Our List of Honorable Mention Resorts with Lazy Rivers
Mexico has over 30 resorts with lazy rivers along its 2 coastlines. This article focuses on the resorts along Mexico’s Caribbean Sea which stretches from Cancun to the north and Tulum to the south.
We first reviewed resorts with lazy rivers and narrowed this list to the Top 20. We further narrowed this list to the resorts with the best lazy rivers, and determined the Top 8. Whereas all of these resorts are top-notch, these Top 8 Resorts are the ones we feel have the best lazy rivers. The article focuses on the 12 resorts with lazy rivers that made our honorable mention list.
When we evaluate resorts to vacation at, we look at the number of restaurants and pools, and whether the resort has a lazy river. Our best vacations have been at resorts with lazy rivers that snake around the resort. You can water walk them for exercise or for a change of scenery, or lay on a float and just meander around. Often, groups of people will walk/float together, making them a great way to meet people from other states and countries. In some resorts, these rivers will go near the other pool resorts, so you can navigate from one to another staying mostly in the water! And, staying in the water is a main activity of a beach resort, is it not?
Here is our list of the best resorts with lazy rivers that made our Honorable Mention list:
Hotel Xcaret, Riviera Maya
This family-friendly hotel has to top our list of honorable mentions because of its all-inclusive amentias including admission to its renowned ecological park. It has 13 pools and 10 restaurants and an adult-only section of rooms and pool.
The lazy river is not a pool, but rather is part of the Xcaret ecological park. The other parks that are included with your stay, are Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xosimilco, catamaran tour, and ferry to Isla Mujeres. You won’t find this with any other resort!
Barcelo Maya Colonial, Riviera Maya
This family-friendly resort offers 4 restaurants and 3 bars. When you stay at this resort, you also have access to Maya Riviera, Maya Beach, Maya Caribe, and Maya Tropical, for a total of 16 restaurants and 5 bars. If you are looking for an adult-only experience consider the Barcelo Maya Riviera.
Grand Oasis Cancun
This family-friendly resort is located along Cancun’s hotel zone. It boasts 13 restaurants and 14 bars. Like most family resorts, there is an adult-only section with night clubs and a casino. The pool is over 1300 feet long which is why we include it on this list of great lazy rivers.
Valentin Riviera Maya
This adults-only resort has to make our honorable mention list because we love this resort. We have been multiple times because of the service, the food, and beautiful grounds. The river is quiet and you can hang out under the bridges for some shade. This resort boasts 9 restaurants and 11 bars including swim up bars.
Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, Puerto Moreles
The Karisma chain of resorts never disappoints. This particular resort is family-friendly with an adult section. It boasts 7 restaurants, 8 bars and 3 pools. We haven’t been to a Karisma resort yet that hasn’t impressed us for its quality.
Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo, Playa Pariaso
This family-friendly resort offers 6 bars and 6 restaurants. There are 7 pools, winding river, and even a wave pool!
This resort is part of the Iberostar Selection complex that includes Playa Paraiso, Paraiso Maya and Grand Paraiso. If you stay at the adult-only Grand Paraiso, you can use the common areas across the entire complex.
The Grand Mayan, Riviera Maya
This complex also includes Grand Luxxe, Grand Bliss, Mayan Palace and The Bliss. There are 13 restaurants and bars, and 4 pools. If you book in the Luxxe hotel, you have access to all areas of the complex.
El Dorado Casitas Royale, Playa Del Carmen
This is another resort by Karisma and is an adult-only resort. There are 13 restaurants including cafes, 5 bars, and 7 swim up bars. This hotel knows you are there for time in the water!
The river runs along the swimup suites and leads to a main pool, although it doesn’t directly connect. Due to the incredible dining, facilities and dining, this is one of our favorite resorts.
Azul Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen
This luxurious beachfront resort offers separate sections for families and adults, ensuring everyone finds their bliss. Unwind in stylish suites with Jacuzzis in some rooms, and cool off in sparkling pools or the Caribbean Sea, just steps away. Families can create lasting memories at the dedicated water park, while adults can indulge in top-shelf drinks and gourmet dining options. For a leisurely float, unwind on the lazy river surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a tranquil escape within the resort.
Quick Facts: 435 rooms, 6 restaurants, 6 pools, spa, family-friendly
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Puerto Morelos
This family-friendly resort boasts 9 restaurants and 6 bars including swim up. There are 4 pools including an adult-only pool. There are 2 water parks, one for children with waterslides and one for family with a 200 ft waterslide. The lazy river is 600 feet long which is plenty long enough to take a short nap while floating (or perhaps finish that drink you started with).
Dreams was part of the AM Resorts, which was recently acquired by Hyatt, so you know the service you expect from Hyatt will continue to be found here.
Grand Sirenis Riveria Maya Resort & Spa, Akumal
This family-friendly resort includes 3 pools, a separate pool for children, and its long lazy river. You will eat well at its 10 restaurants, while you will never be thirsty due to its 16 bars including swim-up.
Check out our Top 8 Resorts with the best lazy rivers.
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