As one might expect from the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree brand, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of Playa del Carmen's most sought after resorts. All of the 164 villas feature sleek Asian-inspired decor and Mexican textiles -- as well as walk-in showers, plunge pools, walled-in grass lawns, patios with hammocks, outdoor bathtubs, and fully stocked bars. The grounds, white-sand beach, and lagoon-like pool blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. When you consider the high-end spa, plethora of outdoor activities -- such as golf, snorkeling, and eco tours -- and the fantastic dining, it's very hard to find anything wrong with this property. Only the Rosewood Mayakoba can compare, but the rooms are arguably a little nicer here -- though Rosewood has the superior spa.

Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, the resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary decor -- picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods -- as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. They have an open-air vibe, with many floor-to-ceiling windows, and the overwater lagoon suites have swim-up access. Plus, suites include freebies such as Wi-Fi, fresh fruit, and bottled water. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although they diligently attempt to keep it clean by sending staffers to rake it away), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar. Some may prefer the rooms at the Banyan Tree, but the spa is nicer here.

Few properties in Riviera Maya offer the level of privacy the Fairmont Mayakoba does. The 401 contemporary rooms are set amid tropical forests and lagoons, and feature modern amenities, upscale bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and separate jetted tubs, and nice views, either of the lagoons, the forests, or the ocean. Granted, sprawling grounds mean guests will need a golf cart or one of the BMW bikes the hotels provides to move around. Property highlights include a high-end spa, a number of dining options, five attractive pools -- including a 10,000 square-foot main pool, a kiddy pool, and an adults-only pool -- and a great location on a white-sand beach a few minutes north of Playa del Carmen. However, it’s not an all-inclusive resort and there are a few pesky fees.

This 97-room all-inclusive resort feels more like an upscale beach community -- complete with thatched roofs and quaint seaside cabanas. Rooms are spacious, with airy island-style designs and lots of luxurious touches, like deep-dish sinks, flat-screen TVs, and private patios or balconies. Some suites are swim-up, which border the gorgeous pool linking a group of suites at ground level. The four on-site restaurants offer a decent variety to guests, including a bar dedicated solely to tequila, though those staying for more than an extended weekend may find the options a bit limited. But families will appreciate that the restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and the daily kids' club -- a bright, fun space with tons of games and toys -- is a great place for children to hang out while adults dine or visit the spa.

The Palace offers a high-end all-inclusive experience on a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. It’s the smallest, newest and most upscale of the three properties in the Barcelo complex, with 756 beautiful rooms surrounded by gorgeous pools and manicured grounds. All rooms are Junior Suites or Suites with pretty bathrooms featuring separate showers and tubs. There’s a lot for everyone here, from couples to families to groups, but those who want to party will have to walk to the hotel's sister properties next door, and non-Club Premium guests should expect to pay for Wi-Fi.

The former estate of an Italian duchess, the ultra-luxurious Esencia oozes Mediterranean elegance and style. With just 29 rooms spread over 50 acres, the property feels intimate and exclusive, and shows a thorough attention to detail in everything from the services to the decor. Upscale, contemporary rooms are housed in two-story buildings set amid lush tropical grounds, and feature lots of high-end amenities, including pre-loaded iPods, Molton Brown toiletries, and in some, even private plunge pools. The gorgeous spa, excellent restaurant, and relaxing pools with ocean views are highlights.

With a minimum guest age of 18, anyone looking for a romantic getaway can book the 433-room Secrets Silversands Riviera without fear of rambunctious kids or noisy families. The spacious, clean rooms and suites have crisp, modern decor with flat-screen TVs (though no iPod docks) -- but be on notice that the Swim-out Suites are actually a short walk and then swim out. The beach is smaller and rockier than many hotels in Cancun, but the incredible pools that sprawl the entire property offer ample swimming space (think lazy river meets infinity pool). Just don't plan on venturing out too much: The hotel has a fairly remote location -- which is a perk if you want to avoid the tourist-party mecca of the Hotel Zone.

This adults-only resort lives up to the Excellence name, offering the standard amenities of the luxury chain: multiple attractive pools, numerous dining options, dozens of activities, and a solid spa with beachside treatment huts. The abundance of marble and columns throughout the property might be a bit too ostentatious for some, but it's definitely impressive -- as are the rooms. The rooms feature Jacuzzis and open bathrooms, which shouldn't be a problem for most visitors choosing an adults-only resort. All have terraces or balconies, and a gorgeous stretch of beach is right outside the door.

El Dorado Seaside Suites is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort located on a secluded beach halfway between Playa del Carmen and the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum. This hotel offers 282 spacious suites with double Jacuzzis, terraces or balconies, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. While the location is fairly isolated, this resort has a long list of amenities including a great spa, tennis court, outdoor yoga sessions, and scuba clinics. There are many spots here to relax, including three pools and a total of 12 restaurants and bars. This resort is a great pick for relaxing days with a significant other, but travelers looking for nightlife and shopping might want to consider options closer to Cancun.

The El Dorado Royale is an adults-only resort with a whopping 450 acres of tropical jungle along the Riviera Maya. For walkers, be prepared to exercise the legs here, otherwise jump on one of the many golf carts scooting from one end of the property to the other. Staff members go out of their way to keep guests smiling, and these free rides are a good way to experience the manicured grounds. There are 13 pools in total -- an important aspect, as the ocean bottom is too rocky for most to enjoy. However, the mile-long sandy beach is still suitable for games, strolling, and dining (romantic candlelit dinners are possible). For other options, the resort calls itself a "gourmet" all-inclusive, and offers a dizzying array of restaurants, as well as bars, nightlife, spa treatments, and on-site activities to keep everyone busy. When in need of an escape, the tour desk arranges off-site excursions, or guests can take a shuttle service to visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen. There are three total sister properties in this area, and the Royale is the most basic -- though rooms still feel luxurious with white-linen-draped canopy beds, balconies or terraces, walk-in showers, Jacuzzi tubs, bathrobes, and stocked minibars. The resort is attached to the newer Casitas section with additional amenities such as outdoor showers and private plunge pools.