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Nine Of The Best Resorts In Mexico Found In Playa del Carmen and Cancun

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Major Travel Outlet Travel and Leisure Named The Top 25 Resorts In Mexico

Nine of the best resorts in Mexico can be found in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, according to the major travel magazine Travel and Leisure. The listing was announced in their recent slew of reader-voted global awards.

poolside in mexico

The magazine releases a yearly roundup of travel lists ranging from the best countries to the greatest cities and individual hotels. Cancun and Playa del Carmen’s heavy presence on this year’s list is made even sweeter by Mexico being announced as the best destination on the planet this year.

The list, voted for by T&L readers, was split between Mexico’s east and west coasts, with Cabo San Lucas also featuring heavily in the list. Baja California Sur’s Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo did dominate the list, however, taking the top four spots.

Making the list is no mean feat. Mexico has skyrocketed to the top of the world’s interest regarding travel. The pandemic was disastrous for the travel industry, but it’s proved to be one of the biggest turning points in the country’s own market.

Playa del Carmen wowed readers in particular, with most of Quintana Roo’s nine placings found in the popular seaside town.

The highest of those, paced at number six, was the Rosewood Mayakoba, a serene beachside paradise known for its privacy. Guests at the Rosewood feel completed isolate from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the state, staying in one of an array of stunning suites or villas. The beachside or lagoon front villas, in particular, are something to behold.

coastal resort

The massive homes don’t come cheap, but for those willing to splash on them, an unbelievable experience awaits. Guests also have access to several acclaimed restaurants, spas, golf courses, and other idyllic activities.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen was placed at number seven. Another exquisite beachfront property nestled in the jungle on the opposite side, the resort is home to forty-one private villas. Guests find themselves steps from the sand and can enjoy their private plunge pool. Don’t forget the butler service and al fresco bar and restaurant sitting on the beach.

lagoon huts playa del carmen

Mayakoba again found itself on the list with its Fairmont resort in Playa del Carmen. This property is a more traditional resort compared to the Rosewood but still ranks high enough to pull number eleven in Mexico. Set further back from the ocean in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, the Fairmont sits by a beautiful lagoon and features several perfectly designed guest rooms, as well as all the luxury that Mayakoba comes to embody.

The Mahekal Beach resort was next, at number 14 on the list. Imagine a bare-bones beach hut just meters from the water, then fill it with luxury, throw in an all-inclusive option, a pool and spa, and several outstanding restaurants – that’s Mahekal. They’ve even got tree house options if you’re so inclined. Their homepage is filled with testimonies of guests on their twentieth and thirtieth stays – loyalty like that is hard-earned.

spa on beach in mexico

At number sixteen is Hotel Esencia. It was once a Riviera getaway built for an Italian duchess but was eventually converted into the marvelous resort it is today. Each suite is adorned in cool whites and packed with luxurious extras (check the peloton in the wellness suite), all within throwing distance of the perfect white sands of the Mexican Caribbean. It’s no wonder the Duchess chose to hang out here.

Hotel Xcaret finds itself on the list at number seventeen. The resort found itself in the headlines this year for more tragic reasons, but that hasn’t stopped it from featuring as one of the best in Mexico. A favorite for celebrities hanging in the region, Xcaret hotels are as much an experience as they are accommodations. Packages often feature unlimited access to their adventure parks and the use of their ferries to get out and see more of the Riviera. Don’t forget the Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan’s restaurant, Ha.

hotel xcaret

The Vedanta Riviera Maya came in at twenty-one and was noted by the magazine for its outstanding staff, who helped one voter’s family during a family crisis. Outside of saving lives, the massive resort spans almost 1000 acres, where guests can enjoy multiple pools dotted around the property, golf courses, fifteen restaurants and bars, and even the Cirque du Soleil. Not bad at all.

Cancun’s first of two appearances on the list was Nizuc Resort and Spa. The Nizuc successfully finds privacy and serenity despite its proximity to the rest of Cancun. Rooms can feature their own private pool, the spa is exceptional, and the decor is second to none. You’ll never want to leave the calm of Nizuc if you make it your choice.

nizuc resort pool

The second Cancun and final Quintana Roo property on the list rounded out the top twenty-five. Le Blanc Spa Resort is an adults-only resort, making it more peaceful than most and guaranteeing a few added luxuries not found at other hotels. An all-inclusive, five-diamond property, wellness is top of the priority list with its outstanding spa. Fine dining should be expected, as well as high-end experiences like sunset yacht cruises.

With so many outstanding properties in Quintana Roo this year, it’s going to be tough to pick your next luxury getaway.

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