Just over a decade ago, the mayor of Solidaridad, Mexico, suggested a sexy-sounding new nickname for his municipality. The idea stuck and now the particularly scenic stretch of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known as the
Mayan Riviera or Riviera Maya. Starting with the high-rises of Cancún, sweeping through buzzing Playa del Carmen, and ending 40 miles later at the beach huts of Tulum, the Riviera Maya encompasses megaresorts and chic hideaways, indulgent spas, and some of the world’s best diving spots. Its white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters add up to an ideal quick getaway – especially if one considers the numerous nonstop flights to Cancún airport from the U.S. These days the region is as popular as ever.    

So after all the growth and change in the area, how does one pick a place to vacation? By now sophisticated travelers know to skip the mammoth all-inclusives filled with rowdy spring breakers. Those places are easy to spot – and avoid. But beyond the obvious, it can be difficult to discern the truly spectacular from the purely passable in the vast portfolio of hotels lining the coast.

Consider this article a personal cheat sheet. The calculations are straightforward: We selected the three choicest areas of the Riviera Maya – Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and greater Mayakoba – and for each one, we offer three first-rate hotel picks. Because the simplicity of planning is only the first of many draws when it comes to vacationing in this region. Plus, start visualizing your Mexico vacation with our Mayan Riviera slideshow.