The Best Riviera Maya Resorts for Winter Sun, Book Before High Season Sells Out

With stunning Caribbean beaches and a vibrant reef just offshore, thousands of cenotes surrounded by lush jungle, and ancient Mayan ruins, it’s no wonder Mexico‘s Riviera Maya coast is so popular. Stretching from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, it’s home to a wealth of desirable resorts for everyone from families to couples and solo travelers. 

If you’re planning an escape to the Riviera Maya this winter (the high season and the best time to visit for sunny, dry weather), book now for more availability and potentially better rates.

Why we love it: Maroma blends untouched jungle seclusion and a soft, white sandy beach with legendary hospitality and a deep respect for Mayan culture. The spa is a serene wellness sanctuary offering traditional temazcal and holistic treatments, while the beautiful pools are lined with handmade, volcanic Sukabumi tiles.

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Overview

One of the world’s most luxurious resorts, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel is made up of thatched buildings, set along a secluded white sandy beach with a maze of lush paths where parrots flitter about. Designed with the sacred geometry of Mayan masons with all Mexican-sourced artisanal crafts and materials, it’s home to the renowned Maroma Spa by Guerlain, a 30,000-square-foot sanctuary offering ancient healing rituals and honey bee-inspired wellness treatments.

Guests can relax at the palm-lined pools and choose from a wide range of classes, from cooking to yoga and meditation. All rooms have private terraces and king-size canopy beds. If you book a beachfront suite, you’ll also have your own private plunge pool.

Key Amenities

Why we love it: It’s a more intimate adults-only resort with just 100 oceanfront suites, all with private outdoor plunge pools and butler service, while providing upscale all-inclusive dining that’s nothing like the typical crowded mega-buffet. 

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Overview

A romantic boutique sanctuary exclusive for adults 18 and older, Royalton Reserve Paraiso de la Bonita was originally designed as a personal estate. Today, guests can book one of 100 oceanfront suites, including sprawling multi-bedroom residences with private infinity pools. There are many ways to relax, including the pioneering saltwater thalassotherapy circuit, a Himalayan salt room, hydrotherapy, and traditional temazcal rituals at the Thalasso Spa.

Blissful tranquility can also be found around the freshwater and saltwater pools, or on the serene stretch of powdery sand. Foodies shouldn’t miss exploring the art of gastronomy through hands-on cooking at the interactive Gosselin Cooking Studio. Dining is unlimited and à la carte, with everything from Mediterranean and Asian fusion to Mexican.

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Why we love it: This all-inclusive resort is just five minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and combines personalized butler service and exceptional hospitality with a wide range of activities for families and couples alike. 

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Overview

A beautifully designed beachfront all-inclusive, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya is renowned for its wide range of luxuries. Guests are pampered on the beach, at the pool, and throughout the resort, including the spa, where every service includes a unique Water Ceremony.  Want to get active? Kayak, sail, golf, snorkel, or join a diving tour.

Parents can take advantage of kids’ and teens’ clubs for some much-needed alone time too. The restaurants are especially impressive, serving five-star chef-inspired cuisine, while rooms feature outdoor living spaces, some with spectacular ocean views and plunge pools. 

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Why we love it: The romantic, adults-only atmosphere and lush tropical setting with a tranquil beachfront and upscale swim-up suites.

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Overview

El Dorado Royale is a 450-acre oceanfront property that is an upscale, adults-only resort sure to please foodies, with a vast hydroponic greenhouse on-site supplying organic vegetables and other ingredients to its 13 gourmet restaurants. In the culinary theater, guests enjoy an interactive dining and cooking show experience led by resident chefs and sommeliers.

One of the best ways to start any day is with an outdoor massage at sunrise, paired with mimosas at the spa. Perhaps follow it up with time on the secluded white sand beach or around one of the beautiful pools, some with swim-up bars.

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Why we love it: Secrets Maroma provides an ideal setting for an intimate, romantic getaway on one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches with exceptional all-inclusive service minus the party crowds. 

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Overview

The adults-only Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun operates under an “Unlimited Luxury” concept, catering to couples and honeymooners who want to enjoy a relaxed beachfront retreat. There are plenty of things to do, including non-motorized water sports, beach yoga, fitness classes, and evening entertainment. Guests can also lounge around one of the two large main outdoor pools, including an oceanfront infinity pool.

There’s also a spa for decadent treatments along the beachfront and gourmet restaurants, no reservations required. Plus, private romantic dinners for two can be set up right on the beach.

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Why we love it: This all-inclusive is an excellent value for families, complete with a Family Zone that has a water park with slides, a child-friendly pool, and clubs for kids and teens. 

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Overview

The Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is a five-star property tucked into a secluded cove with white sands and translucent turquoise water, providing magnificent views and a wealth of amenities. Especially ideal for families, it includes a Family Zone with a water park and splash pool along with kids’ and teens’ clubs.

While the younger ones play, the adults can enjoy pampering at the full-service spa. When it’s time to dine, there are over a dozen eateries on-site with something for everyone, from light poolside bites to Mexican fine dining, Asian fusion, steaks, and Italian classics.

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Why we love it: The bohemian vibe with an eco-conscious design blending into the surrounding jungle while providing seamless indoor-outdoor living and magnificent ocean views. 

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Overview

Be DESTINATION Tulum is a design-conscious, boho-chic adults-only property situated on a white sandy beach where guests enjoy drink service. Beyond the sand, guests can lounge around one of the two stylish outdoor pools, surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, and lush greenery.

Wellness is a highlight, with the renowned Yäan Wellness Sanctuary combining ancient Mayan traditions with holistic treatments. It includes a cenote-inspired hydrotherapy circuit, a marble hammam, steam room, sauna, and hot/cold plunge pools. Traditional Temazcal ceremonies, cleansings, Aztec chakra massages, beachside yoga and meditation sessions ensure an unforgettable stay.

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Why we love it: A family-friendly atmosphere with warm hospitality, a stunning beachfront setting, a large lagoon-style pool, and Zamá Fun Area with a water park.

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Overview

Bahia Principe Explore Tulum is a family-friendly all-inclusive with direct access to a white sandy beach. The umbrellas and loungers are complimentary if you just want to hang out with a good book, but water sports equipment is available for the adventurous, including snorkeling, boogie boarding, and kayaking gear. Afterward, there’s a convenient on-site beach food truck serving light bites and drinks. The property has a water park for the kids and multiple outdoor pools, including one along the beachfront.

Adults can indulge in treatments at the full-service spa or a pampering beachside massage while the younger ones enjoy activities at the kids’ club. Beyond the food truck, dining venues include everything from an international buffet to an à la carte Brazilian steakhouse and Mexican restaurant.

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