Best of Riviera Maya locations

Aerial view of a coastal town with a long sandy beach, buildings, and turquoise ocean with small boats.
Underwater coral reef scene with colorful fish and sunlight rays
Colorful bicycles lined up outside a green building with thatched roof, a small outdoor cafe with plants and wooden posts, and a sign advertising tours in a tropical setting.

Puerto Morelos

Nestled on the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya, Puerto Morelos is a charming seaside town that offers a perfect blend of laid-back luxury, rich culture, and natural beauty. Located just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, this town’s relaxed, bohemian atmosphere provides a more peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbor, Playa del Carmen.

Puerto Morelos is best known for its pristine beaches, and Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, making it an equally alluring destination for sun bathing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

With a focus on fresh seafood, local ingredients, and authentic flavors, the town’s culinary scene offers everything from casual beachfront bites to fine dining experiences.

Puerto Morelos may have a laid-back, small-town charm, but you won’t have to choose between laid-back and sophistication. The town offers a selection of high-end resorts, boutique hotels, and private villas that deliver the comfort and exclusivity discerning travelers expect, without the crowds.

Bronze statue with two figures reaching for each other on Playa del Carmen beach, with palm trees and sunset over the ocean in the background.
Colorful mural depicting a stylized face with intricate patterns and decorative elements, including mythical creatures, against a backdrop of greenery and thatched roofing.
Person in feathered costume holding decorative shield on a beach with ocean background, people sitting nearby.

Playa Del Carmen

Described as the heart beat of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is where caribbean beauty, vibrant culture, and modern luxury come together to create one of Mexico’s most dynamic destinations. Located just 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport, Playa’s prime location makes it a strategic home base for exploring the region. From here, visitors can easily access Cozumel, Tulum, cenotes, Mayan ruins, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve—all while enjoying the town’s beachfront charm and cosmopolitan energy.

Playa del Carmen has a unique European-inspired, bohemian-meets-modern Mexican atmosphere. Strolling along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)—the town’s famous pedestrian street—you’ll find a mix of luxury boutiques, artisanal markets, rooftop bars, and stylish cafés, all set against a backdrop of palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. The energy is lively yet sophisticated, allowing for a perfect mix of relaxed beach days and high-end indulgences.

Playa del Carmen’s cultural melting pot is reflected in its food scene, offering everything from authentic Mexican street eats, cold-pressed juices and smoothie bowls to Michelin-worthy fine dining.

Whether you seek relaxation, nightlife, outdoor excursions, or wellness experiences, Playa provides an effortlessly chic yet laid-back escape in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Aerial view of a beachfront resort with circular thatched-roof villas, small pools, lush greenery, palm trees, and sandy beach along the ocean. The ocean waves are gently hitting the shore.
Wooden sculpture of a giant human figure with hands opening its chest to reveal greenery inside, surrounded by trees, with a sign that says "Ven a la Luz."
Ancient stone ruins on a rocky cliff by a tropical beach in Tulum, Mexico, with turquoise ocean waves and green vegetation under a blue sky.

Tulum

Tulum is a one-of-a-kind destination located on Mexicos Riviera Maya coast, with Tulum International Airport located approximately 45 minutes inland from the beach and hotel zone.

Tulum has quickly transformed from a small fishing village into a global destination. The town is known for its eco-luxury hotels, international cuisine, wellness retreats, vibrant nightlife, and curated design, often catering to travelers seeking a more specific, aesthetic-forward experience, than a glimpse into traditional Mexican culture.

At its core, Tulum is a wellness haven. It’s internationally recognized for its yoga retreats, plant-based dining, healing ceremonies, and holistic spa experiences. Whether you're meditating at sunrise, sipping fresh-pressed juices at a jungle café, or taking part in a traditional temazcal ceremony, Tulum’s health-focused spirit is woven into the rhythm of daily life. Eco-luxury accommodations, many of them designed to blend into the lush natural landscape, offer a serene escape that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or design.

As the sun sets, Tulum transforms. From live DJ sets under the stars and candlelit mezcal bars the party scene in Tulum has earned global acclaim for being both laid-back and luxe.

Just beyond the buzz, nature lovers will find the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s greatest treasures. This sprawling, protected natural area offers mangroves, lagoons, untouched beaches, and rich biodiversity, perfect for eco-adventures, birdwatching, kayaking, or peaceful boat rides through the reserve.

Tulum invites you to do it all—detox by day, dance by night, and reconnect with nature in between. With its mix of world-class wellness, barefoot luxury, captivating nightlife, and its powdery white beaches, Tulum is not just a destination—it’s a feeling, an energy, and a lifestyle that stays with you long after you’ve left.