Nestled on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Cancun is one of the world’s top beach destinations, known for its white sand, clear turquoise waters, and high-end resorts. It includes several key areas, each offering a different experience. The Cancun Hotel Zone is the heart of the action, packed with all-inclusive resorts, nightlife, and entertainment.
Just north, Playa Mujeres and Costa Mujeres offer a quieter, more exclusive setting. A short ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres provides a laid-back island escape. South of Cancun, the Riviera Maya stretches along the coast, featuring luxury resorts surrounded by jungle and pristine beaches. Puerto Morelos is a small, relaxed town with boutique hotels, while Playa del Carmen blends upscale resorts with shopping and dining.
Further down, Tulum is known for its eco-friendly luxury and bohemian vibe. But regardless of whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a resort with endless activities, this region has it all. We’ve rounded up the best luxury resorts, each offering its own unique experience.
Our Top Pick: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Source: Grand Velas
Source: Grand Velas
Source: Grand Velas
For travelers seeking the best of the best, Grand Velas Riviera Maya stands out as the pinnacle of luxury all-inclusive resorts. Nestled along the pristine Caribbean coastline, the resort offers a sophisticated escape where gourmet dining, award-winning spa treatments, and unparalleled service redefine what it means to go all-inclusive.
What sets Grand Velas Riviera Maya apart?
- Michelin-star-worthy cuisine: The resort’s eight signature restaurants include Cocina de Autor, led by two-star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte, offering an extraordinary multi-course tasting menu.
- Expansive suites: Every suite, whether in the family-friendly Ambassador section, the adults-only Grand Class, or the nature-immersed Zen Grand, boasts over 1,100 square feet of space, private terraces, and spa-like bathrooms.
- A world-class spa: SE Spa, named one of the best spas in the world by Forbes, features a signature Water Ceremony and treatments inspired by ancient Mayan rituals.
- Exclusive experiences: From private cenote excursions to mezcal tastings, guests can immerse themselves in the culture and natural beauty of the Riviera Maya.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is more than just a resort—it’s a destination in itself, offering an unmatched level of indulgence that keeps guests returning year after year.
With three distinct suite experiences, Grand Velas Riviera Maya ensures every traveler finds their perfect retreat, whether seeking a family-friendly escape, a romantic adults-only haven, or a tranquil jungle sanctuary.
Oceanfront Luxury & Tranquility
Relaxation comes to life in the Grand Class ambiance. The luxurious oceanfront suites will be the setting for an experience of absolute rest and comfort with terraces and plunge pools, spa-style bathrooms, and amenities with the Grand Velas hallmark.
A Dream Family Getaway
An exceptional family getaway. Each suite in the Ambassador ambiance is designed with spacious spaces and terraces from where you can appreciate the infinity pool that seems to merge with the Caribbean Sea. Choose a suite with a plunge pool to enjoy further the privileged views this ambiance offers.
A Serene Escape in Nature
Surrounded by the extraordinary natural scenery of Riviera Maya, the suites in the Zen Grand ambiance are an elegant refuge of comfort. Find moments of relaxation on your private terrace where time seems to stand still and the sounds of nature accompany your rest.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
Recently opened and named “The Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” by Luxury Travel Advisor, this adults-only sanctuary offers stunning ocean views and unparalleled privacy. Accessible by an exclusive catamaran, the resort features lavish suites with butler service, gourmet dining, and curated activities under the Endless Privileges experience.
Highlights include a four-story waterslide, overwater cabanas, and a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views. Designed with sustainability in mind, it blends luxury with eco-conscious practices and local artistry.
Impression Moxché by Secrets
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
This AAA Five Diamond-rated, adults-only resort blends modern luxury with Playa del Carmen’s cultural charm. Nestled on a palm-lined beach, it features oversized suites, rooftop infinity pools, and personalized service.
Guests can savor gourmet dining at three exclusive restaurants, access additional dining next door, and indulge in a world-class spa with hydrotherapy and private treatment rooms. Endless entertainment and serene seclusion make it a premier Yucatan Peninsula retreat.
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
Source: Secrets
Just north of Cancún, this recently opened, adults-only retreat offers romantic seclusion on a pristine white-sand beach. Luxury suites feature private balconies and local touches, with upgraded Preferred Club options for added exclusivity.
Guests enjoy gourmet dining, top-shelf drinks, infinity pools, and endless activities under the Unlimited-Luxury experience. The 18,000-square-foot spa offers hydrotherapy, seaweed treatments, and couples’ massages, perfect for an unforgettable getaway.
Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Source: Hilton
Source: Hilton
A beachfront oasis set on 100 acres of Mayan coastline, Hilton Cancun, an all-inclusive resort offers a variety of dining options, including five specialty restaurants and a health club. Relax in suites with ocean views or swim-up balconies and enjoy two pools.
Located 20 minutes from the airport and Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the resort is perfect for family vacations, romantic retreats, and events. Indulge in unique culinary experiences, poolside drinks, and treats. The nearby Waldorf Astoria Spa Cancun blends innovative treatments with holistic Mayan traditions for ultimate relaxation.
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
Source: Marriott
Source: Marriott
Building on its legacy of exceptional hospitality and service, the Marriott Brand has redefined the all-inclusive vacation with the grand opening of its newest property, the Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort.
Having made its debut in September 2024, the property marks a new era for Marriott Hotels as its first-ever all-inclusive resort. The 450-room resort includes nine dining concepts, four pools (including an adult infinity pool with a swim-up bar), a lazy river, water slides, and daily entertainment, blending family-friendly fun with upscale sophistication.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Source: JW Marriott
Source: JW Marriott
The luxurious JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport and in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is a haven of relaxation and adventure. Guests can bask in private beachfront cabanas, take advantage of thrilling water sports, or embark on ethical whale shark excursions.
The property also provides easy access to Yucatán’s historical sites, including Chichén Itzá and Tulum’s cenotes. The JW Lobby Bar boasts an extensive menu featuring 150 margarita variations, celebrating Mexico’s rich tequila culture, making every evening a delightful experience.
Final Thoughts
The Cancun area offers some of the most luxurious and diverse resort experiences in the world. From serene, adults-only hideaways to family-friendly, all-inclusive escapes, ach resort offers a distinct and unforgettable experience.
Whether your ideal vacation includes world-class dining, indulgent spa treatments, or thrilling adventures in the Caribbean, these properties ensure an unforgettable stay. No matter which resort you choose, you’ll find yourself immersed in the unparalleled beauty and warm hospitality of Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya and Cancun. Happy travels!