All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Meagan Drillinger, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
When it comes to the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you won't find a higher concentration of them than in Cancun. A veritable treasure trove of one glamorous property after the next, this world-famous beach destination is a Resort connoisseur's paradise, and many of the best hotels in Cancun see travelers return year after year. For those seeking the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, there are a variety of trusted options that go above and beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all model. Along with being able to eat, drink, relax and explore all at one price, these resorts deliver exceptional service and memories that will last you a lifetime.
From adults-only properties to wellness retreats and resorts loaded with amenities, there are Cancun destinations to satisfy every need. There are couples-only escapes complete with private plunge pools as well as buzzy family resorts featuring non-stop entertainment for children. All along the powdery, white-sand beaches of Cancun's world-famous Hotel Zone, up north towards the splashy Costa Mujeres and down south along the palm-fringed Riviera Cancun, visitors will have plenty of choices. To help you decide, here are the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for 2023.
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres
- Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Secrets The Vine
- Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Sensira Resort And Spa Riviera Maya
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Families: Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Romance: Beloved Playa Mujeres
- Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Groups: Paradisus Cancun
- Best Spa And Wellness All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Garza Blanca Resort And Spa
- Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
- All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Views In Cancun: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
- Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: TRS Coral Hotel
- All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Cancun: Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort And Spa
- All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Cancun: Haven Riviera Cancun
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun Overall: Excellence Playa Mujeres
Excellence Playa Mujeres
Who Will Love It: Couples and groups of friends who want an all-suite atmosphere on one of the best beaches in Cancun
All-Star Amenities: More than a dozen restaurants and bars; oversized suites; spa; one of the best beach fronts in the Mexican Caribbean
What Not To Miss: An Excellence Club worth splurging on due to its upgraded perks and amenities
Location: Playa Mujeres
In a destination like Cancun with one fabulous all-inclusive resort after the next, it can be difficult to choose the best of the best. But Excellence Playa Mujeres continues to sweep the board in all categories, thanks to its massive suites, powdery soft stretch of sun-bleached sand, more than a dozen restaurants to choose from and a spectacular Miilé Spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Foodies will find that even a week is not enough time to try all the different restaurants on property, representing cuisine from nearly every continent. No matter what vibe you're chasing for a Cancun beach vacation, chances are Excellence Playa Mujeres can deliver—and deliver it exceptionally well. Plus, we love the Playa Mujeres community, which is just north of the Cancun Hotel Zone and a bit more removed from the crowded Avenida Kukulkan.
Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Secrets The Vine
Secrets The Vine
Who Will Love It: Well-heeled couples who expect the highest quality of service and oodles of amenities
All-Star Amenities: Club Level suites with Club Lounge access; preferred status and butler service
What Not To Miss: The 12,000-square-foot Secrets Spa by Pevonia
Location: Hotel Zone
A glamorous city tower rises above a bone-white stretch of sand in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Secrets The Vine is a AAA Four Diamond resort known for its stunning suites, Unlimited-Luxury program and elevated dining options and activities. The adults-only luxury resort has nearly 500 rooms and suites, each with private balconies or terraces, deep soaking tubs, and mini bars included. Splurge on a Club Level room for lounge access, upgraded amenities, and spectacular views. The Secrets Spa by Pevonia has 12 indoor massage suites, as well as a sauna, steam room, and a Swiss shower; the body polishes and seaweed wraps are deliciously to-die-for. Secrets The Vine has eight restaurants to choose from, as well as an impressive wine selection at each and a sommelier on hand to make the perfect pairings. The entire luxe experience is rounded out with two infinity and terrace swimming pools, plus an exclusive Preferred Club-only swimming pool and outdoor ocean view hot tub.
Best Boutique All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Sensira Resort And Spa
Sensira Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Families or adults who want a smaller resort-style experience, with dedicated adults-only or children's spaces
All-Star Amenities: A small water park and zip-line for kids; dedicated adults-only bars and restaurants; private work pods for visitors who are working remotely
What Not To Miss: Activities for everyone in the family, whether it's the after-hours nightclub, the Emoji Teens Club, or the Aquapark
Location: Riviera Cancun
Perched on a stretch of white, Caribbean-style beach, Sensira Resort and Spa Riviera Maya is an intimately sized all-inclusive resort with just 359 units. With dedicated spaces for both families and adults-only, this resort is able to give everyone a little bit of what they want. Amber Suites are part of the resort's adults-only section and include ocean views, hydromassage tubs, butler service and access to the exclusive Bar Lounge. Families can enjoy the many different activity clubs, as well as an area for zip-lining and a small water park. For travelers who have to combine a little bit of business with pleasure, Sensira takes the business lounge concept to the next level with private Remo workspace pods that are available by reservation. Guests can gaze out over the mangroves while working from the air-conditioned spaces, order room service directly to their pods or make coffee from the in-pod coffee machines. Restaurant highlights include the adults-only Galerie Des Mens or Mexican restaurant La Finca de Ana.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Families: Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Who Will Love It: Families looking for a variety of activities
All-Star Amenities: Three infinity pools and 10 restaurants; clubs for teens and kids
What Not To Miss: Dolphin View suites with views over the dolphin habitat
Location: Hotel Zone
Hyatt Ziva Cancun sets the scene for a fantastic family getaway with its many different areas to explore and activities to entertain. From its powdery white sand beach to the eight restaurants, three infinity pools, seven lounges, KidZ club, water play area and oceanfront spa, everyone in the family can find a place to play. Active families can get out on the water together with kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, Mulligan'Z virtual golf, dance classes and more. Teens who want a break from parents can head to Moods Lounge and Club, while parents flying solo can enjoy the adults-only La Bastille restaurant or the Tres CerveZa's microbrewery. The resort also features a beautiful spa with 14 treatment rooms and six beachfront palaces.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Romance: Beloved Playa Mujeres
Beloved Playa Mujeres
Who Will Love It: Couples looking to reconnect on one of Cancun's most beautiful white-sand beaches
All-Star Amenities: Couples-only suites; three swimming pools and four Jacuzzis; a legendary Agua Viva hydrotherapy circuit
What Not To Miss: A healing ritual at the expansive spa
Location: Playa Mujeres
What's better for romance than a resort that was created exclusively for couples? Beloved Playa Mujeres is a couples-only resort perched on one of the most exclusive and idyllic white-sand beaches in Cancun. The all-suite resort encourages couples to unplug from the rest of the world and reconnect with each other, whether that's in one of the in-room jacuzzis, outdoor private plunge pools or at a beautiful dinner underneath the stars. What's wonderful about Beloved Playa Mujeres is that it keeps all kinds of romance travel in mind, whether couples are looking to unwind with a wellness workshop or get active with water sports or in a cooking class. The spa at Beloved Playa Mujeres also happens to be one of the best spas in Cancun, with an impressive hydrotherapy circuit and 14 treatment rooms. Dining options abound, but our favorite dining option is a luxurious barefoot experience at El Mar.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun For Groups: Paradisus Cancun
Paradisus Cancun
Who Will Love It: Groups of friends or families whose interests are all over the map
All-Star Amenities: The sprawling YHI Spa; curated destination experiences
What Not To Miss: Kanna Beach Club featuring live DJs, Bali beds, and chic cocktails
Location: Hotel Zone
Choosing a resort that suits the entire group can be a challenge. But if you're looking for the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun for groups, Paradisus Cancun is a clear winner. That's because the resort has several distinct areas that cater to different styles of travelers, plus a private golf course and plenty of space for meetings, events and celebrations. Groups of adults can book the adults-only The Reserve, while families may want to upgrade to the Nikté section. This section boasts larger rooms and suites and includes access to the Sal Steak Cave and a water ritual at the YHI Spa. Paradisus Cancun now features Destination-Inclusive experiences for Nikté and The Reserve guests, including curated on-location experiences like cenote visits with a shaman guide or private meditation and yoga.
Best Spa And Wellness All-Inclusive Resort In Mexico: Garza Blanca Resort And Spa
Garza Blanca Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Wellness gurus seeking a healing experience, from traditional massage therapies to high-tech treatments
All-Star Amenities: Adults-only rooftop; the largest spa in the Tafer portfolio; a brand-new Gourmet Food Hall
What Not To Miss: A signature HydraFacial featuring a hydrating seaweed mask to help reduce inflammation
Location: Playa Mujeres
An all-inclusive resort with a luxury spa is certainly a bragging right, but few are as complete (and, frankly, as beautiful) as Spa Imagine at Garza Blanca Resort And Spa Cancun. The largest spa in the parent company's portfolio, this spa is more akin to a sanctuary, taking up an entire floor of the resort with 16 luxury therapy suites, a hydrotherapy ritual and high-tech skincare treatments that take the wellness experience to another level. Plus, guests of the spa will be able to bask in the sun-drenched space decorated with a mixture of stone and wood and complete with expansive windows that look out over the Caribbean Sea. Outside of the spa, the all-suite resort has several restaurants to choose from, including an adults-only rooftop area with its own infinity pool, restaurant and bar.
Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Who Will Love It: Travelers who chase the world's best beaches
All-Star Amenities: Aqua Club for extra amenities; Harmony Spa
What Not To Miss: Happy hour sushi at Sushi Corner; chef's dinner at MB
Location: Hotel Zone
Cancun is synonymous with picture-perfect beaches, so how does one choose the best beachfront all-inclusive resort in Cancun? When you have a beachfront like that at Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, the choice is easy. This adults-only all-inclusive resort enjoys one of the most beautiful spots on the sand in all of Cancun. Complete with oceanfront infinity pools, shoreline hammocks and sea views from every room, it's easy to see why this resort is a beach-lover's paradise. Off the sand, the resort continues to deliver with more than 10 restaurants and bars, an exclusive Aqua Club for higher-floor rooms, and a stunning spa with 12 treatment rooms. The spa also has steam rooms, saunas, and a Temazcal. Be sure not to miss the toes-in-the-sand Sea Corner restaurant, which serves up a delectable menu of casual tacos and ceviche.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Views In Cancun: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Who Will Love It: Families or couples who crave idyllic ocean views and lots of splurge-worthy amenities
All-Star Amenities: Infinite Club for premium service; exclusive lounge and concierge; reserved resort spaces; two hydrotherapy treatments per stay
What Not To Miss: Gem Spa hydrotherapy circuit
Location: Hotel Zone
Perched at the very tip of the Hotel Zone, where the beach forms a point that sticks out into the Caribbean Sea, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach truly has the best views in the house. Rooms overlook a glittering, white-sand beach and expansive pool deck with the turquoise Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres in the distance. Guests can even ferry directly to Isla Mujeres from the resort thanks to the on-site private dock. It's worth the splurge at this resort to upgrade to the Infinite Club, thanks to the lengthy list of inclusions that comes with the premium stay. Infinite Club suite privileges include complimentary hydrotherapy at the stunning Gem Spa, wave runs rentals, complimentary round-trip ferry tickets to Isla Mujeres, two personalized resort experiences (for stays of three nights or more) and access to the Infinite Beach Club, among many other privileged perks.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort In Cancun: TRS Coral Hotel
TRS Coral Hotel
Who Will Love It: Kid-free beach connoisseurs who like extra amenities
All-Star Amenities: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center; five exclusive restaurants; a beautiful white-sand beach
What Not To Miss: 51,000-square-foot Zentropia Spa
Location: Playa Mujeres
A resort within a resort, TRS Coral Hotel is the exclusive adults-only boutique-style hotel within the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres. With more than 400 rooms, TRS Coral is far from small, but it has its own carved-out section of the even larger parent resort. Book one of the Loft Suite Beachfront Ocean View rooms—these two-story suites have Jacuzzis on the terrace, a separate living room, a breakfast bar and wine cooler and butler service. Adults at the TRS Coral Hotel can enjoy elevated privileges, like exclusive access to five adults-only restaurants with lobster dishes included, as well as access to the many restaurants at Grand Palladium. Don't miss the Chic Cabaret restaurant, which has live performances each night.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Amenities In Cancun: Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort And Spa
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Those who equate luxury with endless included options
All-Star Amenities: Four distinct pool areas; Rafa Nadal Tennis Center; seven restaurants and 24 bars
What Not To Miss: Chic Cabaret restaurant with live nightly performances
Location: Playa Mujeres
It's a Choose Your Own Adventure experience at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres. This sprawling resort on a stretch of white sand beach in the exclusive Costa Mujeres section of Cancun features a village-like atmosphere with 670 suites, seven a la carte restaurants, two show cooking restaurants, two food corners and an impressive 24 bars. Families and adults will have their pick of places to hang out, from the four freshwater swimming pools (one including a water park) to the 51,000-square-foot Zentropia Spa. Tennis buffs can take a swing at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center and enjoy its professional tennis instruction program.
While parents are lounging at the spa or on the beach, kids can kick back at one of the many clubs designed for them, whether it's the Baby Club, Mini Club for kids or Junior Club for teens. The Junior Club is decked out with XBox stations, a pool table and a band room for an impromptu jam session. Families can upgrade to the new Family Selection Club, which offers exclusive areas just for families, including perks like snacks and a premium bar in the lounge, concierge assistance and a reserved zone on the beach.
All-Inclusive Resort With The Best Pools In Cancun: Haven Riviera
Haven Riviera
Who Will Love It: Adults looking for a slice of quiet tranquility
All-Star Amenities: 15 restaurants and bars; free green fees at El Tinto Golf Club; exclusive Serenity Club Oceanfront Suites with private check-in, welcome amenities and Serenity Club Lounge access
What Not To Miss: The MySenses Spa Roman baths and exclusive Hammam
Location: Riviera Cancun
Many things will capture your attention at the Haven Riviera Cancun, but nothing quite as much as the resort's impeccable pool scene. The resort features two simply stunning pools, both with epic ocean views. The main pool is the square pool with swim up access to Dock's bar, while the circular Havens Pool has swim-up seating to the Vistas pool bar. But the pool scene does not stop there. Haven Riviera Cancun has signature swim-out suites with infinity pool access directly from the rooms. Booking one of the Serenity Club swim-out suites comes with even more VIP perks—you'll enjoy a personalized mini bar, aromatherapy and a 10 percent discount at the spa. Speaking of the spa, MySenses is one of the best spas in Cancun. The Water Journey circuit features a Roman-style bath, sauna, ice fountain, pressure shower for chromotherapy and a Hammam-style steam room. Of the 15 restaurants and bars, dinner at Agua Bendita, the Mexican steakhouse, is a must.
About Meagan Drillinger, Your Cancun All-Inclusive Resorts Guide
Mexico has been more than a beat to me over the past 10 years—it's been, quite literally, a second home. My adventures across Mexico have taken me from northern Baja to southern Chiapas, from remote beaches to pulsing cities, from dusty backpacker routes and hostels to the high thread counts and Champagne bars at the best resorts in the country. Today I call Puerto Vallarta my second home when I'm not off on assignment. My life as a travel writer has also taken me beyond Mexico and across the borders of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, and Australia. I spend more than half the year on the road, with my passport and my carry-on as my most prized (and only) possessions. In addition to writing for Forbes Vetted, I am also a contributing Mexico editor for Travel Weekly magazine. You can find more of my work in Travel + Leisure, Afar, Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and others.
