Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen

This adults-only all-inclusive on the white sands of the Playacar development to the south of central Playa del Carmen, offers an intimate, romantic alternative to some of the larger resorts in the area. Although there are only around 200 rooms at Royal Hideaway Playacar (all with lovely marble bathrooms), the resort has six pools as well as six restaurants. The all-inclusive rates here not only cover meals, room service, and Champagne at check-in, but also non-motorized watersports.

Popular with families and couples — and a convincingly luxe all-inclusive escape — this chic property offers plenty for guests of all ages. Expect perks such as a free kids’ club and multiple pools, plus exceptional dining at a wide array of restaurants. Grand Velas' rooms are spread across three sections — Zen, Ambassador, and the adults-only Grand Class — each with its own extensive set of amenities. Best of all, the all-inclusive rates here are generous, and include all top-shelf drinks, a nice selection of wine and beer, and dining plus select activities such as non-motorized water sports.

If you’re into theme parks and want to devote a good chunk of your Playa del Carmen vacation to active fun, it’s hard to beat the offerings at Hotel Xcaret. It’s a huge property, with some 900 rooms (some with swim-out access), spread across five casas (one of which — Casa Fuego — is adults only). The resort has lots of things to do, from a spa to an extensive kids’ pool. There are also 10 restaurants here, including a healthy vegetarian and vegan option, Bio Restaurant, and a romantic dinner restaurant, Las Cuevas, which is carved out of caves. Xpiral is another treat, situated inside a pyramid structure and offers an all-day brunch on Sunday complete with all-you-can-drink bubbly. Hotel Xcaret's all parks and tours all-inclusive package entitles you not only to food and drink, but also access to the adjacent Xcaret eco-park and other area parks by the same brand: Xplor, Xenses, and Xel-Ha.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun adults-only all-inclusive positions itself as offering unlimited luxury benefits (they’ve actually trademarked the term), and they certainly live up to their name. The suites are elegant and modern as of 2019 renovations, and some of the most popular at Secrets Maroma beach have swim-up pool access. If you want sea views and lots of sunlight, though, your best bet is to book a Junior Suite Ocean View (or higher). The resort is situated on a white-sand beach and offers so much to do on-site that it can be hard to justify ever going into town. Highlights include 13 pools, a lovely spa with hydrotherapy, and extensive dining options (just check ahead as some enforce a dress code).

This adults-only all-inclusive property is both chic and chill, with attractive rooms and casitas that feature marble or wood floors and minimalist decor. Dining options at the Blue Diamond are excellent, with everything from Champagne breakfasts to fusion fine-dining, and reservations aren't required at any of the restaurants. Facilities include a lovely spa with steam and sauna rooms that are open to all guests, plus indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center with yoga classes and personal training. Need more? Direct access to a beautiful white-sand beach with calm, swimmable waters only sweetens the deal.

One of the best options for vacationing families, the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda all-inclusive offers tons of things to keep its youngest guests happy and entertained. That starts at the Kidzone kids’ club, which is chock-full of activities and toys and ends with evening entertainment for kids. Paradisus La Esmeralda also offers Family Concierge Rooms, which include perks such as mini-robes and special toiletries for kids. The resort also opened a new water park in 2018, complete with five slides, a range of water features, and a splash pool for tots. And while kids definitely get the red carpet treatment here, there's plenty to keep adults smiling, from a swim-up bar to a spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit.

Situated inside the calmer Playacar development just south of the city, this modern all-inclusive is best suited to those who want somewhere quiet to stay while still being within walking distance of downtown Playa del Carmen. Playacar Palace offers a range of activities, including nightly entertainment, a spa, a fitness center, and a large outdoor pool. Dining options are diverse, with a la carte restaurant menus featuring Italian and Asian fare plus a main buffet and three additional bars. However, the star attraction for many is the beach (the Playacar Palace beach webcam is available if you want to see the shore ahead of time). For direct beach access, consider booking a Playacar Palace Walk-Out Suite, formerly known as the Sand Suite, which leads directly to the quiet stretch of white sand right in front of the hotel.

One of the more opulent all-inclusive adults-only resorts on the Riviera Maya, this property features elegant rooms with marble bathrooms and whirlpool tubs. It also has one of the most generous all-inclusive policies in the region, fully living up to the Secrets “Unlimited Luxury” offering. Your nightly rate here covers a range of activities as well as top-shelf liquor plus buffet and a la carte dining (note that some of the Secrets Capri restaurants do enforce dress codes). Other property highlights include a gorgeous pool with a swim-up bar, a tranquil spa, and a fitness center, and although it’s not much of a nightlife destination, there is a small nightclub on-site.

A short jaunt from the scene along Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue (or, La Quinta), the Hilton Playa del Carmen adults-only all-inclusive offers an extensive package that covers food and drinks across numerous bars and restaurants, plus 24-hour room service. Facilities include a lovely spa with a hydrotherapy area and a traditional temazcal, plus a beautiful pool complex that looks right over a white-sand beach. Activities are abundant, too, with a gym, tennis courts, and a scuba center that offers free introductory lessons. And while the facilities really shine here, rooms are also attractive. They are spacious — starting with the 655-square-foot Junior Suite Garden View. However, the nicest room — Hilton Playa del Carmen's Presidential Suite — is around three times that size.

Part of Playa del Carmen's larger Iberostar complex, the Iberostar Grand Paraiso adults-only all-inclusive resort wouldn’t feel out of place in Las Vegas (albeit, without the casino). Highlights include a Vegas-style theater with evening entertainment, three pools, and a variety of activities like dance lessons and archery. There are also six bars and four restaurants offering everything from hibachi-grilled Japanese fare to a chocolate fountain. Rooms here are lovely, with a variety of Paraiso Suite options plus a villa category, but faithful Iberostar guests should note that Star Prestige Suite options are not available at this property. Although Wi-Fi is free here, the signal can be weak — but you’re probably not coming here to get work done anyway.

Situated in a quiet beach area around 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, this upscale all-inclusive offers quiet rooms and suites, as well as villas, some with their own plunge pools. The beach is a big draw at Le Reve, with powdery white sands and lots of room for everyone to spread out. There's also a small infinity pool with sea views and immersed sunbeds. However, Le Reve's most enticing feature may be its Merlot Restaurant and Bar, which offers international fine dining and a huge selection of wine stored in a large walk-in cooler.

Up the beach from Playa del Carmen, away from the city center, this upscale all-inclusive resort offers large rooms (starting with 527 square feet/49 square-meter Deluxe Rooms). There’s plenty for families, with five pools, separate kids’ and teens’ clubs, and kids’ menus at the various restaurants (the room service menu even has Gerber baby food). Activities for adults abound, too, with everything from air rifle shooting to Spanish lessons, and there's a big fitness center and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit for those who want to stay healthy during their trip.