Riviera Maya...where to stay

[BrownEyedGirl]

DH and I are trying to figure out where we want to stay during our trip to Mexico...I already know it will be somewhere around the Mayan Riviera, I just have to find a resort.

I'm interesting in finding out more about El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside, Occidental Grand Xcaret, and Xpu-Ha (we only visited for a few hours)

We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace for our honeymoon and visited Xpu-ha.
Aventura Pros: Jacuzzi in our room, Free tours, Nice spa, Adults only
Cons: Not a very nice beach, Water sports aren't an option, Somewhat stuffy
Xpu-Ha pros: Jacuzzi in our room, Free tours, Nice beach, lots of water sport options, interesting buildings, interesting layout
Cons: Busy, confusing layout, lots of kids?,

I'm looking for something nice, not too busy, not too stuffy, has options. A jacuzzi would be nice too.

Any advice or stories would be appreciated. We are looking to go around memorial day and would like to spend under $3,500 for 7 nights.

Thanks so much!!!

[Goldie]

Awesome post! No advice cause we're planning the same trip and are in the same planning stage. But I'm curious to see what other people say. We seem to have the same taste in our "pros and cons" list, too! :D

P.S. I have also heard that Secrets Excellence is nice.

[pride&prejudice]

I would reccomend Secrets Excellence. We went there on our HM and loved it! Don't have much time to post now, but if you have any questions let me know, we kind of have the same taste! :D

Depending on how "quiet" you want it, Secrets Capri is a little more "romantic".

[{b}]

We stayed at the Royal Hideaway in PlayaCar - amazing. All inclusive, adults only, 5 star. Highly recommended.

They did get hurricane damage and are currently closed. I know this because my parents just went to the Allegra Occidental right next door last week. Mom said the RH sign said it would reopen March 06, but that they probably had a couple more months of construction to go. I guess they lost all the windows and the roof in the building closest to the ocean, which was a restaurant, the beach/pool bar and poolside lunch restaurant.

My parents enjoyed the Allegra, but it's family friendly and not as upscale as RH - but also therefore not as expensive. DH and I REALLY wanted adults only, and loved the RH. We love kids, we just wanted a very relaxing, relaxed, laid back honeymoon.

Playacar in general was really nice, but had some beach erosion in the hurricane.

[rosa727]

I have stayed at the Royal Hideaway (before the hurricane) and Secrets Capri (after the hurricanes passed through last year - there was no damage at all). Both were incredible. We really liked the fact that there were no children. They also both had really great food and top-shelf liquor, which is not always the case in all-inclusives.

I have heard that Royal Hideaway is completely redoing everything and adding some things too. It would be more than $3500 for 7 days, but as a general comment, I would stay there if I possibly could. It is the only AI on the "Leading Hotels of the World" list. It's incredible.

Secrets Capri was really romantic, the beach was beautiful and secluded because it is not in Playacar. The food was fantastic, they have lots of ocean view rooms, lots of activities, great staff.