It’s hard to believe that a little over fifty years ago, only about 100 people were living in the Cancun area. This planned vacation destination began its journey to a world-class destination in 1970 and it continues to grow and develop all the time. Today, it’s home to some of the very best resorts in the world.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of accommodation options from which to choose. Planning a trip to this part of the world can feel overwhelming – but I’ve compiled a list of the very best resorts that Cancun has to offer. Check out some of my favorite places below.
TL;DR
- Best Resort For Couples: Sun Palace Cancun
- Best Resort For Families: Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort
- Best Resort For Singles: Temptations Cancun Resort
- Best Resort For Families With Teens: Hyatt Ziva Cancun
- Best Resort For The Adventurous: Temptations Cancun Resort
- Best Resort for Golfers: Secrets The Vine Cancun
Best Resorts In Cancun, Mexico
1. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
Address: Blvd Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
The Le Blanc Spa Resort is one of the fanciest and most expensive hotels of any kind in Cancun, and that makes it a perfect place to start our list. This 260-room hotel is an adults-only resort and it’s all-inclusive, too. Like all of the other hotels in the Hotel Zone, this resort is right on the beach, but there’s just something a little extra special about this particular stretch of white sand beach that makes it an especially excellent spot for your tropical vacation.
This resort has everything. You’ll love its outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars, excellent and well-reviewed restaurants, exercise classes, and modern, bright rooms. Perhaps the standout feature of this exceptional resort is the spa which is one of the best in the area; all guests get complimentary access to its hydrotherapy area, and it’s easy to get a booking for whatever other services that you desire.
You’ll likely be impressed that the bars at Le Blanc Spa Resort serve top-shelf liquor, and you might even enjoy having one of the butlers unpack your bags for you so you can get started on your vacation right away. Once you get to the pool, you can expect cool towels and iced, bottled water from the pool attendants without even having to ask. At night, you can enjoy 24-hour room service or music in the lobby or lounge bars, or a popular fire show on the beach.
This resort is fantastic, and it will be no surprise to you that many people consider it to be the very best resort that Cancun has to offer. Truly, this is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for adults.
See Related: Tulum vs Cancun: Which is Better to Visit?
2. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Address: Blvd Kukulcan, Km 12.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
The Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun is another all-inclusive, adults-only resort. It’s quite large with 371 rooms and it has everything that you’ll need for the perfect vacation, for a price that’s quite a bit less than Le Blanc Spa Resort described above. However, this resort is still rather expensive per night, but you get what you pay for, and you’re sure to find that this accommodation is worth every penny.
Rooms at this hotel are contemporary and upscale; the beds are comfortable and the views are great. Suites have large terraces. The main pool is a collection of smaller pools with different water temperatures, and you’ll find comfortable loungers and fully cushioned cabana beds when you head down to the beach.
The food at the Live Aqua Beach Resort is included and you can choose from a la carte items or enjoy the buffet, and there are multiple bars to relax at as well. One thing to note is the fact that this accommodation is a little light on the nightly entertainment, but that can be a positive factor for people looking for some peace and quiet. If you plan on doing some shopping during your visit to Cancun, you’ll be happy to learn that Live Aqua Beach Resort is right across the street from the La Isla Shopping Mall. This is one of the Cancun all-inclusive resorts adults will love.
3. Sun Palace Cancun
Address: Blvd Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 775500 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico
If you’re looking for a quiet and romantic getaway with your partner, then Sun Palace Cancun might be the perfect option for you. This hotel is couples-only and is an all-inclusive resort as well. Unlike some of the other resorts on our list, this hotel is quiet and mellow even though it’s quite large with 252 rooms. For some, that’s exactly what makes it so perfect.
The rooms at Sun Palace Cancun are quite lovely and include features like private balconies, whirlpool tubs, and 24-hour room service. For those who plan to leave their rooms during their vacation to Mexico, there are several restaurants and bars from which to choose (no reservation required), three infinity pools, a swim-up bar, outdoor activities like beach volleyball, nightly shows, and a spa that provides excellent service. If you’re the type that’s somehow motivated to exercise on vacation, the fitness center at Sun Palace Cancun is also quite nice.
Sun Palace Cancun is an excellent resort that some people overlook because it’s rather far from the primary Hotel Zone party scene, but that’s a positive if you’re not a partier. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy a vacation with the person you love and if you’re looking for one-on-one relaxation, you’ll be glad that this is the resort that you chose. Sun Palace Cancun is one of the best resorts in Cancun for couples.
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4. Sandos Cancun Lifestyle Resort
Address: Km 14 Retorno del Rey Mz53 Lt37-1, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Sandos Cancun Resort is a high-quality all-inclusive resort in Cancun’s hotel zone. Situated in the middle of this destination’s gorgeous, white sand beach, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. Although Sandos Cancun Resort comes off as an adults-only resort, this property is open to people of all ages and you’ll find that it’s a family-friendly resort that the whole family will enjoy.
The vibe at Sandos is high-end and upscale, yet it’s one of the more affordable resorts in Cancun. You’ll find the decor to be rather minimalist with a mix of European and Spanish styles and the rooms themselves to be classy and comfortable. There are three infinity pools and a whirlpool, an excellent spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and 24-hour room service. Some of the rooms have incredible views that will stay with you forever.
One thing guests love about Sandos Cancun Resort is the food. The restaurants at this property are very good, although some find the variety of options to be somewhat limited. Also, this resort has no nighttime activities, so if you want to party, you’ll have to go someplace else. Still, this is a quality resort at a fair price, and most people who stay at Sandos like it a lot.
5. Secrets The Vine Cancun
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan Km. 14.5 Retorno del Rey Lote 38 + 38-b, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Secrets The Vine Cancun is one of the largest hotels on this list with 497 rooms, but don’t let its size sway you. You’ll find that everything at this resort is impressive, from the rooms to the food to the service. Even though this resort is one of the more expensive accommodations options in Cancun, it’s worth every penny. It’s a great option for people seeking an adults-only, all-inclusive resort.
This property is stylish and elegant and it’s right in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. You likely won’t leave the resort much because it has everything that you’ll want and need. At Secrets The Vine Cancun, you can enjoy four outdoor swimming pools, a world-class spa, a fitness center, a wine cellar, premium liquor, free minibars in the rooms, and an active daily schedule that includes activities like aerobics, cooking lessons, yoga, and more. When you get hungry you can choose from eight different restaurant options.
All rooms have ocean views, too. Golfers will be drawn to Secrets The Vine because guests get free green fees at two nearby golf courses. The basic all-inclusive package is excellent, but if you want a bit more, you can upgrade to the Preferred Club rate to enjoy a private pool, in-room upgrades, butler service, and an extra-special lounge area.
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6. Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
The Hyatt Zilara Cancun is one of several excellent Hyatt properties in Cancun. This resort is luxury and adults-only, and it’s all-inclusive as well. Hyatt presents a resort with a little bit of everything at the Zilara Cancun and you’ll love staying at this property. With 307 rooms, this is somewhat small for a Cancun resort, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be short on anything if you choose the Zilara.
People love this resort for a variety of reasons. First of all, the rooms all have incredible ocean views; the balconies have hammocks and the rooms have whirlpool tubs, rain shower heads, and minibars that are included and restocked daily. There are even swim-up suites if that sounds attractive to you. The main pool is an infinity pool that is large and beachfront and has a great swim-up bar, too. Both the spa and the fitness center at this resort are top-notch, also.
The restaurants are all quite good – there are six of them – and no reservations are necessary. There are five bars and a coffee shop as well, and a 24-hour lounge with snacks if you get hungry at night, although 24-hour room service is also included.
One of the most popular things about the Hyatt Zilara Cancun is the lively atmosphere which is further encouraged and supported by the numerous daily activities, evening shows, and free water sports. Further, if you want to get married while you’re in town, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun also offers free wedding packages, too.
This resort has it all. When it comes to cost, it’s mid-range: it’s not cheap, but it’s not one of the most expensive properties in town, either. Few people have anything negative to say about this property, and if you book this one, you’re sure to have a great time in Cancun.
7. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is one of the few resorts on our list that is not all-inclusive, but not everyone loves all-inclusive resorts. This large, quiet property has 607 rooms and is a family-friendly resort, so even though it isn’t all-inclusive, it may be perfect for your wants and needs.
The exterior of this hotel looks a bit dated, but when you step inside, you’ll find that all rooms and common areas are stylish and modern. There’s a huge, 40,000 square foot, full-service spa on-site, plus indoor and outdoor swimming pools, numerous poolside bars, a fitness center, and easy access to the beautiful white sand beach out front.
Families will love the fact that this resort not only has a separate pool for the kids, but a supervised kids club with lots of activities to keep your little ones busy as well. Three onsite restaurants including an extensive breakfast buffet offer dishes that people of all ages will enjoy.
The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is a lovely property, but some may find it to be a bit expensive, especially considering it’s not all-inclusive. Still, it’s quite nice and many happy vacationers find that it’s well worth the cost.
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8. Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Mz 51-Lt 7, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Hyatt Ziva Cancun is another impressive Hyatt property serving Cancun visitors in the Hotel Zone. Unlike Hyatt Zilara Cancun which is an adults-only resort, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for families. However, it also offers numerous amenities and areas that are adult-only, so if you want to get away from the kids, it’s very easy to do so.
There are so many reasons people love this resort. First, the location is great – it’s right at the “top of the 7” in Cancun. The Hotel Zone is shaped like a big number seven, and the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is right where the seven bends, which means it’s in the middle of all the action. It’s surrounded by great restaurants and nightlife – all within walking distance.
The location is just the start of the things that people love about the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, though – other factors that make it great include its three infinity pools (one is adult only), hot tubs, extensive spa facilities with hydrotherapy, two white sand beaches, numerous dining and drinking options on-site, and all-day entertainment with live music every night. The activities list at this resort is extensive and there’s always something to do, or guests can simply relax in a lounger or a private beach cabana and not feel like they’ve missed a thing.
Families with kids and teens will love this resort because it has so much for them to do as well, from a kids club and teen club to a kid-focused pool and water park.
The rooms at Hyatt Ziva Cancun are quite nice and have marble bathrooms, furnished balconies, and contemporary decor in all 547 of the resort’s rooms; the smallest rooms here are 483 square feet and go up in size from there. There are swim-up suites available (although kids under 13 aren’t allowed in them) and an adults-only tower if avoiding kids is your desire.
See Related: 15 Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean
9. Beach Palace Resort All Inclusive
Address: Km 11.5, Blvd. Kukulcan, El Rey, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Cancun’s Beach Palace Resort is a popular resort in the heart of the Hotel Zone. It has 285 rooms and it’s friendly to families with kids and teens as well as adults and couples who wish to visit. It’s one of those all-inclusive resorts that are active and busy no matter what time of year you visit, and there’s plenty to do on-site. If you’re looking for a quiet vacation, you may want to look elsewhere, but if you like days filled with activities and fun, this might be the place for you.
In addition to being on one of the best stretches of white sand beach in Cancun, this resort includes three pools with ocean views plus a separate kids’ pool with a waterslide. There are four restaurants and multiple bars including several swim-up bars. The fitness center also has ocean views; there’s nothing quite like getting a good run in on the treadmill while you watch the waves lap at the shore. Beach Palace Resort’s spa is trendy and hip and you’ll love the services and pampering there.
The rooms at this resort are bright, fresh, and classy, and you can enjoy things like iPod docks, Lavazza coffeemakers, and Smart TVs in some rooms, and liquor dispensers, minibars, and whirlpool tubs in all of them. If you’re traveling with little ones, your room will include beach toys, video game consoles, and milk and juice in the fridge. Your kids and teens will love the kids club and teen club at this resort, too.
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10. The Royal Sands Resort and Spa
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
If you’re looking for an excellent resort that’s also very affordable, you might consider the Royal Sands Resort & Spa, which is all-inclusive and family-friendly at a reasonable price. This resort was once a timeshare; although there are still some timeshare owners onsite, the majority of this property has been converted into an all-inclusive resort for one-time and occasional visitors. It has 350 suites and some of the larger suites include kitchens.
Although the Royal Sands Resort is less fancy than many of the other resorts on our list, it’s a great choice for families who want to stretch their dollars. There are two pools, a gym, palapas on the beach, a well-equipped fitness center, a spa, free use of the tennis courts, and nearly constant classes that include activities like Zumba, karaoke, Pilates, yoga, salsa, and more. There are three restaurants on the property and the included food is all quite good.
Families traveling with children will love the easy on-site convenience store, the playground, the kids’ pool, and daytime activities.
One thing people don’t like about this resort is the fact that guests are assigned a personal concierge who is required to pitch the purchase of a timeshare. However, if you’re firm from the very beginning, they will quickly stop bugging you about it so you can get on with your vacation unencumbered.
11. Temptation Cancun Resort
Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 3.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Temptation Cancun Resort is quite a bit different than the others on our list, and it attracts a certain type of clientele. If you’re that type of clientele, then you’ll love it, but it’s not for everyone. It’s very adults only and it’s not the only all-inclusive resort in Cancun that is topless-optional, but it’s perhaps the most well-known. With that said, it’s not required that you be sexually adventurous when staying at Temptation Cancun Resort, but it certainly helps.
This resort is close to downtown Cancun but it’s still in the Hotel Zone; this is a great location for people who want to experience a bit of everything on their trip. Its 430 rooms were renovated most recently in 2017 and have furnished balconies, rain shower heads, and minibars; they’re minimalist and futuristic with a modern, contemporary vibe.
The beach at Temptation Cancun Resort is on the small side, but most guests prefer to hang out at the Sexy Pool and adjacent hot tubs anyway so they can meet other guests. There’s also a Quiet Pool if you’re not feeling super social. The food at Temptation Cancun Resort is quite good and there are numerous options to consider plus six bars from which to choose.
This resort is always exciting and you can enjoy risqué live shows, theme nights, interesting competitions, fun social games, and nightclubs right on site. Temptation is 21 and over only, but single guests are welcome – you don’t have to be part of a couple to stay nor to join in on the fun.
See Related: Mexico’s Breathtaking Barranca del Cobre
12. RIU Palace Las Americas
Address: Boulevard Kukulcan km 8.5, Manzana 50, Lote 4, Boulevard Kukulkan Km 8.5 MZA. 50 LTE. 4, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
The RIU Palace Las Americas is located on one of Cancun’s prettiest stretches of beach and the resort itself is quite beautiful as well. This classy option offers spacious suites with balconies and ocean views, minibars, couches, and nightly turndown service. It’s all just fifteen minutes from downtown Cancun for guests who wish to visit the bars, clubs, and restaurants in that area during their stay.
This resort is all-inclusive, though, so there’s no reason to leave the property if you don’t want to – however, one of the perks of staying at an RIU Palace property in Cancun is that you get reciprocal access to all of the other RIU Palace properties in town as well. There are eight altogether, so you could easily spend your entire vacation visiting a different one each day to check them out and compare and contrast them with one another.
If you stay on-site, though, you can enjoy two pools – one quiet and one party-oriented. Plus, there’s snorkeling, volleyball, nightly entertainment, a spa, and more. Most visitors find this resort to be a bit low-key, but that may be exactly what you’re looking for. Restaurants include Japanese, Mexican, and Italian restaurants, along with a steakhouse, a fusion restaurant, a lounge, and an ice cream shop; most require reservations, but that means you’ll never have to wait for a table.
This adults-only resort is a wise choice for anyone who wants a bit of everything – beauty, class, pampering, activities, options, and proximity to town.
How far are the top resorts from the Cancun International Airport?
Cancun International Airport is on the south side of the city on the mainland, so it won’t be too far from your hotel no matter where you decide to stay. Dozens of shuttle companies service the airport and the resorts; many resorts include shuttles in their all-inclusive resort packages or will help you to arrange and reserve one from a third party if you’d like.
How do I choose the best resort in Cancun for my vacation?
Even after reading about all of these great resorts, you may still find yourself struggling to choose among them. You’re certainly not alone – there are many factors in play and many different things to consider.
You’ll be best off you ask yourself several questions and then prioritizing your desires. Do you want to stay in an adults-only resort or one that welcomes families? Do you want to stay at an all-inclusive property or do you want a bit more freedom to explore the area outside of your hotel? Will you spend most of your time at the pool or on the beach? Are you looking for a quiet accommodation option or one that has a bit more action? Will you use amenities like water sports and the spa, or are those things that don’t interest you?
Once you answer these questions, it will be much easier to narrow your choices from there. Good luck!
What is the best time of year to visit Cancun for a resort vacation?
Cancun is an active vacation destination at any time of the year – there’s no best time! As you might guess, the resorts in Cancun are busiest during the months that it’s coldest in the northern hemisphere, and it’s especially busy during holidays.
However, Cancun is still a great place to visit during the off-season and shoulder seasons, too – you’ll find better deals and fewer crowds during those times, but the resorts still cater to and meet and exceed the needs of their guests no matter what time of year you go.
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