Posted on June 13, 2015 by Rufus — No Comments ↓

Best Resorts in Playa Del Carmen

…great resorts that will more often see you leaving the premises then the all-inclusive ones…

Several stainless steel pots holding dinner entrees at an all-you-can-eat resort buffet.

NOTE: This page is about resorts that are NOT all-inclusive.

Go here if you are looking for the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa Del Carmen.

FACT: Sometimes the resorts that are NOT all-inclusive are better.

Why?

Because they force you to leave your safe bubble and go explore this city!!!

Does that make sense?

I hope so because you’re going to miss out on a very interesting experience if you simply stay at your resort and don’t go shopping, walk up and down Fifth Avenue, and see the downtown area.

Now let me continue…

A few weeks ago I was sitting at a beach bar writing about the best resorts in Playa Del Carmen.

I kept getting distracted by the thought of bikini-clad women and beer, but after six hours I had finished my article.

Then I read it back this morning.

Wow…I must have been seriously in the mood that day.

My rationale for the best resorts in Playa Del Carmen was basically where you could find the hottest women.

I had gone into detail about nationalities, bikini sizes, and where to find the highest concentration of fake breasts – and I don’t even like fake breasts!

Weird.

Obviously, that isn’t very useful to anyone sitting at home contemplating which Playa Del Carmen resort to book.

It’s not easy trying to choose a resort when there are so many to choose from.

I think this is what kept me in a constant state of vacillation – my mind resorted to something that I was more comfortable thinking about.

In any case, I spent this morning writing a new version of this article.

Except, this time, I’m going to keep all thoughts of women out of it.

Several beds for use by resort guests near the beach.

Map of the Best Resorts In Playa Del Carmen

Just because I wanted you to know exactly where you may be staying, I created the map you see below.

As always, you can move the map around by either dragging it with your mouse or sliding your fingers around it.

The busy part of Playa Del Carmen is just south of the resorts in the map.

It will take you around 10 minutes by resort shuttle bus or taxi in order to get to the hotspots of the city.

Why A Playa Del Carmen Resort Might Be The Best Choice

Many people visit Playa Del Carmen and stay in an all inclusive resort.

Fair enough. Everything is paid for, and you won’t have to worry about other expenditures throughout your trip.

The logic seems reasonable.

But it isn’t.

If you want to be trapped in a bubble that could be anywhere in the world, then go to an all inclusive.

But there is so much more to Playa Del Carmen than a beach and your resort.

The cheapest accommodation in Playa Del Carmen is in any of the excellent hotels.

But I know a lot of people like the idea of a fully-fledged resort with world class amenities and lots of different pools to choose from.

A Playa Del Carmen resort offers the same standards and facilities as all inclusive resorts.

But it’s cheaper and you don’t feel confined to your resort.

For all practical purposes, a resort is a STEP UP from an all inclusive!

They also offer a level of quality and service that’s difficult to find in the Playa Del Carmen hotels – even the best hotels.

An example of the resort exercise facilities available at most large properties.

The Basic Criteria For Picking The Best Resorts In Playa Del Carmen

An outdoor and indoor buffet restaurant.

Regardless of where you stay, everyone is looking for the same things.

I’m talking about location, value, service, facilities, cleanliness, and all those other things you can give ratings for on review sites like TripAdvisor.

Of course all those points are important.

But service isn’t really important when picking the best resort in Playa Del Carmen.

You get amazing service at all of them.

Seriously. I don’t know how anyone can say one is better than another.

The staff always remember your name, and they often add a bit of Mexican personality into the service.

More Specific Criteria For Picking The Best Resorts In Playa Del Carmen

The problem is that many resorts are essentially the same.

They look the same, feel the same, offer the same things, and are the same as resorts elsewhere in the world.

The best resorts in Playa Del Carmen have something special and unique about them.

They’ve not just been designed by the same architects or simply copied the décor from everyone else.

Part of the rationale for choosing these three resorts is that they go a step beyond what a normal resort offers and looks like.

Another essential criterion is location.

Almost everything in Playa Del Carmen is centered around the beach and 5th Avenue.

However, many people end up spending all their time in the area around their resort.

That’s a big mistake, especially if you’re staying in Playacar.

There are so many other things to do here; DON’T JUST SIT IN YOUR HOTEL/RESORT!!!

If you stick to the resort area, then you pay triple for everything and don’t get a real flavor of Playa Del Carmen.

So, I only chose resorts that are very unique or are walking distance from 5th Ave and everything that Playa Del Carmen has to offer.

Several bath towels with washcloths and toiletries in a fancy bathroom.

Why Value Is So Important When Picking A Playa Del Carmen Resort

Several large deep-fried shrimp on a tortilla.

Look at any resort description.

There will be an almost never-ending list of amenities and facilities.

Yes, on paper it looks cool to have three fitness centers, 17 spas, and 20 restaurants at your resort.

But are you really going to use all the resort’s amenities? Probably not.

There’s nothing wrong with spending big on a resort.

But don’t waste your money on all this extra bullshit when all you’re looking for is a nice room and good pool.

So I only considered Playa Del Carmen resorts which offer excellent value for the money and don’t overcharge guests for everything.

An entrance to a resort in Playa Del Carmen.

The Best Playa Del Carmen Resorts #1 – Rosewood Mayakoba

I’ll start with the price and then try and justify the Rosewood Mayakoba’s inclusion.

The cheapest studios here are around $475 – $810 USD/night – dependent on the season.

So you will be spending a significant amount of $$$ just for staying here.

It’s definitely not for the minimum wage earner – even if the minimum wage is soon raised.

But…it’s so worth it.

This resort is the ultimate in indulgence.

Just picture the biggest most beautiful room you can.

Now double the size, add a private balcony with ocean view, add a hot tub, and then let your imagination run wild.

Wedding location?

Honeymoon?

Special treat for a birthday?

If you want to treat yourself, then this is the best Playa Del Carmen resort.

I haven’t even started mentioning the attention to detail and the idyllic location on the beach.

Without question, this Playa Del Carmen resort is seriously beautiful and memorable.

Rosewood Mayakoba – Promo Video

Please note that I didn’t make this video.

I simply added it so that you wouldn’t have to go searching on YouTube for something that I already found.

If it’s a little over the top for your tastes, blame someone else.

However, I think it will give you an idea of the type of privacy and exclusivity to expect at the Rosewood Mayakoba.

Rosewood Mayakoba Phone Number / Contact Info / Etc:

Here is the Rosewood Mayakoba contact info so that you can get in touch with them directly:

👤 Contact Person: Everybody Here Speaks English – NO PROBLEM

📞 Phone Number(s):

📱 MX Direct-Dial Number – RECEPTION: +52 (984) 875-8000 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

📱 US/CAN Toll Free – RESERVATIONS: +1 (888) 767-3966 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

📱 US Direct-Dial Number – RESERVATIONS: +1 (817) 567-7562 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

🌎 Website: http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya

✉️ Email: mayakoba@rosewoodhotels.com

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosewoodMayakoba/

⏰ Hours: 24/7/365

💰 Prices: NOT CHEAP – But Very Exclusive Resort

📍 Location: SEE MAP ABOVE

The Best Playa Del Carmen Resorts #2 – Banyan Tree Mayakoba

There are a lot of high-end expensive resorts in Playa Del Carmen.

This one gets my vote as the best.

Like the Rosewood Mayakoba it’s incredibly beautiful.

(And, no, I don’t know why “Mayakoba” is in the name of the top two resorts here; if you know why, please tell me.)

It’s also pricey, with rooms from $539 USD– $3200 USD/night.

The great appeal here is the vast choice of rooms and the privacy they provide.

The resort is so big that you would practically have to run a marathon just to see it all.

That means it’s generally quiet and everyone gets their own space.

For example, take a huge 3 bedroom villa by the golf course, or a charming little suite with private deck and ocean views.

Sometimes I think…”Hmmm, is it worth so much money.”

The problem is that I don’t have much money, so I can’t answer this question.

If I did have plenty of cash, then I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

They’ve gone for this ‘Thai meets Mexico’ theme which somehow works.

Plus they’ve managed to make it subtly luxurious, rather than one of those resorts where you walk in and feel out of place because you’re not wearing white chinos.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba – Promo Video

As I mentioned above, I didn’t make these videos.

However, I really liked this video, and I think you will, too.

Remember: the Banyan Tree Mayakoba and the Rosewood Mayakoba are different properties.

Despite their differences, they share an Eastern-influenced vibe (acted out by Mexicans) and a decor that one would expect in Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia.

This video captures the essence of the romantic possibilities at this phenomenal resort.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba Phone Number / Contact Info / Etc:

👤 Contact Person: English Spoken Throughout Resort

📞 Phone Number(s):

📱 MX Direct-Dial Number – RECEPTION: +52 (984) 877-3688 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

📱 US/CAN Toll Free – RESERVATIONS: +1 (800) 591-0439 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

📱 US Direct-Dial Number – RESERVATIONS: +1 (407) 284-4284 ✆ – CLICK TO CALL ON MOBILE

🌎 Website: http://www.banyantree.com/en/em-mexico-mayakoba

✉️ Email: mayakoba@banyantree.com

👥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanyanTreeHotels/

⏰ Hours: 24/7/365

💰 Prices: EXPENSIVE AND EXCLUSIVE

📍 Location: SEE MAP ABOVE

The Best Playa Del Carmen Resorts #3 – Viceroy Riviera Maya

I would go as far as saying that this Playa Del Carmen resort is my absolute favorite.

If I had a girlfriend and was coming to Playa Del Carmen, I would 100% choose the Viceroy Riviera Maya.

It’s been built into and around the jungle next to the beach.

So there is this feeling of harmony with nature.

The trees and vibrant greenery create barriers between the rooms and huts, so everyone has complete privacy.

You’re next to the beach, but in a jungle suite with a private hammock and sounds of the waves.

If you’re single, then you’re going to get bored here – too much empty space for one person.

It’s not a resort where there is a central place that everyone hangs out.

Most guests keep to themselves, enjoying the romance and charm.

Prices start from $394 USD/night, going up to $2500 USD/night for a double story villa with ocean views.

A word of warning though – if you don’t like the jungle, then don’t come here.

This isn’t your typical concrete resort.

You are deep in nature and all the sounds and sights that brings.

Viceroy Riviera Maya – Promo Video

This video really kicks ass. I mean, imagine you and your significant other in this little village that has a whole slew of 5-star amenities. Wow!

I am thinking of a mix between Gilligan’s Island and Lost (two of my favorite series ever).

You can see from this video that this is an amazing option if you like beauty, romance, and luxury.