Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa

5 outdoor pools, open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)
Property video
Snack bar
5 outdoor pools, open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)
The Oasis Palapa | Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Hot tub

Explore the area

View map
38 St And The Beach, Playa del Carmen, QROO, 77710
  • Mamitas Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Quinta Avenida
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Cancun, Quintana Roo (CUN-Cancun Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

Run of House - Free Breakfast

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

Ocean View Palapa

7.6 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Ocean View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Premium Bungalow

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

The Oasis

  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

The Oasis Palapa

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds OR 1 King Bed

Garden View

7.8 out of 10
Good
(18 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Garden View Palapa

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(30 reviews)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

About the area

Playa del Carmen

With a stay at Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa, you'll be centrally located in Playa del Carmen, steps from Mamitas Beach and within a 10-minute walk of Quinta Avenida. .This beach hotel is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Mario Villanueva Stadium Madrid and 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall.

What's nearby

  • Mamitas Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Playa del Carmen Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Quinta Avenida - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Cancun Intl. Airport (CUN) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mamita's Beach Club
  • La Vagabunda
  • La Cueva del Chango
  • ‪La Perla Pixan Cuisine & Mezcal (Calle 38) - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪PIOLA - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa

Luxury hotel on the beach, with 5 outdoor pools
Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa offers 195 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature laptop-compatible safes and hair dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include desks and desk chairs. Select Comfort beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Guests can make use of the in-room espresso makers and minibars. Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
5 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a hot tub. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

Children under 17 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Revive has 1 treatment room. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and reflexology. The spa is equipped with a hot tub.

The spa is open daily. Children under 17 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 13 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Make yourself at home in one of the 195 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and espresso makers. Your Select Comfort bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Rooms have private balconies or patios. Bathrooms feature showers with rainfall showerheads and hair dryers.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 5 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities at this hotel include concierge services, babysitting (surcharge), and an arcade/game room.
All-inclusive rates are available at this hotel. Meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments are included in all-inclusive rates. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.

Enjoy Mexican cuisine at Cocina, one of the hotel's 3 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/cafe. Relax with a refreshing drink at the beach bar, the poolside bar, or one of 3 bars/lounges. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and 3 meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Cocina - Overlooking the garden, this diner specializes in Mexican cuisine. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Las Olas - This beachfront buffet restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Happy hour is offered. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Fuego Restaurante y Bar - This beach fine-dining restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Happy hour is offered. Reservations are required. Open daily.
Agave - This sports bar overlooks the garden. Happy hour is offered. Open daily.
Itzi Pool Bar - This brewpub is located by the pool. Happy hour is offered. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

All-inclusive details

All-inclusive room rates at Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

À la carte meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Basic alcoholic beverages included
In-room minibar (some restrictions)
Dining and beverage availability limited at one or more venues

Land activities

Bicycling
Fitness facilities

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities
Onsite live performances

Awards and affiliations

Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa is listed in the 2023 Travel + Leisure 500.

Property amenities

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 27 for adults and USD 27 for children
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • 3 restaurants
  • A beach bar
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A swim-up bar
  • Couples/private dining
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Agave
  • Cocina
  • Fuego Restaurante y Bar
  • Itzi Pool Bar
  • Las Olas

Things to do

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Beach yoga
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle tours
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Free beach club
  • Full-service spa
  • Games
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Library
  • Playground
  • Scuba diving
  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • 5 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • On the beach
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Outdoor treatment areas
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (119 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • 33 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1985
  • Communal living room
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Mosquito nets
  • Reception hall
  • Renovated entire property - January 2023
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Espresso maker
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 5:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
This property is located near several bars and nightclubs, which may be disturbing to the peace and quiet of the resort.
The listed mandatory service fee, collected at check-in, applies to All-Inclusive bookings only.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 30.25 per accommodation, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 4 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per night
  • Christmas Day (December 25) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 120
  • Christmas Day (December 25) Gala Dinner per child: USD 60 (from 5 to 12 years old)
  • Resort fee: USD 35 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Beach loungers
  • Bicycle storage
  • Fitness center access
  • In-room bottled water
  • In-room coffee
  • In-room safe
  • Lending library access
  • Pool access

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 27 for adults and USD 27 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 302 per person (roundtrip)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 302 (roundtrip), (from 5 to 12 years old)
  • Pet fee: USD 30.25 per accommodation, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 100
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, window guards, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the hot tub, and guests under 17 years old are only allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, and hot tub with adult supervision
Guests under 13 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 17 years old are only allowed with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Mahekal
Mahekal Beach
Mahekal Beach Playa del Carmen
Mahekal Beach Resort
Mahekal Beach Resort Playa del Carmen
Mahekal Resort
Mahekal Beach Hotel Playa Del Carmen
Mahekal Beach Resort Riviera Maya/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Shangri La Caribe Hotel
Shangri La Caribe Playa Del Carmen

Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 670 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 156 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 92 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1006 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aiman

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Their hospitality was great. The resort was very welcoming and the staff was very nice and accommodating. The only thing I didn't like was that they didn't clarify the importance of the bracelets they provide.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My second stay at Mahekal, will definitely go back again. An excellent time every visit! Staff is incredible and the resort is beautiful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I MISS THE NIGHTLY BUFFET. THE FOOD ON THE MENU IS NOT AS GOOD AS BEFORE.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love Mahekal. This is the second time we've been there and the staff was so friendly and helpful. It is always just a relaxing feel to be there.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mingzhuo

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a wonderful little resort. It is truly a beautiful and tranquil place just a short walk from the main shopping and dining hub of Playa del Carmen. We extended our stay because we loved it so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Angela

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
We wouldn't recommend the palapa roof units due to odor. The odor is stronger in some units, and less in others, but always present; they “treat” these units with a “smell good” to hide the odor, but doesn’t always work. The odor is most likely mold and mildew; this particular unit (#135) didn’t get as much sun to keep it dried out thus the stronger odor. They also spray the roofs with a flame retardant and water-resistant chemical that supposedly dries within 30-minutes and the next guest is ushered in, per the contractor spraying the unit next to ours. We moved to #96 (garden view) on the morning of our 4th day and it was perfect for our needs. You'll notice noise in all units; property is in a good location with tons of restaurants just outside the front gate. We dined on property our entire stay; we had an ocean view at breakfast buffet @ Las Olas and lunch @ Fuego each day AND a daily stop at Starbucks. Property needs maintenance and updating (pools and furniture need cleaned more regularly). No TV, but great WiFi; bring your laptop for streaming, if that’s important. Servers are incredible. BIG SHOUT OUT to Sophia, Enrique and Manuel for taking such good care of us during our stay! While there's a great view here, it's the people that make the difference and the team here is amazing and works so hard to make your stay enjoyable. Front desk was great too, no issues with overcharging etc. and they were quick to move us to a comfier unit when requested. Thank-you!!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shellie J

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is gorgeous and the staff are very attentive. The atmosphere is very relaxing.We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Krystal

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Lovely setting - but needs work!

The hotel grounds are lovely, and the view of the (albeit very shallow) section of beach and sea is nice when the sun is out. We liked the proximity to the beach and fuego from our room. However, £700 per person for 4 nights did not reflect the hotel. The rooms are tired, the sun loungers, beanbags etc were all stained,ripped ,bleached. One pool was closed entirely. The service at times was odd. We’d often sit for a long time waiting for menus at lunch, even though there were so many staff around. The food was just ok at fuego. The breakfast had little vegan options, although the staff were lovely & a nice view over the pool. The other a la carte restaurant we tried only once and the food was bad. The hummus was like soup and with no bread? A confused menu. There were no updates/info on the activities (could never find the staff) the concierge never responded on the WhatsApp. We’d go in person to the desk and they were never there. At our 5am checkout we were asked to walk back to the room to get the 2nd plastic key card before they’d let us leave. Once in the cab the security demanded we show a receipt before he’d let us leave, even tho he’d just watched us check out? Could be lovely but needs some serious overhaul with modernisation of the rooms and some injection of initiative to some of the service. Overpriced for a place that reflects a tired 3*. Roberto at dinner, blonde lady at breakfast/lunch & taller/bald beach service waiter all wonderful & worked v hard.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaime

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Even though the property was just off the main street, you would never have known it. It is a hidden gem alongside the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

ERNESTINA

Travelled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Staff clean room was perfect viewof sea
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Markus, Atlanta

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've been to this property 5 times or more. If I want to stay in a resort in Playa del Carmen, this is the only one I would consider. You are right in town (5th avenue is practically outside the resort) yet it feels like you are in a very natural, almost jungle-ish setting, with a cool vibe and multiple pools and restaurants, and the occasional animal walking by. All other Playa hotels are concrete bunkers by comparison.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Skip
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth A

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is absolutely beautiful. Service was great. Just keep in mind. It’s a small private beach for a few feet and then it’s public beach to the water so that can get pretty crowded with the general public using the beach in front of the property.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Dawn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful……
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff is fantastic!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mohamed Amine

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda, Loveland

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very helpful and extremely pleasant
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

KELLY

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We will stay there again and the staff is great wish the water pressure in the rooms was way better. Barely worked while there. Wish you had a shuttle service to and from airport that was available and reasonably priced.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our 4th time staying here. Every time the staff have been excellent. We especially want to mention 2 staff, Kimberly and Daniel. They both go above and beyond for their guests! This time we did notice more trash around the property, updates needed, especially pool tables, and other game tables.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Mahekal was the ideal resort for our trip for two. We wanted a relaxing beach resort vacation for our anniversary, and that is exactly what we found at Mahekal. We chose the garden palapas room. The palapas were beautiful and full of character, the gardens were lush and well-maintained, the food was good (Las Olas for breakfast or dinner, Fuego for dinner, and anywhere on 5th Ave for lunch), and all of the staff were very kind and helpful. Everyone’s smiling here and the wildlife and plants here seem happy, too. We saw cute coatis and pacas and geckos and many birds. The beach is beautiful and lively. The sand is white and the water is clear. You have access to a wide range of loungers/parasols from within the resort all the way to the shore. No sargassum problems whatsoever in late April. All in all, amazing trip experience. We look forward to visiting again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025