Why We Recommend It:
Valentin Imperial Maya is a 5 Star, adults-only all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen’s exclusive Playa del Secreto, one of the most beautiful sand beaches in Mexico. And we judge it to be the best value adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen.
It has, among its attractions, three pools, including one of the largest resort pools in the country, a lazy river, seven restaurants (none of which require reservations), seven bars (with premium alcohol all-inclusive) including two swim-up bars, a theater and a full-service spa and gym.
It’s a luxury resort and attracts an upmarket crowd. The atmosphere is relaxed but indulgent – the food and drink are great and the service is excellent.
Rooms & Suites:
They have 540 suites in various price levels and ranging in size from 516 square feet to 1,032 square feet. Many have lovely ocean views, some look out over the jungle or pools, and some are ground-floor swim-up.
The main market at Valentin Imperial is couples and so almost all the suites come with a single king-size bed. Some though do have a choice of one king-size, or two doubles to sleep four.
All have seating/lounging areas inside and furnished balconies, patios or terraces. The bathrooms are spacious and luxurious looking, and well equipped: all come with large jetted bathtubs and separate showers for example.
Some of the top suites also feature whirlpool baths on their private terraces.
Overall the furniture and fittings are nice but could in some cases do with updating. We are pleased to report that as of February 2022 the process has already begun.
Other hotel perks include satellite smart TV, coffee/tea stations (either filter coffee machines or Nespresso) mini bars, and Valentin Imperial Maya own brand luxury toiletries.
Take a look at your room options now – prices, reviews and photos, at Booking.com here or at Expedia here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
The food is excellent at Valentin Imperial Maya. The main buffet venue is Le Marche for breakfast and lunch, with the casual beachfront Mar & Tierra also having buffet selections.
There are also a full seven a la carte choices available that span the globe–French, Italian, Mexican, Indonesian, Japanese, steakhouse and local seafood dishes are available and you can order casual dishes and snacks throughout the day around any of the pools, or on the beach.
Most venues have a semi-formal dress code in the evenings.
There is nightly entertainment at the beautiful El Palenque theater with shows, plays, music and dance, and movie screenings. They have a bar here too with great cocktails.
Other bars, there are 11 in total, include the Martini Bar, and the Salón Partagás Cigar Bar where you can consult with their professional Cigar Masters on which cigars to enjoy with your cognac or whatever else you may choose.
The elegant Don Miguel serves as a kind of lobby bar and is usually the first to get busy in the evenings. The even more elegant La Plaza España Bar is nearby but runs a little later.
All the above are quite formal venues, there is no dress code as in the restaurants, as far as we could gather, but you might feel quite out of place in flip flops and a teeshirt.
The Sports and Music Bar is casual though and opens the latest (until 2am). It’s the main place to let loose, and has a dance floor plus live music, karaoke and other organized activities nightly.
There are also two swim-up bars at the main pool, and they can be quite fun to hang around. They have music, and many games and activities are organized in and around this main pool, to be joined in with or not as you see fit.
The fitness center has a full set of weights machines, free weights and cardio machines plus they also offer Pilates, spinning classes, yoga, Zumba and fitness classes amongst other things as part of the all-inclusive.
Their Aromancer Spa is a full-service spa and beauty center with a range of treatments that includes things like chocolate body wraps and tropical body scrubs. Sadly it does require and extra fee for all treatments.
You can play a number of sports at the resort all-inclusive beach and pool volleyball, paddleball and tennis for example, plus non-motorized water sports like kayaking, Hobie cat sailing, water polo and snorkeling.
Off-site motorized water sports as well as scuba diving require an extra fee.
Other complimentary activities at the resort include cooking lessons, bike tours, tequila tastings, Spanish lessons and Latin dance classes.
The concierge can also arrange all sorts of tours and excursions in the surrounding area: visits to Mayan ruins for example, golfing, cultural tours, sailing trips and plenty more.
Resort Location:
Valentin Imperial Maya lies in an exclusive gated section of Playa del Secreto, just north of Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya.
It’s quite a secluded location but the resort is very self-contained, it even has a market selling souvenirs and some of the many things tourists forget to pack on such trips.
Shuttles are available to and from Playa Del Carmen, and from Cancun International Airport about 40 minutes away to the north.
Some Guest Reviews:
“This was my first trip out of the country (USA). I was blown away by the organization at the resort and the friendliness of everyone working there. The room, food, and drinks were great…..”
“The absolute best vacation I have ever had. The amenities, grounds, food, staff, entertainment everything was great! Loved the entertainment staff and shows at night, the variety of food and restaurants and the ability to feel like you can be the only ones in the resort or enjoy the company of others. Most of the guests have been to the resort multiple times and that says it all. Can’t wait to go again!….”