Best Cancun all-inclusive resorts for couples, families, nightlife & more

Cancun has among the greatest number of all-inclusive resorts of anywhere in the world, with the possible exception of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. There are literally hundreds of these places within 90 minutes or so of the Cancun Airport, with most having from 300 to 800 guest rooms. Some resorts are perfect for couples while others are ideal for families. We have gone through all of our favorites to point out the ones that we think you should consider first.

Most of the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun have large rooms with ocean views and surprisingly good buffet food and drinks included. But some are golf resorts and others have different features that might make them perfect for you or a waste of money. Below you’ll find our favorites as of 2022.

What are all-inclusive resorts

When searching for a resort, you’ll find that there are two different kinds, one of which is known as an all-inclusive. Unlike a normal “resort hotel” that typically includes breakfast and charges extra for everything else, A Caribbean all-inclusive resort is a resort includes ALL of your meals (usually in elaborate buffets) as well as drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and usually some activities such as snorkeling or boat rentals.

The more expensive all-inclusive resorts will often include even top-shelf liquor (up to a point!) and premium wine, while the cheaper resorts usually include beer, wine, and cheaper spirits and mixers. Some resorts also feature premium dining such as a steakhouse that might cost an extra US$40 or so per person, but generally the included food is surprisingly good at these places.

How to find the best all-inclusive resort for you

One decision you need to make that might not have occurred to you is to decide which area in Cancun to stay in. There are 7 different unique areas, only one of which is the famous Cancun Hotel Zone. There are all-inclusive resorts in all 7 areas, and some are far better than others for different types of travelers.

Next, are you looking for a kid friendly atmosphere? Or do you desire one that is more suited for adults, particularly those with romance on their minds? Are you looking for a large resort or a smaller sized one? What about golf, dining options and a spa? Are any of those important to you? Once you know exactly what to look for, you’ll find the perfect resort for you on our list below.

Best Cancun all-inclusive resort for honeymooners and romantic couples

Sun Palace Couples Only – All Inclusive

On the southern end of the Hotel Zone beach strip (so reasonably close to the airport), the Sun Palace Couples Only Resort is exactly that, a resort built with couples in mind. It’s also a resort that caters with romantic rooms consisting of a spa tub made for 2, free 24 hour room service, a minibar, a liquor dispenser and a view of the sea, lagoon or of the hotel from your room’s balcony. Couples will also find 3 restaurants on-site, each offering something a little different.

  • Number of rooms: 252
  • Number of room categories: 5

As this is a couples only resort, it’s best suited to those who are more romantically inclined. Here, guests will find romantic and private amenities including a spa tub, a sauna, a steam room, nightly entertainment and a gorgeous spa. The on-site spa features body treatments, body scrubs, facial treatments, body wraps and massages on the beach. At this resort, you’ll only find like minded couples so if you’re looking for an accommodation option that lacks children and extended families, you’ll find this resort to be your best bet.

Dining options

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM–11:30 AM
  • 4 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 2 poolside bars, 4 bars/lounges and 1 swim-up bar
  • Stocked minibar (free)
  • Snack bar/deli
  • 24-hour room service

Low season rates starting at US$414 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$475 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at the Sun Palace Couples Only Resort

Best Cancun all-inclusive resort for families and groups

The Royal Sands & Spa All Inclusive Resort

A 4-star resort built for all types of travelers, The Royal Sands & Spa Resort is a great choice for those who, simply put, love choices. Here at the resort, you’ll find a massive amount of activities to choose from, ranging from golf to tennis, from dancing to cooking. You’ll also find choices within your room including a balcony, a coffee and tea making area, blackout drapes for those late mornings, room service that’s a pleasant 24 hours, a TV, a minibar stocked with free drinks and a shower and tub combination in your private bathroom.

The Royal Sands Resort is located about 7 miles up the Cancun Hotel Zone and about 3 miles from the Punta area where all the shopping centers and nightlife are located. But with a resort like this that includes several restaurants, bars, and shops, you won’t need to leave the place unless you sign up for an activity or are heading back to the airport.

  • Number of rooms: 340
  • Number of room categories: 3

If you’re traveling with a group, especially one with children, you’ll find delight in the numerous kid friendly amenities found throughout the resort’s property. First off, you’ll find a children’s pool which serves as a great way for kids to pass an afternoon. In addition, you’ll also find a game room, a kid’s club, a snack bar and the option of babysitting. Rooms also suit families well with free cribs and/or infant beds.

Dining options

  • 3 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 2 poolside bars, 1 beach bar, 1 swim-up bar and 1 bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Low season rates starting at US$280 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$282 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at The Royal Sands & Spa Resort

Best of the smaller Cancun Resorts

The Royal Cancun, All Villas Resort – All Inclusive

A beachfront resort with views of a lifetime, The Royal Cancun, All Suites Resort offers guests a large selection of things to do and see, while still providing a luxurious experience for all travelers, including those with children. Rooms here highlight space, decor and accessibility with a separate sitting area, a separate living room, a dishwasher, stovetop, TV, all the cookware and dishware you could need, a bathroom with a shower and tub combination, a separate dining area and a full sized fridge and freezer. Essentially, each room is more of an apartment which is interesting as the resort itself is considered small in comparison to others nearby.

  • Number of rooms: 201
  • Number of room categories: 2

As most of the all-inclusive resorts in the area have 300 or more rooms to select from, you’ll find a difference in this resort as there are only 201 rooms, though this number is still considered a lot to most. Another difference with this resort is that it is not entirely an all-inclusive, but rather a resort that serves its guests with all-inclusive room rates. If you decide to go the all-inclusive route, you’ll find on-site food and beverages included in your nightly rate, making for a great experience.

The Royal Cancun Resort is located in the Hotel Zone along the northern shore not far from the road to Downtown Cancun. And since each villa has two bedrooms and can sleep 5 guests, this is a perfect choice for groups who want a smaller resort.

Dining options

  • 4 restaurants
  • 4 bars/lounges, 1 beach bar, 1 swim-up bar and 1 poolside bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Low season rates starting at US$192 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$236 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at The Royal Cancun, All Villas Resort

Best Cancun all-inclusive for golf

Excellence Playa Mujeres – Adult Only – All Inclusive

A beautiful and large resort offering guests access to a 2 mile white sand beach, the Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort says it all right within its name. Here you’ll find yourself treated to a world class spa, 9 restaurants offering a variety of different cuisine options to enjoy, an impressive amount of outdoor pools, 7 in all and the opportunity to enjoy one of the many water activities on-site. Guests will also find spacious rooms filled to the brim with wonderful and accommodating amenities such as air conditioning, a separate sitting area away from your bed, TV service, a minibar stocked with free items, a desk, a jetted bathtub, room service, free Wi-Fi and bottled water, a furnished balcony or patio (depending on your room) and a coffee and tea maker for those mornings in.

  • Number of rooms: 450
  • Number of room categories: 10

Another adults only resort, this one impresses with a variety of activities with the most popular being the on-site golf course. In fact, the golf course here was designed by the well renowned Greg Norman.This 18 hole course is large in size, a complete 7,260 yards of green. When researching this particular course, look for the Playa Mujeres Golf Course.

Dining options

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
  • 10 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 7 poolside bars, 11 bars/lounges, 1 beach bar and 1 swim-up bar
  • 24-hour room service

Low season rates starting at US$524 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$642 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at the Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort

Best Cancun all-inclusive for foodies

Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas All Inclusive

A large resort crowded with amenities and activities, the OMNI Cancun Hotel and Villas is a great choice for those seeking both exciting and adventurous days as well as those more on the relaxing side. For those days out and about, guests will find water sports including snorkeling, tennis, scuba diving excursions, tours, shopping, entertainment and a children’s club for those with young ones. Relaxing days can be made up of relaxing by one of the resort’s several pools,  enjoying the on-site steam room or relaxing at the Omni SPA where you’ll find a mud bath, couple treatment rooms, a hot stone massage and much, much more.

  • Number of rooms: 346
  • Number of room categories: 2

With 9 different bars and restaurants to choose from, the foodie in you will find lots of different options, enough to make for a different restaurant every night of your stay. Here, guests will find a wide selection of plate choices ranging from sushi from the resort’s Sushi Bar to dining at the Pool Grill where you’ll find pizza, nachos and hot dogs. Those seeking something a bit fancier will find it at Da Vinci, an inside, air conditioned restaurant focusing on fine dining with a la carte dinners.

The Omni Cancun Hotel is located in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone, about 5 miles from the southern tip. This puts guests in a good spot to be able to explore other places along the Hotel Strip including the nightlife at the Punta, and it’s not too far from the airport as well.

Dining options

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:30 AM–11:00 AM
  • 9 restaurants and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 2 beach bars, 5 bars/lounges, 1 swim-up bar and 1 poolside bar
  • 24-hour room service

Low season rates starting at US$309 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$361 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas Resort

Best Cancun all-inclusive for spa lovers

Secrets The Vine Cancun All Inclusive

A 5-star resort, the Secrets The Vine Cancun Resort stuns with its beachfront location in the Avenida Kukulkan and its nearness to the La Isla Shopping Mall and the El Rey Ruins. When strolling the resort’s grounds, you’ll find nearly 500 suites, volleyball, on-site entertainment and performances (including theme parties), 4 swimming pools and a variety of bars and restaurants to enjoy. The rooms themselves wow with premium bedding, free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with a rainshower, a stocked minibar, a furnished balcony with a view and room service. Guests will even find a pillow menu, which helps to secure the best sleep possible.

  • Number of rooms: 497
  • Number of room categories: 14

The resort’s spa, Spa By Pevonia, is nicely sized with 14 treatment rooms, including those suited for couple use. Some of the treatments available include beach-side massages, manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, facial treatments, a detoxification wrap and much, much more. Guests will also find a sauna in which to enjoy as well as a spa tub.

Dining options

  • 1 restaurant and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 3 poolside bars, 7 bars/lounges and 1 beach bar
  • 24-hour room service

Low season rates starting at US$532 per night for two people
High season rates starting at US$572 per night for two people

>>>Check rates at Secrets The Vine Cancun Resort

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