It’s Mexico, but it’s also the Caribbean. The Mexican Caribbean is a whole different universe on the western side of the Caribbean Sea, with a different energy, culture and hospitality philosophy. And just as the eastern Caribbean is filled with world-class all-inclusive vacations, the eastern coast of Mexico has some spectacular all-inclusive options of its own, from more traditional large hotels to up-and-coming all-inclusive boutiques. Here are our favorite all-inclusive Mexico resorts to try right now, from the Riviera Maya to Cancun to Playa Mujeres.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya The grande dame of all-inclusive Mexico hotels (and, some would say, the whole Caribbean), this endlessly impressive property has 539 suites, from traditional Zen Grand units to the popular Ambassador Pool suites, along with an 89,000-square-foot spa, 30,000 square feet of meeting space. But the story here is truly the food, with a wide range of culinary concepts from Asian fusion to contemporary Mexican to Italian, all executed marvelously. This is a full-fledged foodie destination — with the kind of gastronomy you never imagined possible at an all-inclusive.
Zoetry Paradiso de la Bonita The crown jewel of all of AMResorts’ hotels, in our opinion, this beachfront oasis takes Zoëtry’s wellness focus to the next level. The service, food and accommodations are all magnificent. And with just 100 suites, all oceanfront, there’s the feeling that you’re staying at a luxury boutique hotel. And that isn’t easy to pull off.
Excellence Playa Mujeres This adults-only retreat at the edge of Playa Mujeres is a terrific all-around place to stay, with everything from 10 dining concepts to easy access to a Greg Norman-designed golf course. But it’s the suites that are the real standout, all of which are at least 807 square feet all with private jacuzzis and some with their own private plunge pools (we’d suggest going for the latter, or, to splurge, for one of the two-story rooftop terrace suites).
Live Aqua Beach Resort It’s a little hipper, a little cooler and a little more energetic than the average all-inclusive, with well-appointed, modern rooms and a terrific pool scene that even comes with a dedicated pool concierge. The Feel Harmony Spa is a favorite, too, wth an impressive menu that’s got a diverse offering that includes coffee rituals, men’s sports facials and even a caviar treatment.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun There are 412 suites at this AAA Five Diamond property, with the adults-only ambience for which the Secrets brand has become famous. The culinary options are, unsurprisingly, excellent, with six a la carte eateries, a grill, a cafe and a buffet restaurant, and the kind of hospitality that considers needs like gluten free dining. Our suggestion? Go for one of the junior suite swim out rooms.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Yes, it’s on a beautiful stretch of beach. Yes, the rooms are well-appointed and yes there are amenities like 24-hour room service and butler service. But the reason you’re really here is for the remarkable spa, with 19 treatment suites and a cutting-edge spa menu. Guests also receive complimentary wellness guidance, in-room wellness amenities and even a special aromatherapy menu right when you check in.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya Hard Rock has turned the high-energy all-inclusive getaway into something of a science, and that’s particularly true at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya. All of the Hard Rock signatures are here: the Rock Spa, the Music Lab and the Even better? It’s two hotels in one: a “Hacienda” just for adults and one that’s family friendly. And, oh yes, there’s unlimited golf, too.
Hotel Xcaret One of Mexico’s newest all-inclusive hotels, this is the perfect getaway for travelers looking for adventure. That’s because guests at the Xcaret get access to all of the companies six diverse parks, along with excursions like cenote tours and transportation. That means everything from journeying in a Mayan jungle trails to exploring underground caves – and it’s all part of this all-inclusive Mexico experience.
UNICO 20º87º Unique is in the name, and that’s not a surprise, given the bold, forward-thinking philsophy at this Riviera Maya adults-only. It’s an all-inclusive that brashly claims to offer an authentic local experience — and delivers. There’s also a novel concept — for another 20 percent service fee, you can get a “next level” of inclusions from unlimited golf to scuba diving to spa treatments, making it a kind of customizable experience. And even if you opt for the traditional inclusions, you won’t lack for anything.
The Reef 28 The newest option on this list is, by all-inclusive standards, quite tiny. There are just 28 suites at this Playa del Carmen outpost, with a colorful, playful aesthetic that marries rather well with the culture of Playa. It’s a different sort of Mexico all-inclusive — it’s hip, it’s urban and it’s oh so chic. This is a new kind of all-inclusive Mexico experience.