If you’re planning an all-inclusive getaway on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you’ll find a dizzying array of resorts to consider along the 80-mile-long stretch. We recently checked out The Fives Azul Beach Resort in Playa Del Carmen and returned with five reasons why this just might be the one for you.

1. The Location

It’s just 40-minute drive south of Cancun but you’ll feel light years away from the city’s frenetic “Vegas-goes-Caribbean” scene the second you hit Playa Del Carmen, the barefoot-casual town that’s home to The Fives Azul.

Sandwiched between a sea fringed by golden-grained sand and a tangle of protected mangrove that’s home to 18 species of orchid, spider monkeys, crocodiles and (we’re told) a couple of wild boars, the resort is definitely a world apart. However, if the urge arises (and we’re sure it will) to explore the shops, restaurants and nightclubs along Playa’s famous Fifth Avenue, you’re a convenient 15-minute cab ride away.

2. The Rooms

Designed as a resort with residential opportunities, The Fives has 582 suites (in two sections — The Fives and Essence — and 19 four-story “villa” buildings), which combine spacious square footage, style and practicality. Ours, a one-bedroom suite in Essence’s Villa 18, offered a full kitchen, two pool-facing balconies, and an open-plan bathroom with copious closet space we can only wish we had at home.

But the cream of the crop is undoubtedly the one-bedroom penthouses. Clocking in at 1,300-square-feet, each of the 78 two-story retreats features rooftop living areas complete with their own hot tub, lounging and dining areas, a bathroom with shower, and an oversized hanging chair that can seat two. Impressed enough to invest? Suites (in brand new Villa 19 and 20, coming soon) start at $350,000.

3. The Pools

Beach-loving guests at The Fives (which lays claim to ¾ of a mile of palm-fringed playa) will be content, yes. But pool people will be in heaven. That’s because there are nine pools spread over the 14-acre property, so deep-end diversions are never far away.

Choose from secluded pools secreted between villas, lively twin pools that overlook the sea, or serpentine pools with swim-up bars and aqua loungers. There’s a grown-up pool at the adults-only Natura Day Club & Grill, and little ones can frolic in the shallows at the kids’ club, Azulitos Playhouse.

4. The Cuisine

Picky eaters, this might be your place! Because with 10 restaurants, three pop-up “gourmet corners,” complimentary 24-hour room service, and even its own Starbucks on the premises, The Fives has something to please every palate. There’s creative Nikkei (Peruvian/Japanese) cuisine at poolside Pisco, modern Mexican at Mestizo, and Arezzo, serving Italian, is a guest favorite.

Dining at all the restaurants is included in the room rate, but we think it’s also worth springing for two standout experiences. Dinner at Casa De Rosa (from $50 per person) is a reservation-only evening for a maximum of 12, during which you’ll be greeted with mezcal and a Mariachi band. Don aprons and help your hosts prepare the traditional Mexican meal, and then enjoy the feast family-style at a festive table decorated with local toys and candies. An intriguing evening is guaranteed when you book the Sensorial Dinner (also from $50 per person), where guests eat a five-course meal with their hands, while blindfolded.

5. The Cultural Immersion

We’re big fans of resorts that reflect their destination, and were impressed with The Fives’ efforts to do so. In Vassa Spa, treatments such as the Kulkulcan massage incorporate local ingredients and techniques, and each service begins with a purification ritual using copal, the incense-like resin traditionally burned during Mayan religious ceremonies.

Guests can (literally) enjoy local flavor with tequila and mezcal tastings at Cantina 1910, a seaside ceviche station at Oriola Beach Club, and Mexican-style hot chocolate on the breakfast buffet at Flavors. Mariachi bands stroll the restaurants and Fives Plaza, providing a fitting soundtrack to your vacation.

And the Cendero Maya — a reenactment of ancient Mayan rituals by costumed actors, performed within the mangrove — is the highlight of the week. The combined effect: A stay at The Fives is truly a multi-sensory experience that captures the country’s spirit, incorporating both subtle and significant reminders that never let you forget you’re in Mexico.

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At TRS Yucatan Hotel — an adults-only all-inclusive unveiled December 2017 — buffets are elevated to stylish food stations. Rooms come with extras like plunge pools, swiveling daybeds and even personal canoes. And available beach chairs stretch as far as the eye can see. For even more reasons to stay at this glossy new resort in the Mexican Caribbean, come along on our virtual tour. But first, pour yourself a top-shelf drink from your minibar, have your butler call a golf cart, and hop in.

Everything has that new-car smell.

A resort makeover is just refreshing. All the fixtures, furniture and public areas are pristine, and the design is polished and modern, like you’re walking into an episode of Property Brothers. TRS Yucatan Hotel (formerly The Royal Suites Yucatan by Palladium) just underwent a $35-million refurb; brand-new additions include an oceanfront infinity pool, four a la carte restaurants, and an Ibiza-inspired beach club.

“All-inclusive” got a reboot.

Not only did TRS Yucatan transform its physical spaces, but its all-inclusive concept got upgraded too. Called Infinite Indulgence, the program comes with next-level perks like butler service; personalized premium drinks in the room; door-to-door transportation around the 300-acre complex; elaborate nightly parties; and free access to the wet areas of the soporific spa. Ask your butler about the day’s included activities, or schedule your own custom experience, such as a private yoga class at the location of your choice.

Sleek suites guarantee sweet dreams.

All 454 rooms at TRS Yucatan are a safe bet, as even basic junior suites come with deep soaking tubs, memory-foam beds, touch technology and breezy balconies. Upgrade for a private pool; or book an octagonal Romance Suite to score an outdoor shower and your own canoe for paddling around the resort’s natural mangrove channels. Top-tier Ambassador Suites flaunt a jetted rooftop pool and a rotating daybed.

Aquaphiles flock to three pools.

There’s the La Terraza Pool, which stays open till midnight. There’s the unique Las Rocas pool, which is fed by the ocean. And then there’s the Helios Infinity Pool, a three-tier magnum opus that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Wherever you post up, you won’t have trouble finding an open lounge chair (read: no waking at dawn to reserve your spot), and servers stop by regularly to refill your margarita.

Beach beds are calling your name.

You know the situation: You want to lounge on that cozy cabana bed, ensconced in white pillows and billowing gauze curtains — but it costs $200 extra for the day. Happily, such is not the case here. TRS Yucatan guests enjoy their own roped-off section of beach, where plush, thatch-roof Bali beds are free for the taking. Order a tequila sunrise from the bar and wade out into water so clear, you can see needlefish darting around.

You deserve a spa-liday.

TRS Yucatan’s Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center comprises almost 20,000 square feet of pampering, including a water garden, a tranquility pool, a hot tub, a meditative cold bath and waterfalls. Even if you don’t book a treatment, a leisurely circuit through these therapeutic wet zones is a must. But you’re on vacation, so go ahead and splurge on a massage; it almost would be wrong not to.

Great food, no bill.

After all that sun-worshiping and spa-soaking, you’ve worked up quite an appetite. Good thing TRS Yucatan offers five restaurants serving up everything from French to Italian to Brazilian. An impressive breakfast spread — complete with crepe cart — awaits at Capricho; for lunch, browse Helios beach club’s elegant presentation, from bespoke burgers and savory paella to zesty ceviche and bottomless guacamole.

Things get risqué after dark.

If you didn’t expect to find Vegas-level entertainment 60 miles south of Cancun, you’re in for a pleasant surprise: The resort’s CHIC Cabaret & Restaurant puts on a three-hour dinner-and-dance spectacle every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night. The volume of talented performers, costume changes and musical numbers — from show tunes to modern pop songs — is staggering.

Amenity sharing: because you’re worth it.

Guests of TRS Yucatan enjoy all the amenities of the other four Palladium resorts in the complex — but not the other way around. Simply hail a golf cart if you’d like to explore the property’s nine additional restaurants, catch some live music at another Palladium lobby bar, or shop for turquoise jewelry and luchador masks in the onsite handicrafts market.

The fun continues outside the entrance.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya brims with one-of-a-kind excursions, including cenote swimming holes, lush nature parks and snorkeling over the world’s second-longest barrier reef. For a dose of local culture, spend a day with Cancun Adventures touring the ancient Maya city of Coba, where 300 archeological structures dot 45 square miles. Visitors learn the history of the site, take a pleasant ride on a colorful tricycle taxi, and climb 120 steep steps to the top of Nohoch Mul, the tallest temple.

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Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a popular romantic getaway spot for a reason. With amenities like swim-up suites, spa treatments à deux and even pole-dancing classes for a little bit of sizzle, the region’s hotels are perfect for lovebirds. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or the beauty of new love, here are the most romantic hotels to hang with your sweetie.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Each of the 122 villas at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a resort in Playa del Carmen,has a private plunge pool so you don’t have to worry about splashing kids or any other interference while you swim. Ideal for foodie couples, there are a whopping 13 dining and drinking options, but the most intimate choices are a private dinner in the wine cellar and a boat cruise up the lagoon.

Viceroy Riviera Maya

With just 41 villas and a strict no-kids-under-14 rule, Viceroy Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen is perfect for a grown-up romantic getaway, with private plunge pools, romantic turndown service and canopied beds. For the couple that likes to spa and namaste together, treatments can be done in tandem, with Mayan-inspired accents, such as the scent of burning copal or usage of medicinal herbs harvested from the onsite garden. Private yoga classes are held on the beach (there are group classes, too).

El Dorado Casitas Royale

El Dorado Casitas Royale is a hotel-within-a-hotel, adults-only all-inclusive resort in Puerto Morelos. The hotel features the best of both worlds: 10 restaurants so you don’t have to leave the property — from La Isla’s Mediterranean dishes served in an open-air palapa to Kampai’s Pacific Rim theme — and romantic suites with infinity pools, large hot tubs and swim-up access. Book a couple’s treatment at Náay Spa, which begins with a 45-minute Water Journey to calm the mind.

Hotel Esencia

On the 50-acre grounds of a former private estate, 40-room Hotel Esencia in Tulum is posh to no end. You’ll forget you’re at a hotel and instead think you’re at a rich cousin’s vacation pad. The health-minded hotel, which added new Beach Suites in 2017, features a spa with organic ingredients plus a cold-press juice bar and complimentary afternoon tea. Ask to arrange a private dinner for two on the sand.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

For couples that want to never leave the resort, this Secrets adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cancun delivers the goods, with ground-floor suites offering swim-out access, plus the staff will set up dinners for two on the beach. Dining is ultra-romantic: try Bordeaux, which dabbles in French cuisine.

UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya

Acoustic guitarists serenade couples at UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya, one of Riviera Maya’s newest properties in Puerto Morelos. The adults-only hotel has a chill vibe, with an elevated cocktail list and a rotating-chef program at one of its five eateries that attracts only the best, like a former Top Chef contestant from Mexico.

Mahekal Beach Resort

Private casitas with plunge pools, hammocks and butler service, right on the resort’s 920-foot beach? Yes, please! Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen completed a $16-million transformation in 2016 and offers Ocean Front Beach Houses, plus adults-only penthouse suites with butler service. Four pools and five restaurants round out the offerings.

Azulik

Azulik in Tulum is for the couple that truly wants to escape from it all. Accommodations are in 48 wood-crafted villas — with no TVs to help you unplug — that are so stunning you’ll want to whip out your phone for a photo. (But not post to social media, in the interest of detoxing, of course.) Bathtubs with a view are filled with sacred cenote water, and an ideal size for couples bathing together.

Temptation Cancun Resort

Rooms designed by Karim Rashid in pops of bright colors made Temptation‘s debut last year a huge hit. This sexy adults-only, all-inclusive hotel offers Thirty-minute pole-dancing classes (extra charge applies) to help couples retain their sizzle, while SHE is a restaurant entirely focused on aphrodisiac cuisine. A topless-optional beach and a nightclub called Bash are two other amenities for guests.

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Temptation Cancun Resort

In 2017, Temptation Cancun Resort, a 430-room “toptional” property, completed a multi-million-dollar by world-famous designer Karim Rashid. Dubbed “The Playground for Grownups,” it woos a hip clientele in all its sleek, new technicolor glory.

Vibe: Think spring break for grown-ups, especially at the “Sexy Pool” — more along the lines of Girls Gone Mild than Wild. Despite the resort’s tops-optional dress code for women, many don’t partake.

Who goes: Mostly coupled Gen Xers, smattered with some more seasoned swingers.

Pros: The culinary program at the resort’s seven restaurants is better than most all-inclusives. Still, skip the buffet and head to Sea Flirt, the resort’s swank beachfront restaurant, or SHE, for a seven-course aphrodisiac experience complete with strippers. Bonus: Complimentary 24/7 room service.

Cons: If you like sleep, steer clear of guestrooms that overlook Bash, the resort’s nightclub. Theme nights like Heaven & Hell, Let It Glow, and Lingerie Lounge are a ton of fun, but the outdoor parties, albeit fabulous, run late into the night.

Don’t miss: Guests were gaga about the non-hotel sanctioned Boobs Cruise, a topless catamaran cruise with open bar and DJ.

Desire Riviera Maya Resort

Guests 21 and over can strip down at Desire Riviera Maya Resort, a clothing-optional, all-inclusive. With just 114 rooms, the resort maintains an intimate vibe. During the day, the pool is the place to be and where the party happens. Sex is allowed in some public spaces, so expect to see full carnal activity.

Vibe: Sexy couples on the prowl, but not in an overtly pushy way. You can participate as much, or as little as you want, without any push back.

Who goes: Mostly middle-aged couples. (You must be a couple to stay.)

Pros: The white-sand beach is the shining star at this Puerto Morelos resort. Reserve a Bali-style beach bed (some for a fee) and soak in the sights and sounds of the Caribbean Sea.

Cons: Guest rooms could desperately use a refresh. Our ground level garden view room smelled musty and felt stifling with minimal light.

Don’t miss: If you’re looking for sexy action, hit the hot tub late night. Warning: you may see some X-rated acts.

Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

The Desire Pearl (formerly the Ceiba del Mar) is a swank property located just outside Puerto Morelos. The clothing-optional, all-inclusive attracts open-minded couples to its 88 airy villa-style rooms. The smallest of the three resorts, it’s also the most luxurious when it comes to accommodations, restaurants and service.

Vibe: The pool scene here is by far the tamest of the three resorts which, depending upon what you want, can be a good thing. Things heated up during the Foam Party, in the best fun and naked way, without feeling overly wild.

Who goes: It’s quiet-ish, compared to its sister property, filled with young and middle-aged couples.

Pros: If you want to do a sexy something with your sweetie, book a Sensual Massage. It’s a side-by-side erotic massage that involves manual stimulation and a happy ending.

Cons: The beach is mediocre at best. If you’re not into swimming, a handful of day beds and loungers sidle right up next to the surf, making for a most relaxing vibe.

Don’t miss: The hot tub. The scene heats up late afternoon, then again late at night. Stake claim to one of the eight surrounding day beds for no-holds barred sexy time.

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With 2,760 rooms spread across five Maya-themed all-inclusive resorts — Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Colonial, Barceló Maya Tropical and Barceló Maya Palace — the playground offers many of the bells and whistles (think specialty restaurants and a water park) we’ve come to expect from modern all-incs. So why, of all resorts along the Riviera Maya’s 80-mile stretch, should you pick this one? Here are our top five reasons to book.

1. Access to Multiple Resorts

The only thing better than staying at a beachfront all-inclusive resort is staying at a beachfront all-inclusive resort with complimentary access to the services and amenities of several others. Every Barceló guest can bounce (or take the company’s red double-decker shuttle bus) between at least three additional resorts in the complex, and those staying at top-tier Barceló Maya Palace enjoy the run of all five. Which means you can have breakfast at the Maya Caribe buffet; drop the kids off at any of three Barcy Clubs; sip a margarita (or five) at Maya Colonial’s swim-up pool bar, and end the day with dinner at Maya Tropical’s Capri Italian restaurant, all for no extra charge. Because, sometimes more is better.

2. Swim-up Suites

Want to roll right out of bed and into the water? You (almost) can when you book one of 26 swim-up suites (exclusively at Barceló Maya Caribe), which each open onto a patio and your personal portion of a shimmering lap pool. They’re the perfect spots for soaking up the sun during the day or stargazing at night from in-water “aqua loungers,” and each patio also has a hot tub for romantic dips a deux. Even better: Guests in this room category score Premium Level perks, including concierge service, 24-hour room service and resort-wide Wi-Fi.

3. U-Spa

We’ve seen some decent spas in our travels around the Caribbean, but this gargantuan sanctuary and fitness complex, shared between all five resorts, is exceptional. The spacious gym boasts 15 treadmills, 19 spin bikes and Technogym strength training equipment, and the spa itself has 22 treatment suites, a beauty salon and a hydrotherapy circuit featuring hot and cold plunge pools, aromatherapy showers and an ice bath. And we couldn’t resist peeping into the kids’ spa and salon, where little ones can have manicures, “Super Hero” haircuts, and massages. Our advice: Pack your workout gear.

4. Maya Mall

If you go on vacation and come home sans souvenirs, does the trip even count?! We’re firm believers that every good trip should be marked with a memento, and Barceló’s Maya Mall makes shopping a cinch. At Maya Caribe, this open-air emporium has 20 stores selling everything from Brazilian swimwear to handmade soap (check out Bloomish, Mexico’s answer to Lush) and a large adjacent craft market where you can score a deal on locally harvested honey and luchador masks. Throw in a casino, a carousel, a teens-only nightclub and a bowling alley, and even the non-shoppers are happy.

5. Barceló Gourmet Festival

As if having access to 22 restaurants and 19 bars wasn’t enough, for the last three years Barceló has also been enticing foodies with a festival featuring Mexican cuisine and international culinary talent. This September the lineup included Michelin-starred chef Alejandro Sanchéz and 10 others from as far afield as South Africa, serving up inventive delicacies such as sea urchin with escabeche mushrooms and king crab with bone marrow. If a week of cooking classes, wine tastings and elegant pairing dinners sounds like your speed, better start planning for the 2018 edition. And better pack your stretchy pants.

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Occidental at Xcaret Destination, a 24-hour all-inclusive resort, is in a prime location for exploration of the incredible Xcaret Park, a 200-acre eco-archaeological wonderland on the Riviera Maya. The resort’s Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package offers guests unlimited access to the park’s 40 amazing exhibits and attractions, including the park’s cenotes (or underground rivers and pools), a Coral Reef Aquarium, a Butterfly Pavilion, a Manatee Lagoon and much more.

The all-inclusive Barceló Aruba, located on the beautiful island of Aruba, offers a one-of-a-kind, under-the- waves eco-adventure. Just a short distance off the coast is the resting place of the SS Antilla, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. At 400-feet long, the Antilla is now an underwater playground, suitable for all levels of scuba diving experience. Over the years, the ship has become an eco-system in its own right, providing a home for colorful tropical fish and coral. Dive in and see…

The Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort – comprised of the Barceló Bávaro Palace and the adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach – not only provides an all-inclusive experience on one of the world’s greatest beaches, it also serves as a gateway to endless outdoor adventure in Punta Cana. Go on a whale-watching excursion to see majestic humpback whales. Take a thrilling dune buggy ride through the gorgeous Dominican countryside. Zoom down a zip line high above the trees from El Farallon Cliff, and then visit Hoyo Azul, a natural spring-fed lagoon to cool down.

The all-inclusive Barceló Tambor rests on the white sands of Tambor Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in a lush tropical rainforest on a guided tour of the Curu wildlife reserve, home to capuchin monkeys and an endless array of birds and insects. Travel by boat to Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island), a secluded paradise with crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling.

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Are you ready to relax? Then get to know U-Spa, a wellness concept available at a collection of properties with Barceló Hotels & Resorts. Expect personalized treatments in sophisticated and serene atmospheres, with soft candlelight, subtle music and sweet aromas. Close your eyes and let your cares slip away…

Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort

At the all-inclusive Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort – comprised of the Barceló Bávaro Palace and the adults-only Barceló Bávaro Beach – the state-of-the-art U-Spa has every detail thought out to ensure the utmost in comfort and convenience. After enjoying a round or three on the resort’s renowned 18-hole golf course (designed by P.B. Dye), you can lose yourself in an array of sublime treatments. Ease into a deep tissue massage, perfect for anyone with tensions caused by stress or sports. Enjoy a unique hot stone holistic treatment, an ancient ritual that will transport you to a state of deep calm.

Purify with a deep cleansing facial, including extractions and stimulating masks that improve the appearance of the skin, leaving it cleaned and balanced. Indulge in an energizing chocolate wrap that utilizes cocoa’s natural antioxidants to awaken feelings of wellbeing and happiness. Try the U-Spa’s Vichy shower, a hydrotherapy treatment involving multiple showers from head to toe, ideal for a post-massage glow. Or join your partner for a massage or treatment in one of the special Duo Wellness cabins, with a private pool and garden.

Barceló Maya Grand Resort

With more than 32,000 square feet dedicated to rejuvenating your mind, body and soul, the new U-Spa Wellness & Fitness Center at the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Grand Resort — comprised of the all-suite Barceló Maya Palace, the Barceló Maya Tropical & Colonial and the Barceló Maya Beach & Caribe — is a refreshing escape like no other. Relaxation is built into its very design, with curved architecture that eases your thoughts and reinforces a tranquil, meditative ambiance. Nature is never far away — in the wet area of the spa you’ll enjoy a gorgeous view of a lush jungle setting. Boasting saunas, steam baths, tropical and bi-thermal showers, a dynamic pool and immersion pools, a few hours spent at the U-Spa will leave you feeling de-stressed and ready for whatever comes next. With 26 treatment rooms, the diverse menu includes high performance massages, body wraps and facials, while the beauty salon offers waxing, manicures, pedicures and much more. For those looking to keep up their fitness routines during their Grand Resort getaway, the Fitness Center is home to advanced training equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, weights and more. It even has two rooms available for spinning and yoga.

Don’t want to leave the little ones behind? Don’t worry Barceló Maya Grand Resort believes in starting guests on the path to wellness and looking fabulous as soon as possible. The new U-Kids Spa gives kids the royal treatment, with specially designed manicures, pedicures, “princess” and “superhero” hair styling and much more.

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The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort – Riviera Nayarit

Celebrities from James Marsden to Felicity Huffman have chosen The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort for their romantic getaways, but if you need more proof of its amorous acclaim, consider its personal butlers, who happily unpack your bags while you rendezvous at the Areca adult pool. Make a memory together on a boat ride to the rugged Marietas Islands, home to rare blue-footed booby birds. You’ll be back in time to catch the Champagne Sabering Ritual, held Fridays at sunset.

The Resort at Pedregal – Los Cabos

Couples reach the entrance to The Resort at Pedregal through a literal tunnel of love: the Dos Mares tunnel, cut through a cliff face. On the other side are 113 suites that each boast an ocean vista, a deep soaking tub and a private plunge pool. Start the day on the right foot with a sunrise paddle-boarding expedition to the striking Land’s End rock formation; then stroll hand in hand to a picnic brunch on adjacent Lovers Beach.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort – Los Cabos

Las Ventanas al Paraíso is so focused on couples, it has its own Department of Romance that works with guests to plan special tête-à-têtes during their stay. We recommend a blind tequila tasting, a candlelit dinner in La Cava wine cellar, or a movie screening on the sand. Up the ante with a twilight whale-watching excursion or a beach cabana with its own hot tub. Resort staff will even set up your bedroom on your rooftop terrace one night for snuggling under the stars.

One&Only Palmilla – Los Cabos

Baja California is a desert, but you’d never know it at One&Only Palmilla, where the dense tropical landscaping creates a romantic oasis. Slip away to the spa’s hot and cold rock pools, or rekindle your amor with a couples massage in a seaside palapa: The 90-minute Magic Moment treatment begins with a vow renewal. Celebrate back in your Mexi-chic room, which features an aromatherapy turndown menu, a double-head shower and a private terrace with a daybed.

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita – Riviera Maya

Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita takes the idea of “all-inclusive” to the next level. Beyond included gourmet dining and top-shelf spirits, couples receive 24-hour room service, a daily bottle of sparkling wine and even a catamaran sunset sail. Book a Romance Ocean Front Lover Suite: nearly 1,300 feet of living space for spreading out or getting close in the outdoor shower, plunge pool, double sun lounger and oversize sunken marble bath.

Hotel Esencia – Riviera Maya

A 29-room estate that once served as the holiday retreat of an Italian duchess, Hotel Esencia is the smallest resort on our list. Contact with other guests is minimal, so indulge in some PDA at the adult pool or on the quiet stone paths that wind through the lush foliage. Or hunker down in your whitewashed abode, where gratis in-room breakfast and remote-controlled blackout blinds encourage pillow talk well into the morning.

Viceroy Zihuatanejo – Pacific Coast

At Viceroy Zihuatanejo, the toughest decision is choosing which spot to lounge à deux — perhaps a crocheted oceanfront hammock, the adults-only infinity pool or a “bed swing” on the sand. For more privacy, canoodle in your private plunge pool; all 35 suites have one. Schedule date night for Saturday evening, when the beach transforms into a dreamy bonfire lounge, complete with mezcalita cocktails, small bites and a DJ.

Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa – Riviera Maya

Infuse some Maya magic into your romantic getaway at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, a whitewashed stucco boutique fronting the Caribbean Sea. First, purify yourselves with a traditional Maya temazcal ritual at dusk. After, tuck into a private dinner on El Mirador observation deck, where you can feed each other red Mayan octopus while savoring a 360-degree view. Pro tip: Request an in-room mud-bar kit for a silly/sexy body-painting session.

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The natural world delivers unforgettable experiences for travelers on the hunt for adventures that entertain and educate. Barceló Hotel Group’s properties, including Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotel & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and Allegro Hotels brands, offer one-of-a-kind eco-adventures in pristine locations. You’ll return from your getaway with a new appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Occidental at Xcaret Destination, a 24-hour all-inclusive resort, is in a prime location for exploration of the incredible Xcaret Park, a 200-acre eco-archaeological wonderland on the Riviera Maya. The resort’s Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package offers guests unlimited access to the park’s 40 amazing exhibits and attractions, including the park’s cenotes (or underground rivers and pools), a Coral Reef Aquarium, a Butterfly Pavilion, a Manatee Lagoon and much more.

The all-inclusive Barceló Aruba, located on the beautiful island of Aruba, offers a one-of-a-kind, under-the-waves eco-adventure. Just a short distance off the coast is the resting place of the SS Antilla, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. At 400-feet long, the Antilla is now an underwater playground, suitable for all levels of scuba diving. Over the years, the ship has become an eco-system in its own right, providing a home for colorful tropical fish and coral. Dive in and see.

From the all-inclusive Barceló Ixtapa, just steps from the beautiful Playa del Palmar, eco-adventurers can take a 10-minute boat ride out to Isla Ixtapa, a tropical paradise off Mexico’s spectacular south coast. With crystalline, tranquil waters, the island is the perfect destination for snorkeling experiences amidst colorful marine life – keep an eye out for playful dolphins. You’ll also enjoy four golden-sand beaches, a wide range of lush local plants and flowers, and panoramic views.

The Palancar Reef, located off the island of Cozumel, is one of the top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in the world – and both the all-inclusive Occidental Cozumel and all-inclusive Allegro Cozumel are fully equipped to provide guests of all skill levels with everything they need for this awe-inspiring underwater experience. Allegro Cozumel’s Ultimate Dive Experience includes one diver’s tank per day, an Ultimate Dive Experience exclusive ID wristband, accommodation within an exclusive section of the resort, near the beach diving shop, a special hanger to dry your diving suit in your room, plus many more amenities. It’s just what you need to see what’s happening under the waves.

The all-inclusive Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos is located in front of the stunning Sea of Cortez – a part of the world famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the “world’s aquarium.” Book the resort’s special Whale Watching Tour package from December through mid-April and you’ll get a front row seat to the parade of hundreds of humpback, blue and grey whales who migrate through the area every year.

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Planning a vacation that will please everyone in your family can be extremely tricky. Barceló Hotel Group (which includes Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotel & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts and Allegro Hotels) is here to help. The Barceló Hotel Group will make those dreams come true in 2017. The renowned hospitality company’s Latin American properties are the perfect destinations for a getaway for all ages, with activities, entertainment, amenities, and much more, all designed with families in mind.

The Family Club at Barceló Bávaro Palace in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic delivers a dream vacation for the young and the young at heart, including such exciting activities as Laser Tag, an 18-hole mini golf course, and the Xone Teen Disco. These all-inclusive accommodations, located within the Barceló Bávaro Palace, is made up of 288 family suites with microwave and minibar that meet your family’s every need, stocked with juices, cereals and milk. Added bonus: the family suites feature two bedrooms, creating independent areas for adults and kids. Because sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

The all-inclusive Barceló Aruba gives the whole family easy access to plenty of on-the-water adventures on the gorgeous Palm Beach seafront. The lovely Fisherman’s Hut Beach features soft winds and gentle currents, making it an ideal spot for beginners in the art of windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling and more. The quintessentially Caribbean resort offers equipment rental and instructor-led lessons for all levels of experience.

Highlighted by a sandy stretch of Playa Arena Gorda (widely considered one of the Dominican Republic’s most beautiful beaches), the all-inclusive Occidental Caribe is perfect for families. The splash-filled Barcy Water Park will provide hours of fun in the sun; the trapeze and rock climbing area (for kids four to 12 years of age) offers unforgettable adventure; and the theatre with a mini-disco features the latest pop hits in a safe, inclusive environment.

The all-inclusvie Barceló Maya Grand Resort – made up of five adjacent resorts that all share one of the longest stretches of private beach access in Riviera Maya, Mexico – is a great example of the Barceló Hotel Group’s family-focused approach. Kids ages four to 12 will love the Barcy Kids Club, offering a program of supervised activities for children in a fun, safe environment. And even mom and dad will want to make a splash or two at the resort’s Pirate Island Water Park, filled with slides and other aquatic attractions.

Resting beachside in Mazanillo, Mexico, the AAA 4-diamond award winning Barceló Karmina is an all-suite, all-inclusive resort that offers a kids-centric Barcy Club, where young ones can get creative with a variety of crafts, including make-up lessons, mask making, and sponge water fights. For more fun, the game room features family friendly movies playing from 9am to 11pm.

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