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With so many worldwide properties available to travelers, narrowing it down to just 100 of the top hotels in the world is a task in itself. Travel + Leisure set out to create this Top 100 Hotels In The World list by asking real travelers about their favorite travel locations and experiences of the last three years. The results show just how well-provisioned Mexico is for high-quality hotels, with seven Mexico-based properties ranked amongst the top 100. And, even better, three of those seven are in the stunning Mexican Caribbean.
With ratings based on the following all-important vacation criteria, you’ll know that if you choose one of these three award-winning hotels, you’re in for a great stay:
- Facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Overall value
All the resorts are based in and around Playa del Carmen, a city that was itself named as one of the best places to visit in Mexico earlier this year.
Viceroy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen
The stunning Viceroy Riviera Maya hotel is located just north of Playa del Carmen and although you’ll have access to everything the tourist-friendly city has to offer – and there is a lot – you’ll feel in a different world when you arrive at Viceroy Riviera Maya.
Ranked number 39 in the world, and scoring an impressive 97.92 out of 100, this hotel offers 41 private villas, each with its own plunge pool, sun deck, and outside shower for the ultimate opportunity to commune with nature. Set in a lush tropical jungle, the gardens will invite you to relax – or maybe to explore.
You can’t get more oceanfront than the completely redesigned Coral Restaurant and Bar, and the hotel boasts an outstanding pool area fringed with palm trees to provide that little bit of shade when you need it.
It’s not only the Travel + Leisure award this hotel is ranked in, it has also been named as a Gold status hotel in the 2021 US News and World Report Best Hotels in Mexico award, and was also voted a Top 20 resort in Eastern Mexico by Conde Nast Readers Travel Awards in 2021.
Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen
Ranked number 76 in the world, and scoring 97.12 out of a possible 100 points, the Mahekal Beach Resort is another luxurious option located on the beautiful white sand beaches of the Mexican Caribbean coast. In fact, this resort is on the longest stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen. But it’s also only steps away from the center of Playa del Carmen, giving you the best of both worlds.
Offering a range of accommodation, you can choose from a beach house, one of the ‘boho-chic’ suites, or even a fun treehouse. The vibe here is relaxed and serene, with the focus on the beautiful grounds and the ocean. The romantic Agave bar serves delicious cocktails at night, and there are numerous eateries to choose from, each benefitting from rustic but stylish decor.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
The Rosewood Mayakoba is no stranger to ‘best of’ lists, having recently been voted a Travelers’ Choice hotel in Playa del Carmen. Ranked number 96 in the Top 100 hotels in the world list, with a score of 96.70, this much-loved resort is located just a few minutes drive north of Playa del Carmen in a 620-acre beachfront plot filled with lush plants and flowers.
This hotel prides itself on its service, so you can expect to be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. Mind-blowing private villas have anything from one to five bedrooms and each one is ultra-luxe and private, modern and stylish, but with all the personal touches you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber. There’s a plethora of restaurants and bars in the resort – over 20 at last count – plus a world-class golf course. Oh, and did we mention the glistening waters of the natural lagoons? This resort is a joy to explore – why not discover it on your next Mexican Caribbean vacation?
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