Planning a Mexican beach vacation? Whether you have a penchant for romance, eco-activities, epicurean delights, or you just crave being in the center of the action, here are four resorts that have your interests in mind. After all, you can’t spend every waking minute by the ocean under a palapa.

Hotel Xcaret Arte © Kelly Magyarics

For the Eco-Tourist: Casa Chablé

This 10-room eco-retreat opened earlier this year in the Sian Ka’an biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Maya name translates to “gate to heaven.” Located 22 miles south of Tulum, the biosphere is flanked by a white-sand beach on one side and a tropical jungle on the other, with wetlands, mangroves, cenotes, forested islets, beaches and lagoons and bays intersected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. During your stay you may encounter dolphins, manatees, turtles, tropical fish and migratory birds, and getting there requires a 35-minute speedboat ride. After you arrive, you’ll be taken to one of five stand-alone beachfront bungalows with outdoor showers; larger groups can book the main villa housing five guest suites. In addition to a restaurant, you’ll find an oceanfront wellness cabana; gym; outdoor wellness esplanade for yoga and meditation; a rooftop lounger; and a private beach outfitted with canopied daybeds, tipis and hammocks.

Don’t miss: A private guided snorkeling tour of the biosphere, where you’ll explore the Yucatán’s crystalline pools and a coral reef.

© Kelly Magyarics

For the Romantic: Cala de Mar Resort & Spa

Perched on a cliffside on Mexico’s West Coast near Ixtapa is this nine-level, adobe-style resort where 59 stacked villas all boast incredible views of the rocks and pounding surf of the Pacific. Kindle (or rekindle) a flame while canoodling in your infinity pool or on the daybed of your expansive (and completely private) terrace, where complimentary daily deliveries of ice-cold beer, chips and guacamole make for a perfect happy hour para dos. Hop in the funicular — or inclined cable car — to ascend to your villa for a little alone time or descend to the spa’s cabana overlooking the ocean. Here treatments begin with a floral ritual footbath and a water ritual of steam, sauna, whirlpool and rain showers before transitioning to the Yoloxochitl Couple’s Massage inspired by the heart flower.

Don’t miss: A private, multicourse romantic dinner for two on a terrace overlooking the crashing waves.

© Kelly Magyarics

For the Gourmand: Hotel Xcaret Arte

Think all-inclusive resorts always translate to copious amounts of mediocre food? Think again. This adults-only, all-inclusive property (part of Grupo Xcaret) in Riviera Maya boasts 900 suites — and nine dining experiences with menus curated or overseen by some of Mexico’s top toques, including some with Michelin stars. (There are 700 food and beverage staff members, if that tells you anything about the resort’s epicurean focus.) Most interesting may be Kibi Kibi, a Yucatán-Lebanese fusion concept inspired by the late-19^th-century influx of Lebanese immigrants to Mérida in the Yucatán to start textile businesses. The cobalt-blue décor of Arenal, next to the ocean, is every bit as gorgeous and delicious as the shrimp cocktail ceviche, fish tacos and mango-topped coconut crème brûlée on your plate. And the ever-changing menu at Encanto, which serves globally infused Mexican dishes, may offer surprises like deconstructed Caesar salad on a tostada and a tasting of mezcal accompanied by a marshmallow “worm” lounging on an agave plant.

Don’t miss: An eight-course, prix-fixe menu at Xaak, the only restaurant with an upcharge, which focuses on regional food with pre-Hispanic influences and also gives a nod to women chefs in Mexico throughout history. 

For the Activity Seeker: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla

Those who want to be in the heart of Cancún will love this 174-room hotel adjacent to the La Isla open-air shopping and entertainment complex which houses restaurants, shops, designer boutiques, a cinema multiplex, an aquarium, a Tequila museum, a chocolate factory, mirror maze, Sky Wheel and lots more. Located 20 minutes from the airport in the Hotel Zone, it’s just across the street from the oceanfront — though the walk to a public beach takes about 15 minutes. Hilton’s first Mexican location of their Canopy lifestyle brand is designed to be an extension of the neighborhood, with art designed by local muralists and artisans. The rooftop infinity pool, Jacuzzi and bar are always buzzing, where the resident DJ pumps tunes all afternoon. Catch some rays on a lounger with a bay view or some shade on an upholstered Thai bed.

Don’t miss: Rooms overlooking that massive Ferris wheel also have a view of the hourly Danza de los Voladores, the ancient ritual where five participants climb a 98-foot pole and play instruments before jumping off and swinging like a human merry-go-round.