No hidden taxes or fees? No shocking drink tabs? No tipping at every turn? Plus all the food you can eat, included? The idea of all-inclusive pricing sounds almost too good to be true. But it’s only worth it when the food is truly great and the service makes you feel like a star. That’s rare. Here are four of my favorite Mexican resorts in the Riviera Maya (out of 10 that I’ve sampled) that truly get it right, offering excellent à la carte dining (where you’ll actually want to eat all day) and first-rate service with an all-inclusive price tag.
The Casitas at El Dorado Royale
Overview: The adults-only, 639-suite El Dorado Royale sprawls like a small city across 450 acres of Punta Brava beach—with 13 swimming pools. Tacked onto the north end of the massive complex is the newer, more exclusive, 169-suite resort-within-a-resort called the Casitas. Walk through the Casitas gate and the festive world of El Dorado immediately slows to a more relaxing pace. Bicycles are available for free, and highly recommended, otherwise getting to the excellent, open-air pizza hut for a wood-fired pie will be very a long walk.
The Rooms: Except for the half-dozen presidential suites, the rooms are rather basic, like a Radisson or Wyndham, but all casita suites offer sexy outdoor showers, and the ground-floor swim-up rooms offer all-day waiter service from the comfort of oversized daybeds on the porches. ’Round-the-clock concierge service is excellent. Best rooms are the swim-up casitas, stand-alone casitas and infinity-pool suites.
Food & Drink: The compound features 12 bars (many of them swim-up), seven full-service restaurants (where priority reservations are given to Casitas guests), two nightclubs and several snack bars and casual cafes, including the aforementioned outdoor pizza shack (my favorite spot in the resort) with a wood-fired oven. Note: The Italian restaurant books up one or two days in advance, so be sure to have the concierge arrange your reservations before your stay or immediately upon arrival.
The Spa: Although not quite a destination spa, the quaint Casitas Spa (exclusive to the Casitas guests) offers a nice hydrotherapy circuit and a charming outdoor relaxation area far removed from the buzz of the beach.
What’s Included: Unlimited meals, 24-hour room service, premium cocktails, house wines, mini bar, bicycles, non-motorized water sports, sauna/steam, tennis, plus all taxes and gratuities
Not Included: Airport transfers, spa treatments, private candlelight beach dinners, reserve wines, wifi.
Casita rates from $392 (single occupancy) or $584 (double occupancy); 888.280.7558
Grand Velas
Overview: A massive, moated gate creates an impressive entrance to this sleek, 493-suite resort situated on a beautiful private beach on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. The service is truly world-class, as are the amenities, which include complimentary in-suite tequila shots (bottle of Don Julio, glasses, limes, salt) restocked daily. Guests never see room-service or housekeeping carts cluttering the pathways, thanks to an intricate network of underground staff tunnels.
The Rooms: Nearly two-thirds of all rooms provide ocean views, while balconies and terraces are outfitted with daybeds and/or soaking tubs. The resort is divided into three sections; the most exclusive (and best) section is the Grand Class wing, which is strictly off-limits to children.
Food & Drink: Dining options include four fine-dining restaurants (French, Spanish, Mexican, pan-Asian), three casual cafes, three snack bars and eight full-service bars/lounges. Dining here is an absolute joy, whether it’s a tray of tacos and margaritas delivered to your cabana on the beach or a Spanish-inspired, 8-course tasting menu for dinner at the Signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor—easily one of the best restaurants in Mexico.
The Spa: A true destination spa is tucked away in the jungle. It’s a multi-storied wonderland of waterfalls and chirping birds.
What’s Included: Unlimited dining, fully-stocked gourmet mini bar, 24-hour room service, premium cocktails and wine, yoga, Pilates, hydrotherapy, plus all gratuities and taxes.
Not Included: Airport transfers, spa treatments, reserve wines, WiFi
Rates from $434 (single occupancy) or $578 double occupancy); 866.230.7221
Secrets Maroma Beach
Overview: From the instant you arrive, there’s an undeniable party vibe at this good-looking, adults-only, 412-suite resort designed in classic adobe style by the same architect who created Cabo’s renowned Las Ventanas al Paraiso. The lazy, wide-open beach is dotted with private palapas.
The Rooms: Ground-floor suites offer swim-up access, while the upper levels offer private outdoor tubs. Suites are roomy and comfy, but feather pillows are available only upon request, even in the VIP “Preferred Club” suites.
Food & Drink: The swim-up bar starts rockin’ well before lunchtime, and there’s always a good time to be had in the outdoor game pavilion, which includes billiards and foosball. Dining and drinking spans seven restaurants: three casual cafes (grill, seafood and buffet) and four fine-dining, dinner-only options (Italian, Mexican, Japanese and French), all at pretty darned good.
The Spa: The spa is small but charming, an appropriate oasis of Zen.
What’s Included: Unlimited meals, premium cocktails and house wines, 24-hour room service, wifi, non-motorized water sports, ennis clinic, basketball, golf, plus taxes and gratuities.
Not Included: Airport and golf transfers, spa treatments, premium wines.
Rates from $315 (single occupancy) or $485 (double occupancy), 866.467.3273
Royal Hideaway
Overview: Approaching 12 years in age, this 200-room colonial plantation-style hotel is the region’s original luxury all-inclusive. It boasts a prime location in Playacar, an easy walk into Playa del Carmen. The always-gracious staff bends over backwards.
The Rooms: The gorgeous rooms are not the largest in the region but they are among the poshest, with gleaming marble floors, louvered wooden doors and almost absurdly fluffy beds and pillows. Best rooms are any of the two-story duplex suites with ocean views from the terrace.
Food & Drink: Six restaurants include an exquisite Mexican restaurant, Las Ventanas, plus great Japanese and Italian offerings. A gorgeous bi-level deck wraps around the beachfront Caribbean restaurant, Spices. There’s also a beach club café and dinner theater. A pianist performs in the lobby bar nightly, and high tea is served every afternoon.
The Spa: In a word: terrific.
What’s Included: Unlimited meals, premium cocktails and wines, mini bar, 24-hour room service, fitness center, tennis, basketball, bicycles, non-motorized water sports, wifi, plus all taxes and gratuities
Not Included: Airport transfers, spa services, golf, reserve wines
Rates from $186 (single occupancy) or $295 (double occupancy); 800.999.9182
*Prices subject to change.
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