4 Traveller’s Choice Award-Winning All-Inclusive Resorts In Riviera Maya

Thinking about a Mexican escape? Well, we’ve found the perfect quartet of hotels from where to base your stay. But it’s not just us saying they’re the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya – TripAdvisor agrees too!

Bluebay Grand Esmeralda is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya
What are the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya? We’ll tell you with the help of TripAdvisor

Booking a holiday in Mexico is, just about, one of the most exciting things you can do. The white sands, azure ocean, bustling cities and selection of activities make it a scintillating adventure for couples or families. 

However, with all those incredible plus points comes a heaving choice of destinations and resorts. The selection of things to do in Riviera Maya has probably already got you thinking that this is the location for you. But where do you lay your head?

With hundreds of incredible hotels to pick from, how do you narrow down your search? The answer is, let us (and TripAdvisor) do it for you

Alongside the eponymous review app, we’ve collated our list of best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya. These 4 destinations have everything you need for an unforgettable escape. So, where are they?


What Are The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya?

  1. Bahia Principe Grand Coba
  2. Bluebay Grand Esmeralda
  3. Excellence Riviera Cancun
  4. Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal

Before we tell you about those sites in more detail, how about we give you a little more background on your destination of choice?



Where Is Riviera Maya?

Riviera Maya is a region located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Around 1 hour and 10 minutes from Cancun, Riviera Maya includes well-known tourist hotspot towns like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Akumal. 

Many people also choose to stay here because of the range of things to do in Riviera Maya and because of its proximity to the small but stunning island of Cozumel. In fact, the ferry from Riviera Maya to Cozumel is just 45 minutes long. Making it the perfect day trip activity for couples or families staying in the area. 

Because of the vibrant activity landscape in the area, Riviera Maya is a big hit with tourists looking to get a concentrated hit of Mexican culture. Here you can move from exploring ancient Mayan ruins to enjoy a delicious meal in a contemporary restaurant with ease. 

But, when you’re not out enjoying everything the region has to offer, where should you be staying? Let’s take a deeper dive into those 4 resorts to see which one is best suited for your trip. 

Caribbean coast of Mexico in Tulum
The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular tourist spots in Mexico – no wonder when it looks like this. Photo by Darren Lawrence on Unsplash

1. Bahia Principe Grand Coba

Bahia Principe Grand Coba is a five-star all-inclusive resort that offers a plethora of choices in almost every area of its facilities. Boasting 2 pools, 10 restaurants, and 9 bars, as well as a spa, golf facilities and even a selection of water sports. There is something for everyone to enjoy here. 

Because of that host of eateries, you have the ability to basque in the reflective glory of a different cuisine every evening. Move from vibrant authentic Mexican cuisine to elegant Italian or lip-smacking Asian creations. 

Meanwhile, when you’re not filling up at the restaurants, you could be lounging in the pool or making the 1km journey to the beach – shuttles are provided by the resort. Even the little ones will love Bahia Principe Grand Coba, especially when they lock eyes on the impressive water park and collection of slides. 

This is certainly the resort for you if you’re aiming to capture that perfect sun-soaked Mexican family getaway. 


2. Bluebay Grand Esmeralda

If you’re thinking of moving your escape closer to the sand, then Bluebay Grand Esmeralda is the resort for you. Sitting on a stunning stretch of Riviera Maya sand, this sprawling 5-star all-inclusive haven is just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen. 

When you consider the resort boasts 3 pools, 6 restaurants, 2 bars and a spa, it’s easy to see why we placed it in our selection of the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya list. 

Bluebay Grand Esmeralda offers you the chance to build your own escape. Take the chance to get out and explore the gorgeous town of Playa Del Carmen or, if you’re seeking a sporty escape, the resort is also just 10 minutes from El Camaleón Mayacoba golf course

On the other hand, if the golf course isn’t for you or you’re travelling with the kids, how about setting some time aside for a good pamper in the resorts spa? The little ones can explore the Miniclub and you can start unwinding in style. 


3. Excellence Riviera Cancun

Up until now, we’ve been focusing on more family-friendly locations. However, Excellence Riviera Cancun promises an adults-only offering like no other. 

Despite its name suggesting that it’s more aligned with Cancun, the resort is actually situated firmly in Riviera Maya. Forget the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award, because this resort has been lining up the famous app’s “Best of The Best” accolade for the past few years – taking gold in a number of categories over the last few years. 

So what makes it so damn good?

Well, it could be the fact that it offers guests an unrivalled selection of 6 pools, 10 restaurants, and 11 bars. Or it could be that it’s located just down the road from the incredible Greg Norman golf course. On the other hand, it could be because of the fantastically well-equipped Miilé Spa where expert therapists use an unmatched selection of treatments to cure what ails ya.  

We prefer to believe it’s a mixture of all three reasons.


4. Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal

Last but by no means least we come to Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal. Like many of the other resorts, Luxury Bahia comes backed by tropical rainforest and fronted by a shimmering Caribbean beach. 

With 3 pools, 7 restaurants and 9 bars, this five-star haven is just as well as equipped as the others in this list – but that’s not the whole story here. From your location in this staggering resort, you’ll also be just 10 minutes from Xel-Ha, one of the top adventure parks in Mexico. In addition, you’ll be perfectly situated to take in the majestic ruins in Tulum, Cozumel and Coba. 

Couples or groups will love taking the opportunity to relax to the max in the resort or work on their swing at Riviera Maya Golf Club, which is just an 8-minute drive away. 


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Which 5-star All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Resort Should You Choose?

Finding the best all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya for you very much depends on what you want from your trip. 

Non-stop adventure-seekers will love having the chance to take on a new experience every day at Bahia Principe Grand Coba. However, if you’re trying to find somewhere to keep the kids entertained in the sun then Bluebay Grand Esmeralda might be better suited. 

Elsewhere, Excellence Riviera Cancun is best suited to providing a calming adults-only escape. Meanwhile, groups might prefer the endless activities and proximity to nearby attractions that Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal offers. 

Aerial shot of the pool area and beachfront at Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal
Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal has everything you could want for an action-packed Mexico holiday

Start Your Mexican Adventure Today

Those 4 top resorts in Riviera Maya have something to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re searching for an elite family break, memorable group booking, or romantic couples escape. 

Click the button below to take a deeper dive into each resort and find out more about what you can expect when your flip-flops touch the ground in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

That should also allow you to see why we and TripAdvisor like them so much!

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