When it comes to destinations with the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Playa del Carmen tops the list as a veritable treasure trove of accommodation options. This once-sleepy fishing village has exploded in the past decade as a capital of all-inclusive resorts and hotels.
And it’s not surprising that the area has garnered so much attention. The location is spectacularly beautiful — think powder-soft, white sand beaches, electric-blue water, thick groves of palm trees, ancient ruins and deliciously sunny, warm weather. The script for an idyllic all-inclusive resort practically writes itself.
The only challenge becomes choosing the right one. A dizzying array of possibilities can leave your head spinning as you try to narrow down which all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen is right for you.
Fear not — we’re here to help. From romantic, adults-only all-inclusive resorts with private pools and tailored experiences, to laid-back, family-friendly resorts sandwiched between the beach and the downtown area, to resorts that focus on health and wellness, here are the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen.
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Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen truly has one of the best addresses in town. This all-inclusive resort not only overlooks one of the prettiest beaches in the region, it is also within walking distance of the energy and excitement of downtown Playa del Carmen. The resort recently launched an all-inclusive package, which completely changes the game at this Caribbean points-friendly icon.
Featuring multiple oceanfront pools, a sugary stretch of shoreline and four restaurants, this property offers plenty of options without making guests feel overwhelmed. The Grill at 1-26 is one of the resort’s most popular restaurants, serving delectable dishes like grilled steaks, sushi, and tacos.
The resort features 314 hotel rooms, including 36 suites. Many rooms feature ocean views, while others feature private plunge pools. Guests who book rooms with Club Access are entitled to the Grand Club Executive Lounge.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen start at $228 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points.
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One look at the fluffy white sand on the expansive stretch of sugary beach and it’s hard not to fall in love with Fairmont Mayakoba. Arguably one of the most exclusive locations in Mexico, this property does not need to work very hard for a spot on this list.
But the impressive qualities of this all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen don’t end at the beach. Rooms are bright spaces flooded with natural light and feature brag-worthy bathrooms and balconies or terraces that overlook the ocean, lagoon or garden. Guests can dial it up in the private casitas and residences that have even more enviable square footage.
The dining scene here is broad, from the barefoot luxury feel at Fuego to the chic lounge-style Tauro Steakhouse — it truly feels like there’s a vibe for everyone.
Rounding out the resort’s features are 10 glittering pools and a healthy blend of activities geared toward both families and adults.
Rates at Fairmont Mayakoba start at $777 per night for two guests.
Related: What’s next for Fairmont? Expansion, renovation and all-inclusive resorts
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The sister resort to the original Hotel Xcaret Mexico (mentioned later on this list), this iteration is everything that’s great about the original, except it’s reserved exclusively for adults. The 900-room jungle-themed resort is brimming with fantastic amenities, from infinity pools and a cenote-inspired spa to 10 dining venues and unlimited access to the Grupo Xcaret theme parks.
Rooms at the resort are divided across five separate art-themed Casas. The most exclusive casa is Casa de Los Artistas, which operates like its own boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and separate gym. A larger gym is located on the resort, as well, for all guests to use. Guests of Hotel Xcaret Arte can also dine at restaurants at the next-door Hotel Xcaret Mexico, though those restaurants are open for families to enjoy.
The beating heart of the resort is the main infinity pool, which extends out from Cayuco restaurant and has incredible Caribbean Sea views. Below the pool is the small beach area, though this one may be a bit rocky for beach connoisseurs. An alternative water feature is the river that runs through the entire resort, where guests can kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Rates at Hotel Xcaret Arte start at $770 per night.
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Of the three Grupo Xcaret resorts in Playa del Carmen, Casa de La Playa takes the cake as its most indulgent and over-the-top all-inclusive resort. This adults-only, intimate retreat features just 63 suites, all impeccably designed and boasting private en-suite pools.
Like the other Grupo Xcaret hotels, the sky’s the limit with inclusions, from airport transfers to unlimited access to the Xcaret parks. But what sets Casa de La Playa apart are the premium activities that are all included, from private cenote dinners to customized spa treatments in the Muluk Spa.
Guests of Casa de La Playa can also sail aboard Xcaret Xailing, which has sailing experiences to Isla Mujeres. Other exclusive hotel touches include a massive infinity pool and a restaurant that is overseen by Martha Ortiz.
Rates at Casa de lay Playa start at $1,805.
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Everyone loves a good hotel spa, but what about a hotel whose entire concept is wellness-related? The holistic set will rejoice when they check into Palmaia, The House of Aia, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen.
Designed specifically with wellness in mind, including vegan menus, spa rituals and an utterly dreamy location and decor, Palmaia, The House of Aia aims to deliver the highest levels of mindfulness and relaxation. Even the most wound-up guests will find a way to unclench with one glance at the luxurious stretch of sandy coastline.
Palmaia, The House of Aia is family-friendly, which isn’t the norm for many wellness-oriented resorts. However, guests can check into the adults-only tower, which has its own infinity pool and bar. Family suites have bunk beds, kid-friendly decor, and a kids pool and activities for the family.
Wellness extends to the four restaurants and a food truck, all of which rely on the “nourishing biome” concept. Think no processed sugars, locally sourced produce, and minimally processed foods. As for the spa, the resort’s crown jewel, guests can indulge in treatments like the 150-minute Temazcal Ceremony, a hot stone massage, or a decadent Mezcal Ritual massage.
Rates at Palmaia, The House of Aia start at $910 per night for two guests.
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With a boho chic aesthetic and a laid-back, yet luxurious, vibe, Mahekal Beach Resort is one of the best all-inclusive options in Playa del Carmen for families looking to relax together. In fact, it’s so laid back and relaxing that this resort is just as good for couples as it is for families.
The beachfront resort is built like a tropical village, with palapa-topped bungalows, meandering paths through jungle foliage, and a beachfront outdoor living room complete with multicolored poufs on the sand and strings of bistro lights.
Three bars and three restaurants round out the features, with Fuego Restaurante y Cantina being a stand-out dining option. Guests will also find four different swimming pools, as well as a small spa and gym.
Guests can stay on property and enjoy the boho beachy escape, or can head off property on foot to explore Quinta Avenida, which is just around the corner.
Rates at Mahekal Beach Resort start at $194 per night.
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The Grand Velas name has traveled far and wide in Mexico with four resorts carrying the brand name. But Grand Velas Riviera Maya is one of the original all-inclusive resorts to open near Playa del Carmen, and has continued to maintain its reputation for luxury.
The all-suite hotel has a spectacular stretch of beachfront, as well as mangrove jungle and on-site cenotes. The rooms are among the largest in Riviera Maya, with entry-level suites starting at more than 1,000 square feet and each offering a private plunge pool.
Restaurants here are a cut above, serving everything from French and Mexican to a fusion of Asian cuisine. The star of the show these days is its tasting menu restaurant Cocina de Autor, which was recently awarded a Michelin star.
For relaxation, guests can disappear into the SE Spa for hydrotherapy, massages, and holistic rituals.
Rates at Grand Velas Riviera Maya start at $757 per night.
Related: You’ve never had an all-inclusive experience like Grand Velas Los Cabos
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Hilton Playa Del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort ticks a lot of boxes, and most of them are right there in the resort name. All-inclusive, check. Adults-only, check, perfect location in the heart of Playa del Carmen, double check.
This palatial playground has everything adults looking for a relaxing getaway could imagine. Think multiple pools with hot tubs, a spa, nightclub and a prime beachfront location that’s walking distance to Playa del Carmen’s iconic Quinta Avenida.
The all-suite resort has 524 accommodations, with amenities like jetted tubs, balconies, stocked minibars and loads of space. Entry-level suites are 653 square feet, for reference.
Foodies will delight at the wide range of dining venues, including Mexican cuisine, Asian, Mediterranean and even a Tequileria for tequila tastings.
Rates at the Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort start at $227 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.
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This TPG favorite resort is a natural fit for our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen. It’s a boutique resort-within-a-resort located next to the Secrets Moxche. Here, guests will receive a leveled-up VIP experience that includes all suites, butler service, and exclusive restaurants, bars, pools and a beach club.
Suites here are impressive, with fluffy cloud-like beds and private outdoor spaces that have either private plunge pools or hot tubs. Inside, bathrooms are slices of tranquility with soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
Dining options are top of the line here, from the elegant Allora Italian restaurant to the chic Bamboo restaurant serving Southeast Asian dishes, including a plant-based menu. Guests can also opt into Teodoro, a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings that is worth the extravagant splurge. Note that guests staying five nights or more are treated to a complimentary dining experience.
Rates at Impression Moxche by Secrets start at $950, or 42,000 World of Hyatt points, per night, for two guests.
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Adults looking for a fantastic beach resort with a great pool scene, spacious suites and fabulous dining should look no further than Unico 20°87° Riviera Maya. On a quiet crescent-shaped beach between Playa del Carmen and Akumal, this adults-only resort has a little bit of something for every style of traveler.
Guests can opt to lounge poolside at one of the three pools, or perch up on the gorgeous, palm-fringed beach. Active adults will love the lengthy list of excursions, from jungle hikes and Maya ruin visits to zip lines and cenote swims.
The 448 rooms here are spacious and modern, featuring both swim-up suites and suites with jetted tubs on the private balconies. Restaurants are a highlight, as well, with five to choose from. Three of the most popular are its Japanese restaurant, Mexican restaurant, and Italian restaurant.
A gorgeous spa and well-equipped fitness center should not be overlooked; guests can also make use of nonmotorized water sports, take a yoga class, or play tennis.
Rates at Unico 20°87° Riviera Maya start at $522.
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One of the best all-inclusive resorts for families in Playa del Carmen, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers lots of activities, as well as a picture-perfect beachfront, a sparkling pool and a splashy water park.
On dry land, guests have the option of daily activities, a kids club, three restaurants and even family-dedicated amenities like a Family Concierge for premium rooms. The YHI Spa is perfect for adults to escape for a few hours of relaxation.
Families who want a little extra oomph can upgrade to the Nike package, which has premium accommodations, a VIP pool and beach area, priority dining and more.
Rates at Paradisus Playa del Carmen start at around $300 per night for a family of four.
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Overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, El Dorado Maroma is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that attracts guests to its laid-back vibe and stunning beachfront views.
While the energy here is focused much more on relaxation than entertainment and partying, there is so much for guests to enjoy, from 11 restaurants and bars to a selection of pools, and a spa.
For guests who want to upgrade their experience, El Dorado Maroma features some of the only over-water bungalows in Mexico. The Palafitos operate like a boutique hotel within a hotel, with a dedicated entrance and restaurant. The palafitos are scattered along a long wooden pier that extends into the Caribbean Sea. Each suite has its own private infinity pool and ladders that lead directly into the ocean.
Rates at El Dorado Maroma start at $358 per night.
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One of the splashiest resorts to come into the all-inclusive Playa del Carmen scene was Hotel Xcaret when it opened in 2017. The family-friendly, all-inclusive resort is one of the largest in the region, with 900 rooms. But with so many different spaces to enjoy, no one area is ever too overwhelmed with guests.
Here, guests are bouncing between seven pools, three gyms, a kids club and unlimited, all-inclusive access to the nearby theme parks that are part of the Grupo Xcaret family.
With a jungle and cenote aesthetic, this is one of the most beautifully designed resorts. The subterranean spa features cave-like treatment rooms and thermal pools, while thoughtfully decorated rooms feature terraces with hammocks.
As for dining, the resort shines with more than 10 different options. Ha Restaurant, the resort’s contemporary Mexican venue, has recently earned a Michelin star.
Rates at Hotel Xcaret Mexico start at $901 per night for two guests.
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Guests of Valentin Imperial Maya return again and again for a reason — they love how low-key and under the radar it is. Considering its size (with 540 guest rooms), the resort exudes an extremely chill vibe. Maybe it’s because it has one of the loveliest beaches in Playa del Carmen, or maybe it’s because entry level suites start at 516 square feet and feature jetted tubs. Whatever the reason, adults who know this resort are very loyal to it.
Once on property, guests can choose from seven different restaurants and 11 bars. But the two standout features here are the stark white beach and the lazy river-style pool, both of which set the scene for all-day lounging.
Relaxation goes a step further at the Aromance Spa, which features holistic therapies and treatments, including body scrubs, wraps, hot stone massages and even a special chocolate treatment.
Rates at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya start at $358 per night.
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