PLAYA DEL CARMEN — Marriott International is expanding its all-inclusive footprint in Mexico with plans to bring three existing Playa del Carmen resorts into its Tribute Portfolio.

Marriott and The Reef Resorts & Spa have signed an agreement to convert The Reef Playacar Beachfront Resort & Spa, The Reef 28 Adults-Only Luxury Hotel & Spa and The Reef Coco Beachfront Resort & Spa into Tribute Portfolio all-inclusive properties.

The deal will mark the debut of Tribute Portfolio Hotels in Playa del Carmen and initially add 676 rooms to Marriott’s all-inclusive development portfolio.

The three properties are expected to join the Marriott portfolio in 2027, following renovations beginning in late 2026.

“This agreement represents an exciting new chapter for The Reef Resorts & Spa,” said Jorge Montalvo, chairman of the board of The Reef Resorts & Spa. “For decades, we have welcomed travellers to Playa del Carmen with authentic hospitality and a strong connection to the destination. By joining Tribute Portfolio Hotels under the all-inclusive concept, we will be able to preserve the unique identity of each resort while benefiting from Marriott’s global reach, its Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform, and its expertise in the all-inclusive segment.”

THREE RESORTS JOINING THE PORTFOLIO

The 198-room The Reef Playacar Beachfront Resort & Spa features two-storey, villa-style accommodations surrounded by tropical landscaping. Amenities include two pools, a beach club, spa and wellness centre, multiple dining options and wedding and event spaces.

The Reef 28 Adults-Only Luxury Hotel & Spa, meanwhile, is a 120-suite urban property located steps from Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue. The hotel features a rooftop with ocean views, restaurant and rooftop bar, a pool and a spa.

The third property, The Reef Coco Beachfront Resort & Spa, currently has 198 rooms and is set for a major expansion that will bring its room count to 358 by early 2028. Located within walking distance of Fifth Avenue, the beachfront resort will eventually offer five dining venues, poolside and beach service, an outdoor pool, full-service spa and fitness centre.

“We are pleased to expand Marriott’s all-inclusive portfolio in Mexico with the arrival of Tribute Portfolio in Playa del Carmen,” said Alonso Burgos, VP, Development for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “This agreement reaffirms Mexico’s strength as a key market for Marriott’s growth and highlights the value that owners see in our all-inclusive platform.”

GROUPS, EVENTS AND WEDDINGS

Marriott and The Reef are also targeting the meetings and events market with the conversions.

Together, the three resorts will have capacity for groups and events for up to 900 attendees. The resorts will also continue to target the destination wedding market with beachfront wedding venues.

The agreement adds to Marriott’s growing all-inclusive presence in Mexico while further expanding Tribute Portfolio across the Caribbean and Latin America. Tribute Portfolio currently has 10 hotels totalling 1,350 rooms across eight countries and territories in the region. 

Marriott says the brand is expected to double its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2027.

Lead image caption: The well-known and much-photographed mermaid sculpture, Portal Maya, in Playa del Carmen