Restaurants in Paris with a View of the Eiffel Tower: 10 Stunning Spots

There’s no landmark as iconic as the Eiffel Tower.

It’s a symbol of Paris, of France, and even Europe as a whole. That being said, it’s one of the toughest sites to experience given its size and grandeur.

Where will you find the best views of the Eiffel Tower? Is it worth it to actually go inside the Eiffel Tower? And what else is there to do in and around the famous landmark?

Regardless of how you decide to visit the Eiffel Tower, I have one suggestion: plan to visit places that offer casual, stunning views as a backdrop. After all, that’s how the vast majority of Parisians experience it—briefly, from afar, and as part of their daily life.

Ready to live like a local, at least for one meal?

Head to these restaurants in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I’ve also rounded up a few restaurants in the Eiffel Tower, in case you’re hellbent on a fine dining experience in Le Tour. (That’s French for tower.)

Pro tip: Unsurprisingly, many visitors are eager to get a table in Paris with Eiffel Tower views. However, Paris is an old city, meaning many of its establishments are squeezed into narrow buildings with small rooms. In short: to guarantee your Eiffel Tower views, you need to call and confirm your reservation at some of these restaurants—both when making it, when your trip is coming up, and the morning of the reservation.

Best restaurants in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower

Francette
Cafe de l’Homme
Les Ombres
L’Oiseau Blanc
Girafe
Chez Francis
Le Bristro Parisien
Madame Brasserie
Le Jules Verne
Bar A Champagne

Best restaurants in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower

Close-up views: Francette (Penthouse)

Located almost under the Eiffel Tower (on a barge, nonetheless), you’ll have excellent views from the penthouse of Francette. The menu is fairly basic, with plenty of small dishes and drinks.

There’s often lively music playing, too, which adds to the unique experience. As with all other locations on this list (and restaurants in Paris, in general), expect to wait for a table when the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations. And, most importantly, expect slow service.

Opulent & romantic: Café de l’Homme

It’s elegant, it’s cozy, and it’s perfect for a romantic date night. You’ll be paying top dollar, but it’s well worth it considering the views, ambiance, and outdoor balcony seating that you’ll have. Some guests note that the music can be a little noisy, but that might be a plus if you’re getting super flirty and chatty with your date.

Chic and acclaimed: Les Ombres

Les Ombres is the first of three Michelin-starred restaurants on this list. It’s located on top of a famous museum and includes a full glass-sided wall, offering unprecedented views of the Eiffel from just about every table. With a menu overseen by the famous Alain Ducasse, Les Ombres is a top pick for those who want great views and a better menu.

A gastronomic journey: L’Oiseau Blanc

Similar to Les Ombres, L’Oiseau Blanc Restaurant combines a glass-covered wall with great Eiffel Tower views with a delectable Michelin-star menu. Not only that, but you’ll feel like you’re floating over the city thanks to its rooftop location. The six-part gastronomic journey from Chef David Bizet doesn’t sound too shabby, either.

Unobstructed outdoor views: Girafe

This lovely balcony offers an unobstructed view of the Tower from a short distance, making it one of the better vistas on this list, in my opinion. In fact, that location and view is part of the restaurant’s charm; they go out of their way to make sure you have a good place to sit and enjoy the sight while you enjoy a highly lauded menu.

Classic café eatery: Chez Francis

If you want a casual bite to eat and solid views of the Eiffel Tower from a ground-floor patio, Chez Francis is a go-to. It’s not the most celebrated food in Paris, nor is the service particularly wonderful, according to reviews. That being said, this is the type of spot where you can knock out those Eiffel Tower views while having a pretty traditional Parisian cafe experience.

Casual & outdoors: Le Bistro Parisien

Like Chez Francis, Le Bistro Parisian is a no-frills café spot—but it’s way closer to the Eiffel Tower, giving you a pretty unbeatable view. In exchange, you need to be ready for slow service and a very basic menu. That being said, if you just want a drool-worthy view while you sip on a tea, it’ll get the job done.

A classic restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower: Madame Brasserie

So long as you plan ahead for a reservation and give yourself enough time to take the elevators, Madame Brasserie offers the most accessible way to have a delicious meal inside the Eiffel Tower. Though you won’t get any great views of the Tower, you’ll have gorgeous views of the surrounding area.

The Michelin experience inside the Eiffel Tower: Le Jules Verne

If you want a Michelin-starred meal inside the Eiffel Tower, look no further. This is the last Michelin selection on this list, and it takes you inside an opulent restaurant where you can see the Eiffel Tower’s steel beams crisscrossing beyond the windows. Expect a highly austere menu. (There’s also a private elevator for Le Jules Verne, unlike Madame Brasserie.)

Drink champagne at the top of the tower: Bar A Champagne

There’s a champagne bar at the tippy-top of the Eiffel Tower. What more could I possibly say? Well, maybe I would remind you that you’re going to be paying exorbitant prices for that champagne—but it’s literally a champagne bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower, so I’m guessing that’s not a total shocker. Some tourist traps are worth it.

The US Just Rolled Out a ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ of $250 for Tourists, Students, & More

In addition to expanding the US travel ban, there’s a new topic that hopeful visitors to the United States need to know about: hiked visa costs.

Traditionally, the US has charged $160 for non-immigrant visas, which cover tourists, business travelers, students, and more. That price hiked to $185 on June 17, 2023—a number that many thought would hold for years.

For comparison’s sake, the EU doesn’t currently charge guests any money to enter the Schengen zone. And even when the ETIAS system does launch, visitors will only pay a €7 fee. Meanwhile, the UK recently launched a modest ETA fee that costs £16 or around $20.

However, both fees are largely funneled toward the cost of electronically tracking tourists who enter the country and region, respectively.

The US Department of State is taking things in another direction with its new ‘visa integrity fee’. Upon the approval of the Big, Beautiful Act, the US nonimmigrant visa integrity fee is now $250—and it could keep growing.

What’s behind the visa integrity fee?

So far, we don’t have too much information about the fee, but there’s apparently a possibility that the $250 could be reimbursed, in certain cases. This fee would be added on top of all other US non-immigrant fees, including student and business visas.

Visitors who are approved for their original visa will then be prompted to pay the $250 visa integrity fee. For example, if you’re a student who pays the $535 for an F-1 Student visa, you will also be responsible for paying the $250 integrity fee for a total of $785. Those who are denied a visa won’t be charged.

However, all members of the Visa Waiver Program do not need to pay the visa integrity fee, which covers 42 countries, from Qatar to Latvia to New Zealand to Brunei.

How can travelers be reimbursed for the US visa integrity fee?

Again, there’s plenty of gray area when it comes to the visa integrity fee. Though the framework for the fee is in place, the program hasn’t been implemented yet. As mentioned above, it’s possible that the visa integrity fee will be offered on a reimbursement basis.

According to the Department of State, visa holders can apply for a reimbursement so long as they haven’t accepted unauthorized employment during the duration of their stay.

While I’m but a humble travel blogger and not a lawmaker, I’d say that the reimbursement policy doesn’t make too much sense, given that the US Congressional Budget Office has said that the fee could generate close to $30 billion from the 2025-2034 period.

In other words, if you know anyone heading to the US as a tourist who isn’t part of the Visa Waiver Program, I wouldn’t plan on getting that $250 back anytime soon.

Free Cabins for Hiking: Welcome to United States Wilderness Huts

Imagine this: you’re hiking through the San Juan Mountains in the Rockies, and you see an empty cabin as the sun starts to set. Night is going to fall soon, and the cabin is empty, well-equipped, and unlocked.

In fact, it’s there for you to use.

While it might sound too good to be true—and even a bit reminiscent of those childhood fables like Hansel & Gretel—the reality is that these wilderness huts exist for hikers to use.

They’re remote, they’re often barebones, and they’re left unlocked on purpose.

If you’ve been following the Tiffany Slaton story, about a solo hiker who survived a grueling stint alone and injured in the Sierra Nevadas, you might recognize the idea. Slaton survived after finding a remote cabin, which had been unlocked specifically for emergencies like this.

Welcome to the world of wilderness huts, also called backcountry huts or backcountry shelters. They’re a well-known quantity to hikers who forge out into the US’s most remote areas—but to the rest of us humble travelers, they sound like the start of a horror film.

Here’s your crash course on free cabins for hiking.

United States wilderness huts date back to the Old World

A wilderness hut in Bavaria, Germany (Getty)

When I first heard about wilderness huts, I was touched by how thoughtful the concept is. In my head, I even conflated their availability with American hospitality. You can say a lot of things, good and bad, about Americans, but we tend to be reliable hosts.

The idea of someone leaving their cabin unlocked for wayward hikers even sounds like a callback to the frontier days, when resources were fewer and Mother Nature was less manageable.

In reality, wilderness huts can be found around the world.

In this Instagram post from a hiker, you can see how the system works in Sweden. It’s common to find wilderness huts throughout Scandinavia, where hiking and cross-country skiing are popular year-round.

The same is true in the Alps; one famous wilderness hut near Zermatt, Switzerland, dates back to 1917, built strictly for emergencies for high-altitude hikers.

You can also find them in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. In fact, some regions have their own special variation on the wilderness hut. In Germany, you might find biwakschachteln, a more impromptu variation. In Finland, there are even wilderness huts that are maintained by the state.

The US also has a few well-known chains where you can find remote, empty cabins along famous hiking routes.

Where can you find United States wilderness huts?

LeConte Lodge (Courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

As mentioned above, the US is home to a few different hiking routes with reliable wilderness huts—and some are overseen by government authorities.

The best way to find wilderness cabin maps and routes is to search for them when you’ve identified your immediate hiking area and route. Most networks are short and localized.

For example, Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has a few wilderness cabins that you can use during a multi-day hike. The National Park Service has plenty of information on the route, the cabins that are available, how to use them, and other relevant tips.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park also runs LeConte Lodge, which is accessible only via hiking. However, the largest and most extensive wilderness hut system is located on the country-crossing Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail is a scenic route that weaves almost 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia up to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This National Scenic Trail sees around three million hikers take on part of the route each year, and is overseen by various groups, from the National Park Service to the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

On more well-known hiking routes like this, you can expect to find multiple areas with wilderness huts. Once again, be very local if you’re searching for options. For example, in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region, there are eight wilderness huts overseen by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).

Can’t Figure Out Which Greek Islands to Visit? Start Here

Even though Greece is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the world, it’s not quite as easy to navigate as you might think.

It’s got a whopping 6,000 islands. Though only around 220 of those are inhabited, it’s still a hefty task to sift through the options and figure out where you should go during your stay.

Is it worth it to visit ultra-famous spots like Santorini? What about a party hub like Mykonos or a historic center like Rhodes? Or a lush escape like Corfu?

And, once you do decide which Greek islands to visit, you need to know how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.

Want to take a shortcut as you start planning your grand Greek escape? Get ahead here. I’m recommending the top islands based on factors like natural beauty, history, culture, great eats, and hidden finds. I’m not going to mention the hits listed above, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, or Corfu. Instead, I want to recommend a few lesser-known hotspots.

While you don’t need to visit them all, consider adding one of the Greek islands listed below to your trip. They’re perfect to add to any island-hopping plans you may already be making.

Want to know which Greek Islands to visit? Start here

Naxos
Amorgos
Hydra
Paros
Milos
Syros
Sifnos
Zakynthos
Cephalonia
Crete

Figure out which Greek Islands to visit with these picks

Naxos

Portara is a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC (Getty)

Get there from: Fly into the airport or take a ferry from Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and Crete

History, delicious foods, and beach activities abound in Naxos. In terms of history, don’t miss the Portara, pictured above, the Kastros, and the Temple of Demeter. On its famous beaches of Agios Prokopios and Plaka, you can soak up the sun or enjoy activities like kitesurfing. (Or head to Agia Anna for a quieter beach day.) But expect to gorge yourself; Naxos is home to fertile valleys that produce some of Greece’s most delectable raw ingredients.

Amorgos

Get there from: Take a ferry from Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, or Santorini

Expect dramatic views in Amorgos, which is home to some of Greece’s tallest mountains and most dramatic cliff faces. Thanks to that, you can expect incredible hiking (assuming it’s not too hot), along with secluded beaches that are perfect for a little swim in your birthday suit.

Hydra

Get there from: Take a ferry from Athens

Further off the tourist path waits Hydra. This quiet and charming island is home to quaint villages, relatively empty beaches, boating, and hiking trails. But it also comes alive when the sun sets, offering a surprisingly cosmopolitan and vibrant nightlife scene. Expect the unexpected.

Paros

Get there from: Fly from Athens or take a ferry from Athene, Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete

Culture, history, and gorgeous scenery have made Paros one of the most popular islands in Greece. Still, it’s easy to get it mixed up with other islands and miss out. If you’re looking for nightlife without all the Mykonos crowds, head to Paros. If you’re looking for lesser-known historical sites compared to Athens, head to Paros. If you’re just in it for the views of the crystal-clear water, golden sands, and white-washed buildings, go to Paros.

Milos

Get there from: Take a ferry from Athens, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, or Naxos

Thanks to its volcanic landscape, some of the most memorable natural wonders in Greece can be found on Milos. From its caldera formations to its soft sand beaches, it’s the perfect place to get lost (with your sunscreen in tow, of course). Plus, there’s plenty of history to dive into, from the Venus de Milo statue to the ancient theatre.

Syros

Get there from: Fly from Athens or take a ferry from Athens, Mykonos, Tinos, Lemnos, Samos, or Chios

History, architecture, and cultural sites dot the island of Syros, letting you follow one trail of intrigue to another. Even the capital of Ermoupoli could keep you busy for a few days. While you’re in town, be sure to sample the famous San Michali cheese, along with its unique take on loukoumia.

Sifnos

Get there from: Take a ferry from Athens, Milos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, or Naxos

Rich cultural traditions, such as pottery, usually draw visitors to Sifnos. But that’s not all, as the island is renowned around the country for its culinary traditions, too. Try out the slow-cooked lamb (mastelo) and slow-cooked chickpeas (revithada). Fans of modern history will also have a few sites to visit, as Sifnos played a role in the Greek War of Independence.

Zakynthos

Get there from: Fly from Athens or take a ferry from Athens, Ios, or another major port

Zakynthos, also called Zante, offers a perfect spot to soak up Greek culture and its gorgeous island views. Famously, it’s also home to Navagio Beach, aka Shipwreck Cove. I’d personally vote you head to the Blue Caves, instead, which are stunningly dramatic thanks to the crystal-clear water. It’s also home to a protected loggerhead turtle sanctuary at the National Marine Park.

Kephalonia

Aerial view of majestic cliffs at Fteri Beach washed by the turquoise sea, Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece (Getty)

Get there from: Take a ferry from Italy (Venice, Patras, and more) or Athens or Zakynthos

Kefalonia (also written as Cephalonia) is the largest island in the Ionian Islands (most of the islands on this list are in the Cyclades, instead). It’s renowned for its crystal-clear waters and emerald mountains, making it one of the more lush picks when it comes to Greek Islands. Aside from marine wonders, its also a place where history comes laive. In fact, some believe it is the legendary home of Ithaca, where Greek hero Odysseus was born.

Crete

Get there from: Take flight or ferry from Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and just about any other major port

You probably already had Crete on your radar in terms of figuring out which Greek Islands to visit. If not, know that you’ll find some of Greece’s most ancient historic sites on the island. (Plus, some of its bougiest resorts.) That’s because Crete was home to the Minoan civilization, which predates the Ancient Greek sites you’ll see around Athens. In the way of natural wonders, I also want to shout out the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO World Biosphere, and its famous pink-sand Elafonisi Beach.

Turkey Just Restricted Major eSIMs—Why?

I’ve been raving for years about eSIM providers like Airalo, Saily, and Firsty for years. They’re apps that you can download to easily shop around for an eSIM plan, which lets you use your phone while traveling abroad.

Each is different and unique in terms of design, setup, and pricing.

But you won’t be using any of them in Turkey—at least, not anytime soon.

Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) recently restricted access to the largest and most well-known eSIM Providers. (For now, you can still use Firsty! More on this below.) But with a struggling tourism industry, the move to restrict popular eSIM companies has brought up more than a few questions.

What’s going on with the recent move by BTK to ban eSIMs in Turkey? And how can you get around the restrictions on using your phone while visiting the country?

Inside the change

So far, we don’t have a detailed report that explains why certain eSIM providers have been restricted in the country. However, given the BTK’s responsibility to regulate communication technologies, it’s likely an issue related to licensing, regulations, and/or security concerns.

It’s not uncommon for countries to take a strong stance on international companies that operate in a gray area, including eSIM providers. Because the concept and technology are very new (and have taken off over the last few years), it’s likely the BTK wants to gain a stronger understanding of how these companies operate and how they should be regulated.

Which eSIM providers have been restricted? And which ones can you still use?

Turkey restricted eight of the most popular eSIM providers in the world, including: Saily, Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Instagbridge, BNESIM, Mobimatter, and Alosim.

It looks like Firsty, one of my top picks for eSIM providers, eluded the ban—which makes it a great choice for any eSIM needs you have while in Turkey.

That being said, you might want to have a few backup plans in mind. It’s possible that the BTK will continue to restrict other eSIM providers, meaning Firsty might not be available indefinitely.

If it’s not, here’s how you can get around the eSIM restrictions:

Install and activate your eSIM before landing
Use an eSIM provider that hasn’t been restricted, such as Firsty
Buy an old-school physical SIM card
Purchase an international plan from your normal provider for the duration of your trip

Seamless Sunshine: Top 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya

Of all the lush coastlines of the world, the Riviera Maya is one of the most accessible.

This famous Mexican region is home to some of the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations, from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

They’re home to pristine, white-sand beaches that are rimmed by tropical jungles. And those jungles are dotted with ancient Mayan ruins, adding a dash of intrigue and fascination.

Toss in a slew of gorgeous animals and cenotes that don’t exist anywhere else in the world, and it’s not hard to see why the Riviera Maya is a bona fide heaven on earth.

The big question is… where should you stay? Finding the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya isn’t an easy task—especially considering there are over 150 all-inclusive resorts in the area.

Take a load off with my short list. I’ve rounded up some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya to make your vacation planning easier.

First, let’s cover the basics

Before I dive into my favorite spots, I want to cover the standard all-inclusive experience in Riviera Maya. All hotels and resorts operate differently, and they can get a little complex.

First, and most obviously, resorts come with different tiers that give you access to various restaurants, experiences, room types, and more. Always read the fine print and ask questions via phone or email if something doesn’t make sense. One great way to get a feel for the resort is to comb through its reviews that cover the same tier you’re planning to purchase.

Many resorts also offer adults-only sections. You can stay in an adults-only room, head to adults-only beaches and pools, and so on. In other words, even if a resort is family-friendly and has plenty to offer to kids, you can (usually) navigate around that if you want a quiet or romantic moment.

Similarly, the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya let you book transportation and day trips via the concierge. That makes it easy for you to get off the resort at your leisure. Just make sure you ask about pricing; some day trips might include short stops for lunch or other experiences that might cost a little bit. (Mexico has a lot of tourist taxes, though they’re usually reasonable.)

Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya

First-place tie: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Sandos Playacar
Adults only: Platinum Yucatan Princess
Luxury pick: Grand Velas
Perfect pools: Excellence Riviera
If you can’t get out of Cancun: Live Aqua Beach Resort
Traveler favorite: Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach
Enjoy cenotes & golf courses: Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal
Family-friendly: Grand Palladium Colonial
Romance abounds: Royal Hideaway Playacar
Surprise pick: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Top 10 all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya

First-place tie: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Sandos Playacar

From just about every angle, these Sandos properties offer something unique. Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is nestled into the jungle, offering an unprecedented resort stay that’s naturally lush. (Seriously – expect to run into friendly jungle creatures!) Plus, while you get those massive resort pools, lovely beach access, delicious restaurants, and exciting shows, the property is dedicated to sustainability. In other words, it offers everything a large resort should, while also shining when it comes to both jungle immersion and green practices.

Sandos Playacar also offers jungle vibes thanks to its lovely walkways, which weave between mangroves, and its on-site residents. Expect monkeys above the pickleball and putt-putt course. But the real star of Sandos Playacar is the atmosphere and number of activities.

During my short stay, I went sea kayaking, drifted lazily in four different pools, joined a Brazilian drum-show-turned-conga line, went shopping at a pop-up night market, and saw multiple concerts at the large stage. One was an 80s-themed music night that included a Ghost Busters sing-along, at which point the performers brought on kids form the crowd, dressed them in mini Ghost Busters uniforms, and taught them the world’s cutest dance routine.

Both Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Sandos Playacar offer adults-only areas, along with plenty of kid-friendly programming and activities, making them well-balanced for just about any Riviera Maya vacation needs.

Adults only: Platinum Yucatan Princess

I like the Sandos setup because it lets me drift between adults-only areas and family-friendly zones. But if you’re on the hunt for a true adults-only adventure, Platinum Yucatan Princess is one of your best options. It’s got tons of activities designed for adults, from concerts to pool activities to off-site excursions. Because it’s an adults-only site, the grounds are also tasteful, chic, and a little more upscale than what you’ll find at other Riviera Maya resorts.

Luxury pick: Grand Velas

If you’re looking to splurge and unwind like royalty, Grand Velas should be on your radar. The resort is split into three areas, including a more nature-centric setting in the jungle, a family-friendly spot next to the beach, and an ultra-lux VIP area. Even if you don’t end up on that VIP tier, you’ll be treated to five-star amenities like a personal concierge and pillow menu.

Perfect pools: Excellence Riviera

You’re not going to be short on drool-worthy pools when it comes to the best resorts in Riviera Maya… but there are a few standouts. If you’re planning to spend most of your downtime in the water or at it’s edge, I highly suggest exploring the pools at Excellence Riviera. Along with a private stretch of white-sand beach, you’ve got six lovely pools to swim through, and each has its own unique atmosphere. Water nymphs, rejoice!

If you can’t get out of Cancun: Live Aqua Beach Resort

Usually, Cancun isn’t clumped in with the Riviera Maya, but it’s where almost all visitors fly in. If you’re sticking to Cancun, check out Live Aqua Beach Resort. It’s got plenty to offer when it comes to amenities, from its pools to its restaurants. Plus, its known for its responsive and dedicated staff. Just keep in mind that it’s an adults-only spot where you can fully indulge in the Cancun party atmosphere.

(If Live Aqua doesn’t scratch that itch, check out Sandos Cancun. It’s from the same hotel brand that runs my first-place picks. Like Live Aqua, it’s known for its great staff, location, and party vibes.)

Traveler favorite: Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach

I keep hearing great things about Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach, from its jungle setting to its friendly staff to its restaurants. Similar to Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, the hotel is laden with lush greenery that lets you feel immersed in the tropics. There’s even a cenote on the property, which brings you even closer to Mayan culture.

Enjoy cenotes & golf courses: Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal

For some, the best resorts in Riviera Maya can be ranked based purely on the number of amenities available. If you’re someone who expects a long list of offers, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal has plenty to keep you busy. it’s got those resort features you eexpect, from pools set beneath palm trees to long stretches of private beach. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From karaoke bars to its golf courses to its full-service spa to diving activities, the fun (almost) never stops.

Family-friendly: Grand Palladium Colonial

With plenty of space to roam and areas designed for family use, you can expect a seamless family vacation at Grand Palladium Colonial. I’ve chosen a mid-range selection because it’s more affordable than similar properties, meaning you’ll get more bang for your buck even if you have a small caravan in tow. Still, despite the family-friendly focus, you can find quieter spots and even programs like morning yoga.

Romance abounds: Royal Hideaway Playacar

Any adults-only resort will give you the keys to a lovely romantic getaway, but Royal Hideaway Playacar specializes in intimate escapes. The property itself is smaller and upscale, creating a more private atmosphere. Some rooms also come with hot tubs, while room service is available day or night. Along with that full-service spa, you might also want to take advantage of one of their carefully crafted romance packages.

Surprise pick: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

If you’ve been traveling for a while and enjoy talking to fellow travelers, I’m sure you’ve met a few out there: Hard Rock fanatics. Hard Rock cafes and hotels have a hardcore following, and many travelers who stay at their properties are ticking them off their list. That being said, there might be something to it aside from fanfare. This massive resort has a casual and inclusive vibe, along with unique offers like its private saltwater snorkeling zone and an adults-only private beach.