Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen Holidays

The perfect palm tree, the ultimate beach, coconut water straight from the source… holidays to the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are an aquamarine paradise.

A lone fishing boat anchors on sugar-white sands, a swim into azure waters is so crystal clear you can spot the markings on tropical fish, and back on shore romantic nooks are toes-in-the-sand luxury by day and twinkly light oceanfront dining by night. Yucatan holidays are all about plush hotels tucked behind grand entrances, boutiques stacked up with designer swimwear, ecological parks filled with natural lagoons and teppanyaki tables where smoking hot wagyu steak is just the start of an extravagant meal.

Super swish suites come with swim-up pools, jungle-style resorts put you in the heart of a unique nature reserve and cobalt waters are made for paddling out to tiny islets, searching for elusive whale sharks and watching sea turtles chomp on grass beds. That extraordinary barrier reef is a dream for seasoned snorkellers and if you’re new to the underwater world you’re in prime position for a warm welcome to marine life at the ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há where protected areas of the ocean are accessed via stairs into the sea. It’s easy to get lost in a spectacular world of beaches and sea for your whole stay, but equally, holidays to the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and stunning offshore islands take you off course to a land of ancient Mayan civilization.

Back among hibiscus-scented spas, rooftop bars and huge infinity pools, the only choice you need to make is whether it’s a long walk on the beach with a salt-rimmed margarita or a private cabana complete with Champagne and sweeping views of the coast.

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Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen

Paradisus La Perla – Adults Only – All Inclusive

Set in a private bay, this adults-only resort is a contemporary choice with many facilities.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Catering specifically for families, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers an excellent range of facil...

Haven Riviera Cancún

A sleek and stylish all-suite hotel in a golden setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

This rainforest-set Riviera Maya resort offers free access to some of the region’s best theme par...

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Enviable white sands and a fantastic Unlimited-Luxury® All Inclusive package.

Hotel Xcaret Arte

An adults-only haven with unlimited access to a host of adventure parks.

Impression Moxché by Secrets

A modern Caribbean hideaway perfectly positioned amid sugar-white sands and rolling waves.

Secrets Moxché Playa Del Carmen

An exquisite escape supercharged with romantic appeal.

Beachfront by the Fives

Sumptuous and secluded, this romantic retreat sits upon the sandy shores of Playa Del Carmen

Essence at the Fives Beach

Steps from the sparkling white sands and azure waters of the Riviera Maya, Essence at the Fives B...

Holidays in Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen

  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Set in a private bay, this adults-only resort is a contemporary choice with many facilities.

From £1,641 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Catering specifically for families, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers an excellent range of facilities and activities.

From £1,606 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

A sleek and stylish all-suite hotel in a golden setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

From £1,740 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

This rainforest-set Riviera Maya resort offers free access to some of the region’s best theme parks.

From £2,682 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Enviable white sands and a fantastic Unlimited-Luxury® All Inclusive package.

From £2,017 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

An adults-only haven with unlimited access to a host of adventure parks.

From £2,973 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen

A modern Caribbean hideaway perfectly positioned amid sugar-white sands and rolling waves.

From £2,779 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen

An exquisite escape supercharged with romantic appeal.

From £2,127 p/p
  • Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen
  • 5 Star

Sumptuous and secluded, this romantic retreat sits upon the sandy shores of Playa Del Carmen

From £1,725 p/p
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Get to know the Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -6 hours

CURRENCY

Mexican Peso

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

11 hours

RELIGION

No official religion but the majority of the population are Roman Catholic

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where is the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Running south of Cancun all the way to Tulum, the Mayan Riviera is on the Caribbean coastline in the state of Quintana Roo.

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Exploring the Riviera Maya
If you can tear yourself away from the shade of a palapa or a dip in the ocean, other highlights include Playa del Carmen’s pedestrianised 5th Avenue – 22 blocks of shops, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife – the extraordinary natural ecological parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há – think diverse marine life, cenotes and lagoons, rope swings and tranquil swimming caves – and day trips to both Chichen Itza and Tulum. You can try cave swimming at Rio Secreto just a few minutes outside of Playa del Carmen, hop on a ferry for the 45-minute ride over to the beautiful island of Cozumel and head to the tiny of Akumal to swim among the endangered green sea turtle.

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Food and drink
Yucatan food is seasoned and flavoured with marinades and citrus juices, and spices such as oregano, coriander and garlic. Meats are cooked to perfection on a pib (fire pit of hot stones and coals), seafood and fresh fish feature heavily and ceviche is a favourite. Don’t forget to try chilaquiles (fried tortilla strips in salsa) for breakfast and look out throughout the day for the colourful agua fresca, tamales and bread bicycles that stop along the Riviera Maya selling sweet and sugary breads, hand-wrapped tamales and fresh mango and hibiscus water.

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Riviera Maya & Playa Del Carmen Weather

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Our experts have curated a wide range of handpicked Riviera Maya offers to make your next holiday extra special. Make the most of great-value savings, exclusive upgrades and bespoke touches. 

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