All-Inclusive Resorts In Cancun & Riviera Maya

 

Cancun is a hotspot for holidaymakers, honeymooners looking to have a memorable time in an idyllic Caribbean beach with those incredibly beautiful turquoise waters. While many Americans visit the city and the nearby Riviera Maya looking for a cheap vacation, others prefer the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

Even though staying at an all-inclusive resort is not up to everybody’s taste, we can’t deny the advantages of not having to budget for separate items and getting a packaged deal instead. Especially after enjoying the beach on the Riviera Maya, you won’t want to be counting the items on your bill.

Before preparing this post, I asked several travel bloggers to share their favorite all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and tell us why they would recommend them. I hope their contribution will help you plan your vacation in Mexico and find an option that suits your style and budget.

Ah, and since the whole region has jaw-dropping beaches and accommodation options, you will also find some all inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya, as a whole.

All-Inclusive Resorts In Cancun

Grand Park Royal Caribe

by Gypsy with a Day Job

The Grand Park Royal Caribe is our choice for a top all-inclusive experience in Cancun. Located right on the white sand beaches, the Grand Royal has stunning views from almost every room.

Even the poolside is set up to blend in with the beautiful surroundings, so everything is white and blue almost as far as the eye can see. With its spacious and immaculately clean rooms and excellent service, it is the perfect resort for some pampering and relaxation.

What is more, the Grand Park Royal features 11 different restaurants and bars, which incorporate a number of different types of food. All of them are good, but the Asian restaurant is amazing.

However, the rooftop bar, Ekinox, is the best place to spend an evening. Everything, including the adult beverages, is included in the price. When they say all-inclusive, they really mean it.

For those that want education or excitement, there are a number of possible excursions and activities available, from trips to the Mayan ruins to parasailing. That said, you really can’t beat just lying in the sand with a drink in your hand. Grand Royal made it possible for us to do just that!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Paradisus Cancun

by Jetset and Forget

One of the most affordable and luxurious resorts in Cancun is the Paradisus Cancun by Melia Resorts. With nine restaurants, seven bars and three pools, it’s one of the best resorts in the area. They offer all-inclusive packages and the drinks are not watered down and the food is delicious.

Paradisus is located on the main strip, 15 minutes north of the airport and very close to Aqua World, where you can rent jet skis and snorkel in the marina. The beach where the resort is located has soft white sand with free lounge chairs and umbrellas for almost every guest.

You can decide if you want the resort to be a party resort or not. They have a pool bar which can get lively, but if you don’t want the crowds and loud music there are two other quiet pools to hang out at.

The best part is that they have daily activities and games to play if you want to get involved with other guests. They also have a jetpack water show at the swim-up pool bar which is always entertaining!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

LeBlanc Resort

by Tear Free Travel

LeBlanc Spa Resort is a little piece of luxury in Cancun. From the moment we stepped into the Lobby of this gorgeous hotel, we immediately felt pampered. The staff at this resort go out of their way to make your stay comfortable.

Staff is there to assist your every need! From drawing you a bath to helping you unpack, and even (my favorite) putting cucumbers over your eyes as you are relaxing in the steam room!

One of our favorite aspects of this all-inclusive resort is their credit program. Depending on the number of nights you stay, there is often a promotion for resort credits that allow you spa services, excursions or romantic upgrades.

We don’t love to just lie on the beach, so having the resort credit was perfect for us. Did I mention the food was AH-MAZING? The French restaurant was one of our favorite meals of our lives! And of course, it’s ALL INCLUDED. If luxury and pampering are on your agenda, LeBlanc is hands-down one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Cancun!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

The Grand at Moon Palace

by Food, Fun, Travel

One of our all-time favorite places to stay in Cancun is The Grand at Moon Palace. Palace Resorts has a long history of producing stunning resorts around Mexico, but this particular one is among our favorites simply because of the food.

We’ve had a few all-inclusive resort experiences and none have had the quality of food on offer at The Grand at Moon Palace. Firstly they have an exclusive partnership with Certified Angus Beef so all of the beef at the resort is top quality.

Secondly, the sheer amount of restaurant options is astounding. There’s a steakhouse, Asian fusion, Peruvian, Mexican Cantina, French, Italian and there’s even a wine a tapas bar…this is just naming a few. Also, guests who stay at The Grand at Moon Palace have access to all of the bars and restaurants at the Moon Palace resort as well – there’s just so much to choose from!

See Also: What To Do in San Cristobal Chiapas in 3 Days

On top of that, all standard alcohol is included (some more expensive bottles of wine may be at an additional price) and they even have an adults only pool area where you can chill out, listening to tunes and enjoying a child-free zone.

We could spend weeks here and not get bored…but we would probably get pretty fat – and it would be worth it!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Fiesta Americana

by A World To Travel

Surely there are tons of all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and we’d need a lifetime to enjoy all their perks. But let’s take a minute to discuss Fiesta Americana; one I visited a couple of years ago and that has me still in awe.

Located on a white sandy beach, the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All-Inclusive is only 16km from the airport and 2km from the archaeological site of El Rey.

With two pools, four bars and a fitness room, it could look like any other hotel in the area. But its price tag – slightly higher than the average – already gives hints of the service that you will find there.

Some of the things that impressed me the most were the high quality of their cuisine (its ceviche is delicious!), the welcome I had in my very room with rice messages and the custom-made cake.

My room was huge, with two king-size beds and very comfortable. And let’s not forget that wonderful turquoise beach that you could enjoy as soon as you left your room.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort

by Ohio Girl Travels

Sandos Cancun, a Four Diamond AAA award winning property, sits along the white sandy beaches and turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. This all-inclusive resort offers guests a smaller, intimate vibe with only 214 guest rooms and suites.

From modern superior rooms to ocean view luxury suites with balconies; each room is equipped with Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar, air conditioning, a lap-top size safe, flat screen tv with satellite and 24-hour room service. Upgrade to a room with a balcony for breathtaking views of the Caribbean!

Sandos Cancun features two bars (alcohol is included), five restaurants and 24-hour room service. Whether you prefer buffet-style, casual meals by the pool or upscale dining, there are plenty of cuisine options to satisfy your palate at Sandos.

With three ocean view infinity pools, beach access with cabanas and lounge chairs, fitness center, tennis courts and full-service spa and beauty salon, guests won’t have to leave the resort to enjoy the luxury of Cancun.

Just remember to bring small bills to tip the hardworking staff as they go above and beyond to make your stay impeccable!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Now Sapphire

by We Go with Kids

Our family loved our 10-day vacation at the Now Sapphire in Maya and definitely recommend this amazing, all-inclusive beachfront resort.

Food and beverages at all the restaurants and bars were included, and the service throughout the resort was absolutely impeccable. Also, water sports and evening entertainment were available to all guests. Visitors aged 3-12 could participate in fun Kids’ Club activities throughout the day as well.

Because we booked a preferred club tropical suite, we had access to the preferred lounge and WiFi throughout the resort and could also reserve the poolside cabanas.

Especially with an infant, it was so wonderful to spend a day relaxing in shaded pool cabana, and our young boys also enjoyed playing in the sand at the beach on the shore of the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. For travelers not accompanied by kids, there is a quieter, all adult pool as well.

The nighttime entertainment was also particularly memorable. We stopped in at the air-conditioned theater most nights after dinner and usually ended up staying longer than we planned. Our favorite was the fire show on the beach, but the acrobats, musicians and magicians were also fun for all ages.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

The Hideaway at Royalton Riviera

by Foodie Flashpacker

I recently attended a wedding at the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera, one of the many all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, and cannot wait to go back. The Hideaway is the all-inclusive resorts for adults only area.

We had private pools, bars and restaurants where no children were allowed. As it was all inclusive, all of our meals and drinks were included so it was nice to be able to relax and enjoy ourselves in a child-free area.

Of course, we still had access to the rest of the resort so we were able to choose from any of the various restaurants found in the resort ranging from Japanese hibachi to steakhouses, to French restaurants, Mediterranean, buffets and so much more.

The staff also organized nightly parties, beach BBQ’s, volleyball games and many other activities for those that felt like doing something other than relaxing.

I can also highly recommend the spa – it’s one of the best I’ve ever visited. Be sure to take advantage of hour of hydrotherapy treatments they offer before your massage or facial begins- it was amazing.

Not only do I recommend the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera, which is probably among the top all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, but we are already planning a return visit ourselves!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts In The Riviera Maya

Barceló Maya Palace

by Outside Suburbia

On Our first of the many visits to Mexico, we stayed at the Barceló Maya Palace in Riviera Maya Barcelo.  The hotel lies on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean which spans over 2km in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

The resort was a very kid friendly property from the swimming pools to kids activities to food choices.  Alcoholic drinks were included as well, the bartenders made cute Mickey Mouse drinks for the kids, which is really just soda with lemon slices for mickey ears! Our kids had a blast!

The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district in Mexico that straddles the coastal Highway 307 along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, located on the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.

This district historically started in the city of Playa del Carmen and ended at the village of Tulum. We also visited the Mayan Ruins, near the Tulum coast, a Cenote and Chichen Itza while we were there.

Make sure to stay at the Premium Level at the Barceló Maya Palace, the suites are well appointed and you will have access to the 6 select restaurants serving speciality cuisine. While the kids are in the kids club you can also benefit from the excellent luxury treatments at the Spa.

The resort has 3 swimming pools including shallow areas for kids and fun slides, waterfalls and castles in the pool.  There are plenty of loungers around the pool from where you can enjoy the sun, sipping on a cocktail.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

by Where Jo Goes

An hour south of Cancun on the beautiful Mexico Riviera Maya is Dreams Tulum Hotel. Smaller than most of the enormous hotels along this stretch of coastline, Dreams Tulum gives you room to breath with only 432 rooms.

The hotel is an all-inclusive resort but there are no wristbands and no limitations on how many times you can dine in which restaurant. The options include French, Mexican, Italian, sushi and Asian as well as buffet and a seaside grill.

The only restaurant requiring advance reservations is the one that offers Japanese show cooking. My favourite is a fantastic colonial style coffee shop, pop by for a frozen latte or a smoothie.

Dreams Tulum has 44 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, home to iguanas and other wildlife, a crystal clear cenote and a ‘village square’ set-up, complete with Mexican chapel. All-inclusive here includes room service, minibar and top-shelf spirits at all the bars in the resort as well as pool service. What makes this hotel special is its location as well as its warm welcome.

Situated on a long stretch of beach next to a nature reserve, this is a great place you should add to your Tulum Itinerary. The ruins of Tulum, swimming with turtles at Akumal and the eco-park of Xel-ha are just 20 minutes away. For an all-inclusive hotel with a more intimate feel, fantastic service and plenty to do right on the doorstep, Dreams Tulum is perfect.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

The Royal Suites Yucatan Resort

by Be My Travel Muse

I just love the TRS Yucatan Resort in Acumal, on the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Tulum. It’s all-inclusive, including four delicious restaurants, the best breakfast I have ever seen, seriously, and all beverages including alcohol.

It’s also adults only, which is nice for those of us who aren’t traveling with family. The hotel has a multi-tiered infinity pool as well as access to a private, white sand beach. It’s also part of a larger resort so you have access to three huge pools, lots of activities, and tons of photo ops.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Grand Bahía del Príncipe Tulum

by Everysteph

Conveniently located in Akumal on the Riviera Maya, halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the Grand Bahia Principe Tulum is part of one of the biggest all-inclusive resorts in the area.

It was my first stay at an all-inclusive and I’m sold! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a balcony and a great view over the sea and the pool. I loved the food at the resort: it’s possible to choose between 11+ restaurants: some are buffet-style, with so much choice for everybody, and some require a prior reservation.

Don’t miss the Cozumel Mexican restaurant, and the Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, the Nikkei Mashua.

You can relax at the beach or the pool, or take part in multiple activities: dance and fitness classes, watersports, kids’ activities are all included in the room price. Alcoholic beverages are included as well, and you can find bars all over the place (there are pool bars as well), and a (small) nightclub as well.

A relaxing stay at the Grand Bahia Principe Tulum is the best way to end your Yucatan itinerary!

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

See Also: The Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta

Cozumel Palace – All-Inclusive

by Eternal Arrival

I’ve traveled a lot in Mexico, especially in the Riviera Maya and Cancun area, from Cancun all the way down south to Bacalar Lagoon. One of my favorite places I stayed during my last trip to Mexico was Cozumel Palace, an all-inclusive resort on the island of Cozumel about a 45-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen.

Cozumel is a great place for people who love diving and snorkeling — in fact, snorkelers will love Cozumel Palace because it has a reef that you can access just by walking down a staircase into the ocean, and free snorkel rental is provided for all.

Cozumel Palace has amazing views overlooking the ocean with several pools and delicious restaurants, including an amazing sushi restaurant! The pool with views of the sunset is just spectacular, and I enjoyed whiling away the days there at the swim up bar enjoying all the all-included drinks.

All the Palace hotel rooms also have an in-house jacuzzi tub, big enough for 2 or even 3 people, as well as an unlimited stash of mix-your-own-drinks in your room.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Hacienda Tres Rios, A Sustainable Option

by Green Global Travel

All-inclusive resorts aren’t exactly known for adhering to the responsible travel ethos of ecotourism. So we were surprised to discover Hacienda Tres Rios, an all-inclusive in Playa Del Carmen that boasts an impressive array of sustainability initiatives.

Named after the three rivers that you’ll find on the property (only 3% of which is occupied by the resort), Hacienda Tres Rios offers a union of sustainability and luxury (a.k.a. eco-luxury).

The lushly landscaped grounds include 20 species of plants (including four types of mangroves) and 19 animal species (including Coatis, Agoutis, Spider Monkeys, White-tailed Deer, and numerous birds).

The resort has many of the amenities you’d expect from an all-inclusive, including four restaurants, a coffee shop/patisserie, a sports bar, poolside and beachside drink service, beach cabanas, two stunning swimming pools, and free room service 24 hours a day.

But it also has its own organic farm, Rancho la Ilusión, where they grow all the flowers used to decorate the hotel and many of the fruits and vegetables served in the restaurants.

Additional eco-friendly features include water from their own destination plant, toiletries made locally using honey from their farm, 504 Solar panels, a geothermal system that makes their AC 30% more efficient, solar-powered heat for water, environmental education programs, and a natural lazy river on the crystal-clear Rio Selva. In short, it’s not like any other all-inclusive we’ve ever seen.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

by The DownLo

Dopey lovers gazing longingly into each other’s eyes to a backdrop of crystal blue waters and deserted white sand beaches. You’ve seen them – the Secrets commercials. Billed primarily as a honeymoon resort and adults-only retreat, Secrets has romance down to an art, and their Akumal Riviera Maya property is no different.

An all-inclusive playground for adults looking to have some cheeky alone time, the hotel is designed to be the ultimate couple’s getaway with a focus on luxury and discretion.

With a name that translates to “place of the turtle,” marine creatures do call the area home and the resort offers exclusive access to one of the best snorkeling beaches in Cancun.

For foodies, the resort actually sponsors the hit reality show Top Chef, so it’s pretty cool to see the place where your favorite chef-testants got their start. It also demonstrates their commitment to their food and beverage program and with six restaurants and unlimited top-shelf liquor at your disposal, finding a place to tantalize the palate isn’t hard.

But if you never want to leave the room, the privacy box and complimentary room service are pretty tempting too.

Check prices on Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda.

Have you stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun or in the Riviera Maya? Leave your impressions in the comments, please!

Photos: Booking.com archives.