One of five properties that compose the sprawling Barcelo Maya resort complex in Puerto Aventuras (the other four are the Beach, Caribe, Colonial, and Palace), the Barcelo Maya Tropical caters to both families and couples; its Baa2 Overall Beach Resort Rating is one notch above the Beach and Caribe sections’ and two notches below the Palace section’s (mostly due to room and dining quality). The food is mediocre and some reviews complain of a slow and disorganized check-in process; but the property offers a nice white-sand beach with plenty of loungers and palm trees for shade, multiple large swimming pool areas, a good fitness center, seven tennis courts plus a sport court, and a nightclub for teenagers. The Tropical section shares the same arm of the resort complex as the Colonial section; because the rooms in the two sections are the same quality and they share the same facilities and beach, the two sections are rated exactly the same. Guests have access to all amenities at four of the five sections of the greater complex (not the more exclusive Palace area); some of the most unique include a mall, a Dolphinarium where guests can swim and interact with dolphins, mini golf, and a water park with slides and a Surf Rider wave pool (with surfing). Other on-site water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, Hobie Cat sailing, and deep sea fishing.
On-site COVID-19 testing is offered prior to departure, but it isn’t complimentary.