The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun Riviera-Maya

There’s a dizzying array of choices when it comes to luxury all-inclusive resorts in Cancun Riviera Maya, Mexico. But when it comes to choosing the absolute best of the all-inclusive resorts near Cancun, the ones we’d love to return to (and recommend to friends and family), certain resorts rise to the top of our list.

In addition to must-haves like all-inclusive luxury accommodation, meals, drinks, activities and room service as well as cleanliness, safety and service, these hotels have unique ingredients that make them extra special. 

Here are our top picks for the very best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya to visit now.

1. Breathless Riviera Cancun – Best Choice for a Vibrant Vibe

Selected by Tropical Hotspot Expert,  Sue Campbell

Why Go: It’s worth it to venture 20 minutes away from Cancun’s hotel zone to discover this Riviera Maya gem just outside of Puerto Morelos. Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa offers an ideal oasis for laid-back luxury or high-energy partying ( or easy-going in-between) in one all-inclusive resort. One could say that there’s a pool for every pleasure and personality. Choose from the main Energy pool, the relaxing xhale club pool and the electric-thumping pool in the xcelerate Party Zone. Hop from one vibe to the other depending on your mood. Single, couples and groups of friends will be comfortable at this adults-only resort. 

Choosing your accommodation location really depends on your preferred holiday style. If you’d rather not be exposed to the high energy sounds from the party areas while lounging on your deck, choose the highest end xhale Club wing. These stylish and spacious suites feature on deck Jacuzzis or a swim-out channels and have access to every zone including their deluxe private pool, private bar with elevated snacks, and dedicated concierge services.

No matter which wing you choose at Breathless Riviera Cancun, all guests enjoy the Breathless signature Unlimited Luxury® offerings that include dining at 10 gourmet options, high-end spirits at nine bars, beach and pool wait service, and our personal favourite – 24/7 room service via a ‘secret box’ where you need never see the server if you don’t want to. (Ideal for clothing-optional lounging in your room.)

Insider Tip: Though you’ll love dining at any of the a la carte restaurants on site, don’t miss the weekly Saturday beach BBQ by the sea. A multitude of meats and vegetables, even pineapples, are hung from chains over an open grill cage Argentinean style, then smoked/charred all day to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Communal tables in the sand, great music, and a generous buffet of sides and tempting desserts make it an ideal tropical evening out.

Extra Special: The Breathless adult-only, all-inclusive brand was designed to appeal to a modern, trendsetting millennial niche with high-tech conveniences. All ambient and comfort controls (including the option to order room service) is commanded by the personal iPad supplied in each room. But although resort activities and events like foam pool parties and champagne parades hosted by hot DJs are the norm, this location will also appeal to older travellers (or others looking for tranquility) thanks to the eclectic choice of vibes available throughout the resort.

The comprehensive buffet called Spoon is the largest of any Breathless we’ve seen and, surprisingly, is open 24/7 which is a huge plus. The massive Relax Spa by Pevonia, set on its own floor with a wonderful water circuit and superb choice of treatments, is another huge draw for all generations.

2. Hyatt Zilara Cancun – Best Value All-Inclusive

Why Go: Set on the widest stretch of sand in the hotel zone, this adult-only, all-inclusive luxury resort recently unveiled a redesign of its wellness programs, spa facility and culinary offerings which vaults it to the top of my list of the best all-inclusive resorts for 2019. Being set on a wide stretch of beach means it experiences much less of an impact from seaweed and beach erosion.

Another appealing feature of the Hyatt Zilara Cancun is that all of  the suites feature fantastic ocean views.  Although this property is older than some of the other resorts in Cancun, it scored a prime location and features much larger suites than many of the newer builds. For example, the balconies are large enough to actually  enjoy. Many even have hammocks so you can really soak up the tropical atmosphere.

I’m also a big fan of the Hyatt Zilara’s 24-hour in-suite dining with a “magic box” for discreet room service delivery ( who wants to get dressed for room service?). Healthy dining options are available throughout the resort’s 11 restaurants, bars, lounges and cafes which makes this property especially appealing to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners.

Insider Tip: Food fans should opt for an evening at the Chef’s Plate where a six-course organic set menu of haute cuisine available with no surcharge for select room categories

This luxury property also appeals to all ages of adults – from 30-somethings to baby boomers. With activities such as foam pool parties, hands-on cooking classes in a real kitchen theatre (no demos here) and morning ashtanga and vinyassa yoga on the beach, there is something for everyone to participate in. The fact that so many of the activities are included makes the Hyatt Zilara one of the best value all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

Extra Special: The wellness offerings are exceptional at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and contribute to a creating a vacation experience where you actually come back feeling healthier than when you arrived.

The hydrotherapy circuit, available complimentary to guests, with its hot and cold zones of plunge pools, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and more, is the heart of the Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s newly renovated three-story Zen Spa.  Guests can soak up the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich waters, take a spa treatment and then relax on lounge chairs within a beautiful, brand new space.

Working out is also a pleasure in the resort’s stunning Sky Gym featuring modern fitness equipment such as treadmills, weights and strength training machines. The full-length, outdoor infinity lap pool offers fantastic views.

3. Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Best Playa del Carmen Resort for Families

Why Go: This lush and luxurious resort makes our list of the Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya for 2018 and 2019 mostly because of its superior cuisine but its family-friendly amenities make it the best resort for families near Playa del Carmen.

The setting of Grand Velas will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a jungle retreat. Set amid mangroves, towering Yucatan rainforest and meandering streams, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya  Playa del Carmen also features a huge infinity swimming pool and spa zone.

Extra Special: Fine cuisine is a highlight of a stay here. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has launched a new DIY ceviche bar at the resort’s oceanfront Azul restaurant. Assisted by a resort chef, guests can craft their own ceviche, selecting from a variety of tuna, salmon, scallops, squid and shrimp. Other options include tomato, cucumber, avocado, corn, chile peppers, chopped garlic, onion and more. Top it all off with lime juice, Maggi sauce, Worcestershire, Salsa Huichol, Tabasco and olive oil. Or, ready-made ceviche is also available if you want to leave it to the pros.

For even more all-inclusive resorts that are perfect for families, check out this list of the Best All Inclusive Resorts in Mexico for Families. 

4. Secrets The Vine Cancun Resort & Spa

Why Go: This sophisticated yet playful adults-only high-rise hotel towers over the beach  in the heart of the Cancun’s lively Hotel Zone. It’s unique in so many ways we just had to add it to our list of Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya for 2019.  Secrets The Vine Cancun was designed by The Rockwell Group (the same award-winning architectural group that designed Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas) so it offers drama at every turn.

One of the features we love is that the glass and white metal 18–story facade is positioned at an east–west angle. This means guests enjoy fantastic ocean views as well as the rare opportunity to watch both sunrise and sunset. Read our full review of Secrets The Vine Cancun to see interior photos and pool shots.

Extra Special: Being in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone has lots of advantages. You’re steps away from the fantastic Museo Maya de Cancun, the most important new museum by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History since the construction of the Museo del Templo Mayor in 1987.

You’ll also enjoy easy access to attractions such as Xoximilco Cancun ( a floating fiesta featuring gondolas), Xcaret, Xel-ha snorkelling park and all the underground cenotes you have the stamina to explore.  You can easily hop over to Isla Mujeres, an offshore island ringed with white sand.

RELATED: 7 Romantic Things to Do in Cancun 

5. Paradisus La Perla – Best Playa del Carmen Resort for  Cuisine

Why Go: This glamorous all-inclusive is set amid shimmering water gardens, sculptures and art work within walking distance ( or taxi ride) of Playa del Carmen, which means it’s easy to get out and go exploring Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s pedestrian zone. Opt for the Royal Service upgrade and you’ll enjoy many worthwhile extras.

Extra Special: Bold, playful, experimental–an evening at Passion by Martin Berasategui is not your ordinary dining experience. Overseen by the esteemed Spanish chef ( who has garnered 8 Michelin stars), it’s an unforgettable foodie experience which makes Paradisus La Perla Playa del Carmen one of our picks for the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun-Riviera Maya in 2018 and again in 2019.

Opt for the tasting menu, a sensory journey through the tastes, textures and ingredients of the best of molecular cuisine. You won’t soon forget imaginative dishes such as smoked tuna tartare and tempura truffled egg yolk with seaweed cream.

RELATED: Wondering where else to eat in Playa del Carmen? Read Where to Eat Now in Playa Del Carmen  

6. Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, Puerto Morelos

Why Go: Imagine owning your own Caribbean luxury villa and you get a sense of what staying at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is like. Each of these low-rise villa suites is uniquely decorated with original artwork, Indonesian furniture and rich tapestries. They come decked out with expansive terraces, many with plunge pools.

The entire Zoetry resort is located within the protected Puerto Morelos Marine Park and included in the all-inclusive rate are life enrichment experiences as well as an extensive wellness program. The cuisine is so healthy and delicious, you will come away from your vacation feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Extra Special: One of the reasons  Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is one of our top choices for the best all-inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya is the unlimited access to the resort’s Thalasso pool featuring natural seawater. The first Thalassotherapy spa in Mexico, the facility offers an indoor Jacuzzi circuit, steam room and seawater pool overlooking the Caribbean.

The spa menu includes specialized hydrotherapy treatments, massage, mani–pedis, and anti–aging treatments with esteemed lines such as Valmont and Natura Bissé as well as mud baths, seaweed and natural treatments.

Want to know more? Read about my first-hand experience in 8 Detox Secrets from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita

7. Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun – Best Overwater Suites (Closed until further notice) 

Why Go: No need to endure a long flight to Bora Bora! Adults-only Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun is home to a collection of Tahiti-style Overwater Bungalows. And it’s just 20-minutes from Cancun’s action, yet feels a world away in atmosphere. Much like Secrets Huatulco, the architecture at Secrets Silversands is dramatic and contemporary, featuring eight swimming pools,  eight restaurants and a full-service spa.

Extra Special: Splurge on the Preferred Club Ocean View Overwater Bungalow with Plunge Pool and you’ll enjoy a thatched roof cabana and oceanfront deck set on stilts above turquoise waters.

It’s an unforgettable experience to wake to the sound of the waves, enjoy butler service on a private beach, 24-hour room service and a “Secret Box” where your breakfast in bed or midnight snack are slipped silently inside so you’re not disturbed. Secrets Silversands is the only Secrets Resort I know of that has overwater bungalows.

Wondering about the best Secrets resort? Trying to decide between Secrets Silversands and  Secrets The Vine? The main difference is that Secrets Silversands is much more secluded than Secrets The Vine  – the beach is smaller but almost completely private ( compared to being in the heart of Cancun’s fun zone) and its buildings are low rise. Entertainment options are also more low-key.

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