Hotel Riu Palace Costa Mujeres

Built along the sand at Bahia de Mujeres, Hotel Riu Palace Costa Mujeres has grown into one of the larger all-inclusive addresses on this stretch of Quintana Roo coast, with 600 rooms across the property. Each room carries a balcony, Wi-Fi and a mini-bar, and most look out over the sea rather than the gardens behind. The hotel runs on a 24-hour all-inclusive basis, covering meals at its buffet and themed restaurants along with drinks from six bars. It is a large operation. Families and couples share the grounds, though an Elite Club section sets aside certain ocean-front rooms and a private pool area for guests who book into that tier. Children have a dedicated club and the Splash Water World park; adults can book the Renova Spa or join fitness sessions through the RIU Fit programme. Evenings run to themed parties and live entertainment, and Pacha Nightclub sits on site for later hours. Beyond the hotel, Isla Mujeres and its turtle conservation centre lie a short crossing away, with the ruins at El Rey and the pyramids of Chichen Itza further inland. Check-in is at 3pm. The beach itself runs wide and pale in front of the hotel, with direct access from the pool deck to the shore.