Top 10 Mexican Resort Destinations: Is Your Favorite on the List?

Riviera Maya Resorts Areas Dominate Mexico’s Top 10 for Hotel Occupancy in 2024

The Mexican Caribbean continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, with four of its resort areas ranking among the top 10 in Mexico for hotel occupancy in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur).

Playacar Takes the Top Spot

Playacar, a gated luxury resort community in Playa del Carmen, claimed the highest hotel occupancy rate in Mexico for 2024. Known for its pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and world-class golf course, Playacar remains a favorite among international tourists, especially from the U.S. and Canada. The resort saw an increase in hotel occupancy from 84.2% in 2023 to 87.3% in 2024, reflecting its growing popularity.

Akumal: The Quintessential Turtle Haven

Akumal, the small beach town between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, ranked second nationwide in hotel occupancy. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and thriving sea turtle population, Akumal is a haven for snorkelers and eco-conscious travelers. Despite its high ranking, occupancy dipped slightly from 82.1% in 2023 to 79.2% in 2024.

Cancún Holds Strong at Fifth Place

Cancún, the tourism powerhouse of the Mexican Caribbean, maintained a strong presence, securing fifth place. As one of the most visited beach destinations in the world, Cancún offers all-inclusive luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and direct access to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. However, its occupancy rate declined slightly from 75.6% to 74.1% over the past year.

Playa del Carmen: A Beachfront Hotspot

Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera Maya, finished seventh in the national ranking. This bustling coastal city is known for its European-style pedestrian streets, vibrant nightlife, boutique hotels, and quick access to Cozumel via ferry. Playa del Carmen’s occupancy rate remained stable, experiencing only a minor dip from 69.7% to 69.6%.

Quintana Roo Leads Mexico in Top-Rated Resorts

Quintana Roo stands out as the state with the most high-ranking tourist destinations on the national hotel occupancy list. Other top destinations in Mexico include:

• Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos Corridor, and San José del Cabo (Baja California Sur)
• Nuevo Nayarit (Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)
• Tecate (Baja California)

What Makes These Destinations Stand Out?

Sectur evaluates tourist resorts based on several criteria, including:

• Having at least 300 hotel rooms and 10+ lodging establishments
• Being a state capital or major tourist hub
• Receiving significant numbers of tourists year-round
• Being recognized as an integrated tourism development zone by Fonatur

With luxury accommodations, natural beauty, and world-class attractions, it’s no surprise that the Riviera Maya continues to dominate Mexico’s tourism rankings. As 2025 approaches, all eyes are on these resort hotspots to see if they can maintain or even surpass their current standings.