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.

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 just 41 private villas, the Viceroy Riviera Maya attracts couples looking for a quiet, romantic retreat. The rustic-luxe villas -- with thatched roofs, partially canopied beds, and updated amenities such as large flat-screen TVs -- all have their own plunge pools, outdoor showers, and hammocks. They also all have bug spray. The Viceroy is all about relaxation; the restaurants are casual but upscale, the spa features outdoor treatment rooms and a steam room, and the serene pool overlooks the ocean and the seven-mile stretch of white-sand beach. Though families do come, the resort provides very few family-friendly amenities (there is no kids' club) so families may consider the still peaceful but family-friendly Rosewood Mayakoba, just a few minutes away.

This upscale 65-room boutique between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos has a beautiful setting on a white-sand beach, amid a jungle preserve. Contemporary rooms are equipped with original artwork, furniture from the hotel’s own workshops, king beds and either a terrace or a balcony. The great amenities on offer, including three pools, upscale dining, a wonderful spa, and a gorgeous beach, make this a solid pick, but prices are quite steep; other luxury resorts in the area may offer better value.

The adults-only El Dorado Maroma resort is more intimate than its much larger sister property down the beach, the El Dorado Royale. With only 72 suites ranging in size and grandeur -- most have private infinity or swim-up pools and outdoor showers -- the Maroma is an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, romantic holiday (though wedding parties can liven things up). The most stand-out aspect of the location is having next-door access to Marina Maroma Paradise -- a company that provides day-excursions such as sport fishing, diving, kayaking, sailing, and wave-runner rentals. For less adventurous folk, the long sandy beach is great for hand-in-hand strolls (though the waters are a bit rocky for swimming). The resort calls itself a "gourmet" all-inclusive, and offers three a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment. All room types feature balconies or terraces, flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players, bathrobes, and stocked minibars. For rainy days, there is a spa, fitness center, and business center on-site, but Wi-Fi is not included.

The 400-room, all-inclusive Riu Palace Riviera Maya sits right on the soft, sugar-white beach of Playa del Carmen’s Playacar. Surrounded by towering palm trees and expertly groomed greenery, the property is like luxurious tropical eye candy. Architecturally speaking, the hotel puts a stylish spin on the charming, traditional Mexican estate, resulting in an opulent-meets-old-world ambiance. The lobby -- decked out in marble floors and huge chandeliers-- also has an impressive rotunda and radiant glass-stained ceiling panes. The rooms, however, don't live up to the exterior hype. The decor is plain and just plain old-fashioned, and the bathrooms are average at best. There is a good variety of food options (like the Mexican El Porche or the poolside bar), plus a small spa and fitness center. But the pool is probably the highlight here -- it's expansive. As far as the Riu properties go, this one looks like all the others.

Azul Fives by Karisma is a 360-room hotel located about 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen. It seems well suited for all occasions (weddings, reunions, honeymoons), but caters especially to families with children -- there’s even a loan program for baby toys and equipment, as well as a great kids' club. Outside, the property is well kept with lovely grounds, and inside the hotel’s furnishings are modern and luxurious. All chicly decorated guest rooms come with a balcony or terrace, dining table, iPod dock, and Jacuzzi tub, but the suites are particularly spacious and include features such as living rooms with sleeper sofas, powder rooms, and kitchens. The private beach is lovely and great for relaxing, but the water is too rocky for swimming. The hotel has five restaurants, three beautiful pools, and outdoor seating that offers a little slice of paradise. Unlike most resorts, though, Azul Fives does not have its own shuttle to Cancun International Airport, which is 45 minutes away.

The luxurious, all-inclusive Palace Resorts’ Playacar Palace by Wyndham is located directly on the beach in the Playacar resort community, next to the Cozumel Island ferry and a short walk to Quinta Avida in downtown Playa del Carmen. Most of the 208 stylishly decorated rooms have balconies offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. All come with bathrobes and slippers, a double Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, and in-room wine and a liquor dispenser filled with quality brands. The property itself is beautifully grand, yet has a nice intimate feel to it -- especially with the staff that is known for treating guests like family. In addition to beach fun, there’s also an abundance of other on-site activities: table tennis, aqua aerobics, 18-hole golf course, water polo, karaoke, and live shows nightly. Three restaurants offer international cuisine in both casual and elegant settings -- though for an all-inclusive, the selection can feel limiting. For further amenities and dining options, the resort provides free transportation to other Palace properties and resorts in the hotel zone.