Just a 15-minute beachside walk south of Akumal's hustle and bustle, the 324-room Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort is a luxury all-inclusive with a long, beautiful beach. After undergoing a massive revamp in late 2014, this property has added a handful of spots to eat and grab a drink; a rustic wellness center with yoga, body treatments, and exercise classes; and lots of pools and beachside lounge areas. It also seriously upgraded its rooms, all of which are Junior Suites sporting modern upscale decor, large bathrooms, outdoor hot tubs, local toiletries, minibars, and oceanfront views; Penthouses feature huge rooftop decks with uninterrupted views across the bay.
Just a 15-minute beachside walk south of Akumal's hustle and bustle, the 324-room Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort is a luxury all-inclusive with a long, beautiful beach. After undergoing a massive revamp in late 2014, this property has added a handful of spots to eat and grab a drink; a rustic wellness center with yoga, body treatments, and exercise classes; and lots of pools and beachside lounge areas. It also seriously upgraded its rooms, all of which are Junior Suites sporting modern upscale decor, large bathrooms, outdoor hot tubs, local toiletries, minibars, and oceanfront views; Penthouses feature huge rooftop decks with uninterrupted views across the bay.
The 400-room, mid-range Royal Solaris is an affordable all-inclusive option on the beach geared toward families. This attractive time-share property (beware of sales pitches) has ample amenities, including four pools, four bars, and four restaurants, two of which are a la carte (though food, overall, is not a highlight). Rooms have traditional furnishings, mini-fridges stocked with free beer and water, and balconies -- though some are tiny. Daily activities keep the masses occupied, and while the beautiful beach is typically not swimmable, it offers tons of sandy space and loungers under thatched umbrellas. Thanks to a kids' and teens' club, nightly entertainment, dance classes, and a water park, families are the norm -- but couples can relax at the spa or adult-only pool. Compare rates with the Barcelo Grand Faros, which has slightly more modern rooms.
The 400-room, mid-range Royal Solaris is an affordable all-inclusive option on the beach geared toward families. This attractive time-share property (beware of sales pitches) has ample amenities, including four pools, four bars, and four restaurants, two of which are a la carte (though food, overall, is not a highlight). Rooms have traditional furnishings, mini-fridges stocked with free beer and water, and balconies -- though some are tiny. Daily activities keep the masses occupied, and while the beautiful beach is typically not swimmable, it offers tons of sandy space and loungers under thatched umbrellas. Thanks to a kids' and teens' club, nightly entertainment, dance classes, and a water park, families are the norm -- but couples can relax at the spa or adult-only pool. Compare rates with the Barcelo Grand Faros, which has slightly more modern rooms.
Sharing space with Grand Palladium Kantenah in a massive five-resort complex, the 414-room Grand Palladium Colonial is located along the beautiful Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun. This upscale resort gives guests an all-inclusive experience with more food and drink options than you can count on both hands, all-day and night activities, soft sand and coral rock beaches, wildlife, huge hydrotherapy-based spa with gym (access for a fee), and relaxing nature-filled grounds. Rooms range from slightly dim but authentically decorated to chic suites; some rooms have outdoor showers. The Colonial has a central location on the complex (near the kids' club, making it well-suited to families) as well as nicer decor than both the Riviera and White Sand -- though those resorts have more affordable two-room suites.
Sharing space with Grand Palladium Kantenah in a massive five-resort complex, the 414-room Grand Palladium Colonial is located along the beautiful Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun. This upscale resort gives guests an all-inclusive experience with more food and drink options than you can count on both hands, all-day and night activities, soft sand and coral rock beaches, wildlife, huge hydrotherapy-based spa with gym (access for a fee), and relaxing nature-filled grounds. Rooms range from slightly dim but authentically decorated to chic suites; some rooms have outdoor showers. The Colonial has a central location on the complex (near the kids' club, making it well-suited to families) as well as nicer decor than both the Riviera and White Sand -- though those resorts have more affordable two-room suites.
Friends and families with big budgets can stretch out in these pinch-me-now, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom cliffside villas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The luxury development is a few miles outside of Cabo San Lucas within a gated community under the umbrella of Pueblo Bonito, with sister resorts here and closer to town. Montecristo, for its part, offers 151 bi-level houses that can sleep eight guests each. Villas are similar in design with high-end amenities such as infinity pools, gourmet kitchens, and stainless steel Weber grills, to name a few. Guests are granted free access to Montecristo's own facilities, as well as Pueblo Bonito's beach, pools, and restaurants (all-inclusive packages are available). Golfers also have access to the award-winning Quivira golf course. Free shuttle service is provided to key points around the resort and to town, though a car will come in handy.
Friends and families with big budgets can stretch out in these pinch-me-now, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom cliffside villas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The luxury development is a few miles outside of Cabo San Lucas within a gated community under the umbrella of Pueblo Bonito, with sister resorts here and closer to town. Montecristo, for its part, offers 151 bi-level houses that can sleep eight guests each. Villas are similar in design with high-end amenities such as infinity pools, gourmet kitchens, and stainless steel Weber grills, to name a few. Guests are granted free access to Montecristo's own facilities, as well as Pueblo Bonito's beach, pools, and restaurants (all-inclusive packages are available). Golfers also have access to the award-winning Quivira golf course. Free shuttle service is provided to key points around the resort and to town, though a car will come in handy.
Tucked away along the Sea of Cortez near Baja's capital is this 115-room luxurious (and yet affordable) resort with panoramic views in all directions. Amenities run rampant with three pools, access to La Paz Beach, an 18-hole golf course, a private marina, and a spa. If that's not enough, there's tennis, a yoga deck, and free use of non-motorized water sports (though the selection is limited). Rooms have slightly exposed walk-in showers and masculine decor, but guests can step out onto balconies for cheery vantage points. Open-air restaurants -- like Steinbeck’s, which boasts a boggling number of tequilas, and the Beach Club for stellar sunsets -- serve quality decor. The resort often hosts weddings, corporate groups, and romantic weekenders -- meaning it might not be the best pick for some families.
Tucked away along the Sea of Cortez near Baja's capital is this 115-room luxurious (and yet affordable) resort with panoramic views in all directions. Amenities run rampant with three pools, access to La Paz Beach, an 18-hole golf course, a private marina, and a spa. If that's not enough, there's tennis, a yoga deck, and free use of non-motorized water sports (though the selection is limited). Rooms have slightly exposed walk-in showers and masculine decor, but guests can step out onto balconies for cheery vantage points. Open-air restaurants -- like Steinbeck’s, which boasts a boggling number of tequilas, and the Beach Club for stellar sunsets -- serve quality decor. The resort often hosts weddings, corporate groups, and romantic weekenders -- meaning it might not be the best pick for some families.
The 500-suite Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive located on a beautiful beach outside of San Jose del Cabo. Manicured grounds are sprawling (expect to walk often) and offer great views of the Sea of Cortez, especially from the two pools (one is exclusive for Preferred Club guests) and two adjoining nine-hole golf courses. Rates are among the highest in the area, but the Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive package covers all buffet and a la carte meals, top-shelf liquors, Wi-Fi, and even tips (though expect to tip on top of room rates). Suites have traditional Mexican decor, playful, romantic touches, and modern amenities such as jetted tubs, Nespresso machines, and terraces -- some are swim-out. The spa, complete with a lovely outdoor hydrotherapy area, is a highlight. Travelers seeking something a bit swankier and more hip should consider The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, though it’s not all-inclusive.
The 500-suite Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive located on a beautiful beach outside of San Jose del Cabo. Manicured grounds are sprawling (expect to walk often) and offer great views of the Sea of Cortez, especially from the two pools (one is exclusive for Preferred Club guests) and two adjoining nine-hole golf courses. Rates are among the highest in the area, but the Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive package covers all buffet and a la carte meals, top-shelf liquors, Wi-Fi, and even tips (though expect to tip on top of room rates). Suites have traditional Mexican decor, playful, romantic touches, and modern amenities such as jetted tubs, Nespresso machines, and terraces -- some are swim-out. The spa, complete with a lovely outdoor hydrotherapy area, is a highlight. Travelers seeking something a bit swankier and more hip should consider The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, though it’s not all-inclusive.
The luxury TRS Coral is an adults-only, all-inclusive property with 469 chic rooms, all with either hydro-therapy tubs or swim-up access. It’s situated on a wide stretch of white sand beach in Playa Mujeres, a relatively quiet resort area north of Cancun’s busy Hotel Zone. Highlights of a stay here include a generous all-inclusive plan with free food and drinks at multiple bars, buffets, and a la carte restaurants plus round-the-clock room service. One of the best perks here is the free night at Chic Cabaret, for amazing performances and gourmet multi-course meals. Guests of TRS Coral also get access to the facilities at the family-friendly Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa next door, where the Zentropia wellness center — with a spa, hydrotherapy circuit, and a great gym — is located. Travelers looking for a more intimate adults-only alternative could also consider the nearby Beloved Playa Mujeres, which features an incredible spa but considerably fewer rooms.
The luxury TRS Coral is an adults-only, all-inclusive property with 469 chic rooms, all with either hydro-therapy tubs or swim-up access. It’s situated on a wide stretch of white sand beach in Playa Mujeres, a relatively quiet resort area north of Cancun’s busy Hotel Zone. Highlights of a stay here include a generous all-inclusive plan with free food and drinks at multiple bars, buffets, and a la carte restaurants plus round-the-clock room service. One of the best perks here is the free night at Chic Cabaret, for amazing performances and gourmet multi-course meals. Guests of TRS Coral also get access to the facilities at the family-friendly Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa next door, where the Zentropia wellness center — with a spa, hydrotherapy circuit, and a great gym — is located. Travelers looking for a more intimate adults-only alternative could also consider the nearby Beloved Playa Mujeres, which features an incredible spa but considerably fewer rooms.
The Vallarta Gardens Resort & Spa features three- and four-bedroom, two-story villas overlooking a curvy swimming pool and small private beach. Located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta near the town of La Cruz de Huanacatle, this resort offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Puerto Vallarta. Villa interiors are chic and stylishly contemporary with gourmet kitchens, flat-screen TVs, media rooms, free Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and secure garages. Some villas have private pools and rooftop Jacuzzis with sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean. Additional perks include a lavish spa and sunny fitness room. For a family or group looking to rent a large house rather than rooms in a hotel, this is a fabulous option.
The Vallarta Gardens Resort & Spa features three- and four-bedroom, two-story villas overlooking a curvy swimming pool and small private beach. Located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta near the town of La Cruz de Huanacatle, this resort offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Puerto Vallarta. Villa interiors are chic and stylishly contemporary with gourmet kitchens, flat-screen TVs, media rooms, free Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and secure garages. Some villas have private pools and rooftop Jacuzzis with sweeping views out to the Pacific Ocean. Additional perks include a lavish spa and sunny fitness room. For a family or group looking to rent a large house rather than rooms in a hotel, this is a fabulous option.
One of the most striking elements of the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (formerly the Palace Resort Vallarta) is its soaring lobby, with two huge installations made with LP covers and instruments. However, the rest of the resort is no less attractive, with two free-form pools, a spa featuring ocean views, and several restaurants offering a range of cuisines. The hopping bars, nightly entertainment and contemporary rooms with high-tech amenities, funky rock-inspired decor, and double-jetted tubs attract young couples and groups, while the lively pools (including a shallow one for kids), varied dining options, and pretty beach draw families. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified water on tap, and a wide array of amenities, but rooms are a tad smaller than those found in other resorts in the area.
One of the most striking elements of the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (formerly the Palace Resort Vallarta) is its soaring lobby, with two huge installations made with LP covers and instruments. However, the rest of the resort is no less attractive, with two free-form pools, a spa featuring ocean views, and several restaurants offering a range of cuisines. The hopping bars, nightly entertainment and contemporary rooms with high-tech amenities, funky rock-inspired decor, and double-jetted tubs attract young couples and groups, while the lively pools (including a shallow one for kids), varied dining options, and pretty beach draw families. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified water on tap, and a wide array of amenities, but rooms are a tad smaller than those found in other resorts in the area.
The 307-room, hacienda-style Hyatt Zilara Cancun is one of the area’s top all-inclusive luxury options for adults only, situated along a pristine stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone. The stylish, colonial-inspired rooms all have balconies with phenomenal ocean views and hammocks, as well as whirlpool tubs, rainfall showers, and free daily restocked minibars. Food is excellent at the six restaurants, especially for an all-inclusive resort; the Mexican food at Maria Marie and Asian food at Asiana are particular favorites, and no reservations are required (except for the teppanyaki show and Chef's Plate). The sprawling, beachfront infinity pool is stunning, with a giant swim-up bar at its center, but there are no umbrellas and food isn’t served here. The spa and huge gym also impress, and there are plenty of fun activities, from the weekly foam parties to tequila tastings to live evening shows. The atmosphere here can be a bit lively, so couples seeking a tranquil retreat should consider the nearby Le Blanc Spa Resort, which is arguably the best adults-only all-inclusive in Cancun.
The 307-room, hacienda-style Hyatt Zilara Cancun is one of the area’s top all-inclusive luxury options for adults only, situated along a pristine stretch of beach in the Hotel Zone. The stylish, colonial-inspired rooms all have balconies with phenomenal ocean views and hammocks, as well as whirlpool tubs, rainfall showers, and free daily restocked minibars. Food is excellent at the six restaurants, especially for an all-inclusive resort; the Mexican food at Maria Marie and Asian food at Asiana are particular favorites, and no reservations are required (except for the teppanyaki show and Chef's Plate). The sprawling, beachfront infinity pool is stunning, with a giant swim-up bar at its center, but there are no umbrellas and food isn’t served here. The spa and huge gym also impress, and there are plenty of fun activities, from the weekly foam parties to tequila tastings to live evening shows. The atmosphere here can be a bit lively, so couples seeking a tranquil retreat should consider the nearby Le Blanc Spa Resort, which is arguably the best adults-only all-inclusive in Cancun.