Scores at a Glance
Hilton Yala ResortMahekal Beach Resort
Overall
8.8
8.7
Beach
6.4
8.6
Food
8.5
8.6
Service
9.1
8.8
Rooms
9.0
8.4
Luxury
8.8
8.1
Value
7.3
8.0
Romance
·
8.5
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
| Hilton Yala Resort | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| (better)8.8 | Overall Score | 8.7 |
| 5-star | Star Rating | 5-star |
| (better)4.8 (582) | Google Rating | 4.4 (4,730) |
| From $228 | Price / Night (pp) | From $91 (better) |
| No | Adults Only | No |
| – | Kids' Club | – |
| Near coast | Beachfront | Oceanfront |
| Mid-size | Resort Size | Boutique |
| 260 min | Airport Transfer | 45 min (better) |
All Scores
| Hilton Yala Resort | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4 | Beach | 8.6 (better) |
| 8.5 | Food | 8.6 (better) |
| (better)9.1 | Service | 8.8 |
| (better)9.0 | Rooms | 8.4 |
| 8.3 | Pools | 8.8 (better) |
| (better)8.8 | Luxury | 8.1 |
| 7.3 | Value | 8.0 (better) |
| – | Family | 8.4 |
| – | Romance | 8.5 |
| – | Nightlife | 7.8 |
| (better)9.1 | Quiet | 7.7 |
| (better)9.3 | Adventure | 8.2 |
| – | Wellness | 8.5 |
| (better)8.2 | Remote work | 7.0 |
Of the 14 measures we call, Hilton Yala Resort leads on 8 and Mahekal Beach Resort leads on 6.
Vibes
| Hilton Yala Resort | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Quiet | Yes |
| Yes | Adventure | Yes |
| – | Romance | Yes |
Activities
| Hilton Yala Resort | Measure | Mahekal Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Spa | Yes |
| Yes | Water sports | Yes |
| Yes | Kids | – |
| – | Diving | Yes |
Hilton Yala Resort
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 260 min from CMB
Mahekal Beach Resort
- Bohemian eco-resort on the beach
- Thatched-roof bungalows
- Cenote excursions included
- Locally sourced organic dining
Pros · Hilton Yala Resort
- Excellent Yala National Park access and guide positioning.
- Small 42-room luxury footprint.
- Strong room, service and nature-setting signals.
Pros · Mahekal Beach Resort
- Direct beachfront setting in central Playa del Carmen.
- Easy walking access to Fifth Avenue and downtown Playa del Carmen.
- Boutique-style grounds with gardens, palapa-style rooms, and a relaxed Mexican-Caribbean feel.
- Four pools and a strong beachfront pool atmosphere.
- Good fit for couples, families, and travelers who want a resort plus town access.
Cons · Hilton Yala Resort
- Not a classic all-inclusive beach resort.
- Very long transfer from Colombo airport.
- All-inclusive and safari inclusions are rate-specific.
Cons · Mahekal Beach Resort
- Beach conditions can vary with seaweed and seasonal coastal conditions.
- Not adults-only and not a quiet secluded escape.
- Some guests may find the rustic-bohemian room style less luxurious than newer resorts.
- All-inclusive value depends on whether guests plan to dine mostly on property or explore Playa del Carmen restaurants.
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