2 Best Hotels in Puerto Aventuras, The Riviera Maya

Located in Paamul, south of Playa del Carmen, this rustic resort sits on a perfect white-sand beach. There are queen, king, and master suites, all of them fully equipped with air conditioning, TV, bathtub, and kitchenette. Ground-floor rooms feature private patios and direct beach access. There are RV and tent sites here, too. Facilities include a swimming pool, minimart, and restaurant; the full-service dive shop conducts PADI- and NAUI-certification courses.

Atop the main beach and in the center of the action, this property is the focal point of Puerto Aventuras, but its low-key luxury is a cut above the town's other resorts. Small for a full-service facility, it feels spacious and peaceful. Rooms have sitting areas with a plasma TV, plus terraces with hot tubs and views of the ocean, pool, or marina. There are plenty of spots to get your feet wet—including two connecting pools, a swim-up bar, a children’s pool, and the beach dotted with Bali beds. A 9-hole golf course is within walking distance, and the marina is just around the corner. Breakfast and a newspaper arrive at your room daily by way of a cubbyhole, to avoid disturbing your slumber.