Gourmet all-inclusive luxury with upscale suites, diverse dining, and a world-class spa.
Riviera Maya, Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62 Playa Del Carmen, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico Get directions
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"A family-friendly yet sophisticated resort known for oversized suites, plentiful terraces and private plunge pools, and a high-end culinary program highlighted by the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. Wellness is a major draw—the expansive SE Spa offers Indigenous-inspired holistic treatments (including unique rituals and specialty massages), and guests receive nightly spa credits—though some of the most popular restaurants require advance reservations and rates sit in the luxury tier." - Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, and content marketer. She is an expert on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, as she lived and worked in four different countries in that region. Carley founded the digital travel publications Loosely Local and Home to Havana. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"An all-suite, ultra-luxury beachfront resort with 491 suites set between 80 acres of mangrove forest and a 1,000-foot stretch of powdery white-sand beach. Suites are spread across three buildings (two of which are family-friendly), each acting like a mini hotel with separate pools, gyms, and restaurants; families will feel at home in the Ambassador and Grand Class sections, which have the largest pools, several different restaurants, many connecting rooms, and kids' clubs (the Ambassador building is closest to the beach). Most restaurants include kid-friendly sections on the menus. Facilities for families include a Kid’s Club, Teen’s Club, and a Baby Concierge. Distance to Cancun airport is 33 miles; Wi‑Fi is available; gratuities apply. Rates start at $1,235." - Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger left New York City for a life on the road. She has spent the majority of her career traveling and living in Mexico, and is passionate about seeing destinations in a slow-paced, immersive manner. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A luxurious beachfront resort renowned for its culinary excellence — the property’s eight signature restaurants make it a foodie paradise and it features the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. Set on over 200 acres of protected mangroves, jungle, and natural freshwater wells (cenotes) with more than 1,000 feet of white-sand beach, the resort offers Velas signature experiences that tap into local Mexican culture. Spa highlights include the SE Spa’s famous Water Ceremony, “an hour-long relaxation ritual built around the use of seven specially-designed water-based facilities and including a personal spa valet.” Family-focused amenities include a Baby Concierge service that provides cribs, baby bathtubs, bottle sterilizers, and even organic baby meals; many gourmet meals, premium beverages, 24-hour in-suite dining, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and concierge services are included with most packages." - Amanda Eyre Ward Amanda Eyre Ward Amanda Eyre Ward is a New York Times-bestselling novelist whose novel THE JETSETTERS was a Reese's Book Club pick. Amanda writes about travel, food, and wellness for Travel + Leisure, Texas Monthly, Afar, Fodors, PaperCity, Matador, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Set on over 200 acres between Cancun and Tulum, this sprawling all-inclusive resort blends old-world elegance with first-class luxury and remarkably personalized service. Guests stay in one of three distinct "classes": an adults-only Grand Class with private plunge pools and a Michelin-starred tasting restaurant led by Chef Nahúm Velasco; an Ambassador section geared to families with large, connecting suites and an expansive multi-level pool; and Zen, a secluded, nature-facing enclave with jungle surroundings and its own cenote and calming pool. Suites are very large (roughly 1,270–3,000 sq ft) and come with daily-replenished customizable mini-fridges, pillow menus, marble bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs, and a personal concierge reachable by text; higher-tier Governor and Presidential suites add perks like private transport and housekeeping. Dining is a standout — from casual cafés and beachside options to specialty restaurants (Asian-fusion, Italian, French) and the resort’s Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor — with memorable dishes such as the short-rib mole and inventive conceptual plates included at no extra cost; each area also has signature bars, swim-up bars, and curated tastings. The spa features an extensive guided hydro circuit called the Water Ceremony and treatments incorporating indigenous techniques (for example, a cactus-flower Paak’am massage), while activities range from non-motorized water sports and two gyms to kids and teens clubs and unique local excursions arranged by concierge. Service is notably attentive (beach/pool concierges, a baby concierge for infants, and proactive daily activity suggestions), and the property emphasizes accessibility and sustainability through ADA rooms, ramps and beach-access measures, solar panels, desalination for landscaping, recycling outreach, a sea turtle protection program, and a new bee sanctuary." - Taylor McIntyre Taylor McIntyre Taylor McIntyre is a senior visual editor at Dotdash Meredith, working on Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy. Her work has been featured in ArchitecturalDigest.com, Touring Bird, Port Magazine, StyleCaster, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A family-friendly resort with luxurious suites, a renowned spa, and multiple dining options, located on a stunning white sand beach." - Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger left New York City for a life on the road. She has spent the majority of her career traveling and living in Mexico, and is passionate about seeing destinations in a slow-
