( CNN ) -- Soaring down highway 307 from the Cancun airport to the Riviera Maya is like peeling away stress palm tree by palm tree . Because I could n't decide between paying homage to the Wind God at Tulum 's circa-1200 AD Maya ruins or sinking into a Jacuzzi with a view of the Caribbean , I decided to have it all : I toured -- and ranked the pros and cons of -- eight of the region 's all-inclusive resorts , each offering its own unique south-of-the-border vacation . The minimalist resort : Bel Air Collection . Spanning 14 very green acres , this resort is a buffet-free , a la carte-only zone in the low season . Only nine villas were built on the property , adding to the secluded , boutique-resort feel . Snorkeling , kayaking and biking are free here , as is doing absolutely nothing : a white hammock hangs from each room 's terrace . With five cenotes onsite , you can have a romantic dinner right in the middle of a green cenote for a fee of $ 75 and up . Pro : Each room has a double Jacuzzi , and rustic shell patterns crafted from pebbles pop up every few feet on the stone floors . Con : The beach is small and rocky , but the resort provides a shuttle that brings you to a beach five minutes away , where drinks and light bites like ceviche await . ( belairxpuha.com , from $ 75 per person per night ) Budget Travel : 9 most colorful beaches in the world . The party resort : Riu Mexico . You know you 're in for a raucous time when there are `` liquor drips '' ( free tequila ! ) affixed to your hotel room 's wall . The razzle-dazzle quotient is high here , from the opulent lobby to the cocktails at Bar Cubano . Reserve a table at Krystal fusion restaurant for the excellent tuna tataki . Pro : Beach access at this resort is vast and beautiful . Con : The evening entertainment is extremely loud if your room is toward the front of the resort . Even with the sliding doors closed , you could be subjected to an ear-splitting Mamma Mia ! revue . ( riu.com , from $ 99 per person per night ) Budget Travel : 10 great budget destinations for 2014 . The romantic resort : Ocean Maya Royale . Sherbet-orange and raspberry-hued villas dot this lush adults-only property , a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons . The brand-new Fresco Bar , housed in a palapa , mixes up tropical juices with fruits and veggies like mango , papaya , kiwi and cactus . On weekends , guests can attend candle-lit pool parties . Pro : The `` Romance Suite '' includes a bottle of wine , a terrace or balcony , Jacuzzi and concierge service at the resort 's spa and restaurants . Con : You have to pay extra for top-shelf liquor and access to a private beach area . ( hoteloceanmaya.net/en , from $ 79 per person per night ) 7 deluxe ways to embrace winter . The megaresort : Iberostar Paraiso Beach . Bring the kids here , one of Iberostar 's five sprawling resorts with multiple pools . Swans and flamingos roam the property and small children will go especially nuts for riding the resort 's working old-fashioned carousel , faux boulders , a lazy river and elaborate outdoor kids ' play areas . By night , grownups can sip adult beverages and dance in the downright bizarre Star Wars-themed Galaxy Nightclub . Pro : A chain resort of this magnitude probably wo n't throw you any curveballs . If a quintessential tourist vacation appeals to you , this is your spot . Con : Some upscale restaurants and several pool areas are n't accessible to guests staying in the less expensive Iberostar hotels , including this one . It can be difficult to discern which areas are off-limits . ( iberostar.com , from $ 95 per person per night ) 8 elegant U.S. mansion hotels . The modern resort : Oasis Tulum . An infinity pool and a swim-up sushi bar add to the sleek feel of this resort 's recently renovated exterior . Even the buffet offers gorgeous sea views through full-length plate glass windows . Two resorts exist here : the Oasis Tulum and the slightly more expensive Grand Oasis Tulum . The higher-end restaurants and bars ( including a new wine bar ) , some of the pools , and a VIP roof bar with panoramic ocean views and private outdoor Jacuzzi tubs are reserved for Grand Oasis guests . An upgrade will run you about $ 5 more per person per day . Pro : Each room has either a terrace or a balcony . If you 'd like to tool around town on your own , you can rent a SmartCar , insurance included , for $ 45 per day . Con : The buffet food is n't anything special , nor are the rooms , which have chintzy red bedspreads and dated bathrooms . ( oasistulumresort.com , from $ 71 per person per night ) The spa resort : Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya . To say the Spa Grand Sirenis is tech-forward is an understatement . Innovative services such as chromo-therapy , saltwater flotariums that mimic the density of the Dead Sea , aromatherapy showers and cocoa-and-caffeine wraps can be purchased individually -- or buy a Spa Pass ( $ 25 ) to use the blue-tiled hot and cold hydro-therapy pools . Then sip complimentary orange , pineapple , grapefruit and green juices . Pro : Three vast beaches rim the property , and three adults-only pools ensure a slice of tranquility . Ask about perks like the free yoga classes and an hour of free snorkeling and kayaking each day . Con : There are roped-off areas for VIP `` premium travelers . '' ( sirenishotels.com , from $ 84 per person per night ) 7 secret Caribbean islands . The family-friendly resort : Sandos Playacar . Quirky American perks like a cupcake shop , a creperie , a bagel shop right on the beach that offers 20-plus varieties and a teens club with a ping-pong table , pool table and foosball make the large Sandos Playacar resort a good option for both kids and adults who want a large-resort feel with the comforts of home . The adults-only Select Club section , on one side of the resort , is separate from the families on the other . Pro : Like other Sandos resorts , this one is eco conscious : The trash is sorted and the organic matter composted . Con : Aside from the expansive beach , the resort can feel like it 's in the States rather than Mexico . ( sandos.com , from $ 94 per person per night ) Budget Travel : The ultimate ( affordable ! ) tropical vacation . The eco resort : Sandos Caracol . Swim in a cenote -- or just do yoga next to it -- at a resort that prides itself on environment-focused features like a windmill ; animal habitats for deer , donkeys and monkeys ; gluten-free menu options ; and trails you can bike for free . Tours point out flora and fauna including rubber trees , mangroves , peacocks and macaques -- and you 'll take a dramatic walk across the resort 's suspension bridge ! Kid-friendly activities include an indoor jungle gym and a kids ' nightclub . ( Adults-only facilities are ideal for couples . ) Order excellent fajitas and chilaquiles a la carte from La Jungla restaurant . Pro : The 80-minute massage incorporates props like giant mollusk seashells , cinnamon cream and long feathers . Con : Rooms are spare , but each has its own whirlpool tub and modern bathroom . ( sandos.com , from $ 75 per person per night ) Get the best travel deals and tips emailed to you FREE - CLICK HERE ! 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Soak up U.S. 's Sherbet-orange for 99 per person a night . Caribbean has a party atmosphere with `` liquor drips '' in the rooms . Iberostar has plenty of kid-friendly attractions .