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 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.

Hotel B has everything a hotel needs to draw a young, hip crowd: a lounge-y beach, spacious rooms with great amenities, a gorgeous infinity-edge pool, a hopping bar with great mojitos, and yoga classes several times a week. Everything here is trendy, but that doesn’t come at the cost of sustainability, social responsibility, or local culture -- the property is decorated top to bottom with traditional Mexican touches with a contemporary twist and crafts made by Mexican artisans. Add this to great rates and a fabulous restaurant, and you’ve got a resort that's a very attractive alternative to the dozens of all-inclusive properties lining this part of the island.