Nestled on the Yucatan Peninsula just south of Cancun, the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort is a swank, sprawling product of the decadelong boom of resorts on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The Barcelo is home to five hotels of varying luxury, the most lavish of which is the Maya Palace Deluxe, boasting colonial architecture, breezy arcades, seven à la carte and buffet restaurants and seven swinging bars (including the requisite swim-up bar). There are nearly a dozen pools—the largest ringed with submerged sun loungers—perfect for prepping your summer tan, and if you want to take a dip in the briny Caribbean, visit the nearby Maya Beach Club, a water-sports paradise and home base for exploring the vast stretch of coral just offshore. Viva México. www.barcelo.com
