Playa del Carmen

This family-friendly resort—kids stay free—spans 45 acres of prime beachfront and is built around a series of canals blasted out of the limestone and fed with clear water from the underground rivers. — Star Service

Apt alternatives include Hotel Esencia, A Seaside Estate and Belmond Maroma, though the wow-factor here is tailored in private, freestanding huts that create unique worlds unto themselves. — Star Service

A luxurious all-suite property nestled in the verdant Riviera Maya. — Gayot

As one might expect from the ultra-luxurious Banyan Tree brand, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of Playa del Carmen's most sought after resorts. — Oyster

At this "modern, beautifully designed beachfront all-inclusive," the light-blue and turquoise exterior reflects the waterfront setting, while the curved architecture mimics the waves. — Condé Nast Traveler

This family-friendly beachside resort has 14 restaurants, 16 bars, and is perfect for active children. — The Telegraph

Midway between Punta Bete and Punta Maroma, this all-inclusive resort is on the south end of Maroma Beach. — Fodor's

Smallish rustic-chic rooms here are attractively adorned with vintage objects purchased from flea markets and haciendas. — Lonely Planet

Art and antiques from around the world fill the lobby, and streams, waterfalls, and fountains fill the grounds of this 13-acre resort on a stretch of pristine beach. — Fodor's

This Playa all-inclusive offers flash and class in a Vegas-meets-cruise ship environment with 14 restaurants, 11 bars, and nearly 1,000 rooms scattered between two buildings. — Fodor's

A boho-chic, beachfront property, the upper-middle-range Mahekal Beach Resort has 122 rooms with garden or ocean views, many of which have thatched roof bungalows. — Oyster

Adults-only playground on the Riviera Maya. — Jetsetter

Tucked into the scenic shores of the Riviera Maya, the boutique Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa beckons with 33 suites, 33 guestrooms and a Maya-style spa offering the unusual temazcál ceremony. — Afar Magazine

Considered one of the area’s best hotels, with a private beach... modern gym, and several excellent restaurants, as well as gorgeous rooms, all with private balconies and a full kitchen. — Oyster

This beachfront all-inclusive for adults "lives up to its name, with a great beach, great style, and all the trimmings." — Condé Nast Traveler

Its hip town-center base has a buzzy rooftop hotspot, and its shoreside counterpart’s a laid-back boho beach house. You’ll find plenty of sun, Mexican-inspired food and flair, and views. — Mr & Mrs Smith

Four restaurants, 24-hour room service, and a modern gym and spa make up the ingredients of a typical all-inclusive experience, but as an adult-only property, this isn't your average family resort. — Oyster

Few hotels along Mexico’s Mayan Riviera are as private and intimate as Le Reve Hotel and Spa. — Travel + Leisure

All-inclusive Caribbean lair with swim-in/swim-out suites, just twenty minutes southwest of Puerto Morelos. — Jetsetter

This 10-room value hotel has been a mainstay in downtown Playa del Carmen since first opening in August of 1999. — Oyster