Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

Guests enter the Paradisus La Perla under an attractive white gate that's patrolled by a security guard. They're then greeted under a porte cochere with a cold towel and chilled drink. The lobby is cool and dark, decorated with patterned carpet, marble walls, and brown paint. Wooden tables hold elaborate and modern floral displays near the reception desk. There's an enormous sitting area decorated with matching brown chaise loungers and a huge, abstract, gold chandelier. A small pool holds large statues of white female figures holding birds. Ornate metal sculptures line the hallways. Outdoors, the grounds are well-maintained and green with palm trees, lawns, and flowering bushes.This is an adults-only property, so you won't find little ones. The overall vibe is sophisticated and relaxed -- definitely not the over-the-top party scene you find at some resorts in Playa del Carmen.

For vacationers looking to stay on the property (which is easy to do because of the beach, spa, pools, restaurants, and entertainment), the location on the Caribbean is relaxing and picturesque. Those looking to explore downtown Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun are going to need a car, as there's nothing within fast walking distance of La Esmeralda besides other resorts. The sister property, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda, is directly next door. On-site parking is free. Expect a solid 45-minute drive to Cancun International Airport.

There are 394 suites at La Perla, ranging from Luxury Junior Suites to Master Suites with swim-up pools. An upgrade to Royal Service includes a personal butler. All rooms are luxuriously outfitted with marble floors, stocked minibars, and private terraces. Some have kitchenettes and sliding doors that make for open concepts that expand to the bathrooms and living rooms. Sensory tubs and rain showers are luxe perks. Pillow and aromatherapy menus (for an added charge) are available. Furniture ranges from slightly worn wooden furnishings to Ikea-style desks, but the overall vibe is sleek and tranquil, with a warm, neutral-toned color scheme. Flat-screen TVs include satellite channels in English, and Wi-Fi is both fast and free. Swim-up suites are available, though they're not entirely private as neighbors have access to the same body of water from their own terraces. Ocean views are distant and often obstructed.

It's no surprise that features at this adults-only resort cater to couples. Yhi Spa offers an above average experience with an extensive array of treatment options, beauty services, and a water ritual. There are white outdoor beds for post-massage naps, along with hot tubs and heated pools for swimming. A luxe wooden deck with sun loungers offers another spot to relax near a refreshment center with tea and fresh fruit.The carpeted gym is spacious and includes Technogym cardio equipment and strength-training machines. Bottled water and towels are provided. Group fitness classes are available.Staff organizes entertainment that can include anything from tango lessons, to tequila tastings, to a belly dancer show. Wi-Fi is free and there's a sophisticated meeting room with leather chairs and a conference table. Laundry services are available for a fee.

The all-inclusive package at La Perla really does include everything (except there's a charge for room service). Some restaurants require advanced reservations and are located next door at the family-friendly sister property, La Esmeralda. It's best to check in with a concierge member to sort out the almost overwhelming options. Those staying in Royal Service level rooms also have access to premium booze and snack presentations in the lounge.Naos is the casual international buffet with show cooking, open from early in the morning until late at night. Fuego (which is adults-only) does Latin American-inspired grilled meats indoors and out. Vento offers Mediterranean food for the entire family. Passion by Martin Berasategui has a Michelin-rated chef and offers fine dining for adults; this option is also open to non-hotel guests. Bana is the Asian restaurant for the whole family, complete with sushi. Hadar is the adults-only international buffet, which offers nice options such as freshly squeezed juices. Mole is popular for fun Mexican food, while Gabi Beach Club specializes in tapas by the beach for lunch. The Market is popular for families with picky kids, as it serves pizza and salads on an outdoor terrace. La Palapa is probably the most romantic dining spot. All family-friendly spots are located at the sister property, as La Perla is adults-only.For bars, Red Lounge has a sexy post-dinner vibe, while Toji employs mixologists and serves sake. Gabi Club Bar has a relaxed vibe by the beach, and Blue Agave caters to tequila lovers.

The beach might be one of the resort's only weak spots. The sand is powdery white, but there isn't much of it, and sun loungers, Bali beds, and umbrellas are packed pretty tight. Fortunately, this makes drink service faster -- unfortunately, it's not that romantic. Past guests have complained that the red flag water is pretty to look at, but not entirely safe for swimming. The seaweed alone is enough of a deterrent for some. It's an easy enough walk to find more swimmable shores, and vendors offering water sports rentals are at the ready.

Quiet swimming pools are one of the main reasons couples book adults-only resorts, and the pools at Paradisus Perla are right on the money. The outdoor complex is lined with palm trees, comfy sun loungers, umbrellas, flower beds, and thatch roof huts for respite from the sun. Pools are sparkling blue and accented with submerged loungers and a swim-up bar. Efficient waiter service means sun worshipers don't have to leave their spots to get a margarita refill.Guests who book a Royal Service package get access to a private pool that offers the same features and services, but with fewer people and Bali-style beds. If you miss the sound of splashing children, guests can access the pools next door at La Esmeralda.