Spring Travel: Riviera Maya's Best Pools are in Playa del Carmen

An easy reach from the Eastern seaboard, Mexico's Riviera Maya is an ideal getaway for a week in paradise, or even a long weekend escape. And, while it may not be quite as LGBTQ+-centric as famed Puerto Vallarta, it's certainly a gay-friendly destination where tourists are unlikely to encounter issues.

Originally encompassing the stretch from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, it has since expanded to include nearly the entire Mexican Caribbean coast, from just below Cancún to the tip of Punta Allen. With so many resort towns now available in one idyllic region, sifting through the literal hundreds of hotels and resorts to pinpoint the best place for a home base can be daunting. But if an incredible pool complex unlike any other in Riviera Maya, easy luxury, and an absolute abundance of food are at the top of your vacay checklist, we've got the spot for you. Here are the top reasons you won't want to leave the newly opened Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, and will be seriously judging all other resorts after you visit.

A Pool System That's Practically an Ecosystem

Every warm-weather resort boasts of having at least one fabulous pool, and many do, but Secrets Moxché's dazzling collection is reason enough to reserve a suite here. The oceanfront property of course includes a beautiful white beach, but you'll be hard-pressed to tear yourself away from one of its many intimate pools or its enormous artificial beach, where you can also take Scuba lessons. The seven pools of Secrets are accessed through winding pathways shaded by palms and bordered by lush vegetation that swap a resort feel for tropical adventure vibes that take you a world away from typical hotel scenes.

You'll find numerous private spaces at several of these pools, but exploring them will also reveal secret indulgences like floating hammocks, hidden hot tubs, rock-walled cenotes (man-made), and countless Instagrammable moments (don't miss the photo opp at the see-thru walls of the elevated central pool corridor). If you're a fan of the pool party vibe found at many Mexican resorts, you'll still find that, too. Daily live music, a swim-up bar, and a conveniently located snack stand ensure plenty of revelry at the property's beachfront pool, separated just enough from the others to leave them as tranquil escapes while the party carries on by the shore.

Preferred Club Perks and Pampering

You can't spend 24 hours at these enchanting pools, so make sure the rest of your visit is equally impressive by opting for Preferred Club membership when you book your stay. In addition to the added rooftop pool (and restaurant and bar) that comes with this, additional exclusive services include personalized check-in and -out, a pillow menu, access to the Preferred Club Lounge with hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and dedicated concierge service, among other perks. You'll also appreciate the upgraded rooms, including options like private swim-out pools or balcony hot tubs, and equipped with luxury spa bathrooms. Speaking of spa, while Secrets Spa by Pevonia is not exclusive to Preferred Club guests, you'll want to spend some time experiencing the hydrotherapy circuit and outdoor pool, with its bubble lounger, waterfall, and reflexology benefits. Body treatments include chocolate wraps, detox scrubs, and after-sun wraps, but don't shy away from simple relaxation or tension massages to slip into the serenity of Secrets.

Foodie Focus

Hardly anything calls visitors to a destination like food today, and Secrets Moxché is prepared, offering 11 total food venues, including a 24-hour coffee shop and a casual lunch grill, seven à la carte restaurants that focus on upscale presentation of international cuisines or specialty preparations, from the Southeast Asian fare of Bamboo (with an alternative plant-based menu available), and the impressive open-fire grill of Ember. Yes, there's a proper Mexican restaurant, too, and you can reserve a taco tasting here for an added culinary experience you won't find at most resorts. Some of these restaurants come with a dress code, and a reservation is often recommended (occasionally required), but there are always options available regardless of your outfit or scheduling prowess.

Outside of mealtime, you may stumble across some of the property's signature events like Roads through Mexico, transforming the grounds into zones highlighting some of the country's most vibrant regions, featuring roving entertainment and signature dishes and drinks in each region. If this is on the schedule during your stay, try to take it easy at dinner – there's a lot to sample throughout this expansive festival. And, lest we forget those all-important vacation cocktails, there are no fewer than eight bars here, including Theatre Bar at Moxché Theatre, where you can grab a drink and catch additional entertainment nightly.