How to decide among all the best 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun?
Everyone dreams of relaxing on a white sandy beach, facing a turquoise sea, with a good and colorful cocktail in hand.
But how do you know which resort will serve you delicious meals (we all know it’s not often the case) or how to avoid being surrounded by noisy young partygoers?
So many options. It’s overwhelming quickly.
Fortunately, I’m here to save you hours of online research and help you make the right choice for your vacation in Cancun.
It is a destination I know well (I lived 2 months in the Riviera Maya), and I regularly analyze the best all-inclusive resort offers on the internet (reviews, recommendations from friends, articles)
My top 5 all-inclusive resorts are:
- Pleasant rooms: Atelier Playa Mujeres
- Romantic getaway: Beloved Playa Mujeres
- Ideal Family break: Hyatt Ziva
- Luxurious getaway: Le Blanc Spa
- Fun vacation: Excellence Playa Mujeres
Read on to learn the Pros and Cons of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
👉 Don’t hesitate to read our Cancun guide to plan your vacation and not make any more mistakes. You will find all our articles about this destination.
Dream makers 😎
In 2 months, I’ve spent more than 10,000 USD to test the best activities in the Riviera Maya. Stay with me to quickly decide which experiences you should do and learn how to make the most of your trip.
Map: Best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
Mini-Reviews: 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
In this section, you will discover our analysis of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. I highlight the following characteristics: Cost, room, activity, service, food, drink, atmosphere, buildings, and location.
1# 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun with the best rooms: Atelier Playa Mujeres
- The whole resort is very beautiful
- Luxury experience & Many activities
- Excellent service but lack of staff
Atelier Playa Mujeres is an all-inclusive 5+ Star Resort perfect for adults and guests over 16 years who are looking for a relaxing or entertaining stay in a luxury environment.
The design and the decoration of all the daily and nightly areas contribute to feeling a cocooning and refined atmosphere.
The hotel’s location and various services make it easy to organize your days and evenings as you like or ask the staff for their advice if you need it.
💰 Rooms & Cost & Options
This all-inclusive resort offers a selection of 431 luxurious suites. All are spacious and elegantly designed. The furniture is avant-garde, the bathrooms are beautiful, and the bedding is fantastic.
Choose among the “Junior” and “INSPIRA Junior Suites” (private balcony or terrace, sea or garden view). For VIPs, the “INSPIRA Suites” include prestigious amenities such as a SPA, rooftop, luxury gifts, access to the 5th-floor infinity pool with ocean views, a private relaxation area, free dinner, and a hydrotherapy session. Spectacular views can be enjoyed from all exposures.
Junior suites are wheelchair accessible.
First Rate is around $500 for 2 people in the low season.
🎲 Activities & services
If you need to relax, let yourself be seduced by a hydrotherapy and massage session at the Nuup Spa in a private cabin (extra cost). For the more active, there is a very well-equipped gym. Aerobics, yoga, and cooking lessons are proposed as well as free activities with a friendly team (Zumba, stretching, bike rides). If you are a golf lover, enjoy the great green; the hotel will arrange the reservation, equipment rental, and transport to the clubhouse.
After an excursion to Isla Mujeres (extra cost), swim or have a drink in the huge heated swimming pool.
Note that the resort can take care of the organization of your wedding.
The staff is excellent but slow sometimes (lack of people), and reservations for activities can be complicated.
🌮 Eating And Drinking
The all-inclusive resort has eight delicious restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine. Meat addicts will appreciate the fantastic Steakhouse (open only in the evening), while fans of Asian cuisine will enjoy the Japanese restaurant. Note that the buffet is not continuous.
No need to think too far ahead about what you want to eat as you do not need to make a reservation at most restaurants, except for the gourmet restaurant MARÍA DOLORES BY EDGAR NUÑEZ ( extra cost). However, expect to wait for a table to become available.
Enjoy a fabulous cocktail prepared by professionals in one of the resort’s 7 bars, or try a tequila tasting. As there is no menu in Bar De La Calle and El Cielo, let the bartenders’ super tips guide you. Note that The beauty of Atelier stands out as his mixologists are really good.
🛏️ Atmosphere And Buildings
You will be amazed by the architecture inspired by the Mexican contemporary art of this hotel, where everything exudes luxury. In all the spaces, the use of noble materials such as wood and marble provides its elegant design. Note the hotel’s own signature scent you found in all areas, including the rooms.
All the modern amenities of the hotel are designed to encourage relaxation. Those seeking peace and quiet can relax in their suite and enjoy the surrounding nature. In the evening, those who want to be entertained can enjoy nightly shows in the theatre or dance in the nightclub (open from 11.00 pm).
📍 Location
The all-inclusive resort Atelier Playa Mujeres is located in Punta Sam within the exclusive Playa Mujeres condo complex. The hotel is surrounded by a lovely golf course and the Caribbean sea in a lush tropical vegetation setting. It is close to shopping centers and places of interest, and Cancun international airport is 45 minutes away.
Its white sand beach is protected from seaweed, and the sea is calm. According to the time of the day, you can enjoy sun chairs or even cabins (first-come, first-served).
2# 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for Couple: Beloved Playa Mujeres
- The facilities and staff are incredible
- Some rooms have jacuzzi & private pool
- Right by the beach
Beloved Playa Mujeres is a 5-star all-inclusive resort ideal for couples on honeymoon or wishing to celebrate their wedding anniversary in a romantic atmosphere.
This complex, with its minimalist architectural lines and decoration, gives off an impression of softness and serenity. This feeling is reinforced by helpful and caring staff. The designers have found a perfect balance between the size of the hotel complex and the guests’ well-being.
💰 Rooms & Cost & Options
Beloved Playa Mujeres is a modestly sized hotel with 107 rooms divided into 9 categories according to the options proposed (Jacuzzi, private pool, plunge pool, private terrace). The rooms are all spacious and very bright, and the furniture style is pure.
The rooms are organized in separate buildings with very few floors spread throughout the domain. If you prefer to be close to the beach, you can request an accommodation in the Consentida building when you make your reservation.
Please note that there is no Premium offer so all guests can access the same amenities. In this context and considering its affordable price, the Junior Suite represents a good option. Choose the vast Owner’s Suite for those who want to indulge in more luxury.
The first rate is about $470 (2 people) in the low season.
🎲 Activities & services
Enjoy the hotel’s white sand beach with direct access, or cool off in one of the 3 pools heated only by the sun without having to fight for a spot. If you want to have fun, learn to cook Mexican food in a friendly atmosphere or take a yoga class.
The more sporty guests can enjoy water activities such as kayaking, paddling (extra cost for motorized sports), or riding a bike. Note the gym is small, but coaches are present. Enjoy a session at the SPA (extra cost); it’s worth it. Book before you travel to get a discount. Back from your escapade for two on Isla Mujeres, warm up in one of the 4 outdoor jacuzzis before getting ready for a romantic evening with guitar solos or a folkloric dance show.
The staff, numerous enough, are amiable, efficient, and attentive. They’ll welcome you with a nice ritual, and sweets will wait for you on your pillow at bedtime.
🌮 Eating And Drinking
Beloved Playa Mujeres has 4 restaurants, none of which requires reservations. The food is high quality, even if not very refined, but the desserts are not really good. El Mar is the best for lunch and has the advantage of being on the beach; you’ll also delight in the Steakhouse. Although the atmosphere is relaxed, you will be asked to respect a dress code in all restaurants. If you feel lazy about dressing up, have lunch by the water, thanks to the excellent beach service.
In the 7 bars and lounges of the all-inclusive resort, you can savor a wide range of drinks, from cocktails in the pool bars to digestives in the lobby bar. Feel free to ask the bartenders for your favorite cocktail, as they will be happy to prepare it at your instruction, even if they don’t know it. Beer lovers will be slightly disappointed, as the choice is limited.
🛏️ Atmosphere And Buildings
The hotel is designed as several modular buildings set in beautiful vegetation, close to the amenities and the beach.
As the resort is small, you and your sweetheart will surely be charmed by the intimate atmosphere without feeling crowded. The pure architecture of the buildings and the white color of all the exteriors and interiors create a Zen-like ambiance. This desire to preserve the calm of your stay for two can be felt even in the silent dance parties organized on the beach in the evening.
📍 Location
The all-inclusive resort Beloved Playa Mujeres is located in Punta Sam, facing Isla Mujeres on a white sand beach bathed by a calm Caribbean sea and protected from seaweed, where you can easily relax thanks to the numerous sunchairs.
You will need 45 minutes to reach the hotel from Cancun International Airport. Foresee 25 minutes to drive to the city center and only 8 minutes to go and visit the Mayan ruins of El Meco archaeological site.
3# 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for Family: Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- The perfect location
- Modern installations
- They keep dolphins captive
The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is an all-inclusive resort suitable for those looking for a fun family stay in a postcard by the Caribbean Sea.
There is no need to overthink what you want to do; many activities, all intended to keep you in a good mood, will keep you busy all day. A stay at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun implies being receptive to group activities and not being afraid to meet many other guests. If you want an easy, no-fuss holiday, this is for you!
💰 Rooms & Cost & Options
This colossal resort offers 547 rooms in various categories depending on your options (surface, balcony, ocean view, private mini pool). All rooms can accommodate up to 5 people. They are bright, tastefully decorated, modern, and functional. Whatever you choose, you will be delighted by the view.
The rooms are spread over 3 buildings, the “Turquoize” being reserved for adults, with limited access to the Infinity pool and a restaurant. If you opt to join the Club, in addition to an ocean view, you will enjoy benefits such as concierge services, premium liquor, and private check-in.
The first rate is about $600 (2 people) in the low season.
🎲 Activities & services
This all-inclusive resort is great if you want a fun stay with family or friends.
It has 3 pools, the Infinity pool being reserved for Turquoize guests. Don’t worry if you are not; there is a smaller but quiet pool with plenty of sun chairs.
Children 3 to 12 yrs old can enjoy various activities at the Kids’ club or have fun at the mini water park or in the indoor playroom. You can also take them to the Dolphin pool to observe 4 specimens. The 13-17 yrs old will not be forgotten as they can join the Moods club to meet other teenagers and play video games. You can entrust your young kids to a babysitting service (extra cost).
Enjoy the two white sand beaches that border the resort, the fun activities around the pool, or even more water sports like kayaking or paddle boarding on the fantastic waters of the Caribbean Sea. The 24/7 gym offers excellent facilities and many classes. Don’t hesitate to have a session at the SPA (extra cost); it is super, and the cures are remarkable. At the end of the day, take a walk along the seaside before enjoying a show.
The service is not always flawless, and the staff is not always available. It is obviously challenging to ensure perfect service in such a huge resort.
🌮 Eating And Drinking
The Hyatt Ziva has 8 restaurants, including an extensive buffet and a cafe. The hotel offers sophisticated cuisine, correct without being exceptional. Only the Moon Gate requires a reservation. Please note that some restaurants are not open in the evening (ask for information), and the French restaurant is for adults only. The greediest will appreciate the dessert lounge. In fact, you can easily find something to eat at any time.
The 8 lounge bars and the poolside propose correct cocktails and an impressive selection of alcohol. The bartenders are friendly.
🛏️ Atmosphere And Buildings
This all-inclusive resort is built on an incomparable site at the tip of Punta Cancun, surrounded on two sides by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. All the perspectives will surely seduce you.
The vast resort, made up of 3 large white buildings on a sparsely wooded domain, seems to be set on an immaculate beach. The only touch of color is the blue of the pools, including the vast Infinity Pool. The construction is modern, without being sophisticated. You will have to learn not to get lost. The interiors are spacious, functional, and designed to accommodate many guests. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively.
📍 Location
The Hyatt Ziva Cancun resort is located at the edge of Cancun’s hotel zone, giving it an exceptional location that other resorts cannot compete with. Its two white sand beaches make it ideal for souvenir photos. One of them is suitable for children, but remember to check the color of the flag before.
The are not many sights to visit in the surroundings apart from a shopping center about ten mins away by car, but everything is designed to entertain you on site. Foresee approximately 45 mins to come from Cancun International Airport.
4# 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for Adults only: Le Blanc Spa
Le Blanc Spa is an adults-only all-inclusive resort perfect for people who wish to enjoy a relaxing and resourcing stay in a sophisticated, soothing, and discreet atmosphere.
The design, the fragrances, the cuisine, the choice of activities, the attention of the staff, everything seems to have been conceived to offer precious moments and to focus on the well-being of the guests, including taking great care of their taste buds.
💰 Rooms & Cost & Options
This all-inclusive resort, for adults only, has 260 suites which are classified according to whether they have a view of the ocean, the lagoon, or the complex’s interior, one king-size bed or two beds. Some of them have a private balcony. Whatever the type, they are spacious, comfortable, and very bright. The furniture is elegant and contemporary, with white as the dominant color and a few touches of soft tones. The bathroom is beautiful, equipped with a fantastic two-way shower and a bathtub. You will be invited to choose your own pillows, soaps, and bath items made from essential oils on arrival. The Royale Deluxe Walk-out Suite on the ground floor has direct access to the waterfront. Honeymooners can enjoy a stay in the Royal Honeymoon Suite with an ocean view.
The first rate is about $650 (2 people) in the low season.
🎲 Activities & services
Le Blanc Spa does not intend to entertain you at all costs and favors refined experiences or a moment of relaxation of exceptional value, such as a romantic dinner at sunset in front of the Lagoon or a luxury trip on a catamaran.
Back to the resort, enjoy the incredible spa services. If yoga is your passion, try a paddleboard yoga session. Fitness enthusiasts can work out in the gym, learn from a coach or practice aquatic spinning. The resort has direct beach access on the wonderful white sand beach; take a nap in the shadow of a palm tree in a hammock, on a sun lounger, or in a private cabana (extra cost).
The hotel has 4 pools to select according to your desire for sun or shadow and the time of day. The Luna swimming pool is the largest, the Lagoon pool the quietest, and a welcome breeze often sweeps the Sol pool from the ocean. End your day with a private dinner and a tequila tasting before enjoying live music.
The service is of high quality, and the staff is professional, friendly, and attentive. You will be kindly received with a small welcome ritual, and a delicacy will be offered at the end of your stay. Being able to rely on an efficient butler will contribute to the tranquillity of your visit.
🌮 Eating And Drinking
If you are a gourmet, you will not be disappointed by the cuisine at Le Blanc Spa. The cuisine is of the finest quality, cooked under the supervision of a chef. The meals are refined and tasty.
Choose your dining options with the resort’s 6 a la carte restaurants; all are excellent, with a special mention for Yama, a Japanese, and Le Blanc for its French cuisine of high quality (14-course degustation menu at extra cost). Italian food is served at Bella, and healthy food fans can enjoy the Pure. If you feel a little hungry during the day, go to K’akau for a coffee and a crêpe. In the evening, dress appropriately and think about asking for the help of your butler, as the restaurants require reservations.
The Blanc Spa offers a wide selection of wines and high-quality spirits (especially rums and tequilas). The cocktails served at the bars are not exceptional; the ones at the Yama and the Blanc are better. You can refresh yourself by having a drink at the 2 swim-up bars.
🛏️ Atmosphere And Buildings
Renovated in 2020, the all-inclusive resort is a large, white, geometric, elegant, multi-floor building. It stands on a white sand beach, with sparse vegetation except for a few palm trees. Great care has been taken to ensure that all the views are beautiful wherever you are on the domain.
The interiors are spacious, and white is the dominant color. The decoration is elegant, and the furniture is contemporary. The lighting is carefully balanced to create a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere felt in the cuisine’s delicate flavors and aromas that perfume the place.
📍 Location
The Blanc Spa all-inclusive Resort is located in the middle of Cancun’s hotel zone on a splendid white sand beach bathed by the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The sea can be rough at times.
It will take 30 minutes to drive from Cancun International Airport, and a hotel shuttle service is offered after 4 night’s stay. The hotel is close to shopping centers. If you want to visit Cancun, foresee approximately 25 minutes away by car.
5# 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for having fun: Excellence Playa Mujeres
- Entertainment options
- Beautiful views & incredible service
- Some restaurants could be better
This adults-only all-inclusive resort is excellent for you if you are looking for an entertaining stay in a sophisticated atmosphere, at a very affordable cost, and in a “human size” and no crowded environment.
Whether you are hyperactive or a quiet person, you will surely find opportunities to relax and distract yourself all day long at Excellence Playa Mujeres.
💰 Rooms & Cost & Options
This all-inclusive resort has 450 rooms from different options (ocean view, private terrace, rooftop, private pool). The suites are all comfortable, bright, and of modern design. Most offer a beautiful ocean view, and the balconies are large. You can enjoy your own private spa in your marble bathroom and a two-head shower.
As a member of the Excellence club, you will be accommodated in a VIP area with exclusive access to 3 swimming pools, a restaurant, a private beach area, a hydrotherapy spa session, and other benefits that will make your stay more relaxing (concierge services). Buildings 8 and 9, close to the beach, are the quietest. The wifi is not great, but a business center is available.
The first rate is about $500 (2 people) in the low season.
🎲 Activities & services
At the all-inclusive Excellence Playa Mujeres resort, everything is thought to entertain you all day until late at night.
You can choose from a wide range of sports activities such as volleyball, kayaking, archery, and paddle boarding, and if you want, you can try jetski, deep sea fishing, or even scuba diving (extra cost). A large, well-equipped gym and yoga or fitness classes will maintain your health with the advice of coaches. The more curious will appreciate dance, Spanish, and cooking classes. There are swimming pools all around (7 of which 3 are VIP) and for all desires (swimming, relaxing, entertaining), note that the seats around the pools are very appreciated. The hotel also has 4 hot water jacuzzis and direct access to a not very big white sand beach. After a good day’s fun, you can end your evening by enjoying a night show or a live music concert.
As an extra cost, test the fantastic services of the Miilé Spa. Make reservations in advance to benefit from discounts. Romantic lovers can also enjoy a special offer to celebrate their wedding.
The Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort provides a super service. A welcome ritual is offered upon arrival. The staff is qualified, friendly, always available, and willing to fulfill your wishes.
🌮 Eating And Drinking
The hotel has 14 restaurants to suit all tastes at all times. They serve quality cosmopolitan cuisine, and you can enjoy modern Mexican dishes. Some of them require a reservation, and you might wait. Most have a dress code. 4 restaurants stand out, Basmati serving delicious Indian food, Chez Isabelle with a French touch, Barcelona offering Mediterranean cuisine, and Magna, exclusive to Excellence Club members. You can satisfy your hunger at the Aroma with a delicious pastry and drink a selected coffee. Fish eaters will love the Lobster House.
The complex has 7 bars and lounges offering great cocktails and a wide choice of soft drinks, premium spirits, wines, and beers. The Revive also serves healthy fresh-squeezed juices, while cigar aficionados will have a pleasant time at the Havana Cigar Bar lounge. During the day, you will enjoy the swim-up bar, and the X lounge welcomes lovers for a moonlit romantic evening on the beach. The main bar is the beautiful Martini; with its golden touch, it’s the hotel’s heart. The Cielo is reserved for members of the Excellence Club. A dress code is required in several of them.
🛏️ Atmosphere And Buildings
The Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort is one of the first resorts built in Playa Mujeres. Its reasonable size ensures that you are close to the beach and the restaurants and bars wherever you stay. It comprises several contemporary architectural buildings with few levels, set in a lovely garden with palm trees and a big pool area.
The interior and exterior spaces are bright and spacious, with light colors and touches of wood. The furniture is modern and tasteful. The atmosphere is lively but in a spirit of elegance and well-being.
📍 Location
This all-inclusive resort is located in the Playa Mujeres region of Cancun, 25 minutes from downtown. A shuttle service will drive you there 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Seaweed can accumulate on its white sand beach. The resort staff cleans the area regularly.
If you want to explore the surroundings, book tours of the Mayan ruins of Tulum, and Chichen Itza, have fun at the Xel-Ha water theme park, or have a sea fishing trip.
Best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun: The booking guide
You’ve decided to go to the sun of Cancun, but you can’t choose among the best 5-star all-inclusive resorts? Don’t worry; here are some good tips to help you.
Not sure where you want to stay in Cancun? I’ve published a massive guide to compare the best neighborhoods with their pros and cons.
Where to stay
→ Playa/Costa Mujeres is an excellent option to stay away from the crowds in a beautiful natural setting. This area is home to several resorts of the same group, an outstanding nine-hole golf course, and a vast private beach. On the other hand, you will be far from the different tourist spots and the famous restaurants and bars of Cancun. You can stay at Atelier Playa Mujeres, Beloved Playa Mujeres or Excellence Playa Mujeres.
→ Cancun Hotel Zone is the famous 7-shaped stretch of land between the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. At the north end, you will find Punta Cancun. It’s a nightlife district with many bars and restaurants. Travelers can stay at Hyatt Ziva. The more you go towards Punta Nizuc (South), the quieter the area will be. You will also be closer to the airport. Le Blanc is located in the middle of the hotel zone.
Beaches
Travelers looking for white sand beaches and calm waters can look for a resort near Playa Mujeres or Punta Cancun. However, the turquoise blue is not as extraordinary as on the postcards.
To do so, you will have to go to the middle or south of the hotel zone. However, the currents and waves are often strong, and you will have to watch the young swimmers — and it is sometimes forbidden to swim there.
Food and Cocktails
→ Best food: Atelier Playa Mujeres, with its 8 restaurants all really good and the Steakhouse just fantastic, and Blanc Spa that focuses on fine cuisine cooked under the chef’s guidance.
→ Best cocktails: Atelier Playa Mujeres has super mixologists who are always willing to satisfy your desires, and Excellence Play Mujeres serves great cocktails in the moonlit sky on the beach or in its superb Martini bar.
What’s your plan in Cancun?
→ Best resorts for going out: Hyatt Ziva is situated in the Punta Cancun area, where most bars and restaurants exist.
→ Best resorts for meeting people: Excellence Playa Mujeres for its lively ambiance and incredible choice of activities.
→ Best resort for a romantic wedding or anniversary: Beloved Playa Mujeres because it welcomes you in an elegant and intimate atmosphere and Atelier Playa Mujeres, with its fantastic architecture and luxurious decoration.
SPA
The best Resort is Excellence Playa Mujeres, with its Miilé Spa for its beautiful amenities and the number and quality of care available.
Staying in shape
The best resort is Blanc Spa for its restaurant Pure’s healthy cuisine, ambiance fragrances, excellent fitness center, and bathroom products made with essential oils.
VIP members
The best resorts are Atelier Playa Mujeres, Excellence Playa Mujeres, and Hyatt Ziva, whose VIP packages include special services and exclusive use of certain areas such as pools and restaurants.
Seaweed
Thanks to the proximity of Isla Mujeres, the resorts of Playa Mujeres are better protected from the seaweed that can deposit on the Caribbean Sea beaches from April to October.
Swimming pool
The best resorts are Excellence Playa Mujeres for its 7 pools and Atelier Playa Mujeres for its huge heated pool.
More best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
There are tons of all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. The ones below are famous, although some have a bad rating.
- Hard rock hotel Cancun (famous for partying)
- Moon Palace Cancun (South of Cancun)
- Haven Riviera Cancun
- Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres
- Estudio playa mujeres
- TRS Coral Hotel
Bottom line: Best 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun
Gone are the days when resorts offered only watered-down cocktails and tasteless buffets. Adult travelers looking to be pampered can head to Le Blanc, Excellence, or Beloved, while families will enjoy the Hyatt Ziva, located in the Zone Hotel.
INFORMATION: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS ARE AFFILIATE S AND AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU, I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU MAKE A BOOKING. IT’S A NICE GESTURE TO THANK US FOR THE MANY HOURS WE DEDICATE TO TOMPLANMYTRIP 🙂
