
Are you looking for resorts with the best COVID safety standards?
I’ve got you covered! 🙂
After months of quarantine, it’s no wonder we’re all desperate for a vacation. I know I am.
What better way to socially distance than on a tropical beach, right?
As the world begins to travel again we understand that as we all adapt to the new normal you want to feel as safe as possible.
Here’s my round-up of the hotels and resorts in the area with the highest standard protocols (often third-party verified).
Because you deserve a worry-free vacation.
Best Resorts With New Health & Safety Plans
Here’s everything you need to know…
Getting Here:
Riviera Maya Resorts with the Best COVID Safety Standards
Everything from cleaning all surfaces, including linens, walls, windows, beds, shelves, and other installations, YUP – there are new protocols for handling all of those. One thing is for sure… that resorts are going above and beyond to reassure their visitors.
They want their guests to continue enjoying the type of worry-free vacations they’ve come to expect…
Here’s how’re they’re stepping up and addressing the ongoing threat of the current COVID-19 pandemic as people begin to travel again.
The hotels I have listed here in this blog are the ones that have my approval.
I have personally received in-depth documents from each of these hotels that detail the extent of the new health & safety measure now in place as of June 2020.
1. Playa Hotels & Resorts
Playa Hotels & Resorts announced its Playa Safe Stay initiative on May 4, 2020, focusing on preventive anti-viral measures aimed at reassuring guests.
“With Hyatt and Hilton, our guests are assured new standards of cleanliness while enjoying Playa’s unmatched experience of all-inclusive, worry-free, luxury,” said CEO Bruce Wardinski.
** please note these new protocols encompass and include safety standards at the Hyatt and Hilton hotels**
The Hilton has actually collaborated with RB, the maker of Lysol and Dettol, and the Mayo Clinic for its new safety protocols, Hilton CleanStay.
Hyatt hotels also recently announced new Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment that includes an accreditation process by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), at all hotels around the world.
What to expect:
- Employee care and personal protective gear
- 2 meters of social distancing of guests and associates
- High traffic areas cleaned hourly
- Reimagined seating arrangements in dining areas, pools, common areas
- Trusted partnerships with transport and excursion companies adhering to the same safety protocols
Read Playa Resorts full in-depth Stay Safe promise here.
Playa Resorts Includes (Cancun & Riviera Maya):
- The Hilton Playa del Carmen
- Hyatt Zilara Cancun
- Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Panama Jack Resorts Cancun
- Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen
2. Palladium Hotels
A Task Force Team, formed by Palladium Hotel Group’s executives and associates, conducted an exhaustive analysis of both back- and front-of-house hotel operations to compile new guidelines for the hotels before they reopened.
These health and safety measures are stand-out in my eyes and have even been certified by external laboratories.
Palladium never fails to deliver and if they do something, …ANYTHING- they do it well!
To ensure compliance with the new directives, the company has also formed the ‘Palladium Hotel Group Global Customer Experience and Safety Council’, comprised of chief operating officers, commercial directors, quality directors, and food-and-beverage directors chosen from among all Palladium brands, as well as independent expert advisors.
They are ready to take care of you.
If you want the best quality of traveling after quarantine Palladium is the way to go!
What to expect:
- Hand-sanitizer dispensers around the property as well as in guest rooms
- Temperature checks using infrared thermometers when entering enclosing areas
- Required masks and gloves for employees at all times (also provided for guests in rooms)
- Expanding onsite medical services
- Social distancing and capacity control
- The hotel is encouraging making dining reservations in advance as limits are in place
- Disinfected tableware and napkins
- Prioritizing room service
- Online check-ins and check-out
- Eliminating unessential in-room printed materials. Everything is online.
- Staff training
Check out their official statement here.
Palladium Resorts include (Riviera Maya):
- Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa
- Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa
- Grand Palladium White Sands Resort & Spa
- TRS Yucatan Hotel
3. AIC Hotel Group
The AIC Hotel Group includes all-inclusive such as:
- Hard Rock Hotels
- Unico 20
These hotels have all developed enhanced cleanliness and sanitation plans that consist of added precautionary measures throughout all aspects of the guest and team member experience.
To put this together they are following the best practices and guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.
“As our industry gears up for its return, it is imperative we take every necessary additional precaution to keep our guests and employees safe,” said Frank Maduro, Vice President of Marketing at AIC Hotel Group. “Our hotel teams have worked hand in hand with local and national authorities while adhering to globally recognized guidelines to devise a number of added measures to provide a world-class vacation experience.”
What to expect:
- Hand-Sanitiser stations throughout the hotel
- Additional reminder signage for social distancing and hand-washing
- 24/7 onsite doctor
- Staff training on global standards of sanitation
- Ecolab cleaning products
- Increased frequency of deep-cleaning and disinfecting in common areas
- Physical distancing
- Transport sanitation
- Luggage disinfection
- Non-invasive temperature checks
- No-buffet
- In-room dining is contactless
AIC Hotel Group Includes (Cancun & Riviera Maya):
- Hard Rock Hotel & Resort Cancun
- Hard Rock Hotel & Resort Riviera Maya
- Unico Riviera Maya
4. Riu
Riu has also stepped up their A-game in a bid to fight COVID-19.
They have developed an entirely new instruction manual to manage the reopening of the hotels.
It dictates exceptional hygiene and disinfection measures to ensure maximum safety for you and the employees.
Here’s what to expect:
- Hotel occupancy will be limited to 50% or 60% (or to local restrictions, if lower)
- Guests’ temperature will be checked upon arrival
- Web check-in will be gradually implemented to reduce the handling of physical documents as much as possible
- Checkout time will be moved up to 11:00 and check-in will be delayed until 16:00 to allow time for new room cleaning measures
- All non-essential items will be removed in guestrooms such as coffee machines, magazines, leaflets, and laundry bags
- Hand sanitizer gel will be included in every room
- Frequently handled items like television remote controls, telephones, handles, doors, and curtains will be disinfected every day
- All surfaces will be sprayed with a virucidal product upon checkout
- Employees will clean rooms with three cloths of different colors, which are changed for each room and are used to clean the terrace, room, and bathroom separately, in that orde
- A ‘disinfection team’ will be created for each hotel, specializing in cleaning rooms occupied by people with confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus
- A specific area of the hotel will be reserved for potential patients who cannot be transferred to a hospital
- Restaurants’ seating capacity will be reduced and it will be compulsory to disinfect hands upon entry
- All guests must wear gloves and a mask to go to the buffet
- Tables will be covered with a single-use tablecloth
- Pools will have capacity limits and lounge chairs and umbrellas will be safely distanced apart.
- Frequency of cleaning the pool and Jacuzzi areas will be increased, and water disinfectant products that are appropriate to the current situation will be used
Riu Hotels Include (Riviera Maya):
- Hotel Riu Lupita
- Hotel Riu Mexico
- Hotel Riu Riviera Maya
- Hotel Riu Playacar
- Hotel Riu Tequila
- Hotel Riu Yucatan
5. Velas Resorts
Velas Resorts have made a ‘Stay Safe’ commitment to all its guests and have also created new post-COVID-19 hygiene protocols for your assurance.
The new guidelines include special training, physical distancing measures, touchless sanitizer stations, sanitizing mats, frequent hand washing, and personal protective equipment for staff members.
In addition to enhanced cleaning of guestrooms and resort areas, the hotel will take guest temperatures and ask guests to use the sanitizing mat, wash hands, and use hand sanitizer. Velas will sanitize luggage, high-touch points, and provide guests with personal protection kits
For full details visit their official statement here – they cover a lot, which I personally find very reassuring.
What to expect:
- Increased sanitizing
- Touchless hand sanitizing dispensers
- Physical distancing
- All staff members before and after their day pass through a sanitizing booth
- Temperature checks of staff and guests
- PPE kits for everyone
- All vehicles sanitized with steam (maximum of 5 passengers)
Velas Resorts Include (Riviera Maya)
- Grand Velas Riviera Maya
6. Barcelo Group
Barcelo Hotel Group has introduced their We Care About You commitment to safety.
These new health & safety measures are in place for every facet of the company from digital experiences and communication to sanitization and sterilization.
The resort company announced that it would have “a continuous awareness program for self-protection of employees and training on the new operative protocols against COVID-19 and other infectious-infectious diseases. These programs will be reinforced by our expert team/hygiene collaborators’ modules.”
They’ve always prided themselves on offering the highest level of service and hygiene but in recent events, they are doing everything they can to ensure guests’ safety.
Read Barcelo’s We Care About You Commitment.
What to expect:
- Reimagined common area safety
- New food and drink protocols
- Digital experience
- Training and awareness
Barcelo Group Hotels Include (Riviera Maya):
- Barcelo Maya Palace
- Barcelo Maya Riviera
- Barcelo Maya Caribe
7. Iberostar Group
Iberostar is one of the biggest players in the region and are very popular with our clients.
They have a number of resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and around the world!
Iberostar has been working on hygiene, security, and health for its different destinations and on its promise to take care of the customer, collaborators, suppliers, commercial partners, and also the environment.
For over 60 years they have been operating with the highest standards, and now in times of COVID, they are enriching and strengthening their procedures and protocols with a holistic view, scientific rigor, and without taking a step back in caring for the ecosystem.
Now more than ever, we need responsible tourism that cares for people, the environment, and is committed to creating healthy environments – and they get the thumbs up of approval from us.
In light of recent events they created a whole new team to work on post-COVID policies.
“As an international hospitality company, people and the environment have always been a priority for Iberostar Group,” says Vice Chairman and CEO Sabina Fluxa. “We face new times and we need new solutions to promote circular economy policies in this scenario. Only resilient companies that are capable of meeting these challenges will be able to compete.”
The hotel group now has a Medical Advisory Board that includes experts in public health and safety in the tourism sector.
What to expect:
- New cleaning measures and protocol
- Safe buffet with a single touchpoint
- Hotel occupancy max of 70%
- Large natural spaces
- Fewer tables
- Focus on room service
- Entertainment and activities with limited capacity and reservation only
- Digital check-in
- Touchless experiences
Read their full statement about the new changes here.
Iberostar Hotels Include (Riviera Maya):
- Iberostar Paraiso Lindo
- Iberostar Paraiso Maya
- Iberostar Paraiso del Mar
- Iberostar Paraiso Beach
- Iberostar Cozumel
- Iberostar Tucan
8. AMResorts
Last but not least it’s AMResorts…who may I just say have been very good at keeping us apprised of their new protocol progress.
They recently announced the new CleanComplete Verification program.
It’s a comprehensive, 360-degree quality, safety, and hygiene system that is backed by one of the industry’s highest-level, third-party certifications for quality and safety—Cristal International Standards.
“As the world reopens to a new normal and travelers begin to plan vacations once again, the health and safety of guests remains a top priority through these elevated efforts,” said Gonzalo del Peón, AMResorts’ President. “Guests should feel well-informed and reassured knowing that AMResorts-branded properties have implemented best-in-class practices.”
What to expect:
- Temperature checks on arrival
- Hygiene check-in station
- Increased deep-cleaning hourly
- Sanitization of luggage
- Highest standard of hygiene for room-cleaning
- Social distancing
- Reimagined dining experiences
- New staffing to oversee new health measures
- Express check-out
AMResorts Include (Riviera Maya):
- Zoetry Resorts
- Secret Resorts
- Breathless Resorts
- Dreams Resorts
- Now Resorts
9. Airport Screenings
One of our team members (Alison) recently traveled from her birth country (the UK) back to Mexico and upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, she was temperature checked.
Travelers around the world should prepare for airports with health screenings as well as temperature checks and thermographic imaging.
While this may feel a little daunting at first, it’s actually a really good thing when you think about it.
Me personally, recently traveled through Canada to the UK and wasn’t temperature checked at all at either airport – slightly worrying!
Mexico really are going above and beyond to do what they need to do to minimize the spread.
Most hotels have also implemented similar measures too.
Your temperature will be checked on arrival to make sure you are in good health before enjoying the region and the hotel.
10. Transport
Transport is just as important as the hotel as you will be riding in it from the airport to get to your destination.
We highly recommend using private transport wherever possible and AVOIDING public transport.
Our transportation services are implementing some of the same hygiene standards of the hotels to ensure you arrive in a virus-free environment.
This includes:
- Sanitizing wipes and gel in the van for your use
- All drivers have medical certificates and have had training on the virus so they know what to look out for
- Full deep-clean after every trip
- Drivers and passengers to both wear masks for the entire journey
- All services are private and are a direct service to the hotel, airport, or excursion
- 5 passengers maximum per van
A lot of the hotels also have their own private in-house transport who have adopted the same measures as the resort.
You Deserve a Vacation
It’s been months since you well and truly enjoyed yourself. It’s your time now.
Although these new measures may feel a little weird as we transition into the new norm, I believe it’s going to be like this for a while and it’s largely for your safety and assurance.
Plus, there’s never been a better time to steal a great deal, of course.
If this global situation has taught me anything, it’s that I need to start living my best life and I need to start now!
So, you can stay in your hometown with similar health and safety measures OR you can join us here in sunny paradise and laze in all-inclusive luxury.
The choice is yours! If you have a question please feel free to leave it in the comments section below I’ll reply ASAP.
If you’re ready to book call us on 888-537-9797
OR
email at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
We look forward to welcoming you to paradise once again. Until then, stay safe! With love, the PlayaDelCarmen.Com team.













Comments (30)
Tom Farissays:
July 24, 2020 at 10:14 amI travel to the Riviera Maya 8-10 times per year and am currently working on two more. I am told that many all inclusive resorts have closed their gymnasium facilities and have changed their buffets to a la carte. Being able to workout is important. Do you have any all inclusive options with open gyms?
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 24, 2020 at 1:05 pmHey Tom, thank you for reaching out, I hope you’re well. I know for sure that the Hilton adults-only hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen has a fully equipped gym that is still open and operating. Reach out via customercare@playadelcarmen.com to book or call us on our direct line at (888) 537-9797. If you have a hotel in mind we can also phone up and check with them before you book. I hope that helps. 🙂
Kimberly Kellysays:
August 11, 2020 at 6:12 pmI will be visiting Playa del Carmen in mid October. Are other facilities open then like malls, restaurants, and clubs? Also is it pretty easy to drive around Playa del Carmen? I thought of renting a car from Cancun airport. My Spanish skills are limited. Thank you!
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 12, 2020 at 9:43 amHey Kimberly, Awesome news we can’t wait to welcome please contact us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com for accomodation and tours. Yes, all of the above are open with social distancing and COVID friendly health and safety measures in place. If you are used to driving on the right side of the road, yes it’s easy! But do be warned there are lots of parking meters in place downtown you can no longer just park up for free in most places. Respected car rental will speak English so no need to worry there. All the best, Sarah – safe trip.
Matt Hsays:
January 23, 2022 at 11:06 amHi Sarah,
We are booking a trip in March, do you know if any of the all inclusives are currently offering yoga classes?
Thanks!
Matt
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 2, 2022 at 4:50 amYes I think most of them do but generation, secrets resorts, and the Unico are all great places to start. If you would like our help with this please reach out at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Kristysays:
August 19, 2020 at 2:09 amI am looking to book but want a resort with really strict health and safety measures. Of the chains listed above which one would you choose?
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 19, 2020 at 5:39 amHello Kristy, AM Resorts! To speak to a member of our team who recently stayed at one of the hotels and to ensure you get the best perks and discounts on your booking please reach out at customercare@playadelcarmen.com, OR alternatively call us on our toll-free number (888) 537-9797 to speak to an actual human today. 🙂
Karen Pricesays:
September 14, 2020 at 12:10 amI did’nt notice Xcaret on your lisit. How does it rate on Covid prevention?
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 14, 2020 at 5:56 amHey Karen, thank you for reaching out and for your comment great question. I was never personally sent any info by Xcaret however, I just checked on their website and found this… https://www.xcaret.com/en/sanity-protocols-grupo-xcaret/ They have a great video you can watch here that I think you will find very useful. Let me know if you have any further questions I will be here to help.
Dennissays:
September 22, 2020 at 1:21 pmSarah,
My wife and I usually stay in Puerto Adventures for 2 months (mid January to Mid March) each year. What have the instances of Covid been around PA?
Dennis
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 23, 2020 at 10:00 amHey Dennis, thank you for reaching out for reading my blog it means the world! I hope it helped? I can’t speak for PA in particular but I can speak for the Riviera Maya region here. https://qroo.gob.mx/sesa/nuevo-coronavirus-covid-19 I think PA is a good choice as it’s off the beaten track from most tourist hotspots. Plus, you will have plenty of boat and yacht tours on your doorstep. Just know that resorts are doing EVERYTHING they can, their hotels depend on it. It’s probably one of the safest places you can be right now.
Brian Salazarsays:
December 10, 2020 at 12:11 pmHi Sarah,
Your blog is phenomenal and super helpful. I just have a question. We’re heading to Playa Del Carmen from Dec 28 to Jan 4 and are staying at the Viva Wyndham Maya resort. I noticed it wasn’t mentioned in your list of ‘resorts with best covid measures’ and am wondering if it is because it wasn’t assessed or if it is not up to par with the other resorts and we should consider changing our lodging.
With the increase in cases, we’re even considering canceling all together but hope to find something that can put us a bit more at ease and with better hope that it is still ok to travel to Cancun.
Sarah Barlowsays:
December 11, 2020 at 12:06 pmHey Brian, your comment honestly mean the world. I do my best to keep the blog up to date with the most useful information in the hopes travellers like yourself can have the best time here in sunny Mexico. At the time of writing this, I didn’t have any update on Viva Wyndham but after reading all about the new measure on their website I think absolutely stick with your booking. All 4-5 star hotels are going ALL OUT to protect guests and employees because without doing so they simply won’t survive. Your chosen resort has a response plan that has been shaped by adopting the guidelines and recommendations of several health and safety expert and hospitality industry-leading sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), local health departments and Cristal International Standards (CIS). CIS is a UK-based company and global leader in systems and services for brand quality, standards management and related-risk management. It employs one of the largest groups of quality, hygiene and health and safety experts worldwide and boasts more than two decades in the field. The company provides POSI-Check, an audit solution for the Prevention of the Spread of Infection in the Hospitality Sector, under which Viva Wyndham Resorts and it’s resorts are certified. I hope that helps. Compared to the rest of the world Mexico is faring very well in terms of infection rates and cases, especially here in the tourist state of Quintana Roo. Let me know if you have any further questions I will be here to help you get the best deals on hotels and tours.
Stephen Morrisseysays:
December 23, 2020 at 1:47 pmMy wife and recently (last week) returned home from a 20 day visit to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.
The hotels all had excellent Covid protocols in place and we had a great time.
We felt safer in Mexico than we do here in Toronto.
We are planning a return visit to the same areas in February.
The only “less than safe” feeling we had was on the packed flight to Cancun.
The return flight had only 13 passengers including us on a plane seating 199 pax.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 7, 2021 at 5:54 amHey Stephen, we are working so hard to ensure you feel safe. Please go home and tell your friends about your trip. I hope you returned well and safe? With lots of memories of course. Let us know when you plan on returning and we can hook you up with some of the best deals around. 🙂 These prices won’t last forever.
George & Laurasays:
December 31, 2020 at 3:49 pmHi Sarah,
Can you tell me what happens if we contract Covid on our Cancun vacation? I presume we would be banned from flying.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 7, 2021 at 5:47 amHi Geroge and Laura where are you flying back to? It ultimately depends on whether you would need a PCR test. You can get one at Costamed…find all the info here. https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/covid-test-cancun-riviera-maya/ and yes if you did test negative you would not be able to fly.
Juliasays:
January 2, 2021 at 11:23 amHi Sarah,
We are travelling to Dreams Natura Resort&Spa Cancun in the coming week. Now coming back to CAN, we need a neg. Covid-19 test for the return trip. Can you please tell me where the best place is to go for that? We don’t speak Spanish at all.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 7, 2021 at 5:46 amHi Julia, yes of course… Costamed…read all about it here. https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/covid-test-cancun-riviera-maya/
Janet paigesays:
January 7, 2021 at 4:43 pmHi Sara were flying in from Minnesota to cancun in February. Coming in to cancun or flying back to Minnesota do we need a COVID test? Where do we go for that. I don’t want this to be complicated
https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/best-resorts-covid19/#airport
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 8, 2021 at 4:52 amHey Janet, no you don’t. Mexico has no requirements at the moment for test or quarantine. Just please make sure you are fit to travel before doing so. Also, make sure you don’t need a negative PCR to return to the states. Cheers,
Lawrencesays:
January 26, 2021 at 6:15 pmI am thinking about coming in March, April, or May to the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya located at
Km 48 Cancun Playa del Carmen
Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo , 77710, MX
Do you have any COVID or other info for this resort? What transportation options would be best from the Cancun Aiport to the resort. I only speak English.
Thanks for any help you can provide Lawrence
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 27, 2021 at 2:03 amHey Lawrence, unfortunately, I don’t have any information on this particular resort. However, we can arrange for a private transfer if you like.
Barbsays:
February 14, 2021 at 4:01 pmHi, Sarah,
Do you have any information about smaller resorts like Sunset Fisherman in Playa? A friend invited me to go with them in April.
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 15, 2021 at 5:15 amHey Barb, I don’t currently. However, I will look into it for you today.
HAROLD SCHWARTZsays:
March 16, 2021 at 6:57 pmSarah
We have made reservation with our friends at Occidental Xcaret in Playa del Carmen May 5-12th. All
of have been vaccinated in February for Covid 19. Are the conditions safe to stay at the hotel?
Thanks for your help
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 17, 2021 at 6:13 amHey Harold, yes I believe so I don’t think anyone is doing more right now than the hotels.
Yvonnesays:
March 27, 2021 at 8:12 pmSarah
What is your review of the grand princess riviera?
Do you know if they do Covid testing?
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 29, 2021 at 5:27 amI haven’t done one yet but I will add it to my list this week. 🙂 But in response to your COVID Q yes I imagine they do. All the resorts are having to accommodate their guests properly in order to maintain business. I hope that helps. If you book the hotel with us we will be able to help you get everything in order. For hotel booking please email customercare@playadelcarmen.com