A Different Kind of Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort Just Opened in Cancun, With a Speakeasy, Thermal Baths and DJ Lessons

A rooftop jacuzzi. A 20,000-square-foot spa with everything from thermal baths to golf massages. DJ lessons for kids. An elevated resort-within-a-resort concept with a private beach. It’s the newest all-inclusive resort in greater Cancun, and the just-debuted SLS Playa Mujeres is making it clear it’s a unique take on the all-inclusive concept. 

The first SLS-branded all-inclusive resort anywhere in the world is now open in Playa Mujeres, the coastal enclave often dubbed the “New Cancun,” and it’s putting SLS’ brand of hospitality into biggest trend in travel. 

If you’ve stayed at an SLS hotel, either within the Caribbean in places like Nassau or in big cities like Los Angeles, you know the brand has developed a dedicated following of travelers drawn for its playful, sleek, hip brand identity. 

And that’s the plan for SLS all-inclusive: to take the company’s version of cool and shape it into the wallet-free concept that so many travelers are seeking out right now. 

So what do you need to know about the new SLS? 

First, it’s in Playa Mujeres. The hot hotel development destination is on the “mainland” across the water from Isla Mujeres (which just welcomed a shiny new all-inclusive of its own from Marriott’s Luxury Collection), and it’s been a haven for top all-inclusive brands in recent years from Riu to Palladium. 

Now, it has a new, 498-room (yes, including swim-up rooms) centerpiece and, from the looks of it, it’s true to the SLS spirit. 

So what do you get? 

There are a total of nearly 20 food and beverage concepts, two different age categories of kids clubs and four swimming pools. There’s a state-of-the-art gym, an “outdoor adventure course” and even outdoor movie screens. 

And yes, we mentioned the resort-within-a-resort concept. This is SLS’ take on a signature of the all-inclusive industry: the “elevated” room concept or club. 

Here, it’s called SLS Elite, and it gets you a private check in, access to a special private beach; a free bottle of premium liquor; a butler for your whole vacation, a special lounge; and things like priority reservations and even a free thermal bath treatment. 

So what about the food? It’s not the traditional all-inclusive. Think speakeasy-style bars, a European style beach club and even a Mexican Caribbean outpost of the celebrated Miami eatery Fi’lia. In a cool option for families, there’s even a restaurant called Bungalow that’s specifically geared for younger guests. For adults, you can find the SLS energy you’re looking for at an adults-only pool scene called Privilege. 

Family travel isn’t typically what you think of when you think of SLS, but that’s what makes that aspect of the Playa Mujeres resort so interesting — it’s a way to take your kids on a comfortable, all-inclusive vacation without sacrificing the stylish, sophisticated, boutique-style vibes you typically get in an SLS. 

All in all, it’s a welcome addition both to Cancun and the broader Caribbean all-inclusive landscape. 

So what about cost? 

Right now, if you book in December you’re looking at about $1143.20 per night for an ocean-view king room. (Note that kids stay free if they’re under 12). 

For a swim-up room, that price rises to about $1208.35 per night — not a significant price jump for what is always a worthy splurge. 

Heading to Cancun? It’s easier to fly to the Mexican Caribbean hotspot than just about anywhere in the Caribbean. Find more at Google Flights. 

For more, visit SLS Playa Mujeres.