The Riviera Maya is thriving with new developments, with new projects on the horizon, and new hotels and resorts are opening.

Marriott International has announced that in the next five years it will nearly triple its presence in Mexico, including the Riviera Maya, and will invest more than US$1-billion. The 450-room JW Marriott Milla de Oro Resort & Spa and the 150-room Renaissance Milla de Oro Resort are expected to open in the Riviera Maya in 2011.

Opening soon will be the Azul Sensatori by Karisma, located along Bahia Petempich. It will open in October, and cater to families, destination wedding parties, groups, honeymooners and couples. Azul Sensatori comprises 438 spacious suites in 12 different categories with private marble bathrooms with rain forest showers and Jacuzzis. The hotel will feature an adults-only restaurant, tennis club, spa and fitness centre. Go to for complete information.

The Hacienda Tres Rios, with 273 luxury suites, will be the first Tres Rios property, and is set to open in the fall. Nestled within a natural reserve, Hacienda Tres Rios is among mangrove forests, cenotes and a mile of virgin beaches. The Tres Rios total master plan will include five hotels with more than 1,700 suites in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Tres Rios will offer a spa, marina, yacht club, convention centre, equestrian centre and nature park featuring a Mayan cultural centre and nature preserve. Check out www.haciendatresrios.com for more.

The Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma is set to open in December in Playa del Carmen. Azul Fives will offer 360 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each with private marble bathrooms with rain forest showers and oversized balconies or terraces. Azul Five’s Penthouse Suites and Presidential Penthouse Suites will boast private rooftop lounge decks, featuring deluxe double Jacuzzi and large lounging area. Glamorous two- and three- bedroom Penthouse Suites with separate living rooms, kitchens, powder room and more will accommodate up to eight people. Details are available at www.azulhotel.com.

From Capella Hotels & Resorts, the Capella Golf Course and Resort will feature individual villas opening out directly to the Caribbean, as well as the only private, championship 18-hole golf course by Rees Jones in the Yucatan that has three holes seaside, an Auriga Spa, a beach club, restaurants and residences. The hotel is expected to open in the winter of 2008/2009. Go to www.capellabahiamaroma.com for additional information.

Located 20 minutes north of Tulum, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Unlimited-Luxury resort will have 305 suites, crystalline pools, hideaway beach spots, water sports, golf course, six restaurants, Explorer’s Club for kids and more. The hotel will open in December. For more, visit www.dreamsresorts.com/drepa.

For more information on the Riviera Maya visit www.rivieramaya.com.