Halfway between Tulum and Cancún, the 64-room Maroma Hotel features several thatched-roof buildings along the beach. 

Riviera Maya Hotels: Three We Love

Riviera Maya, a stretch of peninsula south of Cancún along the Caribbean, is known for its abundance of fine all-inclusive resorts. Before you commit to one, check out our quick hits for favorite hotels.

Fairmont Mayakoba (fairmont.com/mayakoba).

Born from a mangrove jungle and designed with green principles in mind, the Mayakoba complex is close to Playa del Carmen. Here, even the golf courses are woven into the landscape with environmental integrity. Sitting on a series of lagoons and canals like a Mexican Venice, several exciting hotels interpret their space by the sea. The Mayakoba consists of low-lying casitas grouped along the canals, which guests use to travel by electric boat among the various hotels, their spas and restaurants. Some casitas rest on the beach, while others sit behind the mangroves to reduce beach erosion; some feature rooftop plunge pools. A favorite: The resort’s Willow Stream spa offers treatments in tree houses.

Maroma (maromahotel.com).

Halfway between Tulum and Cancún, enchanting Maroma began as a private home. The dream of an architect from Mexico City who adored the mysticism of Mayan culture, Maroma was hand-built, using ancient techniques and indigenous construction products by a family of Mayan stonemasons. Now an intimate 64-room Orient Express property, it consists of several thatched-roof, stucco buildings that dot the sugary sand of a perfect beach.

Hacienda Chichen (haciendachichen.com).

A green jungle resort just minutes from the temples, this boutique ranch-style hotel brims with romantic, soulful personality. This hotel comes with the sounds of monkeys at night and parrots during the day. Oh, and lots of inviting hammocks to hear nature’s music.