The secret is out: Riviera Maya is the chic destination of choice for travelers who want a hearty dose of sophistication along with their Mexican sun. Though it’s only 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the open-air restaurants and boutiques that line the cobblestone streets of Riviera Maya’s Playa del Carmen present a decidedly more refined backdrop than the glitzy high-rises of Cancun. With miles of white-sand beaches, world-class diving, and remarkable archaeological sites, it’s no wonder that a number of exclusive resort developments have recently staked their claim to the Mexican region that was named one of CNN’s “Top 5 Destinations for 2006.”

Let’s take a look at two of the just-announced luxury developments opening on the Riviera Maya.

Viceroy Mayakobá

Developed by The Kor Group, with interiors designed by contemporary style icon Kelly Wearstler, the Viceroy Mayakoba was recently announced as the latest addition to the trend setting Viceroy collection of boutique hotels, upscale residences, and destination restaurants. The luxury resort promises to intertwine Viceroy’s signature ambiance of modern glamor with the historic and natural influences of the Riviera Maya.

The development, slated to open in spring 2009, offers 164 condos and villas ranging from $862,500 to $7 million. The residences feature private infinity-edge pools, patios, state-of-the-art technologies, and a host of size and layout options. Home seekers can choose from Beachfront Resort Residences with vast ocean views or Lagoon Resort Residences overlooking lagoons, tropical reserves, and the fairways of El Camaleén, the Greg Norman-designed, 7,000-yard championship golf course.

Capella Bahia Maroma

Capella Hotels and Resorts and Grupo Carrousel have announced the development of Cappella Bahia Maroma Resort & Residences along a mile-long stretch of pristine beach near the Great Maya Reef (the world’s second largest coral reef). The resort will showcase an 18,000-square-foot Auriga spa, a private, oceanfront golf course designed by Rees Jones, and a 43,000-square-foot Golf Clubhouse.

With less than 130 beach, golf, and jungle villas and 82 hotel villa suites spread throughout 254 acres, the Capella residences will offer privacy-seeking homeowners the lowest density of any development on the Riviera Maya. Designed by award-winning architect Pablo Serrano, the residence collection is scheduled for completion in winter 2008/2009. Residences start at $2.9 million.