This article looks at the 25 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. If you wish to skip our analysis of vacation season 2024 and all-inclusive vacations, please proceed to the 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun.
Vacation Season 2024
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, international tourism has rejuvenated with impressive volumes. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry is expected to reach a record $11.9 trillion in market size by the end of 2024, eclipsing pre-pandemic figures of $10 trillion in 2019. Moreover, tourism is expected to snowball into a $16 trillion industry in 10 years, comprising more than 11.4% of the global GDP.
On the consumer side, it seems as though the traumatizing gloominess of COVID lock-downs has spurred people into making the most out of their free time. IPX1031 found that 90% of Americans plan to travel at some point in 2024 and 50% plan to travel more than they have in previous years. Furthermore, according to the 2024 Global Travel Trends Report by American Express Company (NYSE: AXP), 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year.
Based on these figures, the summer 2024 season promises to be one of the busiest vacation periods in history. One segment that thrives during this time of the year is that of beach vacations. According to Coherent Market Insights, the beach tourism market is currently valued at $237.62 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% until 2031, at which point it will reach a size of $341 billion.
As the days stretch longer, the soothing rays of the sun beckon tourists to flock toward popular destinations such as the shores of Mother Earth’s most beautiful beaches. However, in recent years, many tourists have found the most popular tourist hot-spots in the world to be off-putting. Our article on beautiful places in the world reveals how one reason for this is overtourism. In addition, many individuals look to veer off towards off-beaten tracks and less popular destinations due to their ability to provide comprehensive and affordable travel experiences.
One of the reasons that popular destinations fail to provide a comprehensive travel experience is budgets. The steep cost of even the most basic excursions compels tourists to exclude some of these activities from their vacations or risk overspending on their vacations. Data from Mint, a budgeting app, in 2019 showed that while 2.2 million of their users in 2018 created a travel budget to save for their vacation, 44% of them still spent over their travel budget.
All-Inclusive Vacations
To ensure tourists can continue to visit popular tourist destinations without being concerned about blowing their budgets, many travel providers and hotels are offering all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages enable tourists to budget a comprehensive itinerary in advance, thus mitigating the risks of overpaying. In 2021, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) bought out the Apple Leisure Group which enabled it to become the global leader in the luxury all-inclusive hotel market.
“Hyatt and ALG have highly complementary brand portfolios and share a deep commitment to colleague and guest experiences focused on care. Having first entered the fast-growing luxury all-inclusive space in 2013, we are ideally positioned to capture the significant and rising demand for leisure travel and extend the world-class hospitality we provide to a wide range of new travelers.”
-Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H)
Similarly, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) has also been steadily increasing its footprint in the all-inclusive hotel market. In October, the company debuted its 90th resort in Mexico, the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.
“The resort is an important addition to our rapidly expanding footprint in the Mexican resorts and all-inclusive market and demonstrates Hilton’s ability to deliver an unparalleled experience and superior stay to guests from around the globe.”
– Jorge Giannattasio, Senior VP & Head of Operations, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT)
Therefore, whilst you plan for your next vacation, it may be worthwhile to look out for all-inclusive packages so that you can complement a morning of scuba diving with an evening of spa treatments. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) and Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE) are two companies that provide incredibly lucrative deals for some of the world’s most popular beach destinations.
Vacationing in Cancun
The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is one of the world’s most popular beach vacation destinations. Earlier this year, the Governor’s Office for Quintana Roo announced that 2023 was a record-breaking year for tourism with nearly 21 million tourists. This figure is inclusive of more than 6.1 million cruise ship passengers. The undisputed jewel of Mexican vacation destinations is the island of Cancun, famous for being home to the most spectacular resorts in the world.
According to the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, Cancun International Airport received 10.42 million of Mexico’s 21.8 million international tourists in 2024, which equates to a 47.7% share. If you’re wondering if Cancun is good for all-inclusive vacations, then you’ll be pleased to know that it is, and there are dozens of all-inclusive resorts on the island, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly hotels. Moreover, the Hotel Zone area of Cancun is considered the best to stay in for a palatial beach vacation and features some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Thus, if you’re looking to spend your summer enjoying one of the most comprehensive beach vacation experiences in the world, join us as we look at the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
Alternatively, if beach stays aren’t your thing, we have plenty of articles to provide you with a glimpse into the best adventure travel destinations, most affordable European vacations, and even underrated Asian cities.
Methodology
To develop our list of best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, we initially picked out the most recommended best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun (including the Hotel Zone and Playa Mujeres) on the internet. We used 10+ sources including Travel and Leisure, Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), and The Points Guy to develop a shortlist. Further research was narrowed down to these places only. This approach also allowed us to obtain an initial score for each park based on the number of times it was recommended across different sources. Once this list was obtained, we used ratings from Trip Advisor and Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), along with our previous scores, as metrics for our rankings. The cumulative score for each place was summed, based on which we sorted our list in descending order. The top 25 places were chosen as the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
Here are 25 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
25. Hotel NYX
Insider Monkey Score: 5.92
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (11,550 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.6 (1,002 reviews)
Hotel NYX is located in the Hotel Zone area and provides access to a sandy white beach and panoramic ocean views. There are six different restaurants and plenty of theme parties throughout the year to revel in.
24. Royalton CHIC
Insider Monkey Score: 6.16
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (6,704 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.4 (1,497 reviews)
Royalton CHIC’s exclusive beach and its rooftop lounge are some of the best places to bathe in the Cancun sun. There are weekly themed parties on the beach, as well as endless poolside performances and activities, making it one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
23. Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres
Insider Monkey Score: 6.32
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (137 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.2 (52 reviews)
Just 12 miles north of Cancun, this resort opened its doors in February of 2024 and has been an instant hit among shoulder season vacationers. The resort features 4 pools, 9 restaurants, 8 bars, an outdoor fire pit, a spa, and a music lounge.
22. TRS Coral Hotel
Insider Monkey Score: 6.42
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (11,393 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.8 (1,052 reviews)
Vacationers with the “Infinite Indulgence” package aren’t just getting an all-inclusive vacation at TRS Coral, but also to 2 other resorts owned by Wyndham Hotels. In terms of diversity in activities and excursions, it is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
21. Paradisus Cancun
Insider Monkey Score: 6.59
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (19,681 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.2 (2,568 reviews)
It is one of the best family-friendly resorts, offering views of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon, as well as a myriad of activities and amenities.
20. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe
Insider Monkey Score: 6.7
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (1,776 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.8 (1,042 reviews)
Each room in this resort offers a private balcony with a hammock that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. There are plenty of activities for both adults and children, and 12 different restaurants and bars to satisfy your appetite.
19. Moon Palace
Insider Monkey Score: 7.58
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (38,990 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8 (2,361 reviews)
The Moon Palace is a staggering multi-resort complex spanning 123 acres. The resort features over 15 pools, a water park, and an ice-skating rink. Due to its diverse excursions, it is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
18. Fiesta Americana Condesa
Insider Monkey Score: 7.72
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (16,075 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.8 (3,144 reviews)
This all-inclusive resort offers a family-friendly vibe and ocean-view rooms. Golf, water-sports, and swimming are some of the most popular excursions, and there is a range of wellness activities to help you rejuvenate.
17. Hilton Cancun
Insider Monkey Score: 7.78
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (3,558 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.6 (2,458 reviews)
Located in a somewhat secluded portion of the island in comparison to other best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Hilton Cancun by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) offers multiple restaurants, pools, Caribbean views, themed parties, and beach volleyball.
16. Wyndham Alltra
Insider Monkey Score: 7.91
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (15,766 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.8 (5,401 reviews)
This resort is owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: WH). Guests can choose from ocean, garden, and jungle view rooms, many of which come with balconies and hammocks. There are 3 incredible pools, one of which features a swim-up bar.
15. The Royal Sands
Insider Monkey Score: 8.56
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (10,200 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.8 (2,173 reviews)
The Royal Sands is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for a family vacation. The resort features both adult-only and family pools, a myriad of activities such as tennis & aqua aerobics, and wellness amenities which include a spa & beauty salon.
14. Finest Playa Mujeres
Insider Monkey Score: 8.59
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (13,063 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9 (1,002 reviews)
Apart from being a family-friendly resort, Finest Playa Mujeres offers numerous water-based excursions including water polo, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and scuba diving.
13. Riu Palace Las Americas
Insider Monkey Score: 8.77
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (4,506 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9 (3,706 reviews)
This adult-only hotel offers multiple pools, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. There is a nightclub within the hotel to immerse yourself in Cancun’s thrilling nightlife, and some of the all-inclusive packages feature trips to the island’s popular attractions.
12. Sun Palace
Insider Monkey Score: 9.09
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (9,293 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9.2 (1,000 reviews)
Perhaps the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun for couples, the romantic oasis of the Sun Palace features heated infinity pools, hydrotherapy facilities, and free access to some of Sun Palace’s partner hotels.
11. Secrets the Vine
Insider Monkey Score: 9.72
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (17,449 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 8.6 (1,507 reviews)
Perhaps the most luxurious resort in Cancun, Secrets the Vine offers terraced rooms with ocean views. For wellness travelers, the spa features a sauna, steam room, several massage suites, and seaweed wraps.
10. Garza Blanca Resort and Spa
Insider Monkey Score: 9.8
Trip Advisor Rating: 5 (3,567 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9 (588 reviews)
If you’re wondering where do celebrities stay in Cancun, the likely answer is Garza Blanca Resort and Spa. The resort features heated pools and swim-up suites, along with one of the largest spas in Cancun. For adults, the rooftop area features an adult-only infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
9. Haven Riviera
Insider Monkey Score: 10.39
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (6,178 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9.2 (3,259 reviews)
Haven Riviera is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun if you’re interested in enrichment. Apart from water-based excursions, there are plenty of sports and activities like macrame workshops, cooking classes, or mixology classes to enjoy.
8. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Insider Monkey Score: 10.57
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (9,222 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9.2 (2,897 reviews)
Located at the peninsular tip of the Hotel Zone, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is a family and pet-friendly resort featuring expansive swimming pools, a kids club, an outdoor water park, and much more.
7. Beloved Playa Mujeres
Insider Monkey Score: 10.83
Trip Advisor Rating: 5 (8,690 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9.6 (1,002 reviews)
This couples-only resort is one of the most romantic all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. It features an in-room Jacuzzi, outdoor private plunge pools, and many couple-centric excursions, making it the ideal backdrop for a romantic beach vacation.
6. Hyatt Zilara
Insider Monkey Score: 11.44
Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5 (13,608 reviews)
Expedia Rating: 9.4 (1,827 reviews)
Apart from more conventional attractions such as an infinity pool and hot tubs, Hyatt Zilara by Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) features an Olympic-sized lap pool. The resort also throws electrifying parties overlooking the dazzling vistas of the Caribbean Sea.
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Disclosure: None. 25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun is originally published on Insider Monkey.
