Riviera Maya

Dreams Sapphire

Family, Couples

Location- Riviera Maya approx 25 minutes from Airport

Renovated November 2019, this family and Canadian favorite just got better. Now it’s easy to get a family of 5 in here, with the new water park with large slides, kids wading pool and swim out suites the Dreams Sapphire jumps a couple points on my family usability scale!! Close to Puerto Morelos which is a nice little town to explore, close to diving and water tours and all that with free wifi, wrist band free and reservation free a la cartes!

Hotel Xcaret

Luxury, Family, Couples

Location- Approx 45 minutes from the airport

On the larger side of a hotel but very spread out, this stunning property is what a luxury hotel demands in the Mayan. Lacking an “onsite” water park ( although has amazing pools and ocean access) Hotel Xcaret offers free access to 9 of site parks in the area you can keep yourself super busy! The luxury comes at a cost and this property is often one of the most expensive in the area… Is it worth it? Maybe not for us at this point with young kids but older kids may enjoy the connecting pools and access to all the parks! Also probably a good pick for couples that want the luxury and freedom!

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Luxury, Family, Romantic, Adult Only

Location- Just north of Playa del Carmen about 40 minutes from the airpor

This might be the ultimate family resort. The quality of the food and service is outstanding, the pools are plentiful and the beach is great. There is great snorkeling right on site with a shallow reef, the beach volleyball is active and the entertainment team is great. Adults have full access to La Perla next door for the adult experience and night club. The newly built water park is a bit deep for kids under 6 but great for older kids and teens. They also built a new splash park for toddlers here. The only downfall is the lack of coffee in the rooms… That’s it!! Stay here and you won’t be disappointed. Looking for the Adult only luxury, you can enjoy this complex as well! The upscale dining including a sushi bar, Disco at Red Club and the beach club for the days, you are set and if you want head over and take a couple waterslides!!

Ocean Riviera Paradise

Family

Location- Located approx. 1 hour south of Cancun airport

Ocean Riviera Paradise has done a great job making a family hotel into a generational hotel! They have created adult only sections and pools to make couples feel welcomed and the family section is made for families to enjoy their holiday, We have no issues having couples of all ages and families heading here to vacation, we would just love to see some better kid pricing at times!

Iberostar Paraiso Complex Riviera Maya (Del Mar, Beach, Maya, Lindo, Grand)

Family, Adult, Value

Location- 25km from airport

This 5 resort complex is large, very large on an amazing beach. The Paraiso Del Mar and Beach are the lower level resorts, Maya and Lindo have access to these two others and the Grand has access to all of them. For couples I like the Paraiso Grand, its adults only and you have access to all the other resorts, get the best of both worlds and the best of luxury! The Lindo has the lazy river which makes it popular and we have found the Maya has the best in kids pricing. Tough to find the 2 bedroom family rooms sometimes but seem to be around. We have definitely consider this resort and it may be a great pick for you!

Dreams Playa Mujers

Family, Romantic, Wedding

Location-.Playa Mujers North of Cancun airport approx 45 min

Dreams Playa Mujers is a great option in the up and coming area of Playa Mujers. The beautiful beach is perfect for those that love to spend their days watching the waves or playing volleyball or hit the water park or lazy river (for preferred guest only). Complimentary golf (fee applies) can keep the golfer in your life happy. With cool touches such as kids and teens “bars” to compliment the kids and teens club will make your kids never want to leave! Don’t worry adults, you have free access to the secrets next door to enjoy your evenings or hang out with other adults!

*Personal experience (September 2020)

Dreams Riviera Cancun

Family, Luxury, Wedding

Location- Puerto Morelos approx 20 minutes from Airport

Dreams resorts have always been a favorite for us, whether you travel as a couple or a family they will keep you happy. The reservation free a la cartes with adults only dining at certain restaurants and wristband free will keep you comfortable for what you are looking for. The nightly entertainment is a little on the weak side but the lobby bar is lively and a disco on site if that’s what you desire. The many wedding locations make it a great family choice for your destination wedding.

Dreams Tulum

Family, Romantic, Wedding

Location- Tulum area approx 1.5hr from airport.

Dreams Tulum is located close to the magically Tulum Ruins on a white sand beach that goes on for miles. Snorkel right off the beach or enjoy the 5* service with no wristbands required. The reservation free dining at the 8 a la cartes makes it easy for families to go with the flow of their vacation! Don’t worry couples, the adult only section with swim out suites will keep you included if you are heading in a group or want a nice quiet romantic vacation and put down your phones (even though wifi is included)!

Secrets Riviera Cancun

Adults Only, Couples, Romantic

Location- 20 minutes from airport

This is my favorite Resort update in sometime. This was part of the Breathless Resort next door and considered the “upgrade” area to the quiet portion of Breathless, but most people going to Breathless Resorts aren’t typically looking for quiet. So, they upgraded to Secrets with all “Preferred category” hotel with upgraded rooming and amenities through the whole resort. Secrets is probably the best couples resort looking for romance and relaxation and the area now has it. The best part of this change is the fact if you book the Secrets Riviera Cancun you have access to the Breathless Riviera Cancun next door!! This means if you are looking for a night out or maybe a Vegas style pool party you have it at your disposal when you want during your stay… Basically two experiences in one vacation!!!

Grand Bahia Complex Riviera Maya

Family, Adult, Value

Location- approximately 1.25 hours from airport

This large complex is made up of the Coba, Tulum, Akumal and the adults only section location across the highway at Sian Ka’an. The Tulum is beach front with access to the Coba, Coba furthest away but much of the “happening stuff”, Akumal has access to both and with a recent renovation is a little nicer which these connect to the shops and entertainment area in the complex. The adult hotel has access to all, and on the golf course with shuttles getting to the beach and happen area. The Tulum and Coba are often priced right for families with good value and you are looking a little more to get into the Akumal and Sian Ka’an.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

Family, Value

Location- Approx. 45 minutes from Cancun airport

The Sandos Caracol is a great family spot, on the larger side with the “two” family and adult sections. The main attraction is the water park and kids splash area which many enjoy. The Cenote in the resort gives a great feel to swimming in these fresh water oasis’s. The jungle feel with lots of nature and paths to walk or bike through the property makes the resort seem a little less “resorty” and more of an experience with the area!

Princess Complex

Family, Value, Adult

Location- Approx. 45 minutes from Cancun airport

The Princess complex consists of the Grand Sunset Princess, Grand Riviera Princess, Family Riviera Princess, and the Adults only Platinum Princess. This large resort has a lot to offer at often a good price which makes it a favorite for many Canadians. The Platinum Upgrades rooms have some great perks again at a fair price! Swimup bar, swim out suites in the all-suite resort make it good for many!!

El Dorado Maroma

Luxury, Adult, Romantic

Location- 40 minutes from the airport

We will start at the beach, rated one of the top 10 worldwide and always at the top in Mexico, to add that with the food first attitude of Karissma, with luxury to the highest standard and then just for fun add over the water bungalows… YES, not inexpensive but an experience to ideal over!! This often top end resort get sold out year around, so doesn’t often come in cheap but the quality and the reviews speak for itself!