Please note our writers visited the following hotels prior to the coronavirus pandemic
Known for Mayan ruins, vibrant turquoise water and 14 miles of sugary white sand beaches, the seaside city of Cancún on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has long been a favourite holiday destination. While Cancún was once considered a party town thanks to the plethora of cheap all-inclusive resorts, a new crop of upscale all-inclusives has since emerged, offering top-notch dining, drinks and amenities. Catering to everything from romantic adults-only breaks to fun-filled family vacations, here’s our pick of the best all-inclusive hotels in Cancún.
Hard Rock Hotel Cancún
Rocker glitz and VIP glamour define this Hotel Zone resort. As you explore, you’ll spot nostalgia-inducing music memorabilia from drum sets to stage costumes, and live performances by rock bands and doo-wop groups. Order a guitar to your room through the Fender guitar menu, or sign up for the Music Lab that lets you and your friends form a rock band and learn to perform a song live with the resort as your audience. The massive infinity pool has swim-up-bars and games, and quieter areas with waterfalls and submerged loungers. There are several restaurants which is a boon as the all-inclusive plan goes beyond the average Cancún resort.
Read the full review: Hard Rock Hotel Cancún
• The best hotels in Cancún
Paradisus Cancún
Paradisus Cancún is renowned for its outstanding restaurants – including Tempo, created by seven-star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui (not included in the room price). The resort sits on a massive 600-metre stretch of beach and consists of five interconnected pyramids which house indoor tropical gardens, an extensive range of restaurants and guest rooms. Facilities are impressive too, with four lagoon-style pools, an array of kids’ clubs, and an adults-only section – Royal Service – with sleek guestrooms, butler service, an exclusive pool with cabanas, a private restaurant and complimentary access to the spa’s hydrotherapy area.
Read the full review: Paradisus Cancún
• The best all-inclusive hotels in Mexico
Secrets The Vine Cancún
Set on a white-sand beach, the resort’s towering height allows for unbelievable views of the Caribbean, Nichupté Lagoon and the Cancún skyline from many of its rooms and restaurants. Travellers seeking contemporary design will obsess over the hotel’s warm, romantic and sleek aura. From the immense yet cosy lobby and seductive restaurants to the fashionable pools and chic, sexy suites, it has style-focused guests eyeing every detail. The resort’s “Unlimited Luxury” concept includes extensive perks like 24-hour gourmet meals and top-shelf drinks, free Wi-Fi, all-day activities, and live entertainment.
Read the full review: Secrets The Vine Cancun
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Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún
As one of the most well-loved Cancún all-inclusive resorts, the Live Aqua appeals to all the senses through a menu of scents, personalised music, comfort-filled rooms and rave-worthy cuisine, as well as its spectacular beach. Friendly but unobtrusive service sets the stage for a relaxing Cancun holiday; the smaller size of the restaurants – tucked away throughout the lush grounds or on the beach – allows for personalised attention, while the pool concierge attends your needs during the daytime. Bedrooms are contemporary; book the Aqua Suite for a combined bedroom-bathroom area with circular hot tub, living area and large terrace.
Read the full review: Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún
• The best hotels in Mexico
Hyatt Ziva Cancún
This property boasts Cancún’s best location on the Punta Cancún peninsula, surrounded by Caribbean Sea on three sides. It has a warm, welcoming quality through contemporary furnishings and surprising design, as well as captivating views. Each restaurant and bar has eye-catching style without being too over-the-top, and the spa and pool areas just might take your breath away. The main pool – massive and multi-level – fills the centre of the resort, and there’s an enticing beachside pool, but the Punta Vista rooftop infinity pool (exclusively for Turquoize guests) takes the prize as one of Cancún’s most unbelievable locations.
Read the full review: Hyatt Ziva Cancún
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Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún
This beachfront resort is a haven for pool junkies, fun-seeking kids, and the spa-obsessed, and has been designed so that every guestroom has a balcony and an ocean view. The Junior Suites offer a spacious bathroom and cosy living area, while the extra-roomy Master Suites boast a large terrace. For added amenities, book a stay in the Grand Club, where you’ll have access to a VIP Penthouse Lounge and the Beachside Deck. The sprawling lagoon-style pool is lined with fountains, shallow lounging areas, and three swim-up bars, while the huge Gem Spa is a must-visit with its 10-step hydrotherapy circuit.
Read the full review: Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún
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Le Blanc Spa Resort
Le Blanc is one of Cancun’s most highly praised resorts and designed for couples. The staff always manage to stay one step ahead: refilling poolside drinks before you ask, waiting with a clean towel as you step out of the pool, and the butlers add even more luxury, unpacking luggage, preparing baths and aiding relaxation with aromatherapy. You can request these services through Le Blanc’s phone app, along with restaurant reservations, room service orders, and spa appointments. The calming décor permeates the entire property by day until the evenings when stylish lighting illuminates all areas in a wash of different colours.
Read the full review: Le Blanc Spa Resort
Contributions by Laura Winfree
