Set right on the sandy shores of the Playacar beach, the all-inclusive Iberostar Quetzal occupies a prime location on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Just five minutes from the resort, Playa del Carmen was a fishing village that has been reinvented as a nightlife, dining and shopping destination. With its full-service amenities, wide range of recreational activities and beautiful setting, Iberostar Quetztal draws an international clientele of leisure travelers including honeymooners, groups and families.

The architecture throughout the sprawling resort is a tribute to traditional Mayan design. A soaring palapa roof shimmering with chandeliers crowns the marble lobby. Housed in several bungalow-style buildings, rooms and suites exude a cheerful, tropical ambience, with colorfully patterned bedspreads and draperies. Guests may choose either a king or two double beds, and cribs are available on request. All rooms feature a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, safety deposit box, television, mini bar and spacious en suite bath. Suites boast separate seating areas and ocean views.

Five specialty restaurants and a main buffet ensure diverse culinary offerings. Cozumel is an international buffet, where guests can dine on a wide variety of popular dishes and cooked-to-order-items. For a taste of the local flavors, diners head for La Hacienda restaurant. La Gondola serves authentic Italian cuisine, and Bonsai dishes up Japanese specialties. The more casual atmosphere at La Marimba is the perfect setting to enjoy steaks and grilled dishes. The Uxmal serves tropical fare and light snacks, while the hotel’s three bars, El Kiosco Bar, El Paso Bar and La Plaza Bar feature an extensive list of wines and cocktails.

The central water complex includes a lagoon pool surrounded by jungle flora with a central palm island, a Jacuzzi, a swim-up bar with waterfall and separate activities and children’s pools. Lounge chairs and sunshades line the wide sandy beachfront. Activities at the hotel include archery, tennis, yoga and a number of water sports. The hotel is home to a PADI Diving Center, which guides beginners on the basics of diving and organizes diving excursions to certified divers. Lucy’s Club is a children’s club, where kids can take part in a number of outdoor and indoor activities. The spa and beauty center at the hotel is modern and offers amenities like steam baths, massages and Jacuzzis as well as a fitness center. Shows and live musical events are put on nightly at the resort. The picturesque locale is ideal for weddings and corporate events, given the resort’s excellent meeting and banquet facilities.