Just south of Cancun on the road to Tulum, Mexico’s Playa del Carmen is a sensational stretch of coastline known for its tropical breezes, turquoise waters, and all-inclusive resorts. Here in the Riviera Maya, all-inclusive family vacations are the definition of easy. They’re all about low-stress accommodations, quality food and drink, and plentiful activities. And while the best Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resorts are not necessarily cheap, they do represent value when you factor in everything you get for the money.
Best Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resorts
Playa del Carmen is under an hour from Cancun’s international airport, so it’s both centrally situated for some of the best Mexico family vacation spots and activities and very easy to get to. Nonstop flights from dozens of North American cities makes it simple to reach this slice of paradise. Whether you want to use your resort as a base to explore the Yucatan or never plan to leave your lounge chair, here are the best all-inclusive hotels and resorts near Playa del Carmen.
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1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Hugging the coast, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers communion with nature inside a protected mangrove jungle. This Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort’s contemporary accommodations are roomy suites with terraces. Families traveling with a baby will appreciate the on-site Baby Concierge, who can arrange everything from a crib to organic pureed meals.
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A supervised kids club keeps younger travelers busy with hands-on activities and crafts, while the high-tech teen lounge is a magnet for this tough-to-please demographic. Other perks include three dreamy swimming pools, Mayan-inspired spa treatments, and of course the sprawling beach. Evening entertainment is low-key (think acoustic guitars and soft rock tunes under a starry sky). A variety of restaurants cater to picky eaters and gourmets alike.
2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For nonstop family fun in Playa del Carmen, the buck stops at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya, a fully Nickelodeon-themed all-inclusive family resort that’s just as delightful for parents as it is for kids. Upon arrival, young guests are treated to a slime smoothie, setting the stage for Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets and impromptu dance parties. Every one of the resort’s guest rooms are swim-up oceanfront suites, and special themed rooms (such as the Pineapple Suite inspired by SpongeBob) add whimsy.
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The resort’s six-acre Aqua Nick water park is among the largest in Mexico, with 20 water slides and a lazy river. Its Club Nick kids club is a supervised program for children ages four to 12. In-pool scuba clinics, non-motorized water sports, and the opportunity to get slimed (the ultimate Nickelodeon honor) will keep everyone smiling. The on-site restaurants, including a pizza joint, appeal to fussy eaters. Step stools, changing tables, and other baby gear are practical touches for families on vacation with a baby.
3. Iberostar Quetzal
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A beachfront all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that welcomes families with excellent children’s programming, Iberostar Quetzal caters to kids and teens ages four to 17 with everything from cooking classes to science experiments. The resort’s Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology.
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Swimming pools, water slides, and that beautiful Playa del Carmen beach add to the family-friendly vibes. Nightly entertainment, including magic shows and live music, bring energy to the evenings. Eclectic dining options range from a Texas-style smokehouse to sushi.
4. Fairmont Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Immersed within a mangrove jungle intersected by lagoons, Fairmont Mayakoba has all the makings of a tropical oasis. Resident parrots, monkeys, and sea turtles delight guests, while the beach, multiple swimming pools, and a series of freshwater canals traversable by boat provide nonstop activity options. You can explore this sprawling property by bike or hop on one of the trams, too.
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A visit to the Sweet Spot, a candy store filled with yummy Mexican confections, will satisfy your sweet-tooth, while adventurous epicureans may opt out of the all-inclusive dining plan and explore Playa del Carmen’s dynamic restaurant scene. The kids club offers Mayan-inspired crafts and games. Baby gear is readily available for families with little ones.
5. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
With swimming pools, a sandy beach, and kayaks and sailboats, active families can have fun in or on the water at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. The sports desk will lend you all the equipment you need for a game of tennis or beach volleyball, too, while guided bicycle tours, yoga, and salsa dancing are additional options.
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All suites come with a private balcony and ocean or garden views; some also have plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Guest room configurations include multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer-dryers; the decor tends toward colorful Mexican handicrafts. The multilingual staff at the kids club keeps children engaged with treasure hunts, piñata making, and beach walks. Movies, beach soccer, and water polo are on tap at the teen club.
6. Barceló Maya Grand Resort
Xpu-Ha, Mexico
At Barceló Maya Grand Resort, bigger is definitely better. Surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters along a sandy white beach, a total of six individual resorts (including one that’s adults-only) make up the Barceló Maya Grand Resort for a total of more than 3,500 rooms and suites. Families are welcome at Barceló Maya Palace, Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, and Barceló Maya Colonial, while Barceló Maya Riviera is adults-only.
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All six resorts are all-inclusive and operate 24 hours a day. With more than two dozen restaurants, 14 pools, three theaters, three water parks, and a bowling alley, the variety of activities makes this an ideal Playa del Carmen all-inclusive vacation destination for multigenerational families and groups. Supervised children’s programming is available at Barceló Maya Palace, Barceló Maya Colonial, and Barceló Maya Caribe.
7. Allegro Playacar
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A relaxed all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort with thatched-roof bungalows that blend with the tropical landscape, Allegro Playacar offers family-size rooms with a king-size bed and two double beds, plus a kitchenette, a separate sitting area, and a terrace. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request.
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Kayaking, snorkeling, and other non-motorized water sports are complimentary. Unlimited meals, snacks, and beverages are served at five restaurants, including a pizzeria. Three pools, a game room, and festive nightly entertainment round out the scene.
8. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Tulum, Mexico
Hilton’s largest resort in the Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort boasts nine resort pools and 735 stylish rooms and suites designed with locally sourced materials, each with a private balcony.
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At the Family Zone, you’ll find a kids club for ages four to 12 complete with an outdoor playground, an indoor playroom, and a splash pool. The teen club has video games, ping-pong, billiards, and a cinema. Dining and bar options serve up flavors from Mexico, Asia, Italy, and beyond. An ice cream shop offers delectable desserts.
9. Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
With a lazy river, water slides, tubes, and splash pads, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun delivers one of the largest water parks in the Playa del Carmen area. There are also more than 1,000 guest rooms, a dozen dining spots, and 24/7 room service. A supervised kids club for ages four to 12 and a teen area facilitates fast friendships as youngsters play beach volleyball and take dance classes together. Laser tag, bowling, and a trampoline park are additional options.
