The waters of the Caribbean lie calm and peaceful here under the brilliance of an awakening sky in this place chosen by the gods for the enjoyment of man. The plants, beautiful aromatic flowers, and the plethora of wildlife all bask in this unending paradise under the bemused gaze of the heavens that offer the warming gifts of the sun by day – and by night, the most romantic moments created by the pale light of the moon and constellations of a starry sky.

The Riviera Maya, also known as Mayan Riviera and commonly confused with Playa del Carmen, is located in Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo and is nestled alongside the Caribbean Sea. Playa del Carmen is a part of the Riviera Maya, although it lies to the south. The actual Riviera Maya area starts in Puerto Morelos (south of Cancun) and ends in Felipe Carrillo Puerto (south of Tulum).

The unspoiled Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya stretches south of Cancun for 75 miles, fronted by the second-largest coral reef in the world. Tranquil powder-sand beaches washed by translucent blue waters, lush tropical jungles, Mayan heritage, and the spirit of Mexico all contribute to the seductiveness of this inspiring land. The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba, and Fairmont Mayakoba, three of our luxury resorts in the area, are located 30 minutes south of Cancun and north of the seaside village of Playa del Carmen. These resorts are unique unto themselves but share one common quality: a perfect balance between the lush mangroves characteristic of the area and beautiful sandy beaches.

Visitors enjoy easy access to nearby Mayan ruins, breathtaking beaches, countless water sports, and world-class diving in the Great Mayan Reef.

The mysticism and magic of an ancient culture is still present. Serene sunlight flickers and dances on emerald lagoon waters, and the rolling surf of the Caribbean washes the shore, creating a natural symphony of sound and smell. This is the heart of Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya.

A rich backdrop of tropical forest and the cerulean blue of the Caribbean Sea lap miles of white sandy Yucatan coastline. This is easily one of the most irresistible destinations in the world. On top of this, underwater explorers have the second-largest reef in the world, teeming with a wonderful diversity of marine life. For naturalists, there’s the unique ecosystem in the surrounding mangroves and jungle, even the rare opportunity to view nesting turtles on the beach. But unusually for such a paradise, there is also a wealth of fascinating history to be explored. Dotted throughout the area are the ancient cities of the Maya. You can climb any number of pyramids and walk through the ceremonial buildings that they inhabited; dive in sacred freshwater cenotes, and let your mind evoke the Maya’s gladiatorial challenges on the remarkably intact ball courts of Chichen-Itza. These fascinating archaeological sites are extremely well-preserved, allowing us to unravel the mysteries of a highly sophisticated culture that died out nearly one thousand years ago.

The Riviera Maya area can also be a very romantic destination if you consider staying at some of the boutique resorts we feature in our portfolio. Closer to Cancun, you can stay at some very spa-oriented resorts like Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita or Maroma Resort and Spa; and closer to Playa del Carmen you can choose to stay at Tides Riviera Maya or Hotel Esencia.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Riviera Maya

Manglar Three-Bedroom Villa

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Lagoon Studio Suite

Situated along the shimmering lagoons, the Lagoon Studio Suite offers a spacious ...

Deluxe Lagoon Suite

Offering views of the lagoons and mangroves, these one-bedroom suites with king ...

Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite

Ideal for honeymooners and couples, the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite floats abo ...

Beachfront Studio Suite

Located steps away from the sand, Beachfront Studio Suite offers clear views of ...

Beachside Lagoon View Suite

These one-bedroom suites, with king bed and a sofa bed, showcase views of the la ...

Ocean View Suite-

Nestled beachside, this over-sized suite offers a separate seating area, rooftop ...

Lagoon Presidential Suite

This expansive three-bedroom suite features a large living and dining area, circ ...

Laguna Three-Bedroom Villa-

The Laguna three-bedroom villa is a modern oasis built of natural stone and wood ...

Wellness Suite

Overlooking the lagoon on the Spa island, the Wellness Suites offer a king bed, ...

Mayakoba Two-Bedroom Suite

These beautifully appointed townhouse-style suites offer a lagoon-side grand mas ...

Lagoon Studio Suite with Two Queens-

Modern design suite with a spectacular view of the mangrove and lagoon area. Con ...

Beachfront Presidential Suite

The expansive Beachfront Presidential Suite, located on prime oceanfront, featur ...

Manglar Two-Bedroom Villa

An open two-story area and abundant oversized windows capture serene lagoon view ...

Beachfront Three Bedroom Presidential Suite-

SIZE: 3,435 square feet VIEW: Ocean view BEDDING: Two king beds and two queen ...

Coral Three-Bedroom Villa-

This enchanting, three-bedroom limestone villa offers floor-to-ceiling views, a ...

Rooftop Ocean View Suite

Located just across from the beach, these suites offer panoramic views of the oc ...

Manglar Three-Bedroom Villa

An open two-story area captures tranquil lagoon vistas from all floors in this t ...

Cenote Two-Bedroom Villa

Rising harmoniously from ancient mangrove forests, this two-bedroom private resi ...

Ensueño Two-Bedroom Villa

This two-bedroom villa—with an elevator—captures magnificent landscape views via ...

CENOTE THREE-BEDROOM VILLA

Rising harmoniously from ancient mangrove forests, this three-bedroom private re ...

Paraiso Four-Bedroom Villa-

Designed to embrace the tropical landscape, Villa Paraíso is a contemporary four ...

Paraiso Five-Bedroom Villa-

This five-bedroom private residence features open spaces in perfect harmony with ...

THE FOUNDER'S VILLA

The Founder’s Villa is a rare opportunity to enjoy luxurious coastal living on o ...

BEACHFRONT SIX-BEDROOM VILLA

A modern estate set in a secluded quarter of Mayakoba's verdant acreage, the Bea ...

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