white sand beach with snorkeling areas, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers a wide array of activities for constant entertainment that groups of friends will enjoy. The all-inclusive resort includes a la carte dining, alcoholic beverages, snacks, a jogging track and fitness center, land sports, daily activities, nightly entertainment and all gratuities. Activities available at the resort include laser tag, golf, a gaming lounge and bowling. The resort is also home to three pools, including a kids’ pool and a waterpark.
You’ll never go hungry with 13 restaurant options, ranging from French to Italian, to Yucatan, to Thai cuisine. In addition to the resort’s Rock Spa that features steam rooms and a hydrotherapy circuit, the resort also offers a music-centric spa which uses vibrations and pressures as treatments. Guests have the option to book a room at Heaven, an elevated experience at the resort featuring a private adults-only beach, a pool exclusive to Heaven guests, and priority reservations at two of the restaurants.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Playa del Carmen: Hilton Playa del Carmen
Every suite offers a jetted tub, balcony or a terrace. Suite options range from swim-up to garden view.
Hilton Playa Del CarmenHilton Playa del Carmen
Who Will Love It: Couples; friends; Hilton loyalists
All-Star Amenities: All suite rooms; jetted tubs
What Not To Miss: Chef’s Plate dining experience; Tamazcal ceremony
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
At the adults-only Hilton Playa del Carmen, every room is an excellent choice. That’s because this resort is comprised only of suites, with every suite offering a jetted tub and a balcony or a terrace. Suite options range from swim-up to garden view. During the day, guests can choose from yoga, pilates, spin and Zumba classes; while each evening offers guests the opportunity to listen to various types of live music. The resort has two outdoor heated pools, one for fitness and one for leisure, as well as in-pool hot tubs.
Guests can indulge in six different restaurants which offer Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. For guests staying in a one-bedroom king, oceanfront king, and a presidential suite, a unique experience, Chef’s Plate, features a menu created by the chef’s favorite dishes. The resort also has five bars and lounges. Spa lovers can take advantage of the on-site Innan Spa, which specializes in hydrotherapy treatments, rituals for couples and a traditional Temazcal purification ritual.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Playa del Carmen: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
The hotel houses 314 guest rooms, including 36 luxe suites that offer the option of swim-up or private plunge pools.
dGrand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen ResortGrand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
Who Will Love It: Couples; friends; families
All-Star Amenities: Private plunge pools; The Tortuguita Day Camp for kids
What Not To Miss: Chef Menu Fridays at The Grill Playa del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
The recently opened Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is located just a stone’s throw away from the lively Quinta Avenida street. The hotel houses 314 guest rooms, including 36 luxe suites that offer the option of swim-up or private plunge pools. Pool lovers are sure to enjoy the three infinity pools, as well as activities like learning a new skill in one of the resort’s cooking classes, getting your heart pumping on a scenic bike tour or perusing the local market, filled with goods from local artisans.
The resort houses three restaurants including The Grill Playa del Carmen, which features sushi, sashimi, short rib tacos, and prime steaks, La Cocina Restaurant and Terrace, which specializes in Mexican cuisine, and Sushi N Raw Bar, which offers the Japanese specialty with a Caribbean flair. There is also an on-site coffee shop so that guests can fuel up for a day full of activities. Make sure to upgrade to Grand Club access for private check-in and check-out services, daily snacks and a daily open bar.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Playa del Carmen: Sandos Playacar
The family accommodations are located next to the largest pool and are situated in the heart of the entertainment hub.
Sandos PlayacarSandos Playacar
Who Will Love It: Families; groups
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary bicycles; sections for different traveler types
What Not To Miss: The Sandos Signature Treatment; Festina Lente
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Sandos Playacar, located in a private gated community, caters to multi-generational travelers. Three types of accommodations are available here: family, hacienda and adults-only. Family accommodations are located next to the largest pool and are situated in the heart of the entertainment hub, with offerings such as a kids’ club, a teen club, disco and mini golf. Hacienda accommodations comprise eight villas offering a private sundeck, pool, and jacuzzi. The Select Club Adults Only section is for guests ages 18 and older and includes exclusive amenities such as a beach bar, hammocks and an oceanfront pool.
Sandos Playacar activities include a scuba pool demo, a waterpark, water sports and complimentary bike rentals. Evening activities consist of nightly shows that pay tribute to various musicians, such as Shakira and Whitney Houston, as well as popular musicals and music that highlight Mexican culture. With eight dining options that range from Brazilian to Argentinian cuisine, three snack bars, and over eight places to grab a drink, there is something here to satisfy everyone’s taste. Wellness lovers shouldn’t overlook the Spa del Mar, which offers facials, massages and traditional body rituals.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Foodies In Playa del Carmen: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Foodies can select from six a la carte gourmet restaurants that include French, Mexican, Pan-Asian, Italian, seafood, and international cuisine.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera CancunSecrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Who Will Love It: Foodies; couples; friends
All-Star Amenities: Hot tubs by the water; a large variety of cuisine options
What Not To Miss: Himitsu Teppanyaki tables; Bordeaux’s wine cellar
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
This all-suite resort has over 400 deluxe suites with views of crystal-clear waters or tropical gardens. All rooms come with a furnished balcony or terrace, some with a soaking tub and others are swim out suites with direct pool access. Pool lovers can enjoy two large pools, including an infinity pool, as well as two outdoor hot tubs and twelve smaller pools that allow for several suites to have private swim out access from their rooms. Upgrading to the Preferred Club grants guests exclusive access to a private beach club and a private club lounge, as well as upgraded bath and mini-bar amenities.
Unlimited Privileges at Secrets Maroma includes all meals and top-shelf drinks, which is where the resort really shines. For travelers seeking a wide variety of quality culinary options, dining at this resort includes six a la carte gourmet restaurants ranging from French cuisine to Mexican, Pan-Asian, Italian, seafood, and international favorites. There is also a coffee and snack bar on site and a beach club that serves a la carte options exclusively for Preferred Club rooms.
About Latifah Al-Hazza, Your Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resorts Guide
I am an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and documentary filmmaker who graduated with journalism degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). I enjoy writing about all things travel, whether it's about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. My first international flight was when I was three months old; since then I've traveled to over 55 countries. Playa del Carmen is one of my favorite vacation spots in Mexico for full blown relaxation, and I have visited multiple times. I especially love that it is perfectly located not too far from Cancun and Tulum if I want to change up the vibe during my time there.
When I'm not writing, you can find me (still) traveling solo, with my parents, or with my 4 pound Pomeranian. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can be found in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, Fodor's, INSIDER, CNN Travel, The New York Times, TimeOut, and more. I am also the co-founder (along with my mother) of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women’s travel company. I currently reside between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow my adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels.
