3 Best Hotels in Puerto Morelos, The Riviera Maya

Just 15 minutes from Cancún Airport, this sprawling adults-only resort is centered on an indulgent spa and six meandering pools. Its grand entrance leads to a Spanish marble lobby; rooms are similarly opulent—all have whirlpool tubs, ornate Italianate furnishings, and private balconies. Guests have a choice of 13 bars and 10 restaurants, including a lobster house and an Indian restaurant, all with dinner dress codes that make every night date night. There are plenty of activities here, including kayaking, volleyball, tennis, archery, and dancing lessons, and if you prefer lounging on the beach to learning to salsa, this is where you'll find one of the largest, nicest beaches in the area. This is one of the few all-inclusive resorts that doesn't require guests to wear wristbands, make dinner reservations, or sign for services. For something extra romantic, ask about a room with a rooftop whirlpool tub.

Five minutes from the town square and opposite the main beach, this charming hacienda-style bed-and-breakfast has five rooms with firm, comfortable king-size beds plus private terraces, some with partial ocean views, and six larger cabañas with kitchens. Each cheerfully decorated option features local artwork, terra-cotta tile floors, and added perks like a small refrigerator, a coffeemaker, filtered drinking water, organic shampoo and conditioner made with honey, and beach towels. 

The guest rooms at this sprawling resort—built around a lofty lobby with views across the grounds and to the sea—are lustrous, from the contemporary Mexican decor to the marble bathrooms. Some first-floor accommodations also have private plunge pools and direct beach access. Preferred Members enjoy a private beach area and VIP lounge, plus ocean views and private whirlpool tubs. By day you can enjoy volleyball, yoga, Spanish classes, and cooking courses, and, by night, live performances, theme parties, and movies on the beach. Sailing, snorkeling, and kayaks are also included. While parents relax poolside, kids can play at the Maya-themed Explorer's Club, which has a pyramid-shaped climbing wall, a planetarium theater, and a CPR-certified staff. An adjacent playroom with a ball pit and toys appropriate for small children is available for parents with babies or toddlers.