A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Aug. 12, 2024
Whether you're traveling with the whole family or your better half, there's no better place to soak up the sun along the beach than at one of these dreamy all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Located on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is best known for its postcard-worthy stretches of white sand, turquoise waters and warm, sunny weather. While this buzzy resort town is still popular with spring breakers, its obvious appeal goes way beyond just that crowd these days. Its array of unique hotel offerings makes it a fantastic place for families, couples and groups of all ages. And when it comes to selecting one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancún, there’s no shortage of options. That’s why we’re helping you make that decision a little easier.
Cancún all-inclusives offer tons of added value, since they fold in food and drink (alcoholic beverages and snacks too) along with fun-filled activities. (Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out some of our other expert all-inclusive resort tips.) Thanks to an abundance of nonstop flight options from several major U.S. cities, Cancún is incredibly easy to get to from pretty much anywhere in the country. The destination’s main hotel strip is a 30-minute drive from the airport, which means you can go from customs to the beach in less than two hours. This safe and walkable strip, which spans about 13 miles, is also home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico—not to mention plenty of bars, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. And if you’re looking to save a buck or two, the cheapest time to book a resort in Cancún is during the low season, between June and November.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, cleaning, humor, tech and fun facts all week long.
via TripAdvisor.com
Moon Palace Cancún has rightfully earned the top spot on our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancún—and for many a good reason. This family-friendly all-inclusive, which clocks in at 123 acres, goes way beyond the basics with its world-class spa, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, endless entertainment (from parties to discos and more) and, of course, a prime locale along one of Mexico’s best beaches. Additional activities beyond the pools and beach include non-motorized water sports, tennis, pickleball, bike rentals and a super-cool arcade that’ll delight gamers of all ages.
Younger guests will love the state-of-the-art playroom, where face painting, arts and crafts, and a mini movie theater await. Plus, there are 17 different dining options (with cuisines including BBQ, Italian, Indian and beyond), along with eight bars, clubs and lounges for guests to enjoy. Last but certainly not least, every room and suite offers luxury touches like contemporary decor, plush beds, minibars that are refreshed daily and—get this—double whirlpool tubs.
Pros:
Con:
via TripAdvisor.com
If it’s exhilarating nightlife you’re after, Grand Oasis Cancún is the place to be. Following a day well spent in the sun on a warm-water beach, resort guests can take their pick of a plethora of evening entertainment offerings, ranging from live shows to nightclubs. The Kinky Night Club live show offers burlesque-style performances coupled with live music and sketches. There’s also the party-centric Coyote Loco bar, where guests can listen to live rock music, and an on-site casino that’s open 24 hours.
However, you don’t have to wait until nighttime to partake in some partying: Both El Zocalo and Oh Beach Club on property have live DJs and a laid-back ambiance where guests can truly let loose. Guests can also choose from 18 restaurants (13 of which are included in your stay, five cost extra) and three beach clubs (one of which is available for an additional cost). At the end of an action-packed day—and night!—retreat to your room for a restful night’s sleep and get ready to do it all again the next day. Or, should you need a break from all the fun, head to the spa for some well-deserved R&R.
Pros:
Cons:
via TripAdvisor.com
Karisma Hotels & Resorts—of which Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún is a part—has partnered with Autism Double-Checked to provide a dedicated autism concierge at all its properties. This makes Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún one of the best autism-friendly resorts in Mexico—if not the entirety of North America. What’s more, the autism concierge is on hand to ensure each guest’s specific needs are met, as well as answer any questions that may arise. As part of the partnership, all staff interacting with guests have also received rigorous training to better understand some of the issues that those with autism may face while on vacation.
The property has 10 bars and restaurants to choose from, so this oceanfront resort offers something to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Activity options abound, including dance lessons, paddle boarding, beach volleyball tournaments, yoga, bocce ball and cooking lessons. Children ages 4 through 12 will enjoy the Parakeets Kid’s Club, which offers complimentary daily activities like cookie decorating, arts and crafts and face painting. And while guests can enjoy lots of live music and performances, those who get overstimulated may opt to relax in their guest room, which offers a laid-back beach aesthetic.
Pros:
Con:
via TripAdvisor.com
Couples searching for a romantic getaway need not look further than Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancún, which also happens to be one of the most romantic hotels in Mexico. Guests are treated like VIPs, with their own butler on hand to help with everything from drawing a bath and packing/unpacking to shoe-shining, garment pressing and laundry service. The tranquil spa is another highlight, and while we certainly recommend booking a treatment here, it’s worth noting that you don’t need to schedule one to access the hydrotherapy circuit for a rejuvenating soak.
Even the most basic accommodations here include lavish amenities such as double Jacuzzi tubs, rainfall showers and nightly turndown service. The selection of delicious snacks and the in-room liquor dispenser with premium brands are both added bonuses. When you’re not relaxing in the spa or room, make your way to the stunning beach area to soak up the sun or enjoy a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the clear-blue waters. Alternatively, for something more adventurous, try your hand at fitness-centric activities like paddleboard yoga or aquatic spinning. And when hunger calls, stop by one of six stylish restaurants such as Blanc, an upscale steakhouse, and Lumeire, which serves French fare.
Pros:
Cons:
via TripAdvisor.com
With its private white-sand beach, nine restaurants, six bars (including a swim-up one), four swimming pools and so much more, the Royalton CHIC Cancún is one of the best adult all-inclusive resorts in the area. With weekly themed pool and beach parties, nightly shows and daily entertainment, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored here. Folks who are craving R&R—along with anyone who needs a break from all the action—can head to The Royal Spa, where you can indulge in a treatment (don’t miss the chocolate & patchouli massage) before taking advantage of the hydrotherapy circuit. Come sunset, head up to the rooftop cabana lounge (additional cost), situated 18 stories above the dazzling Cancún Strip, where you can nosh on Mexican fare as you soak up the panoramic water views. Then, after a fun-filled night, retreat to your chic, spacious suite (they measure at least 600 square feet) equipped with your very own private balcony or terrace.
Pros:
Cons:
via TripAdvisor.com
Planning a warm-weather getaway with both your parents and your kids? If so, Hyatt Ziva Cancún is the perfect place to stay. Grandparents looking for peace and quiet away from the youngsters can stay in the new adult-only tower, Turquoize, which boasts personalized butler service and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, the rest of the family can post up in one of the other rooms, which feature private balconies. Or, for a worth-it splurge, book one of the Dolphin View rooms that look over the on-site dolphin habitat.
During the day, little ones can visit the KidZ Club, while teens will love @Moods Lounge and Club. Grown-ups can book a treatment at the oceanfront spa, enjoy a leisurely lunch or relax by the pool or beach—with a tropical cocktail in hand, of course. Otherwise, families can get together to partake in activities like paddleboarding or dance lessons. Then, when it comes time to regroup for dinner, guests can take their pick of eight restaurants. Mom and dad (along with grandma and grandpa) can also enjoy a nightcap at one of the bars and lounges, including a microbrewery.
Pros:
Con:
via TripAdvisor.com
Those seeking a fun- and sun-filled weekend getaway need not look further than Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancún. This luxury resort—ideally situated along a pristine and secluded stretch of sand—combines modern design elements, mouthwatering cuisine, upscale accommodations, warm hospitality and abundant activities and amenities. The all-suite accommodations offer private terraces, freestanding soaking tubs and bright and airy interiors with bold pops of blues and greens. Plus, the personal butler service is an incredible added bonus.
The food and drink offerings here are just as impressive, with four gourmet restaurants, two bars, a food truck and a contemporary food hall. Those craving even more options are in luck: Guests also have access to the restaurants over at sister property Villa del Palmar Cancún. When they’re not basking in the sun on the beach, guests can spend the day by one of several pools, including a main infinity pool and an adults-only rooftop pool that offers a bar and panoramic ocean views. Other amenities include a stylish spa complete with a hydrotherapy circuit, a complimentary kids club for children ages 4 through 12 and daily water and land activities such as paddleboarding, snorkeling and a floating aqua park.
Pros:
Con:
via TripAdvisor.com
Óleo Cancun Playa, a wallet-friendly beachfront hotel in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a warm-weather escape—that is, without the sky-high prices. The 166 minimalist-inspired rooms and suites feature a neutral color palette of creams and whites plus scenic water views (either the ocean or lagoon).
The resort is also home to five restaurants and two bars, including a lively lobby lounge, where come nighttime, guests can let loose and dance to live music and DJ sets. While you may be tempted to spend the entire duration of your stay lounging on the beach, don’t miss the sparkling swimming pool, which offers fantastic ocean views and a swim-up bar, so you can sip your favorite drinks as you soak (piña coladas, anyone?). Be sure to also carve out an afternoon to enjoy the spa or take advantage of activities and entertainment such as tennis, arts and crafts and volleyball.
Pros:
Cons:
via TripAdvisor.com
Club Med Cancún is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families thanks to its wide variety of attractions, activities and amenities, including flying trapeze, life-size board games, yoga, archery, scuba diving and (so much) more. Plus, this family-friendly resort offers three different kids clubs: Petit Club Med (for kids ages 2 to 3), Mini Club Med (for children 4 to 10) and Club Med Passworld (for children 11 to 17). There’s even Baby Club Med for tots from 4 to 23 months. Each kids club offers specialized and supervised activities, programming and lessons.
Families can even partake in some group fun in the form of mini-golf, sailing and pool parties, to name a few. It’s also worth noting that Club Med Cancún spans 50-plus acres of land and features three private beachfront spaces, which means children have plenty of room to roam. While the kids are at play, the grown-ups can enjoy the Club Med Spa by L’Occitane or let loose at one of five bars. Club Med Cancún also offers a variety of family-centric accommodations such as connecting rooms and a selection of oceanfront family rooms and suites.
Pros:
Con:
via TripAdvisor.com
This adults-only all-inclusive resort is centrally located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, where the gorgeous beaches are perfect for frolicking and wading in the ocean. And while the Secrets The Vine Cancún‘s beachfront locale is enough to draw in travelers from all over, the food and drink offerings here are especially noteworthy. What’s more, guests can choose from more than a dozen bars and restaurants, including five à la carte gourmet restaurants, a world-class buffet, a grill and a cafe. In terms of ambiance, the dining options range from white-tablecloth fine-dining featuring quality chops to breezy, laid-back, alfresco settings serving up light lunchtime fare or Peruvian specialties. The other restaurants dish out chef-prepared Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and Asian specialties, and best of all, no reservations are required.
Beyond the food, resort highlights include stylish luxury rooms and suites with Italian porcelain floors and private balconies as well as two infinity and terrace swimming pools and an oceanview hot tub. When it comes to complimentary activities and entertainment, there are live musical performances, weekly cocktail parties, beach volleyball, mixology cocktail classes and dance lessons. There is also a 12,000-square-foot spa, where wellness-seekers and gourmands can indulge in one-of-a-kind services like chocolate and coffee body wraps.
Pros:
Con:
With dozens of incredible options to choose from, narrowing down the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancún wasn’t easy. To start, we ensured all the properties we selected were located along the beach—which, given Cancún’s gorgeous stretches of sand, should come as no surprise. It was also important for us to consider guest experiences, so we combed through hundreds, if not thousands, of TripAdvisor reviews. This helped us to determine each property’s key features and amenities. Last, keep in mind that all the resorts we chose are true all-inclusives, meaning the rate includes food and drinks, plus on-site activities that, depending on the property, include non-motorized water sports, live music and entertainment, kids clubs and much more.
