7 Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resorts for Sunshine, Beaches, and Buffets

Dive straight into the Riviera life and swim up to your room at Paradisus By Melía Playa del Carmen – La Perla. This all-inclusive hotel is home to 60 swim-up suites, not to mention a strip of preserved mangrove coastline. You and your other half can learn more about the coastal life at your complimentary eco class, where you’ll be guided through local flora and fauna and told about the hotel’s conservation efforts. If party-centric activities are more your vibe, then opt for free tango lessons and tequila tastings to take your holiday to the next level.

Rooms range from junior to two-bedroom master suites, all of which feature a terrace or balcony to make the most of the Caribbean sunshine. If yours doesn’t lead directly into the water, one of the hotel’s four pools won’t be far away. Refresh from your daily activities by stepping into the rainfall shower in your marble bathroom, or order champagne from the 24-hour room service menu while you unwind in your hydromassage tub. Upgraded suites have outdoor whirlpool tubs too – ideal if you’re thinking honeymoon.

For ceviche and cocktails, stop by the resort’s own Fuego, where low lighting and red and black tones set a modern, ever-so-slightly sensual atmosphere. Celebrating an anniversary? Try the tasting menu at Passion by seven-star Michelin chef Martin Berasategui. The next morning, you can satisfy your other senses at the YHI spa. Try a massage, facial or mani-pedi in one of the 14 tranquil treatment cabins, or take a tour of the thermal circuit.

Slip effortlessly into holiday mode as you’re handed a glass of chilled champagne and a cool towel on arrival at Hotel Royal Hideaway Playacar. The star treatment continues as you head up to your room, where deep mahogany furniture is offset by cool, white linens and airy windows. Freshen up with your complimentary L’Occitane or Bulgari toiletries before choosing one of the six pools to dive into or lounge by.

Once you’ve recharged in the shade of palm trees by the pool, you can get your heart pumping and your feet in the sand with a daily volleyball match on the beach. There are tennis courts if you’re up for a round, or you can try your hand (or flippers) at diving with a professional scuba instructor. If all that’s not enough, you’ll find invigorating dance classes and aqua aerobics on the menu at the gym, which also happens to house The Retreat Spa for some post-sweat stress melting. You can finish the afternoon with a luxurious hot stone massage or facial, or prep for dinner with a nail or beauty treatment.

Kick off the evening at Spices, the hotel’s locally inspired restaurant. Take a seat by the window for views over the Yucatán – be sure to order the chilaquiles (crispy tortilla wedges pan-soaked in lip-smacking red or green salsa) for an authentic Mexican experience. With your stomach full, make your way to Allegria Bar for an upbeat evening of live music and an enticing cocktail menu.

Beach, dine, dance, repeat at Hotel Iberostar Paraíso Beach. Located in Playa Paraíso, this tranquil beachfront resort is away from the tourist throng but within reach of Playa’s designer shops on 5th Avenue and the Riviera’s Mayan ruins. Find your own paradise on the hotel’s private stretch of beach and have an icy, minty mojito delivered to your lounger. You can keep the party going all the way into the night, too – just head to the hotel’s own nightclub, Galaxy Discotheque.

For a slower approach, you can practise your putting with views of the ocean and jungle at the 18-hole golf green. Or to slow down completely, waltz into Spa Sensations for a delicious afternoon of spa heaven. Try the Caviar and Argan Facial, which uses argan oil to rejuvenate the skin, or book a luxurious holistic massage. You’ll also find body scrubs, waxing offers and beauty treatments, as well as packages for kids.

When the stars come out, dine under the palapa at La Plaza Buffet or check out El Puerto for a classic steakhouse menu. If the fruits of the sea are more to your taste, you can watch sushi being prepared in front of you at Hashiru, the resort’s Japanese show-cooking restaurant. Once you’re sashimi-stuffed and satisfied, head on up to your luxury suite with views of the garden or jungle. If you’re celebrating, check into the Presidential Suite to soak in ocean views while you sit back in your private outdoor whirlpool tub.

Sway on a swing, cocktail in hand, while you look out over the Caribbean Sea at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya All Inclusive. Take your pick of water-side activities, from lounging by the pool, socializing at the swim-up bars or sunbathing on the private half-mile beach. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort caters to grown-up (at least on the outside) fun seekers – from pool parties with tequila tastings and live DJs to day excursions to the ruins of Chichén Itzá.

Connect your phone or tablet to the Bluetooth speaker in your room – all suites have them – for some background music while you slip into your hydromassage bathtub. Patterned cushions and throws bring color to the tranquil cream-color décor, while huge windows flood each room with light. After a long day at the beach, wash the sand from your feet and slide into your freshly turned down bed – and if you need an extra pillow? The 24-hour concierge will be happy to oblige. There’s also the option to make your morning dip easier by booking a swim-up suite.

To make the most of your Riviera adventure, you’ll want to dine at La Hacienda. Bright lights and a neutral palette set a modern tone, while the menu serves up traditional Mexican fare like drool-worthy crab enchiladas. Or for something international, Taman Sari plates up Asian fusion dishes if you’re in the mood for a fresh and flavourful curry.

You’ll find unadulterated luxury at Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun. There’s a reason this adults-only resort earned a AAA Four-Diamond award: it might have something to do with its unrivaled location on 71 acres of tropical seafront. Or, it could be the elegant rooms that welcome you with four-poster beds, balconies with tropical garden or ocean views and marble bathrooms. Or maybe it’s the resort’s small-dog-friendly accommodations (not just for chihuahuas!)

Dock your iPod or phone and settle down on your balcony or terrace with a glass of pinot before you head out to explore the resort. As lunchtime approaches, you can browse a medley of relaxed and fine dining options. Drop by the Cactus Club for views of the white sand while you snack on ceviche, and try the fried calamari with your mezcal (tequila’s smokier, sultrier cousin). If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, book a table at Oceana for an elegant à la carte menu. Huge double doors let in the ocean breeze while plates of fresh seafood are brought to your table. For an extra romantic evening, grab a spot on the balcony – be sure to order the lobster for a real treat.

Your morning coffee will be served at the Coco Café – your 24-hour drop-in spot for drinks and snacks. After your caffeine fix, you and your partner can head to the Secrets Spa for a side-by-side couple’s massage or detoxing wrap. Come evening, you can try on a different vibe every night; cuddle up for a movie under the stars or shop for local art each Thursday when the lobby becomes a gallery.

Let the hacienda feeling at Panama Jack Resorts Gran Porto – Playa del Carmen set you at ease the moment you step through the doors. The warm Caribbean breeze will lull you into a state of bliss as you dip into the oceanfront freshwater pool or try out the rooftop hot tub with views of the tropical city.

Kids can hula-hoop to their hearts’ content at Camp Jack, where babysitting services let the adults sneak away for a round of chili-infused Absolut tropical punch at Jack’s Shack. Or if you’re more about body wellness than booze, swing by the on-site spa for a warm Mayan mud wrap. Of course, you can also spend a session in the sauna, steam room or cold plunge pool to revive the senses.

For a family dinner, head over to Off the Hook. Up on the roof, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of ocean and town as well as mouthwatering sushi – the rainbow rolls are a must-try. Or if you’re in the mood for something more traditional, you’ll find local flavors plated up at Zarape. Afterward, catch the nightly entertainment like the themed music show in the Lobby Lounge.

Rooms have a nautical feel with striped throws and soft blue and white tones. Before the kids wake up, brew yourself a strong coffee and sip out on your private terrace or balcony. And if you want to fall asleep to the sound of the sea? Make sure to book an Oceanview Suite.

With powder-perfect sand, rustling palm trees and a pool that goes on for days, Playacar Palace All Inclusive gives that beach resort getaway everyone’s after. On arrival, head up to your suite and crack open a bottle of red while you take in the ocean views. After a day of sun and surf, you’ll relish slipping into your cooled space – throw on your fluffy bathrobe and stream a show on the smart TV to watch from your dark wooden bed backed by a photo-worthy statement headboard. Or for ultra relaxation, flick on the jets of your whirlpool bathtub – don’t forget to bring the rest of that bottle of wine!

For out-of-room pampering, you need only to head to the day spa. Prep with a Vitamin C facial to leave your skin glowing, or relax your muscles with an aromatherapy massage. Afterward, try the steam room and sauna or saunter between the cool and warm lagoons. Any kids in tow will be kept entertained in the Playroom while you ready for the night at the on-site beauty salon. After a romantic dinner, the whole family can come together for the nightly entertainment – think magicians, circus acts and dancing.

In the morning, breakfast comes with views of the Caribbean Sea at Café del Mar. Fill up on an international buffet of fresh pastries and cereals, then circle back at dinnertime for a feast of tacos and quesadillas. Or if the kids are pining for pizza, the Aqua Bar serves up slices hot from the wood-fired oven. If you can squeeze in a night for just the adults, you’ll find fine dining and elegant service at Bocelli.