02 The Stay Guide: Riviera Maya
With hundreds of resorts across Riviera Maya, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Lori Gold joins Whitney to spotlight the hotels that rise above the noise — from adults-only luxury at Atelier Playa Mujeres and Secrets Playa Blanca, to wellness-focused stays like Palmaïa and the immersive all-inclusive experiences at Hotel Xcaret and Impression Isla Mujeres. This conversation unpacks the differences in dining, spas, beaches, and room layouts, giving you clarity on which Riviera Maya hotels are best suited for each type of traveler.
Key Takeaways
The five Riviera Maya resorts Lori recommends most
Key differences in location, dining, and amenities that matter when advising clients
How to manage expectations around spas, beaches, and excursions
What hotels often get wrong (and how to navigate around it)
Lori’s journey from Toronto to becoming a trusted voice in Mexico travel
About the guest:
Lori Gold is a Canadian travel advisor turned Riviera Maya insider who has called Mexico home for nearly a decade. As the founder of the Resorts of the Riviera Maya Facebook group, creator of Explore More Mexico, and host of the Mexperts membership, she has become one of the most trusted voices for travel advisors seeking clarity in one of the world’s most competitive resort destinations. With 15+ years of travel industry experience and a passion for site visits, local insights, and hands-on research, Lori helps advisors confidently match clients with the perfect property.
Links and Resources:
Follow Lori Gold on Instagram: @explorewithlor
Explore More Mexico – Courses, masterclasses, and resources for travel advisors: exploremoremexico.com
