Best Luxury Hotels in Quintana Roo

This is true barefoot luxury – even a trip to the hotel’s bar and Mexican restaurant allows you to feel the sand between your toes. Guests are accommodated in huge thatched cabanas on stilts, with oversized mirrors artily leaning against the walls and muslin floating from four-poster handcrafted beds. The decor in the 21 suites revolves around richly hued wooden furnishings, offset by white textiles. There’s an appropriately lazy vibe here, with hammocks strung beachside and there’s a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring the local eco-system is supported rather than disturbed by its tourism.

This flagship property of the Live Aqua group of hotels, is in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, with privileged direct beach access, and proximity to high-end designer shopping at Luxury Avenue and sophisticated retail and family-friendly leisure entertainment at the Fashion Harbour mall. The property is a delight for the senses; from the aromatherapy in the rooms, the award-winning spa; to the seven different swimming pools with different temperatures and orientations.  Dining is another highlight, including the new gourmet ‘In Laa´Kech’ restaurant, by Executive Chef Cesar Germain. This is a resort for couples, friends and families that want style, fun and superb facilities all close to the attractions of Cancun and those amazing beaches.

XELA Tulum is an intimate beachfront retreat in South Tulum with just 12 rooms and suites, offering the character of a private coastal residence framed by lush palms and natural materials. Set along a quiet stretch of shoreline, the hotel occupies what was once a private home, now transformed with a design approach that respects its original spirit while introducing crafted contemporary comforts. The décor blends organic architecture with Mexican craft heritage, where stone, warm timber, woven textiles, Zapotecan ceramics and over one hundred pieces of red clay pottery create a serene, tactile environment shaped by nature and culture.

Guests can dine on modern Mexican cuisine in the open-air restaurant, relax in the spacious living areas, or unwind on the beach with sun loungers and handcrafted umbrellas made by local artisans. The rooftop bar offers sunset views across the Caribbean Sea and Mayan jungle, while the infinity pool leads towards fifty metres of secluded shoreline. Hidden wellness cabins provide tailored treatments inspired by the region, complemented by a small garden-facing gym. XELA Tulum’s setting places guests close to Sian Ka’an Biosphere, Tulum Ruins, local dining spots and boutique shops, while the hotel can arrange cenote tours, cultural rituals, sound baths and personalised wellness sessions.

Just north of the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, lies this romantic, intimate adults-only resort. With 41 suites it’s low rise and peaceful, incorporating a private beach, the Wayak Spa, gym, lagoon pool, open-air bar and grill and a fancy Mexican restaurant. You can pack light before coming, the hotel loans guests sombreros, books, snorkelling gear, DVDs, Neil George bath products – and limos are on hand for exploring further afield. Book a thatched Royal Villa for your own butler, pool, hammock, huge soaking tub and indoor-outdoor showers. Do try The Temezcal, an intensive sweat lodge ceremony to truly unwind and experience the mysticism of Mexico.

Offering guests a private stretch of 600 metres of powdery sand to spread out on, this stunning hotel is separated into five establishments that have been created in the shape of pyramids. Each pyramid is surrounded by its own tropical garden and comes with a separate lagoon-style swimming pool to ensure guests will find plenty of room to splash around. People who are in search of the optimum luxury will be able to take advantage of a range of upgraded services such as the Royal Service which is reserved exclusively for adults and the Family Concierge. The dining here is among the best in the whole of Cancun and with a seven-star Michelin chef overseeing the creation of dishes, guests can be sure that they will be in for a real treat.

Spread across 45 acres, the 401 suite Fairmont boasts its own golf course, spa and cooking school. It’s just 15 minutes drive from the bright lights of Playa del Carmen, but with so much to do and see here, you won’t want to leave. It’s a great place to wildlife spot, surrounded by ocean, mangroves and jungle on each side. Dinner at La Laguna (beside the lagoon) is a real highlight, not only because of its romantic setting but also for its fantastic Mexican cuisine. Guests can also eat seafood beachside at Brisas, and The Lobby Lounge’s balcony is the perfect spot for an after-dinner margarita or three. The style is contemporary with some traditional Yutucan elements and an earthy colour scheme. Book a beachfront casita for a private rooftop pool, tons of space and butler service.

Having made its debut in October 2023, Secrets Tulum offers the latest in barefoot chic. The adults-only hideaway has been designed in circular blocks, with lots of neutral earthy shades and natural materials incorporated into the build. Book a junior suite, with a tropical or swim-up upgrade, or Preferred Club status for access to a private lounge, breakfast in the Rosewater seafood restaurant, a personal concierge service and an upgraded minibar. The amenities onsite include 14 bars and restaurants, a spa, rooftop and courtyard pools and another pool at the Beach Club.

Just metres from Fifth Avenue, you’ll find Aloft Playa del Carmen, a 167-bedroom hotel designed for the urban traveller seeking innovative future focussed facilities. The decor here is minimalist, with nods to the indigenous culture via textures and colours. A roof terrace has two infinity pools with colourful floating sunloungers and seating spaces, and a bar set beneath a pergola. It’s all very chic, yet with a fun and playful vibe. Guests can drink and dine at W XYZ bar, Re:mix lounge and the Nook restaurant and grab food to go at Re:fuel. The hotel also offers workspaces for digital nomads, a Camp Aloft kids’ program, entertainment and pet-friendly amenities.

ound in the same property as the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, the new 673-room family-friendly Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa is an upscale resort for families, groups of friends and couples. It’s on the Costa Mujeres beach, a natural area on the Mexican Caribbean, about half an hour’s drive from the town of Cancún. For families looking for a truly premium experience, there is ‘The Family Selection’ service, with access to the best sports facilities, fine-dining restaurants and an upgraded all-inclusive offering.  The resort village has a range of leisure, dining, entertainment and shopping options that ensure both children and adults are having their best holiday.  The property’s facilities feature nine restaurants, four swimming pools, one of them exclusive for children, as well as a convention centre with capacity for 1380 people. In addition, the resort offers world-class spa facilities with the Zentropia Spa & Wellness centre; and also, exceptional tennis facilities with The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Costa Mujeres, set to be one of Mexico’s most comprehensive tennis facilities, offering tennis programmes developed by Nadal and his technical team for all levels and ages, suitable for both hotel guests and local residents. There are eight clay tennis courts, a football pitch, one paddle court, a gym for warming-up, stretches and basic training, a Rafa Nadal exhibition area, a shop with exclusive premium sports products, and a bar/cafeteria.

Comprising three villa buildings, Aldea Canzul exudes contemporary rustic style. The high-end furnishings have a boho edge, ensuring the resort feels both fashionable and in keeping with its surroundings. Ideal for families and groups, the two, three and four-bedded self-catering casas include kitchens and terraces with BBQ facilities and superb views. The on-site concierge can book a private chef if you’d prefer not to cook, as well as arranging in-villa spa treatments, watersports activities and yoga classes. Tulum’s main beachfront is close enough to provide access to bars and restaurants, but far enough to afford peace and quiet.