Best Luxury Hotels in Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya

The luxurious Heaven at the Hard Rock is the adult-only side of the larger all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel complex. There are 577 rock-themed rooms, all with jetted tubs and balconies (some with ocean views). Features include four restaurants (plus six more at the sister resort next door), the Rock Spa, and the Body Rock Fitness Center, a nightclub with live DJs, and a man-made lagoon beach. Restaurant reservations are not required, a major upside, but guests do have to wear wristbands. For a natural beach on the ocean, consider the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun instead. Families with members under 18 should book next door at the "Hacienda side" of the resort. 

The 130-room Royal Suites Yucatan is the smallest, quietest, and most luxurious resort in the five-resort Grand Palladium Riviera Maya complex, and the only one for adults only. Located along the beautiful Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun, this upscale resort gives guests an all-inclusive experience with more food an drink options than you can count on both hands, all-day and night activities, soft sand and coral rock beaches, wildlife, a huge hydrotherapy-based spa with gym (access for a fee), and relaxing nature-filled grounds. While Royal Suites guests get full access to the features at the sister resorts, the reverse is not true. The rooms have much more contemporary decor than what is found at the sister properties, and the lagoon-facing Mayan Suites here are among the nicest accommodations in the entire complex. Just note that the property is sprawling and it's a trek to the beach, though shuttle service is available. 

The luxury El Dorado Sensimar Riviera Maya is an adult-only, beachfront all-inclusive about an hour from Cancun, that's known by its loyal guests for having superb food. Ten gourmet-style restaurants and bars keep bellies full and drinks in hand, while the resort's peaceful grounds and lagoon beach make it easy to relax. All 360 rooms come with two-person whirlpools, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies or terraces, but decor is a bit sparse and dated for a hotel of this caliber. Guests generally like the relaxed dinner dress codes, large spa with hydrotherapy circtuit, and romantic vibe. However, rates are often higher than comparable properties in the area. The TRS Yucatan is worth a comparison for those looking for an adult-only property with a more affordable rate.

The 687-room Hard Rock Riviera Maya is an upscale all-inclusive resort that pushes hard to instill its brand name. Expect rock-themed rooms, all with jetted tubs and balconies (some with ocean views). There are three pools, six restaurants, two kids' clubs, a constant barrage of adventure activities, a convention center, and Wi-Fi even in the remote areas. Note that even though this is the family-friendly side of the Hard Rock complex (sister resort Heaven at Hard Rock is for adults only), it can still get a bit rowdy during high season. The biggest downside here is the man-made beach on a lagoon; for a natural beach on the ocean, consider the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun instead. 

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 1,012-room Colonial & Tropical is an upper-middle-range all-inclusive resort located right on a white-sand beach just south of Playa del Carmen. It offers several huge pools, eight restaurants, and a long list of activities for all ages. While many types of travelers can appreciate the hotel’s extensive features, the hotel seems to cater mostly to families, with great kid-friendly extras such as a kiddy pool, kids’ and teens clubs, and spacious rooms that can accommodate up to five guests.

The 1,031-room Caribe & Beach is a mid-range all-inclusive resort located right on a white-sand beach just south of Playa del Carmen. It is the least luxurious of the three properties in the Barcelo complex, but offers two huge pools, six restaurants, and a long list of activities for all ages. The hotel caters mostly to families -- with great kid-friendly features such as a kids’ and teens' clubs and rooms that can accommodate up to five guests -- but it is also popular with couples and groups.

This upscale resort is a great all-inclusive option in the safe area of Puerto Aventuras. Though its kids' club and extensive list of daily activities cater to families, the resort attracts an equal number of couples (thanks to its sexy spa and relaxed atmosphere). All rooms have balconies and massive marble bathrooms with double vanities. The decor is a bit more chic than other family-oriented resorts nearby, with sleek furnishings, pops of color, and nature-inspired designs throughout. One downside of the rooms, however, is that the tiny flat-screen TVs can barely be seen from the bed.