The Riviera Maya branded residences market is fully established, sitting in fourth position in the Americas and has strong growth potential. The Mexican region is quickly establishing itself as a global hotspot for luxury branded homes.
The Riviera Maya, a 100 mile stretch of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula coastline in the state of Quintana Roo, hums with energy, fun, nature, luxury and sophistication.
From the quiet beaches of Puerto Morelos to the bohemian pulse of Tulum, this region has always been magnet for luxury real estate, and more recently branded real estate.
In terms of numbers, Riviera Maya is already a big player and a growing branded residences hotspot, sitting in fourth place of leading regions in The Americas, behind São Paulo, New York and South Florida, with 25 projects (completed and pipeline) however when it comes to growth we see even more potential.
Mexico in general is expected to see 30% year on year growth for the foreseeable future.
The number of branded residences in the U.S. is projected to grow by about 150%, with Mexico and Brazil significantly driving this expansion, contributing a combined 270% increase across their 135 projects, relative to their regional influence.
READ: Branded Residences in Polanco Ultimate Privacy and Exclusivity
READ: Branded Residences in Mexico. The Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle
Branded residences associated with globally recognised hotel and luxury brands are one of the fastest growing sectors of luxury real estate.
With tourism booming, a high end lifestyle on offer, and quality developments driving demand, the Riviera Maya is carving out a place as a top destination for branded residences in the Americas.
Branded Residences The Americas
Since the mid 1980, the Americas have held a significant market share of the branded real estate market. Until around 2015 North America accounted for over 50% of the global market, but by 2021, the Americas as a whole fell below 50%, reflecting the growing geographic diversity and popularity of branded residences.
While annual growth in the region remained below 10% from 2020 to 2024, it is projected to reach double-digit rates between 2025 and 2027.
Central and Latin America are showing significant potential, with year-on-year growth expected to hit up to 30% in some years, reinforcing the Americas as a key region for branded residence development.
South Florida and New York stand out as two of the most active metro regions globally, while São Paulo, the third most active, highlights South America’s potential. Additionally, Mexico’s resort destinations continue to attract buyers to this luxury residential market, according to Savills
Tourism: The Engine of Growth
Tourism is the Riviera Maya’s heartbeat. In 2025, the region is expected to welcome between 7 and 9 million visitors, contributing to Quintana Roo’s projected 31 million tourists.
While Cancun saw a slight dip in international arrivals early this year, the Riviera Maya has bucked the trend. Domestic tourism is surging, and North American travellers continue to flock to its shores. Mexico’s tourism sector as a whole is thriving, with a 5.7% increase in revenues and a 31% jump in tourism-related jobs.
This influx fuels demand for high end accommodation, hotels and branded residences. Visitors who fall in love with the region’s beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins often return as investors.
The Riviera Maya’s accessibility strengthens its appeal. Cancun International Airport (CUN), the Yucatan’s largest hub, offers direct flights from the United States and beyond. Travel times from the airport to key areas like Playa del Carmen (45 minutes) or Tulum (1.5 hours) are manageable.
The new Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), opened in 2023, is a game-changer. Just 35-40 minutes from Tulum’s Mayan ruins, it now connects international travelers via Mexico City, with direct U.S. flights.
Easier access means more visitors—and more potential buyers.
The Riviera Maya Lifestyle:
The Riviera Maya’s lifestyle is its secret weapon. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a place to live. The region offers a rhythm that balances relaxation with adventure. In Puerto Morelos, a fishing village turned luxury enclave, residents enjoy quiet beaches and snorkelling
Playa del Carmen buzzes with energy, its golden shores and nightlife drawing a cosmopolitan crowd.
Puerto Aventuras, a gated community with a golf course and yacht-filled marina, feels like a hidden world. Tulum, with its salty air and bohemian vibe, attracts those who crave history and high end living.
The region’s climate enhances its appeal. With an average temperature of 83°F, the Riviera Maya is a year round haven or sun seekers. January to April brings peak season crowds but perfect weather.
May to October, the rainy season, offers warm waters for snorkeling and diving, fewer tourists, and lower prices. November and December strike a balance: the hurricane season has passed, humidity is low, and evenings are cool enough for a light jacket.
This predictable climate makes the Riviera Maya a reliable choice for residents and renters alike.
Safety, too, is a draw. The Mexican government prioritises tourist areas, and the Riviera Maya benefits from significant security measures.
Well established resorts, reliable transportation, and professional management in branded residences provide peace of mind.
Buyers and residents feel confident, whether they’re strolling 5th Avenue or docking their yacht in Puerto Aventuras.
Quality of Projects: Built For Luxury
Branded residences in the Riviera Maya stand out for their quality. Backed by international hospitality and lifestyle brands, these developments deliver professional management, high standards, and premium amenities.
Since 2022, branded residences have accounted for nearly 30% of high end real estate transactions in Quintana Roo.
Below is a small sample of branded residences in Riviera Maya
Mayakoba
Mayakoba isn’t just a place it’s a way of life. A unique lagoon links four top-notch resorts with waterways, nature trails, and 595 acres of mangroves, all tucked behind a mile of stunning beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
It’s about living freely and fully, with each resort offering something special while sharing a vibe that lets you enjoy the whole place, golf, dining, spas, and more.
Staying here is amazing; owning is even rarer. Exclusive homes sit along lagoons, golf fairways, and mangroves in a private gated community.
Rosewood Residences: Ultra private villas by the lagoons, for full ownership. Two to four bedrooms, high ceilings, spa like bathrooms, private pools, sundecks, and docks. Designed with Rosewood’s unique style by an award-winning team.
Fairmont Residences: Three and four bedroom condos and penthouses for full ownership, set in small buildings surrounded by greenery, lagoons, and golf courses. Come with private plunge pools and exclusive resident perks.
Fairmont Heritage Place: The only co-ownership option, splitting each home into 12 equal shares. A cheaper, less demanding way to own part of Fairmont, with special access and rates at Mayakoba and Fairmont spots worldwide.
Owners get easy, hassle free amenities, great concierge service, and access to all four resorts’ facilities, depending on availability.
For more information visit Mayakoba
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, command prices from around $1.5 million to over $8 million for penthouses (world class luxury does not come cheap) offering 24/7 concierge services, private beach access, and infinity pools, and world class hospitality management.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riviera Maya resort will have 300 rooms and suites, four pools, and a family-friendly splash area called The Lagoon. Dining includes Bonfire for grilled food, Sagrado (a Mexican bakery/café), Excursion Lounge for quick bites,
The Farmhouse for farm-to-table, Aldea (a local food market), and The Beach Club. There’s also Restaurant Central, an open-air food hall with six spots, a distillery, wine cellar, and speakeasy.
The residences are designed like a standalone village, using natural materials:
Beachfront Estates: Only 13 five-bedroom homes on the Caribbean shore, each over 3,500 square feet across three levels.
Grand Residences: 82 three and four-bedroom condos, two or three levels, starting at nearly 3,000 square feet with jungle views.
Mangrove Cottages: 32 two and three bedroom branded residenceson one or two levels, from 1,600 to over 2,000 square feet, overlooking mangroves and jungle.
All residences come with custom kitchens, high-end appliances, big walk-in closets, summer kitchens, private plunge pools, and terraces with ocean views.
Owners get a private concierge, in-home chef, personal shopper, childcare, fitness training, spa treatments, and access to The Catamaran Club, a residents-only beachfront spot.
It’s 45 minutes from Cancún International Airport and an hour from Tulum’s new airport. Nearby, you can explore caves, cenotes, mangroves, and jungles, spotting wildlife like Yucatan jays, red-eyed tree frogs, black howler monkeys, and white-nosed coatis.
For More Infomation Visit Ritz-Carlton Residences Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya Branded Residences
Developers combine both modern and traditional architecture, spacious layouts, and seamless integration with the natural surroundings. Developments are a mixture of co-located with a hotel or standalone developments, predominantly with hotel brands, but we are beginning to see developments being planned with non hospitality luxury brands.
READ OUR BRANDED RESIDENCES GUIDE 2025
The attention to detail, private gyms, outdoor living rooms, staff quarters, overall facilities and professional management are what sets these properties apart from traditional real estate.
The Riviera Maya’s branded residence market is still young, with around 25 projects completed or in the pipeline. Compare that to South Florida’s nearly 100 branded residences, and the growth potential becomes clear.
The region ranks fourth in the Americas for branded residences, behind South Florida, New York, and São Paulo. But with a projected 270% increase in branded residence projects across Mexico and Brazil, and a 240% rise in the Caribbean, the Riviera Maya is poised for expansion.
Premiums for branded residences in the Americas average 32%, reflecting their value and demand, and certain projects along Riviera Maya are achieving price premiums above the global average of 33%
The Luxury Real Estate Sector:
The Riviera Maya’s luxury real estate market is on fire. Quintana Roo’s premium sector grew by 12.5% in the past year, outpacing Mexico’s national average.
Property values in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Aventuras appreciate at 8% to 12% annually, driven by limited supply and rising demand. Oceanfront condos, marina frontage homes, and branded residences are particularly sought after.
Despite rising prices, the Riviera Maya remains a bargain compared to the U.S. or Europe. A $3 million beachfront estate here offers more space, privacy, and amenities than a similar property in Miami or the Caribbean islands.
Rental returns average 7-9%, making these homes attractive for investors. The region’s foreigner-friendly market adds to its appeal. Buyers can own coastal property through a Fideicomiso (Mexican bank trust) or Mexican LLC, with low property taxes and manageable closing costs.
The rise of digital nomads and high-net-worth expatriates is reshaping the market. These buyers seek turnkey properties that combine lifestyle with investment potential.
Branded residences fit the bill, offering management services, rental income opportunities, and consistent appreciation.
Why Branded Residences Thrive Here
The growing prestige of the Riviera Maya, backed by international brands and infrastructure like the Tulum airport, signals strong future growth.
Branded residences are tailor made fit for the Riviera Maya. Tourism drives demand, with millions of visitors each year discovering the region’s beauty.
The lifestyle, beaches, adventure, and vibrant communities entices buyers to stay. High quality projects, backed by trusted brands, deliver value and security.
And this luxury real estate market, with its affordability and growth potential, makes investment appealing to say the least.
For buyers, the benefits are clear. Branded Residences offer an unmatched quality of life, with amenities like gyms, spas, and 24/7 security.
Their prime locations provide access to world-class beaches, ruins, and activities. Investment opportunities abound, with steady appreciation and strong rental returns.
Combine the above with Riviera Maya’s unique lifestyle, warm weather, rich culture, and natural beauty it seals the deal.
