You can trace the origin of the all-inclusive resort concept back to the 1950s when Belgian entrepreneur and athlete Gerard Blitz founded the first Club Med in Spain. However, the concept proliferated throughout Mexico around the 1970s. With beautiful beaches and rich culture, areas like the Riviera Maya and Ixtapa were a natural fit for the carefree vacation style, where guests could forget about their wallets, relax and have fun.
Over the decades, many all-inclusive resorts in Mexico lost their luster — images of Jell-O shooters and bland buffet food might come to mind. But we’re happy to report that things have changed in recent years, as brands like Marriott, Hyatt and others have invested heavily in renovating existing all-inclusive resorts and opening new ones.
There’s a luxurious all-inclusive resort in Mexico for all tastes these days, from wellness getaways to gourmet culinary escapes for the finest palates. Leave your preconceived notions at the door and check out these swanky all-inclusive resorts, an easy trip south of the U.S. border.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Best for: Romance, removed just enough from Cancun but still easy to access.
Why stay here: The luxurious all-inclusive mixes nature exploration and activities with all of the elevated leisure components you’d expect from a tropical resort.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Secrets is an important part of Hyatt’s push into all-inclusive resorts. But Secrets’ newer Impression brand takes the offering to an ultraluxurious level.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is on Isla Mujeres, a 30-minute boat ride off the coast of bustling Cancun. You should expect a welcome drink and a personal butler to greet you when you arrive to handle check-in at the serene, white-arched lobby. Stonework throughout adds to the Grecian vibe of this luxe property.
Accommodations are spread out among 125 suites featuring balconies or terraces. (We recommend booking a room with an ocean view.) Larger suites include extras like a furnished terrace with a hot tub and walk-in closets. All suites feature spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers and cream, gray and wood-accented decor. A welcome bottle of tequila or rum will help you ease into island time.
Dine on Mediterranean cuisine at Spezia, enjoy Japanese fare at Sake and sip sunset cocktails at The Top bar. The scene at rooftop restaurant Unik The Kitchen shifts to nightlife after dark, but those looking to unwind will find plenty of places to stretch out at the resort’s beach area or many pools.
Rates at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets start at $1,089 or 42,000 World of Hyatt points per night for two guests.
Palmaia, The House of Aia
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: The wellness-minded traveler looking for an all-inclusive getaway.
Why stay here: Meditation, the option for plant-based menus and eco-friendly designs make Palmaia, The House of Aia one of the more progressive and sustainable of all-inclusive resort options.
Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.
All-inclusive resorts in Mexico haven’t always offered health and wellness programs on par with places like Miraval or Canyon Ranch, but that is quickly changing. Case in point: Palmaia, The House of Aia is a wellness-focused and vegan-friendly resort that aims to deliver tranquility, mindfulness and relaxation for all ages.
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Palmaia, which sits on a swath of soft sand along the Playa del Carmen coastline, has family suites with bunk beds and kid-friendly decor, a dedicated kids’ pool and a Waldorf-inspired children’s center where holistic activities might include planting an herb garden and baking bread.
Guests looking for more calm can stay in the adults-only wing, which offers swim-out suites and oceanfront accommodations as well as an infinity pool and pool bar.
Chefs look to “the nourishing biome” concept while putting together menus at the resort’s four restaurants and a food truck. This means minimally processed or packaged foods, no processed sugars and an emphasis on locally sourced produce. Dive even deeper into mindfulness at the property’s Atlantis Spa, where treatments include a Mezcal Ritual massage with Mexican healers, a temazcal ceremony and a hot stone massage. Note that treatments are not included in the all-inclusive rate.
Rates at Palmaia, The House of Aia start at $902 per night for two guests.
Joia Paraiso by Iberostar
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Best for: IHG One Rewards members looking for an elevated all-inclusive experience at which to earn and burn points.
Why stay here: Butlers and a pool concierge service make the overall experience here as luxurious as the sunrises each morning over the resort’s sandy stretch of beach.
Best way to book: Book directly with Iberostar.
This adults-only resort is a luxurious all-inclusive option for IHG One Rewards members. The Joia Paraiso by Iberostar, part of IHG Hotels and Resorts, is a guest favorite for its white-sand beach, array of swimming pools and golf course.
The property’s accommodations are all suites with ocean or garden views and customizable minibars that are restocked daily. Pay a little more for a suite with butler service to help handle guest requests, such as making a reservation at one of the resort’s restaurants. A cut above typical all-inclusive dining options, guests can order meats grilled over thyme and holm oak at Toni’s Surf and Turf or opt for artfully presented tuna tartare at L’Atelier haute cuisine. Other restaurants include La Brisa Beach Bar, a Mexican raw bar with Caribbean Sea views, and the teppanyaki and sushi spot called Haiku Japanese.
For those looking to stay occupied with activities, the resort offers a variety of workout classes in the fitness center, from yoga to kickboxing, as well as complimentary kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing.
Rates at Joia Paraiso by Iberostar start at $390 or 97,000 IHG One Rewards points per night for two guests.
Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Marriott Bonvoy members looking for a high-end all-inclusive in Mexico at which to earn and burn points.
Why stay here: The Hideaway is an adults-only all-inclusive paradise with glitzy perks like a Jacuzzi tub in all accommodations.
Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott.
Marriott Bonvoy members have a high-end, all-inclusive option in Mexico thanks to the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun, an Autograph Collection property that’s part of the larger Royalton Riviera Cancun resort. This resort-within-a-resort features 24-hour room service, nightly entertainment and a whopping 10 restaurants and 16 bars — ranging from Tex-Mex to swim-up bars to a martini lounge fit for Carrie Bradshaw.
There’s plenty of room to stretch out here, as junior suites are the smallest guest accommodations at the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun. However, there’s nothing quite as romantic as the Diamond Club Honeymoon Suite, which has club lounge access and a jetted bathtub.
The fitness center is enormous for a hotel gym, and the Royal Spa offers a variety of treatments, such as massages and facials, for an additional charge on top of the all-inclusive nightly rate.
Rates at Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun start at $259 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for two guests.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Best for: Those who want an all-inclusive vacation without feeling like they’re at an all-inclusive resort.
Why stay here: Pacific views, scrumptious food and service that goes above and beyond — as in, yes, there is someone to clean your sunglasses for you.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Expedia for the best rates.
The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is known for setting a luxurious standard when it comes to the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
The property features one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. At 1,000 square feet, entry-level rooms are bigger than many New York City apartments, but the little things set this stay apart, like a welcome bottle of mezcal, a pillow menu and nightly turndown service.
Six gourmet restaurants provide a culinary range, from Asian fusion at Sen Lin to traditional Mexican cuisine at Frida (named after artist Frida Kahlo). Selva del Mar serves the light, refreshing fare travelers crave by the pool, like tuna ceviche with coconut and mango.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit hosts next-gen wellness getaways throughout the year focused on trending practices like biohacking and adaptogenic therapy. A treatment at Se Spa by Grand Velas, like a hydrotherapy session or a four-hand massage, will leave you refreshed. Spa treatments are an extra charge on top of the all-inclusive nightly rate.
Rates at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit start at $928 per night for two guests.
Fairmont Mayakoba
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Those seeking a mix of seclusion with activities like golf, snorkeling or just soaking in the Mexican sun while floating in the pool.
Why stay here: The surrounding expanse of lagoons, jungle and beaches is as luxurious as the service, guest rooms and dining at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
Best way to book: Book directly with Accor to earn or redeem points and enjoy any elite status benefits.
The lush green jungle and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea create beautiful views in every direction at the Fairmont Mayakoba. The property is also a design lover’s dream. The modern lobby featuring sandstone, wood and marble tile makes a lasting impression at check-in. From there, you’ll find sleek accommodations with bright interiors, spacious bathrooms and balconies or terraces that look out on the ocean, lagoon or garden. Private casitas and spacious residences offer guests more solitude and elbow room.
The dining scene includes the nightclub-meets-dinner spot Tauro Steakhouse, as well as a waterfront alfresco Mexican dining at La Laguna, which also serves an excellent breakfast buffet.
With no fewer than 10 swimming pools, there is a pool for everyone, from lively family-friendly choices to serene adults-only options. The property offers a variety of activities, from paddleboarding to snorkeling and golf.
Rates at Fairmont Mayakoba start at $1,030 per night for two guests.
Impression Moxche by Secrets
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Discerning travelers that long for a beautiful, kid-free environment that’s close to home (it’s an easy nonstop flight to Cancun from many U.S. gateways).
Why stay here: This exclusive resort-within-a-resort offers VIP access to several pools, a beach club, a lounge and gourmet restaurants — plus you have access to the entire Moxche complex. One of the best all-inclusive resorts there is.
Best way to book: Book with World of Hyatt points to get the best value. Otherwise, book directly for elite night credit and benefits.
The best all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen may just be this resort-within-a-resort, part of World of Hyatt. Situated in a VIP building next to the Secrets Moxche resort, this all-inclusive stay offers butler service and guest-only restaurants, bars, pools and a beach club.
The spacious suites at Impression Moxche by Secrets feature comfortable beds and outdoor spaces with private plunge pools or hot tubs. The bathrooms are luxurious, with backlit mirrors, soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
A destination dining hot spot, foodies won’t be disappointed with the Italian restaurant Allora or the dining “event” Teodoro. The seven-course tasting menu is a steal for World of Hyatt Globalists at $250 per couple.
Beyond sweet dreams and decadent dining, guests can participate in a variety of activities, such as Zumba classes and beach volleyball. In the spa, an array of treatments, such as a sun relief wrap and tension relief massage, are available. Lounging at the rooftop pool is also a reliable way to unwind.
Rates at Impression Moxche by Secrets start at $1,300 or 42,000 World of Hyatt points per night for two guests.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Best for: Families, groups of friends or romantic escapes.
Why stay here: One of the most popular all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Grand Velas Los Cabos has incredible food, great pools and beaches, and phenomenal ocean-view suites measuring over 1,000 square feet.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike perks and on-property credits. If you have access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, you can score a $100 spa credit, guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and room upgrades when available.
How many resorts have a Champagne butler at arrival and 1,100-square-foot suites with ocean views and private terraces?
Grand Velas Los Cabos is an opulent and welcome take on the all-inclusive vacation. If the spacious standard suites won’t do, the panoramic Grand Class Corner Suites offer picture-perfect seaside views and a private plunge pool on the terrace.
The drinking and dining scene ranges from poolside cocktails to a 10-course tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor. Luxurious service extends to offerings like a pool and beach concierge and even a baby concierge, who provides everything from strollers to bottle warmers. With ample lounge chairs lining the pools, you’ll never have to worry about where to relax.
For even more indulgence, Se Spa leans into water therapy, including a seven-step water ceremony that incorporates a sauna, steam, ice room, sensory shower, polar pool, thermal lounges and a sensation pool. Hydration is important, after all.
Rates at Grand Velas Los Cabos start at $1,404 per night for two guests.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Families who seek out destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture.
Why stay here: Though Hotel Xcaret Mexico doesn’t have an on-site water park, its “All-Fun Inclusive” concept grants guests access to many area attractions, including a water park.
Best way to book: Book directly with the resort or through your favorite credit card travel portal.
Activities abound at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, a newly expanded resort with 1,800 rooms, seven pools, three gyms, a kids club and access to several nearby theme parks. But don’t let this focus on fun in the sun fool you. Hotel Xcaret is not just another all-inclusive resort with a swim-up bar or two to keep guests happy.
Yucatan-made decor and contemporary design make it feel more like the bohemian boutique hotels you’ll find farther south in Tulum. Art-filled guest rooms and suites with Egyptian cotton linens and fun extras like hammocks on the terrace are easy to spend time in.
On the dining front, Ha Restaurant, honored with a Michelin star, is the resort’s contemporary Mexican gastronomy offering with moody walls and a central water feature. Wellness aficionados will find solace in Muluk Spa, a gorgeous facility with outdoor treatment areas overlooking the coves of Riviera Maya.
Rates at Hotel Xcaret Mexico start at $901 per night for two guests.
Excellence Playa Mujeres
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Best for: Travelers looking for an intimate all-inclusive experience that’s truly elevated.
Why stay here: This sleek adults-only property has a beautiful beachfront location and excels on all fronts, from the diverse culinary offerings to the luxe spa and spacious all-suite accommodations.
Best way to book: Book directly for the best deals and savings.
The all-inclusive resort Excellence Playa Mujeres wows on all fronts, from its picturesque beach to its food and spa offerings.
The adults-only property features seven swimming pools, seven bars and 11 restaurants. Food options include Indian, Thai, Italian and (of course) Mexican. We’re particularly fond of the grilled seafood at The Grill, the property’s oceanfront eatery.
The all-suite resort boasts accommodations with private terraces, Jacuzzis, luxurious bedding and the potential to upgrade to offerings with plunge pools, swim-up access or ocean views. Adding a massage or facial at the resort’s Miile Spa will elevate your stay even more.
Rates at Excellence Playa Mujeres start at $637 per night for two guests.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Best for: Families, friends and couples looking for a good value at a great resort.
Why stay here: Right on the beach but also a 15-minute taxi ride from the city center, this large resort has a lot to offer, including balconies and ocean views from every room.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem points.
Hilton Honors members have a stunning oceanfront all-inclusive resort option thanks to the Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort. Located where the mountains cascade into the Pacific Ocean, the resort feels secluded even though it is close to bustling Puerto Vallarta.
All guest rooms and suites feature private balconies with ocean views, rainfall showers and ample room to stretch out. Guests who book an Enclave room will enjoy an elevated experience, including private check-in, access to the Enclave Lounge with food and beverages, and exclusive in-room amenities.
The dining scene ranges from the sizable buffet at Vela Food Hall to ceviche and fresh tostadas at Cocomar. The indoor-outdoor Mexican restaurant is a bright spot for a frozen drink to cool off. There’s no need to pick between beach and pool with the resort’s oceanfront pool setup, but if you spend too much time in the sun, a visit to Eforea Spa will soothe your body.
Rates at Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort start at $318 or 84,000 Hilton Honors points per night for two guests.
