Every once in a while, you stumble upon a destination that feels like the perfect blend of laid-back vibes, upscale touches, and that “wish-I-could-stay-forever” energy. For me, that place is now Puerto Morelos, Mexico.
Just a short drive from Cancun International Airport—without the chaos of Cancun itself—you’ll find the quiet, charming town of Puerto Morelos. Nestled between the more well-known hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this gem of a town is full of local flavour, warmth, and a sense of peace that’s increasingly hard to come by these days. And right at the heart of it sits The Fives Oceanfront, a boutique luxury hotel that blends modern comfort with beachy charm in all the best ways.
First Impressions Matter—And This One Delivered
The moment I arrived at The Fives Oceanfront, I felt calm. The property is gorgeously designed with clean lines, natural textures, and a coastal colour palette that makes everything feel fresh and inviting. The lobby opens up to views of the pool and ocean beyond, instantly giving you that “yep, I’m in paradise” moment.
Most of the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful from the get-go, with a couple truly going above and beyond. Special mention to Karen, who brightened each and every day. Whether helping with bags, offering a welcome mocktail, or answering my many questions about the property, nearby spots in town, or adventures we wanted to take, the service overall was top-tier.
The Junior Suite Facing the Pool Was the Ultimate Chill Zone
My partner and I stayed in a Junior Suite facing the pool, and it quickly became my little sanctuary. Spacious and thoughtfully laid out, the room offered a perfect balance of comfort and style. From the plush king-sized bed to the sleek bathroom with a rainfall shower, everything felt elevated but not overdone.
The room came equipped with a small kitchenette, ideal if you’re staying a little longer or just like the option of morning coffee on your own terms. And while I didn’t spend too much time indoors (hard to, with that beach calling), it was a lovely place to retreat to after a long day in the sun, and the perfect place for my partner and me to work, when we needed to. The balcony overlooked the main pool, which created a relaxing atmosphere without ever feeling loud or overcrowded.
The Beach? Unreal.
If you’re heading to Mexico for the beaches (and who isn’t?), The Fives Oceanfront delivers in a big way. The stretch of beach directly in front of the property is clean, wide, and oh-so-photo-worthy. Powdery white sand, warm turquoise water, and plenty of loungers to choose from—it really is the picture-perfect Caribbean escape.
Just note that while they meticulously clean the beach area in front of the pool, most places in Mexico, including some of the beaches farther down, have a fair amount of seaweed on the beach. It didn’t bother us, since the water was warm and clear when we went in, which is what matters.
Whether you’re a sunrise-walker, a beach reader, or someone who likes to dip in and out of the water all afternoon, there’s plenty of space to make it your own. And if you prefer poolside lounging, the main pool is stunning, with cabanas, palm trees, and drink service that keeps things effortlessly relaxing. On top of that, they also offer a great rooftop pool, which looks out onto it all.
Let’s Talk Food
The on-site restaurants at The Fives Oceanfront are good, fresh, and without being overly complicated. Think locally inspired seafood dishes. Breakfast by the water is a remarkably serene experience, with the sounds of the ocean setting the tone for a slow, luxurious morning.
There are also some great little cafés and restaurants just a short walk away in Puerto Morelos. That’s part of the charm of staying here—you get the comfort and quality of a boutique resort with the added bonus of a local town that still feels authentic and welcoming.
While we travelled off property to do a big adventure day, we were headed back at the end of the day, driving through Puerto Morelos and the other travellers in the small bus asked: is this where you are staying, we said yes, they resonpoded with, oh my gosh, this is great, we are staying in the middle of now where and couldn’t even walk anywhere from our property, I said, well with Puerto Morelos you can pretty much walk everything, that’s the joy of it.
Puerto Morelos: A Town With Soul
One of the best things about The Fives Oceanfront is its location. Puerto Morelos isn’t trying to be trendy or overrun—it’s just quietly beautiful. This town is where you can wander into a local shop, grab a casual drink at a beach bar, or browse handmade crafts at the town square. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate the simple things.
There’s also a great local market, some stunning reef snorkelling, and plenty of opportunities for eco-tourism in the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to dive, fish, bike, or explore, there’s something for everyone—but at your own pace.
Would I go back to The Fives Oceanfront? Absolutely. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a solo recharge, a romantic getaway, or even a group trip with friends. With stunning beachfront access, beautiful accommodations (like my junior suite facing the pool), great service, and one of the most charming towns in Mexico steps away, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a refined escape in the Riviera Maya that still feels grounded and local, look no further than The Fives Oceanfront in Puerto Morelos.
Want to see more travel guides like this? Follow me on Instagram @TheMaleAddict and stay tuned to weraddicted.com for my latest adventures, honest reviews, and all the things I fall in love with along the way.
markmunroe
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