Shores And More Travel

Vacation in the Riviera Maya with Adventure: How to Choose the Right Resort for Couples Who Want More Than “Just Relaxing”

Feb 22, 2026By Tina Moczynski
Tina Moczynski

If your idea of a perfect couples’ vacation includes white-sand beaches and stories you’ll still be telling at dinner parties next year, the Riviera Maya belongs at the top of your list. This stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast—anchored by Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum—delivers the best of both worlds: sun-soaked downtime paired with bucket-list adventures you can actually fit into a long weekend or a full week away.

As a travel advisor, I’ve noticed something interesting: when couples say they want an “adventurous” getaway, they usually don’t mean constant chaos. They mean easy, memorable fun—the kind that feels exciting without being exhausting. They want to snorkel in a cenote, float a lazy river, ride a waterslide, explore a jungle trail… and still come back to a gorgeous room, a great cocktail, and a dinner that feels like a date night.

That’s why choosing the right resort matters so much. In the Riviera Maya, the best adventure vacations aren’t about doing the most—they’re about staying somewhere that makes adventure effortless. 

Below are my top three resort picks for couples who love adventure, plus the simple framework I use to match the right resort to the right couple. 

The “Adventure Couples” Resort Match Formula (Use This Before You Book) 

Before we get into the resorts, here are the three things I look for when planning adventure-forward trips for couples: 

  1. Built-in access to experiences 
    The best adventure resorts either include activities on-site or make it incredibly easy to get to parks, excursions, and natural attractions—without complex logistics. 
  2. Balance: adrenaline + recovery 
    Adventure is more fun when you can recover well. Think great pools, spa options, comfortable rooms, and food that feels like a reward at the end of the day. 
  3. The right vibe for your relationship 
    Some couples want high-energy and social. Others want quiet luxury and curated experiences. Your resort should match your style, not someone else’s Instagram.

    Now, let’s talk about three resorts that consistently deliver for adventurous couples in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. 
  4. Aerial view of a sprawling Riviera Maya resort surrounded by lush jungle, featuring a multi-level turquoise pool, sandy beach coves, and a large stone, pyramid-like structure with a tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
    Jungle-to-sea luxury escape in Riviera Maya

1) Hotel Xcaret Mexico: All-Inclusive Adventure on a Next Level Scale 

If you’re the kind of couple that hates “wasting time figuring it out,” Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a dream because it’s designed around immersive experiences. This is not the type of all-inclusive where you’re limited to a pool and a buffet. It’s an all-inclusive concept built for couples who want variety—and love having options. 

Why adventurous couples love it: 

  • A huge range of experiences and excursions tied to the Xcaret ecosystem
  • Easy access to parks and adventure attractions (perfect if you want to do a lot without overplanning)
  • Stunning setting with views that feel like you’re waking up inside the destination—Caribbean water, jungle scenes, and river views 

What it feels like: 

You wake up, step onto your balcony, and the day already feels like it has momentum. You can pack in park days and excursions, then shift into relaxation mode at the end of the day—spa time, cocktails, and a dinner that feels like a reward. 

Best for: 

Couples who want a “choose-your-own-adventure” vacation with minimal friction and maximum variety. 

Aerial view of a modern Riviera Maya resort at sunset, surrounded by dense jungle, with a long central infinity pool, multiple terrace-style buildings, and a natural lagoon inlet with sandy beach and rocky edges in the foreground.
Riviera Maya resort views, pool-to-lagoon bliss

2) Hotel Xcaret Arte: Adventure With a Creative Twist (Adults-Only) 

If you love the Xcaret style of adventure but want something with a more refined, adults-only feel, Hotel Xcaret Arte takes the concept in a direction that’s both romantic and creative. 

The standout difference? Artistic workshops layered into the experience. It’s ideal for couples who want adventure, but also want to come home feeling like they did something different—something that’s not just “another beach vacation.” 

Why adventurous couples love it: 

  • Adults-only atmosphere with elevated date-night energy
  • Access to the same broader adventure ecosystem as its sister property
  • Creative workshop options that add a unique “experience” layer to the trip 

Room tip for couples: 

Swim-up suites can be a great fit if you like the idea of slipping into the water without turning it into a whole event—perfect for quick resets between adventures. 

Best for: 

Couples who want adults-only adventure with an artsy, elevated vibe—romantic, memorable, and not overly “spring break.” 

Aerial view of a tropical beachfront resort with white buildings, palm-lined sand, a central pool area, and clear turquoise ocean water along a curved shoreline, with dense green jungle stretching inland.
Secluded beachfront escape with turquoise calm

3) Sandos Caracol Eco Resort: Nature-Forward Adventure With a Fun, Active Feel 

If your ideal vacation includes the words eco, nature, and active, you’ll love the energy at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. This property leans into the surrounding natural environment, which makes it a great match for couples who get excited about exploring and staying moving. 

Why adventurous couples love it: 

  • Strong “nature immersion” feel—more jungle energy, more eco vibe
  • Activities that keep your days fun and varied
  • Great for couples who want a lively atmosphere with plenty to do 

Picture a day that starts with a natural adventure (like snorkeling in a cenote), shifts into playful fun (waterslides, lazy river vibes), and ends with low-key downtime by the pool or with on-site entertainment. 

Best for: 

Couples who want an active, eco-influenced resort experience and love a mix of nature + play. 

So… Which One Is Right for You? 

Here’s the quick version: 

  • Hotel Xcaret Mexico = maximum variety, effortless adventure, “let’s do it all” energy
  • Hotel Xcaret Arte = adults-only, elevated romance, adventure + creative experiences
  • Sandos Caracol Eco Resort = nature-forward, active days, eco vibe and fun variety 

And here’s the honest truth: the “best” resort depends less on what’s popular and more on what kind of adventure you actually want. Are you: 

  • The couple that wants nonstop experiences and a packed itinerary?
  • The couple that wants adventure with romance and a refined vibe?
  • The couple that wants nature immersion and playful activities? 

This is exactly where working with a travel advisor changes everything—because instead of guessing, you get a plan built around your style, your budget, and the kind of memories you’re chasing. 

Ready to Plan Your Riviera Maya Adventure? 

Contact me today to start planning your next adventure! And if you’re not ready to plan just yet, join my Live It List Club where you’ll receive travel tips, destination inspiration, and exclusive content—delivered straight to your inbox. 

- Updated February 2026 -