Ed,
I would not discount the importance of a good dive site. Sure, all diving is good, but some dive sites are better than others. Some are way better. The diving at Maya Palms is the best I've seen in 30 years of diving. You won't board a crowded dive boat there, and you probably won't even see another dive boat during your entire stay at the resort. The reefs just 200 yards offshore are unblemished, teeming with turtles, barracuda, large angelfish, and a myriad of other marine life rarely seen elsewhere. On a couple of dives, a 3 foot remora swam with us, circled us, and seemed to want to latch onto us; a cool connection with a beautiful creature. The coral includes barrel sponges several feet in diameter. My teenage son & I just returned from another great week at Maya Palms (this was our second year there), and the diving there has spoiled us.
Like most people who go there, we flew into Cancun, rented a car, and enjoyed a pleasant drive down the Yucatan Peninsula. We devoured some excellent tacos at a sidewalk cafe along the way, one of many local restaurants en route. (North of Tulum is still part of the Cancun tourist territory, so avoid stopping until past Tulum - about 1 hour south of Cancun - where the countryside becomes authentic Mexico.) Maya Palms is very hospitable, with private villas, plentiful drinkable water, air conditioning, electric, and fresh flower petals strategically placed throughout the rooms (fresh ones daily). The meals are 5 star, with particular emphasis placed on your peculiar tastes. Yes, they have a bar (very nicely done) with beachside and/or poolside service at your beck and call.
The nearby town of Mahahual is a blend of quaint fishing village and happening local town. Cruise ships are starting to return to that area, so the town hosts nice restaurants, bars & shops, but mostly it’s just a quiet local town reflecting authentic Mexico. Mayan ruins are plentiful a short drive away.
The owners have struck a nice chord with Maya Palms resort. It has bed-and-breakfast charisma with personal divemaster attention. Spend a few days there and you’ll really appreciate the difference an immaculate dive site and outstanding service can make.