When it comes to tropical escapes that combine sun, sea and sand with access and affordability, it’s hard to beat Cancun.

Often considered the Las Vegas of Mexico, this economic juggernaut is known for its hedonistic pursuits, megamalls and behemoth resorts that line the commercialized strip of the Hotel Zone.

But if you dig a little deeper, the modern city has plenty to offer travelers looking to be within striking distance of spectacular archaeological ruins, Michelin-starred cuisine, world-class spas, dazzling marine life and idyllic coastal enclaves.

Beyond Cancun’s glorious natural assets and diversity of experiences, this tourist mecca draws millions of travelers each year thanks to its dizzying range of accommodation offerings across the budget spectrum.

Expanding north and south beyond the Hotel Zone and along the white sands of Isla Mujeres, you’ll find major brands like Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott leading the charge on the ever-evolving all-inclusive model where quantity no longer supersedes quality.

From romantic island getaways to swanky palatial retreats and family-friendly resorts, here are some of TPG’s best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

The winner of the Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel for the 2024 TPG Awards, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort is the first-ever branded Marriott all-inclusive property, located about halfway down Cancun’s Hotel Zone. With direct beach access, a 5,000-square-foot kids club, an abundance of entertainment options and delicious food, this property impressed TPG right off the bat.

Combining an upscale ambience with relaxed vibes, the property is a great fit for multigenerational groups, families and groups of friends. With 450 accommodations, including 38 suites, guests can choose from standard 423-square-foot resort view rooms all the way up to the 2,067-square-foot presidential suite, which showcases sweeping ocean views.

There’s no shortage of dining options, with a cool 12 on-site restaurants. Cuisine types range from an open-air Mexican restaurant (Casa Madre) to American-style burgers (Mo’s Burgers & Shakes) to Japanese teppanyaki (Ono Teppanyaki), plus many options in between, so there should be something that suits every traveler’s taste.

Two pools, a robust water park and direct beach access mean that water activities abound, and the main pool even features its own whirlpool and a swim-up bar. The smaller adults-only pool is infinity style, with beautiful beach views and its very own swim-up bar, too.

Rates at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort start at $436 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

One of TPG’s favorite family-friendly resorts, this 715-key Hilton property, which debuted in 2021, is a fine example of the new wave of all-inclusive resorts.

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Cancun — it’s an eight-minute drive through mangrove forests to access the property after leaving the main road — this excellent value Hilton shares over 100 acres of secluded real estate with its more exclusive sibling, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, which opened in 2022.

Standard rooms start at just over 400 square feet and have a warm but minimalist design ethos, with wooden accents and decorative nods to Mexican culture. Spacious bathrooms have double vanities and large walk-in showers with frosted-glass doors, and all rooms have either a furnished balcony or patio.

The overall vibe is decidedly upscale, with stylish public spaces designed to maximize spectacular Caribbean views and attractive grounds anchored by two large infinity pools. Ten restaurants and bars add plenty of culinary variety, even for young picky eaters, and there’s gourmet a la carte dining in addition to the standard buffet fare, all of which impress in quality and scale.

Related: Great for families: A review of the stunning Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

If you are not soaking up some sun on a plush sun lounger on the lightly populated white sand beach, there are plenty of activities to satisfy competitive types, like beach volleyball and soccer. After dinner, the fun continues with themed parties, as well as theatrical performances and live music, most of which are geared toward families.

Grown-ups can indulge in a spa treatment or work off the fruity cocktails at the fitness center, while younger guests can visit the kids club for arts and crafts, games and sports. There’s also a teen zone for those between 13 and 17, with gaming consoles and sports tournaments.

Rates at the Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort start at $450 or 130,000 Hilton Honors points per night, based on double occupancy.

One of Hyatt’s ever-expanding all-inclusive offerings, this new Impression imprint is the brand’s most exclusive iteration and a great choice for uninitiated couples keen to dip their toes into the all-inclusive concept.

Located on a picturesque stretch of white sand on the southern (and more desirable) end of Isla Mujeres, the swanky resort is great for couples looking for a low-key alternative to Cancun’s lively and commercialized Hotel Zone.

At Cancun’s ferry port, you’ll be greeted with a hand towel and welcome drink before being whisked away on a private catamaran for the 30-minute journey to the gleaming Mediterranean-style resort, where beautifully designed public spaces set a tone of refined elegance.

With just 125 rooms, the property has more of a boutique feel, with spacious accommodations decorated in soothing neutral shades and appointed with sleek furnishings and luxe bathrooms with rainfall showers. If you splash out on a larger suite, you can expect upgrades like a furnished terrace with a hot tub and larger walk-in closets.

The highly praised cuisine ranges from Mediterranean at Spezia to Japanese at Sake and sunset cocktails at The Top bar. There’s plenty to inspire romance with overwater torch-lit cabanas, private sailing excursions and inventive cocktails served on the rooftop terrace with stunning panoramas. A beautifully designed infinity pool blends seamlessly with the calm turquoise waters below, or, for a little more novelty, you can take a dip in the ocean via the hotel’s four-story waterslide.

Rates at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets start at $1,200 or 50,000 World of Hyatt points per night for two guests.

The latest from Hyatt’s all-inclusive collection — and its ever-expanding footprint in Mexico — Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres debuted in February 2024 as the 13th adults-only Secrets property in Mexico.

A world apart from Cancun’s commercialized Hotel Zone, located on a sweep of pristine white sand around a 50-minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN), the 507-key property is surrounded by upscale properties, golf courses and a marina. For travelers looking to day trip to car-free Isla Mujeres, the ferry terminal at Punta Sam is also just a short drive away.

Tastefully appointed suites start at 581 square feet and feature hardwood furnishings and artfully layered textures and fabrics in shades of white and cream, accented with locally inspired prints and motifs. Luxe bathrooms are spacious and inviting, with double vanities and decadent free-standing tubs.

Round-the-clock entertainment is provided for every mood and moment. Active types can play beach and pool volleyball or hit the state-of-the-art gym, foodies can hone their culinary skills with a cooking class and sybarites can head to the Secrets Spa by Pevonia for a Mayan-inspired massage or body treatment.

And there’s plenty of opportunity to simply relax, unplug and soak up those tropical vibes. Sip a tequila-laced cocktail on the white sand beach and take in classic Caribbean views, or post up on a plush, cushioned lounger beside the two infinity pools or cenote-inspired pool nestled among leafy foliage.

A range of cuisine will satisfy longer-stay guests with nine on-site restaurants (including buffet and a la carte). There’s pan-Asian at Himitsu, traditional Mexican at El Patio and refined French cuisine at Bordeaux. With Hyatt’s Unlimited-Luxury inclusions, everything from gourmet cuisine and 24-hour room service to sundries and libations from the minibar are included in the rate.

Rates at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres start from $328.50 per night, per person, based on double occupancy, or 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Some 17 miles north of Cancun, between a mangrove forest and the powdery sands of Playa Mujeres, lies this Garza Blanca property, which opened in the spring of 2022.

Chic, modern suites and residences feature wooden bedframes, contemporary lighting, flat-screen TVs and a crisp white-and-beige color palette accented with foliage-print cushions, paintings and throws. Bathrooms have freestanding tubs.

There are plenty of room types on offer, especially in the swim-up category, where junior suites start at 588 square feet and have furnished terraces complete with hammocks and steps down into one of the hotel’s six pools. One-bedroom suites are 1,276 square feet and have full kitchens (with Nespresso machines, refrigerators and dishwashers) and separate sitting areas.

Blanca Blue (Mexican), Bocados (steakhouse), Hiroshi (Japanese) and Dao (Chinese) are the hotel’s fine dining venues. There are also a rooftop cocktail bar and a raw seafood bar on the beach. The hotel’s newly debuted Gourmet Hall (exclusive to hotel guests) features an additional five specialty kitchens serving everything from traditional Mexican to Asian street food.

The hotel is family-friendly, too, providing car seats, strollers, bottle sterilizers and bottle warmers. Families can enjoy six heated infinity pools and a designated zero-entry kids pool.

There are also a kids club and a daily program of activities for children and adults, including water sports, volleyball, yoga, bocce ball and live music in the evening. Decorated in white stone and exotic wood, the spa is large and lavish, with 16 “purification cabins” and a hydrotherapy spa.

Rates at Garza Blanca start from $300 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

Located around 11 miles north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Costa Mujeres is a more secluded enclave where a string of all-inclusive resorts front a gorgeous (and much quieter) white sand beach.

The hip TRS Coral Hotel, part of Wyndham’s luxury Registry Collection imprint, combines a fashionable designer aesthetic (which may surprise frequent guests of Wyndham properties) with superb amenities and a liberal dose of exclusivity. Discerning couples who are looking to stay active and entertained all day and all night before retreating to their stylish accommodations will find a lot to love at this resort.

Accommodations, which start at 710 square feet, range from loft suites with Caribbean views to the honeymoon-favored swim-up rooms and generously proportioned suites with private Jacuzzis. Rooms across all categories come with butler service. Even standard rooms have plenty of urban flair, with midcentury modern-inspired furnishings, white sofas, tropical hardwood accents, glass-walled terraces with tropical garden or ocean views, and spalike bathrooms featuring double vanities, luxe marble rainfall showers and freestanding hydromassage bathtubs.

For couples who aren’t overwhelmed by choice, the property’s “Infinite Indulgence” concept includes access to services and facilities at the resort’s three hotels; that’s over 30 restaurants and bars, as well as live music, exclusive events, the Chic Cabaret & Restaurant (reservation fee applies) and inspired daily programming that spans everything from pole dancing workouts and paddleboarding to tequila tastings and poker nights.

In addition to a state-of-the-art gym, beautifully designed swimming pools, daily wellness programming and a full-service spa, a major selling point for tennis players here is the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, which draws sun-seeking amateurs and pros year-round to its eight tennis courts and Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience.

Rates at TRS Coral Hotel start at $491 per night, based on double occupancy.

On secluded white sand shores 19 miles north of CUN, this 593-key boutique hotel (part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) is located within a gated condo complex that’s surrounded by an 18-hole golf course.

The amenities here are top-notch, with gorgeous pools, a well-equipped gym, an array of nonmotorized sports and a daily lineup of activities and shows, including fitness classes and nightly entertainment.

There are five room categories from which to choose, all with a similar aesthetic and designated butler service. All suites feature sleek, modern furnishings — beamed ceilings, tropical wooden accents, sliding doors, potted plants and beige marble floors. Lavish bathrooms are spacious and stylish, with glass-walled rainfall showers, freestanding tubs and Molton Brown toiletries.

Atelier’s 15 restaurants focus primarily on authentic Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, while 12 bars tout their innovative mixology with an extensive menu of handcrafted cocktails.

The hotel’s marquee dining venue is María Dolores (included with your all-inclusive room rate, but reservations are required), helmed by celebrity chef Edgar Núñez, who earned his stripes at Sud 777 in Mexico City. Praised as one of Cancun’s best restaurants, it specializes in artfully presented nouvelle Mexican cuisine served against a sophisticated backdrop of colossal marble pillars, brown leather chairs, crisp white tablecloths and elegant white booths.

For a more low-key experience, there’s contemporary Asian fare at the minimalist Takeshi, pizza and pasta at Cilento and healthy Mediterranean cuisine at the whimsically decorated Cala di Luna.

Rates at Atelier Playa Mujeres start at $472 per night, based on double occupancy.

At the epicenter of Cancun’s tourist zone, this popular all-inclusive Ziva resort is the fun, family-friendly counterpart to Hyatt’s adults-only Zilara brand.

Flexible room configurations and a slew of family-oriented amenities, like a family pool, kids clubs and a teen zone, make the demographic skew young family, but for couples, a newer adults-only Turquoize Tower — with upgrades like private infinity pools and hot tubs — is perfect for romantic couples looking to sequester themselves in their own beach haven.

The 547 rooms and suites won’t win any design awards, but they are bright, attractive and functional. Even standard rooms are equipped with such tech-forward amenities as Bluetooth speakers and charging stations, as well as high-end bathrooms with rainfall showers, plush robes and luxe toiletries. Guest rooms in the 17-floor Club Tower come with Hyatt Ziva Club access, perks such as private check-in and checkout, and personalized concierge services.

Guests looking for more grown-up fun can indulge at the oceanfront spa with a signature massage or holistic body treatment, or recline poolside on a cushioned chaise lounge and make occasional forays to one of the lively swim-up bars for a Don Julio-spiked margarita; the liquor and wine selection here is above average for an all-inclusive. Down at the beach, there are complimentary paddleboards and kayaks to explore the coastline and scour for marine life.

With 10 restaurants, including El Mercado, Hyatt Ziva Cancun’s all-day buffet; Pasteles, a dessert parlor; a microbrewery; and roaming food carts for that very small window of the day when there’s not a full-service restaurant open, there’s plenty of culinary variety for all ages and tastes.

Rates at Hyatt Ziva Cancun start at $760 or 50,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.

Located close to the Hotel Zone’s buzzing shopping (it’s across the street from La Isla shopping mall) and dining scene, this modern 371-key property is a lively staging post for younger couples looking for an entertainment-rich vacation with an array of surprising in-room perks (for this price point).

Recently renovated standard rooms are compact (they start at 353 square feet) compared to the competitor set but are bright and crisp with shiny tiled floors, streamlined furnishings and an unfussy aesthetic. The lack of elbow room is offset by enhancements like aromatherapy and pillow menus, plush robes and slippers, Nespresso machines, Molton Brown bath amenities and 400-thread-count sheets.

The hotel’s expansive amenities include eight oceanfront swimming pools, a fitness center and the Feel Harmony Spa, which offers an extensive menu of reasonably priced treatments and massages.

Daily programming marries wellness activities like yoga with fun-in-the-sun classics such as beach volleyball and more bacchanalian pursuits as the night unfolds. Dining options include nouvelle Mexican fare at Siete, oceanfront seafood at Sea Corner, Mediterranean food at Azur and Italian classics at Varenna.

Rates at Live Aqua Beach Resort start at $490 per night, based on double occupancy.

A sophisticated retreat just a short drive from CUN, Le Blanc Spa Resort stands out for contemporary accommodations, impeccable service and next-level perks and amenities.

Elegant rooms with one king or two queen beds dressed in crisp white linens are appointed with light wooden furnishings, and muted tones create a soothing ambience. But these rooms shine in their surfeit of luxe amenities. There are Lavazza coffee makers, Jacuzzi tubs, smart TVs with Google Chromecast, hair straighteners and hair dryers, plush robes and slippers, and complimentary beach bags. Guests are also welcomed with a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine, and there are thoughtful rituals like nightly petit fours left by the bed during turndown service.

Whether it’s relaxing on the manicured white sand beach, lounging by the Sol pool with a signature cocktail in hand, keeping up your fitness routine at the state-of-the-art gym, taking a sunrise yoga class or enjoying a Mayan-inspired ritual at the spa, La Blanc is one of those properties that adeptly marries wellness and indulgence.

Of the six restaurants, Lumiere is the one you shouldn’t miss. Helmed by renowned local chef Justina Zavaleta, it serves French haute cuisine in an elegant setting. Savor appetizers such as scallop tartare with seaweed and ginger emulsion or heartier signature dishes like lamb rack with fermented eggplant puree or beef cheek with truffled potato and wild mushrooms.

Rates at Le Blanc Spa Resort start at $859 per room, based on double occupancy.

A 30-minute drive north of Cancun on Playa Mujeres, this adults-only all-inclusive resort overlooks a pristine swathe of white sand and impresses with stylish rooms that offer a variety of configurations and enhancements for guests looking to splurge on extra wow factor.

As this is an all-suite resort, expect spacious and tastefully appointed accommodations that start at 800 square feet and come with private furnished terraces, Jacuzzis, hardwood canopy beds dressed in luxe linens and marble bathrooms stocked with Bulgari toiletries. For a special occasion, upgrade to the two-story rooftop terrace suite with a plunge pool, a sumptuous spalike bathroom and extra perks like a pillow menu.

A true world-unto-itself resort experience, guests here will find endless opportunities to relax, recharge and be thoroughly entertained. There are seven palm-fringed swimming pools, a lazy river, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and an extensive menu of indulgent massages and treatments at the lavish Miile spa. Guests here rave about the hotel’s impeccable service and fine dining options, with 11 restaurants serving everything from piquant Thai and classic Italian to simply grilled seafood and inventive takes on Mexican staples.

Rates at Excellence Playa Mujeres start at $500 per night, based on double occupancy.

For travelers looking for oceanside convenience and comfort — as well as nonstop entertainment — in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this 497-key Secrets (Hyatt’s adults-only, all-inclusive resort brand) is a great choice.

While some guests may find the rooms rather bland and generic, they are attractive nonetheless, with teak wooden furnishings, plush drapes and headboards, high-thread-count linens accented with blue throw cushions, and large windows framing Caribbean views.

For that extra feeling of exclusivity, upgrade to the Preferred Club level, where spacious rooms (over 1,300 square feet in the Ocean Front Master Suites) include larger living spaces, dining tables, soaking tubs and furnished terraces, plus club-level perks like butler service, a designated swimming pool and a lounge area with drinks and bites.

Nine restaurants (five are a la carte) allow for sufficient culinary variety and a diversity of setting for guests staying a week or more: Olio specializes in inventive Mediterranean cuisine with a seafood focus; Nebbiolo Ristorante offers classic Italian staples in an elegant dining room or alfresco; and classic Peruvian fare is served along with laid-back beach vibes at Sea Salt Grill.

There are three infinity pools surrounded by loungers and cabanas (an extra fee applies), and active types can explore the coastline on a paddleboard or kayak, sign up for a dance class or play pool volleyball, while sybarites can indulge in such treatments as an Aromatherapy Salt Glow at the Spa by Pevonia.

Rates at Secrets The Vine Cancun start from $242.50 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night, based on double occupancy.

One of a few Marriott hotel options available to Bonvoy loyalists in Cancun, the high-end Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun is an adults-only Autograph Collection property that’s part of the Royalton Riviera Cancun resort.

Spacious accommodations offer plenty of style and substance, including whirlpool tubs, personalized beach bags and signature “Dreambeds” dressed in high-thread-count linens. The resort also features daily programming, 10 restaurants and 16 bars (including access to the adults-only Dorado), a massive fitness center and the Royal Spa, which offers a mix of treatments like massages and facials.

Upgrade to the Diamond Club for more lavish rooms and access to a private swimming pool, an exclusive beach area and a raft of perks, like pillow menus and premium liquor selections.

Rates at Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun start at $320 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for two guests.

A popular choice for families, Moon Palace Cancun has a whopping 2,000 guest rooms divided between two distinct sections, Sunrise and Nizuc, which share restaurants, entertainment offerings and activities.

Nizuc tends to draw families with younger children thanks to its flexible room configurations (including family suites with connecting bedrooms) and an expansive pool complex with a waterslide. The Sunrise section is where you’ll find the resort’s Noir nightclub, as well as more pools, including one with a surf simulator and arcade games at the Wired Lounge.

Rooms are plush and spacious, if a little dated for some tastes, with dark wooden furnishings and whirlpool tubs positioned in the bedroom area. For more elevated offerings, it’s worth splashing out on a fancier suite, like the superior junior suite golf course view, which comes with its own golf cart.

In addition to the multiple pools with swim-up bars, there are dozens of bars and restaurants to choose from, serving everything from cantina-style Mexican to pan-Asian and gourmet burgers at La Burgueria. There’s also a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and a full-service spa with over 30 treatment rooms.

Rates at Moon Palace Cancun start at around $537 per night, based on double occupancy.

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