Barcelo All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya

Barceló Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel chain based in Spain with over 100 properties in 19 countries including the Caribbean. It is particularly known for its beach properties in sun-drenched locations. 

Barceló Maya is a complex of five all-inclusive resorts that sit side-by-side on the beach in the Puerto Aventuras area of Mexico's Mayan Riviera south of Cancun. 

The Mayan Riviera is a wildly popular vacation area and Playa del Carmen is a hot spot with many all-inclusive resorts. From this base, families can explore beaches, Mayan ruins, snorkeling lagoons, and unique eco-theme parks such as Xcaret and Xel-ha.

Along the white sand beaches of Puerto Aventuras, Barcelo offers five all-inclusive resorts located near each other. Collectively, the 2,751-room resorts have undergone $50 million in renovations that added the new Barcelo Maya Entertainment Center, which has a bowling alley, brand new kids' club, water park, and revamped 18-hole mini golf course. There's also a water park, huge 16,000-square-foot spa, and nearly two dozen restaurant options.

The enormous property includes the following properties:

• Barcelo Maya Colonial
• Barcelo Maya Beach
• Barcelo Maya Caribe
• Barcelo Maya Tropical
• Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe

• A mile of white sand beach
• Natural coral reef, for snorkeling; also shelters the beach area
• Multiple lagoon-style pools and kids' pools
• Complimentary non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, and paddleboats
• Jogging trail
• Nightly entertainment in the large amphitheater
• Free scuba class in a swimming pool, on-site PADI dive center
• Horseback riding, at an additional charge
• Luxury spa

• Barcy Water Park has water slides and fountains at the Colonial pool
• Shallow kiddie pools
• Barcy Club for kids ages 4 to 12
• Miniclub Miki Maya, for ages 4 to 12, day-time hours; location between by swimming pool of Caribe Beach
• Kids' playground
• Game room
• Babysitting available

• As is common at all-inclusive resorts, meals at specialty restaurants require reservations.
• Pools aren't heated, which is typical at Mexico resorts. 
• Based on proximity to the water park and kids' clubs, Barcelo Maya Colonial is the most convenient choice for families.

Edited by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher