The 350-room Iberostar Quetzal Playacar is an all-inclusive, family-friendly beach resort located at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, and it shares facilities with the Iberostar Tucan Hotel for added restaurants and common areas. Resort life revolves around the large white-sand beach and the enormous main pool, which meanders through the center of the property with enough space for sun-worshippers and water polo players to peacefully coexist. The resort has its own rainforest, with lush trails and resident wildlife, including monkeys who visit guest room balconies. In addition, there is an adults-only pool, seven eateries, six bars, a kids' club, spa, fitness center, and plenty of water sports. Like most all-inclusive beach resorts in the area, it's a perfectly pleasant and well-equipped place to bliss out for a vacation, but little annoyances include reservation and dress code requirements at some restaurants and a lack of elevators.
The 350-room Iberostar Quetzal Playacar is an all-inclusive, family-friendly beach resort located at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, and it shares facilities with the Iberostar Tucan Hotel for added restaurants and common areas. Resort life revolves around the large white-sand beach and the enormous main pool, which meanders through the center of the property with enough space for sun-worshippers and water polo players to peacefully coexist. The resort has its own rainforest, with lush trails and resident wildlife, including monkeys who visit guest room balconies. In addition, there is an adults-only pool, seven eateries, six bars, a kids' club, spa, fitness center, and plenty of water sports. Like most all-inclusive beach resorts in the area, it's a perfectly pleasant and well-equipped place to bliss out for a vacation, but little annoyances include reservation and dress code requirements at some restaurants and a lack of elevators.
With 1,080 rooms, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is the largest resort in the property's Riviera Maya complex. Geared toward families, this upper-middle-range resort has features such as baby, kids', and teens' clubs; a water park playground; kids' menus; and special amenities kits in Family Suites. Simple, colorful rooms are spacious enough for small families, but can adjoined for larger parties. With two pools, a spa, 14 restaurants and bars, and access to the golf club and hacienda shopping plaza, this place is packed with features -- but there's no direct beach access. To avoid a 10-minute shuttle to the beach, check out sister property, Grand Tulum, or upgrade to Luxury Akumal.
With 1,080 rooms, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is the largest resort in the property's Riviera Maya complex. Geared toward families, this upper-middle-range resort has features such as baby, kids', and teens' clubs; a water park playground; kids' menus; and special amenities kits in Family Suites. Simple, colorful rooms are spacious enough for small families, but can adjoined for larger parties. With two pools, a spa, 14 restaurants and bars, and access to the golf club and hacienda shopping plaza, this place is packed with features -- but there's no direct beach access. To avoid a 10-minute shuttle to the beach, check out sister property, Grand Tulum, or upgrade to Luxury Akumal.
The 300-room, Mexican-owned Royal Solaris is an upper-middle-range property with a ton of resort features, including a water park in the kids club. However, many guests feel the property, built in the late '80s, is in need of a facelift -- especially the guest rooms, which are a bit basic. Highlights of the hotel include the pool area complete with a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and in-water tile loungers, and small, but sufficient spa area. This resort is best-suited to families on a budget, while next-door the more upscale GR Caribe (remodeled in 2010) is better suited to couples.
The 300-room, Mexican-owned Royal Solaris is an upper-middle-range property with a ton of resort features, including a water park in the kids club. However, many guests feel the property, built in the late '80s, is in need of a facelift -- especially the guest rooms, which are a bit basic. Highlights of the hotel include the pool area complete with a swim-up bar, waterfalls, and in-water tile loungers, and small, but sufficient spa area. This resort is best-suited to families on a budget, while next-door the more upscale GR Caribe (remodeled in 2010) is better suited to couples.
With an emphasis on all things regional and authentic, Montage Los Cabos is the first Mexican outpost of this North American luxury brand. With only 122 rooms, including three private casas, this boutique resort offers a casually posh vibe that's similar to Chileno Bay Resort & Residences just up the coast. It's also one of the few resorts in the region to be situated on a swimmable beach -- though there are beautiful ocean-view pools as well. Dining here is a treat, with both contemporary Mexican and great international options, plus local treats at Paletas. The spa here is a dream, with gorgeous landscaping and a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit, while a chic boutique sells local art and crafts -- all with a story behind them.
With an emphasis on all things regional and authentic, Montage Los Cabos is the first Mexican outpost of this North American luxury brand. With only 122 rooms, including three private casas, this boutique resort offers a casually posh vibe that's similar to Chileno Bay Resort & Residences just up the coast. It's also one of the few resorts in the region to be situated on a swimmable beach -- though there are beautiful ocean-view pools as well. Dining here is a treat, with both contemporary Mexican and great international options, plus local treats at Paletas. The spa here is a dream, with gorgeous landscaping and a beautiful hydrotherapy circuit, while a chic boutique sells local art and crafts -- all with a story behind them.
The 420-suite Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Kaan is the most exclusive offering within the Mayan Riviera's Bahia Principe resort complex. This adult-only all-inclusive has three restaurants, a snack bar, and four bars, plus a private off-site beach area with beach bar and water sports. An ideal resort for couples, all rooms have top-shelf minibars, 24-hour room service, and luxe amenities -- and are located in semi-private spots within lush garden grounds. Some have private decks with hot tubs. However, if you want to be located directly on the beach without sacrificing perks (but are willing to downgrade room quality), check out sister resort Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal.
The 420-suite Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Kaan is the most exclusive offering within the Mayan Riviera's Bahia Principe resort complex. This adult-only all-inclusive has three restaurants, a snack bar, and four bars, plus a private off-site beach area with beach bar and water sports. An ideal resort for couples, all rooms have top-shelf minibars, 24-hour room service, and luxe amenities -- and are located in semi-private spots within lush garden grounds. Some have private decks with hot tubs. However, if you want to be located directly on the beach without sacrificing perks (but are willing to downgrade room quality), check out sister resort Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal.
Previously two individual properties, the upscale 948-room Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Hotel & Spa is a true mega-resort all-inclusive. Located along a rocky section of coastline and within lush jungle grounds, the scenery is beautiful. Rooms have a contemporary and sleek geometric decor, spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs and spa showers, big beds, and sitting areas. Between the pools, lazy river, beach games, enormous spa (one of the area's best), gym, dolphin discovery, and multiple restaurants, there's no shortage of things to do, though waiting for the trams to take you from point A to B can get annoying. Rates are typically competitive for a four-pearl resort, but those seeking a more intimate experience may want to compare prices with the Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort.
Previously two individual properties, the upscale 948-room Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Hotel & Spa is a true mega-resort all-inclusive. Located along a rocky section of coastline and within lush jungle grounds, the scenery is beautiful. Rooms have a contemporary and sleek geometric decor, spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs and spa showers, big beds, and sitting areas. Between the pools, lazy river, beach games, enormous spa (one of the area's best), gym, dolphin discovery, and multiple restaurants, there's no shortage of things to do, though waiting for the trams to take you from point A to B can get annoying. Rates are typically competitive for a four-pearl resort, but those seeking a more intimate experience may want to compare prices with the Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort.
The 225-room Las Palmas by the Sea is an all-inclusive hotel on the ocean in Puerto Vallarta's South Hotel Zone, but this isn't the type of place where you can relax in the sand and have staff bring you endless cocktails with little umbrellas in them. With the right expectations, this older two-and-a-half pearl property can be good value and a convenient home base. The no-frills rooms are clean, quiet, and spacious. There are two ocean-facing pools, an organized kids' club, and handful of decent restaurants. Though food and drinks are included, there are charges for in-room Wi-Fi, the electronic safe, and water sport rentals, plus annoying time-share pitches.
The 225-room Las Palmas by the Sea is an all-inclusive hotel on the ocean in Puerto Vallarta's South Hotel Zone, but this isn't the type of place where you can relax in the sand and have staff bring you endless cocktails with little umbrellas in them. With the right expectations, this older two-and-a-half pearl property can be good value and a convenient home base. The no-frills rooms are clean, quiet, and spacious. There are two ocean-facing pools, an organized kids' club, and handful of decent restaurants. Though food and drinks are included, there are charges for in-room Wi-Fi, the electronic safe, and water sport rentals, plus annoying time-share pitches.
Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for couples looking for a more intimate and luxurious all-inclusive option outside of the hustle of Cancun. The four-and-a-half pearl property is spread out over gorgeous grounds that are partially manicured and artistic and partially jungle-like and wild so the overall ambiance is natural and feels almost isolated. No kids allowed means the two swimming pools, sandy beach, and plethora of restaurants are generally quiet and relaxing. Adult-friendly facilities include a sleek spa (free access to use the steam room and pool), cigar lounge, and one of the best equipped gyms in Mexico. Suites and casitas come standard with private outdoor bathtubs and minibars stocked with free drinks.
Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is an excellent option for couples looking for a more intimate and luxurious all-inclusive option outside of the hustle of Cancun. The four-and-a-half pearl property is spread out over gorgeous grounds that are partially manicured and artistic and partially jungle-like and wild so the overall ambiance is natural and feels almost isolated. No kids allowed means the two swimming pools, sandy beach, and plethora of restaurants are generally quiet and relaxing. Adult-friendly facilities include a sleek spa (free access to use the steam room and pool), cigar lounge, and one of the best equipped gyms in Mexico. Suites and casitas come standard with private outdoor bathtubs and minibars stocked with free drinks.
Set on a secluded peninsula near the town of Punta de Mita, an hour from central Puerto Vallarta, Iberostar Playa Mita is an upscale, all-inclusive mega-resort offering 452 polished rooms and suites on lush grounds with palm trees and tropical plants. Rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-bars, and balconies. Suites add living areas and kitchens, and some units have ocean views. There are five restaurants, a 24-hour cafe, and seven bars, including a lively swim-up bar in the massive two-tier pool. A huge, beautiful beach offers water sports. Other amenities include a golf course, a lovely spa, a fitness center, a kids’ water park, a billiard hall, and regular entertainment and activities. Wi-Fi and valet parking are free, but some wines cost extra. Guests who want to be closer to downtown might consider Now Amber Puerto Vallarta.
Set on a secluded peninsula near the town of Punta de Mita, an hour from central Puerto Vallarta, Iberostar Playa Mita is an upscale, all-inclusive mega-resort offering 452 polished rooms and suites on lush grounds with palm trees and tropical plants. Rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-bars, and balconies. Suites add living areas and kitchens, and some units have ocean views. There are five restaurants, a 24-hour cafe, and seven bars, including a lively swim-up bar in the massive two-tier pool. A huge, beautiful beach offers water sports. Other amenities include a golf course, a lovely spa, a fitness center, a kids’ water park, a billiard hall, and regular entertainment and activities. Wi-Fi and valet parking are free, but some wines cost extra. Guests who want to be closer to downtown might consider Now Amber Puerto Vallarta.
This family-owned, upscale boutique hotel in San José del Cabo enjoys gorgeous Pacific Ocean views from its two infinity pools, hot tub, and most of its 36 rooms. The somewhat hidden beach is a highlight here and continues to attract guests and locals for consistent waves; Mike Doyle Surf School (attached) offers quality instruction and rentals including paddleboards and beach chairs. Guests should expect (and will want) to spend money at the seafood restaurant and bar often, but there are more restaurants and a grocery store within a short drive. Also on-site: a spa, fitness center, and gift shop. Families willing to sacrifice the beach location may prefer the two-bedroom, kitchen-equipped suites at Alegranza.
This family-owned, upscale boutique hotel in San José del Cabo enjoys gorgeous Pacific Ocean views from its two infinity pools, hot tub, and most of its 36 rooms. The somewhat hidden beach is a highlight here and continues to attract guests and locals for consistent waves; Mike Doyle Surf School (attached) offers quality instruction and rentals including paddleboards and beach chairs. Guests should expect (and will want) to spend money at the seafood restaurant and bar often, but there are more restaurants and a grocery store within a short drive. Also on-site: a spa, fitness center, and gift shop. Families willing to sacrifice the beach location may prefer the two-bedroom, kitchen-equipped suites at Alegranza.