Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
What's better than staying at a property where practically everything is included? From fine dining at international restaurants to endless fruity drinks ordered poolside to top-notch nightly entertainment, the all-inclusive resort concept never ceases to disappoint. Mexico leads the pack when it comes to all-inclusive beachfront destinations that inspire travelers to be whisked away to paradise — where your most difficult decision will be whether to sit by the pool or a la playa.
Whether you seek the Mayan culture of the Yucatan Peninsula's Cancun and Riviera Maya, the fabulous Pacific Coast sunsets found in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, or want to feel as if you've reached the end of the world in Cabo San Lucas, there are ample resort options where your accommodations, meals, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in one price. (This makes it easy to budget and actually stay on budget!)
Here, we examine Mexico's best all-inclusive resorts for every interest, with family-friendly, adults-only, luxury, budget-conscious and wellness needs in mind.
For Families: Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa
Found in Cancun's Hotel Zone, this property is perfect for people looking to be in the heart of the action. Just 15 minutes from downtown and its nightclubs, restaurants and international markets, Dreams provides its own excitement.
Tucked away in its own corner of the world, the resort features a private 650-foot pristine beach for daytime relaxing before choosing from a number of evening entertainment options both on- and off-resort. Kids will want to spend their days in the Explorer's Club or the Core Zone, where they can have some fun with kids their own age.
For Adults: Excellence Riviera Cancun
The brand name tells you what you'll find at this Riviera Maya all-inclusive for adults only: Pure excellence. And the brand has the accolades to prove it.
Consistently rated one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, romantic hotels, hotels for service and readers' choice, Excellence practically promises you that the staff will go above and beyond at making you feel pampered and giving you all your heart's desires when staying at this Caribbean Sea-facing property.
The resort is all-suite with indoor and outdoor space, meaning your home away from home will be perfect for canoodling privately on your romantic retreat.
For Luxury: Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
A secret rendezvous on the white-sand beaches of the Mayan Riviera is the tempting allure of Secrets Maroma Beach, an adults-only, romantic resort providing "Unlimited Luxury."
This special inclusive touch includes dining in gourmet a la carte restaurants whenever you want — no reservations like other all-inclusives — and 24-hour room, beach or poolside service that makes you feel like the resort's only guest.
If you really want a hidden retreat, opt for the swim-out suite dipping you directly into a cool pool from your deck — just ask room service to keep the champagne flowing.
For the Budget-Conscious: Live Aqua Cancun
Need something a bit more wallet-friendly for your Mexican vacation? Live Aqua Cancun won't disappoint or require a withdrawal from your savings account.
It's a good budget option brought to you by the same folks behind Fiesta Americana, but it's just for the adults. The fully renovated Cancun property doesn't come with all the bells and whistles of some of the properties on this list, but the basics are all there. Swimming pools? Check. Beach? Check. Drinks and food included? Check and check.
For All Travelers: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Marriott's high-end brand, the JW Marriott, provides the familiarity of an American brand with all-inclusive pricing. The food comforts of home are here, too, with a deli and American restaurant for those prone to getting homesick while traveling.
You'll have to request the all-inclusive plan to add meals to your vacation, or you may prefer the European plan, which includes limited meals and gives you the option to dine at nearby restaurants in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone.
For Wellness: Beloved Playa Mujeres
A member of the Excellence Collection of resorts, Beloved is its adults-only romantic offering. Intimate with a boutique approach, the Cancun property hopes you'll use your stay to not only rekindle but to renew with its wellness offerings.
The Beloved Spa provides couples therapies and rituals to help you relax and become invigorated together and even promotes Wellness Weeks throughout the year that include spa and wellness activities in your all-inclusive stay.
For Families: Hyatt Ziva Cancun
On the Caribbean coast is another popular resort for families, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun. Found on the Punta Cancun strip, the resort features 10 unique dining options, seven bars and three infinity pools overlooking the turquoise sea.
The property also offers snorkeling, scuba diving and water sports, as one would expect from a Cancun vacay. And kids through teens have their own spaces to enjoy in the KidZ Club and @Moods Teen Club. Your children may even meet lifelong friends while enjoying activities and entertainment geared specifically to them.
For Adults: Hotel Zilara
The sister to hotel Ziva, Zilara is located on the same property but features adults-only accommodations, dining and facilities. This means you won't have to worry about being splashed by kids or a crying tot while you're dining.
Zilara guests can also enjoy all the amenities of Ziva. (The opposite is forbidden.)
For Luxury: Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
You'll really feel like you've stepped away from tourism madness when you reach the end of Isla Mujeres and stay on its reef hotel. It's one of the most secluded properties near Cancun, and its beach has been named one of the most beautiful in the world.
This far from the action, the resort ensures you are well taken care of with multiple restaurants and bars, complimentary bicycles for exploring the island that is covered in Myan ruins, and wine and fruit in your room upon arrival to welcome you to the far reaches.
For the Budget-Conscious: Paradisus Cancun
Another budget-friendly option is this massive resort of five pyramids and three multi-story high-rise accommodations that stretch along its white-sand beach. That means, even if it is sold out, everyone will have space to relax along the Caribbean Sea.
The resort is family-friendly and offers a Family Concierge and professional butler that can assist with anything a family may need to relax, including child-proofing rooms, providing cribs and beach toys.
For All Travelers: Moon Palace Cancun
One of Cancun's largest and most popular resorts is its Moon Palace, which is multiple properties in one.
Select the all-inclusive plan for all the traditional amenities and offerings of other resorts on this list, or go big with the Grand Pass for full access to all Palace properties in the Cancun area. This pass also means more dining options and better accommodations.
For Wellness: Sun Palace
While families enjoy Moon Palace, couples can have the exclusivity of Sun Palace, which shares all of the amenities, entertainment and dining of its larger sister.
Sun Palace is a bit more refined with its own gourmet dining, spa, pools and luxury rooms. If you aren't traveling with children, this is the property for you to soak up some serious relaxation.
For Families: Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla
There's also a Paradisus property in Riviera Maya at its Playa del Carmen location. Also extremely large, this resort features 22 — yes, 22! — different restaurants and bars.
All about family fun, the resort features a water park with giant dumping buckets, multiple water slides and three pools. If that's not enough to entertain, the Kids Zone, reserved just for children, offers a game room, sports, workshops and activities. No child will complain of boredom here!
For Adults: Royal Hideaway Playacar
Barcelo manages all-inclusive properties across Mexico, but the Royal Hideaway can be found in Playacar. The expansive adults-only resort gives you a place to sit back and relax on the beach or in one of six restaurants.
When you're ready to go off-resort, Playa del Carmen and its pedestrian shopping and dining streets await.
For Luxury: El Dorado Maroma by Karisma
Over-the-water bungalows in Mexico? Why, yes, Karisma Resorts has brought a bit of the Polynesian feel to the Mexican coastline at El Dorado Maroma.
Not only are these Mexico's first over-the-water bungalows, but they're the only ones in the country! Each bungalow has its own private infinity pool as well as a sundeck with entry into the stunning nearly-translucent ocean, a private hot tub for two and outdoor showers — you'll never want to leave your accommodations.
For All Travelers: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
The grande dame of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers three resorts in one.
For families, select the casual Ambassador Ambiance, or go for seclusion with the Zen Grand Ambiance that keeps you hidden away in the Mayan jungle. For oceanfront romance, the Grand Class Ambiance is adults-only and filled with luxurious touches.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a Five-Diamond property in Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya. Suites with private terraces and plunge pools will be difficult to leave, but you must if you want to sample one of five signature restaurants ... then again, 24-hour in-suite service is included.
For Wellness: Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Offering its own boutique flair is the Five-Diamond Zoetry Paraiso, which aims to provide a holistic and tranquil getaway for its wellness-seeking travelers.
The resort offers "Endless Privileges," its elevated and personalized all-inclusive stay. These privileges include endless gourmet a la carte dining options, a bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit to your room daily, a welcome bottle of tequila, 24-hour private in-suite dining, thrice daily housekeeping and complimentary 24-hour laundry service.
Enrichment experiences include daily afternoon tea with live plant infusions, a traditional Temazcal steam room ceremony and 20-minute Thalasso Seawater Experience, and a one-hour catamaran sail with bubbly.
For Travelers to Cozumel: Hotel Cozumel & Resort
The island of Cozumel is most often visited by cruise ship passengers on a stop at its port, but those who choose to stay here typically do so for the great diving. This property even has a dive center on-site and offers dive packages.
A mile from Cozumel's square, the resort will help you explore the island and town but provides its own share of things to do, including kayaking and snorkeling.
For Families: Now Amber Puerto Vallarta
Traveling to Mexico's West Coast, you'll find Now Amber Puerto Vallarta. Now Resorts are part of the same family of resorts as Secrets, AMResorts. This means that wonderful Unlimited Luxury program can be found at this Four-Diamond property near Puerto Vallarta. Just a five-minute walk from the El Malecon boardwalk, you'll enjoy the charming and colorful streets of the city on Banderas Bay along with your bayfront suites and golden-sand beaches.
On property, live theater, dance and other live entertainment spice up the night with family-friendly offerings. Kids and adults alike shouldn't miss out on the resort's Turtle Release Program (based on seasonality) to watch baby sea turtles make their run to the ocean after hatching, a part of the hotel's conservation efforts.
For Adults: Casa Velas
But if it's time away from kids that you seek, splurge a little on this Puerto Vallarta property that considers itself your secret oasis. Casa Velas is immersed in shady palm trees that make you feel like you're on a deserted island. Come out from the shade to an expansive private beach, and soak up the sun without any other resorts in sight.
Casa Velas is a boutique all-inclusive property and feels small and more personal. Plus, as an adults-only, garden-style resort, it's quiet and peaceful for travelers who want their space to be left alone with their thoughts and a great book.
For Luxury: Barcelo Puerto Vallarta
Five-Star service and accommodations can also be found between the mountains of Puerto Vallarta at the Barcelo. Its massive beach will seem like its there just for you. You'll just have to pick if you want mountain or ocean views from your room balcony.
The resort is home to four a la carte restaurants and its grand buffet, and if you select a Premium Level package you'll get all the luxe perks, services and upgrades.
For the Budget-Conscious: Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta
While the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta offers much of the same features as its neighboring all-inclusive rivals, it offers big value and better pricing in its Puerto Vallarta high-rise property.
Rooms here are a bit more basic, but who cares when you get to enjoy the same stretch of sand and clear, warm waters of higher-priced resorts? The property includes a Kids' Club in its features, and guests can enjoy a spa as well.
For All Travelers: Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
You know just by the brand name alone that Hard Rock Hotel near Puerto Vallarta is going to be a good time. The resort sits on the area's beautiful beaches with the Sierra Madre Mountains in the backdrop, offering a picturesque setting and outdoor adventures for the guests who want to be more active.
On the property are six different international restaurants, kids' and teens' clubs, daily and nightly entertainment and parties, plenty of watersports and a luxurious spa that will get you feeling like a rockstar.
For Wellness: Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
Environmentally conscious travelers will enjoy a stay at the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, spread about 85 acres of tropical jungle that affronts a beach 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. Coexisting with its surrounding nature, you'll find both villas and hotel-room options within this resort.
The property offers unique environmental opportunities in its all-inclusive plan, including hikes, birdwatching tours and opportunities to plant trees.
For Families: Samba Vallarta
In Nuevo Vallarta, the more upscale and intimate destination north of Puerto Vallarta, Samba Vallarta is a family-friendly destination hotel providing fun in the sun with ocean sports like kayaking, paddle boarding and boogie boarding just steps away from rooms and suites. (And they're all included, of course.)
Kids ages 6 to 12 will find playmates and activities in the resort's all-day Kid's Club, giving mom and dad a chance to enjoy the spa or a date night at one of five property dining options.
And off the resort, activities (at an additional fee) include sea lion meet-and-greets at the Aquaventure Water Park, zip-lining at El Eden Ecotourism Park and whale watching that the entire family will enjoy doing together.
For Adults: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
The Four Seasons is renowned around the world for offering the best of the best hotels and resorts, and its Riviera Nayarit location doesn't fail to disappoint. Just this time, everything is included.
The Punta Mita resort on the Bay of Banderas features five decadent restaurants, two oceanside golf courses that include an island green (the Tail of the Whale), a water oasis featuring a lazy river floating through palm fronds and 10 tennis courts, along with beach and pool offerings.
Oh yes, and the resort is pet-friendly, should you not be able to bear leaving yours behind. Kids are also allowed to stay here, but, like most Four Seasons properties, the activities are much less geared towards them.
For Luxury: Marival Residences Luxury Resort
One of the Riviera Nayarit's most exclusive all-inclusives is the residential-style Marival. Within its own residential neighborhood with golf courses, tennis courts and dining, the resort features one- to four-bedroom villas and penthouses with private pools, gourmet kitchens and lavishly decorated living space.
Its Mozzamare beachfront cabins feature lounge chairs, armchairs and gourmet service. Additional cabins operate as part of Melange World Spa, where a massage can have ocean views. This won't be cheap, but those who stay here like it that way.
For the Budget Conscious: Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa
More healing and revitalization rituals can be found at Villa La Estancia, where Mayan rituals are part of the resort's Village Spa. But here they welcome children, and up to two kids can even stay free with mom and dad.
Request the all-inclusive package to receive a la carte meals with your stay, although this property is really more a vacation rental-type resort. The condos are available as studios, one-bedroom suites or family suites, and the only amenities included are the pool and beach. But the prices reflect that, and you can save big.
For All Travelers: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
The Riviera Maya isn't the only vacation destination blessed with a Grand Velas. You'll find another example of the upscale ambience in the Riviera Nayarit as well. Overlooking Banderas Bay, this Five-Diamond resort is the only one in the area to receive such honors for 14 consecutive years.
To really get away from it all, select the property's Digital Detox program, and the staff will remove the TV from your room and replace it with board games and then lock up your phones, tablets and computers in a safe until checkout — you won't even miss them with all the included things to do at Grand Velas.
For Wellness: St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Punta Mita is not just home to the Four Seasons, but 22 acres are devoted to the high-end St. Regis Resort. Here, the property takes a page from the nearby local artisan communities and fills its space with artwork and handcrafted furnishings to provide a Provencial property on the Pacific Ocean beaches.
Butler service will take care of your every need at any hour of the day, six gourmet dining options will spoil you with international delicacies, and a destination spa offers outdoor treatment bungalows where you are surrounded by palm trees and private pools.
For Travelers to Zihuatanejo: Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
If you seek an off-the-beaten-track destination, try a visit to Zihuatanejo, located south of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's West Coast. Perhaps most famous as the beach Andy Dufraine awaits his friend Red at the end of "The Shawshank Redemption," the quiet Pacific Coast town boasts the same beautiful white-sand beaches as the more popular destinations on this list.
Here, Holiday Inn provides a resort that is all-inclusive, complete with kids' activities, live entertainment and bike tours for guests — all at budget prices.
For Travelers to Acapulco: Park Royal Acapulco
Even farther south, Acapulco may not be as trendy as it was during the mid-20th century, but that doesn't mean it's missing the pretty ocean views and beaches. This is a city all about nightlife, but during the day, sit poolside at the Park Royal Beach, which is nestled into Acapulco's famous cliffs.
Its all-inclusive plan provides numerous meal and drink options and gives you access to the hidden Playa del Secreto beach, water sports, kids' programming and the resort's own evening fun like karaoke and disco.
For Families: Solmar Resort
Tucked away on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Solmar is a secluded beachfront getaway for the discerning traveler, including those with children.
Located within walking distance to Cabo San Lucas, the resort features an All-Inclusive Plan to build your vacation to be exactly as you need. More than 100 condo-style suites outfitted in traditional Baja furnishings come with kitchens and Jacuzzis, so you'll feel as if you rented your own beach bungalow for your stay.
For Adults: Marquis Los Cabos All-Inclusive Resort
The stylish Marquis resort found where the desert meets the sea on the Baja Peninsula welcomes adults to relax and rekindle with multiple suites and casitas that have private plunge pools and jetted tubs.
But it's the casitas that make this Five-Star property unique. These mini-homes provide separate living and dining areas, a kitchenette and garden or rooftop terrace to enjoy all to yourselves.
For Luxury: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
Touting itself as the world's most romantic resort, those traveling to Cabo without little ones in tow may want to seek out the adults-only oceanfront hideaway that is Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. Although it has more than 200 rooms, the property feels like an intimate boutique — just one with a nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
Select the All-Inclusive Luxury Package, and your trip will include world-class dining as well as around-the-clock in-room dining for more intimate moments. Plus, you're within steps of downtown Cabo San Lucas.
For the Budget Conscious: Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa
For families and the budget-conscious wanting to visit Los Cabos, Casa Dorada checks all the boxes. Providing Five-Star accommodations and service overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the property adores children (and pets!).
Suites are outfitted with kitchenettes and living areas to give families more room to spread out. In addition to the beach and swimming pool, the property's Casa Kidz provides kids and their parents even more fun.
For All Travelers: Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa
Another expansive property that seems to go on forever can be found on the cliffs of Land's End in Los Cabos. This all-inclusive wants you to enjoy what's outside its gate and features a Dine Out Privileges Plan for travelers to explore the restaurants in the Marina Golden Zone.
But the resort also has eight restaurants of its own, along with biking trails, multiple swimming pools, a waterpark, activity center and its own mini-market — you really don't need to leave if you don't want to!
For Wellness: Le Blanc Spa Resort
For a wellness retreat complete with healthy foods, relaxing spa treatments and fitness programs found along the beach, try Le Blanc Spa Resort, with locations in both Cancun and Los Cabos.
Reserve the Blanc Wellness program, and you'll receive a number of wellness features with your package that will give you better rest, increased vitality and fresher air. The resort's spa features 25 treatment suites, 16 single rooms and nine couple's rooms to provide state-of-the-art transcendence.
For Families: Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
Another family-friendly option in Cabo is Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa. The ocean before you, mountains surrounding you and the charm of downtown Cabo just outside the resort's gate make this property a true gem.
Suites are decorated in warm colors and provide kitchenettes, balconies and ample room to spread out when traveling with kids.