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If there’s one thing Mexico has in abundance, it’s fabulous all-inclusive resorts. From the rugged Baja peninsula to the mountainous Pacific and the idyllic Caribbean coast, Mexico is blessed with thousands of hotels. You won’t have a difficult time finding an all-inclusive, adults-only resort in Mexico. Choosing one, however, is a different story.
Fortunately, I am here to help. In my 15 years covering Mexico, I have stayed at a dizzying amount of resorts in the country and can help you decide which is right for you. Selecting the right all-inclusive, adults-only resort for your Mexico vacation comes down to a few factors. What is most important to you? Is it the location? Is a beachfront a requirement? Are there enough restaurant options? Is the vacation for romance or fun with friends? No matter the vibe you’re chasing, Mexico is guaranteed to have an adults-only, all-inclusive resort to match.
Our picks for the best all-inclusive, adults-only resorts in Mexico came down to a combination of T+L award winners and properties I have personally visited and loved. We chose these hotels based on standout service, notable amenities, range of activities, and delicious food and beverage options. No matter which resort you choose, you’ll be enjoying all-inclusive, child-free luxury in one of the best vacation destinations in the world.
Also available to book at Booking.com
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A gorgeous boho-chic design and a lengthy list of restaurants and bars.
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Guest rooms may be loud for the noise-sensitive.
The adults-only Atelier Playa Mujeres is six years old, but it’s still turning quite a few heads. This luxe, 593-key resort found its way onto T+L’s 2023 World’s Best list, and we love it for its spacious suites — entry-level rooms are 742 square feet, while the top-level Inspira Suite is a palatial 3,000 square feet. If you can pry yourself away from the oceanfront views and fluffy, cloud-like beds, you’ll have 13 restaurants and 12 bars to explore. You’ll swoon over the 14,000-square-foot pool; other top-tier amenities include the 18-hole golf course, triplex spa, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
The Details:
- Closest airport: Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Included with rate: Meals, drinks, access to amenities, Wi-Fi, minibar, 24-hour in-room dining, tips, parking, and more
- Standout amenity: A 14,000-square-foot pool
- Starting rate: $548
Also available to book at Expedia.com
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Beautiful pools and one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
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Several reviews note that food is better at some restaurants than others.
Another World’s Best pick, Excellence Playa Mujeres placed on the 2022 list for its 450 suites and prime section of powdery white beachfront. Suites are more than generously sized starting at an impressive 800 square feet. But an upgrade splurge is worth it, from the spacious terraces and swim-up suites to the rooftop plunge pools. Those who opt for the Excellence Club-level rooms have additional perks, from access to all seven pools to a club-only beach area to daily in-room snack amenities. All guests, however, can enjoy the nine restaurants and slew of activities, from archery and water polo to beach soccer.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: All meals and snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, access to amenities, daily activities, tennis clinics, gratuities, Wi-Fi
- Standout amenity: The Excellence Club upgrade includes additional pool access and a private beach area
- Starting rate: $439
Also available to book at Booking.com
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Spacious suites with swim-up access or a soaking tub on a private terrace.
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Restaurant reservations are required.
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya set the bar for the new wave of luxury all-inclusive resorts when it opened in 2017, and this resort stays fresh and relevant, even earning a spot on the 2023 World’s Best list. We love it for the enormous suites — first-floor rooms have swim-up access and higher floors have terraces with deep soaking tubs. The pool is the heart of the resort, attracting a fun, social crowd of 20-to-40-somethings. The resort is tucked into a quiet bay just north of Tulum, and the crescent-shaped beach is one of the best in the area. My favorite amenity is the snuggly hoodie-style robe — I practically lived in mine from check-in to check-out (and they’re available for purchase in case you find it impossible to part with yours).
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: In-room minibar, meals and drinks, land and water sports, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, daily events, gratuities
- Standout amenity: A calm, quiet beachfront that feels semi-private
- Starting rate: $858
Also available to book at Booking.com
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A wide, spacious stretch of beachfront, with two lovely pools and a hot tub.
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The ocean is not swimmable due to strong currents.
Perched on a secluded stretch of beach removed from the buzzy Cabo San Lucas scene, this all-inclusive, adults-only resort features 201 rooms and a dizzying array of activities and amenities. Guests have access to gourmet dining, the Armonia Spa, and the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira Golf Club — one of Cabo’s most beautiful oceanfront courses. One of my favorite activities here is the “Hook and Cook” experience, where you watch the chef reel in fresh fish right from the shoreline before he whips it up ceviche-style for a delicious al fresco lunch. If you want to up the ante at this 2023 World’s Best Awards winner, book a stay in the even more exclusive The Towers at Pacifica, a hotel within a hotel with upgraded amenities (think 24-hour butler service, private plunge pools, and an oceanfront VIP Lounge).
The Details:
- Closest airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks (plus access to restaurants and bars at sibling resorts), Wi-Fi, daily activities, access to amenities, 24-hour room service
- Standout amenity: Upgraded suites and extra perks in The Tower
- Starting rate: $455
Also available to book at Booking.com
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A beautiful beachfront resort with a wide selection of restaurants and bars.
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The resort grounds are expansive, which can mean a lot of walking.
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya may be centrally located, but its enviable stretch of pristine white-sand beach will have you thinking you’ve tumbled into a castaway fantasy. The sun-bleached stretch of sand is among the best in the area, and the palapa-topped buildings and thick jungle foliage only add to the romance. Still, the resort — which was a 2021 World’s Best Awards winner — is anything but rugged, with elegant guest rooms, eight restaurants, and 11 bars. Guests can enjoy the nightly shows, live music, and the full-service spa, too.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, gratuities, daily activities, and access to amenities
- Standout amenity: Two swim-up bars and a lazy river
- Starting rate: $513
Also available to book at Booking.com
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Two spectacular rooftop pools offer sweeping ocean views.
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Beach access requires a short shuttle ride.
When people ask me what my favorite all-inclusive resort is in Puerto Vallarta, I always say this one. Breaking away from the popular earthy aesthetic, Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Mousai has a mix of styles that pull from everywhere — with art deco influence, 1980s neon, and a dash of surrealism. What ties it all together are the spectacular coastal vistas and endless included offerings. The two towers of Hotel Mousai are the adults-only, upgraded counterpart to sibling resort, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. Each tower has its own sleek rooftop infinity pool with unparalleled views of the Bay of Banderas and surrounding mountains. Guests can dine at any of the six Hotel Mousai restaurants, as well as the additional three on the Garza Blanca side. My favorites are Hiroshi, Dao, and Bocados. A brand-new shopping plaza offers additional dining venues and high-end shopping curated from a collection of local designers. A third tower with a larger spa is expected in 2025.
The Details:
- Closest airport: Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
- Included with rate: Meals, snacks, and beverages at on-site restaurants (plus restaurants at Garza Blanca), 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, access to amenities, daily activities, gratuities
- Standout amenity: Each room has a private plunge pool on the terrace
- Starting rate: $623
Also available to book at Booking.com
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An exclusive, adults-only hideaway attached to Grand Velas Los Cabos.
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Starting room rates are expensive compared to others on this list.
The newest addition to the Los Cabos all-inclusive scene, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is an intimate hotel within a hotel. Adjacent to the already-renowned Grand Velas Los Cabos (which is left off this list only because it isn’t adults-only), the new boutique-style hotel offers all the luxury of the original, minus the kids. With only 79 suites and a naturally protected stretch of beach, this all-inclusive resort is the perfect complement to an already stellar resort concept. We love the bohemian-chic design and the sparkling infinity pool that overlooks the Pacific. Suites start at more than 900 square feet, and each has a private terrace and Jacuzzi. Grand Velas Boutique has exclusive restaurants, and guests also have the option to dine at Grand Velas next door. Boutique guests also have access to the SE Spa.
The Details:
- Closest airport: SJD
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, access to amenities, activities, gratuities
- Standout amenity: Suites start at 900 square feet and have Jacuzzi tubs
- Starting rate: $1,240
Also available to book at Hotels.com
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Sprawling suites built just for two have private whirlpool tubs.
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The resort has a couples-only policy.
It doesn’t get more romantic than a resort that is dedicated exclusively to couples, except maybe a couples-only resort that overlooks one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean. The intimate Beloved Playa Mujeres enjoys coveted real estate in the growing Costa Mujeres area north of Cancun. Made up entirely of suites, lovebirds are invited to steal away into their private outdoor plunge pools, in-room Jacuzzis, or one of the many beautifully manicured corners of the resort. Couples can reconnect over a cooking class or a beachfront candlelit dinner. My favorite spot at this resort is its signature spa, one of the most impressive in Cancun. Don’t leave without trying the hydrotherapy circuit — it’s heavenly.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, 24-hour room service, minibar, access to amenities, laundry service, Wi-Fi, gratuities
- Standout amenity: All suites feature a private plunge pool
- Starting rate: $589
Also available to book at Booking.com
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Spectacularly designed rooms and one of the best culinary programs in Mexico.
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With 900 rooms, it’s one of the largest resorts in the area.
At Hotel Xcaret Arte, it’s all about attention to detail. The second all-inclusive resort to open under the Grupo Xcaret brand, this resort is a mirror image of the next-door family-friendly Hotel Xcaret, except this resort is dedicated to adults. Spread across six distinct art-themed Casas, guests of Xcaret Arte are treated to an extensive list of inclusions, from airport transfers and all food and beverages to unlimited access to Xcaret’s amusement parks around the Riviera Maya. My favorite Casa is Casa de los Artistas, which operates like a hotel within a hotel with a private rooftop pool and bar, as well as a private gym. Guests are also entitled to experience Xcaret Xailing, a ferry service to Isla Mujeres, as well as a sunset party cruise, all included in the rate. The resort may be massive with 900 rooms, but with 10 restaurants, a beach, multiple pools, and a spa tucked into underground caves and grottos, it’s easy for everyone to spread out.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals, drinks, airport transfers, ferry service, access to resort amenities (including unlimited access to all Grupo Xcaret parks)
- Standout amenity: Cenote-inspired Muluk Spa
- Starting rate: $719
Also available to book at Booking.com
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Each room is more than 1,000 square feet.
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Rooms are among some of the most expensive in the Riviera Maya.
Grupo Xcaret raised the bar yet again with the opening of La Casa de la Playa. The newest resort in their all-inclusive portfolio, this intimate adults-only resort was designed with exclusivity as its highest priority. The hotel features 63 impressive ocean-view suites, each with its own design and personality. All measure more than 1,000 square feet with ocean views and private pools. Much like sibling resorts Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte, La Casa de La Playa is all about inclusions. The difference, however, is just how exclusive these inclusions are. Tailor-made experiences include private dinners in cenotes, morning purification rituals, and private adventure tours through yawning caverns. Restaurant concepts have been cooked up by iconic Mexican chefs like Martha Ortiz, Virgilio Martinez, and the Rivera-Rio brothers, while the Muluk Spa features two salt rooms and two mud rooms, all with ocean views.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks (including dining at sibling resorts), 24-hour butler service, airport transport, access to amenities across Grupo Xcaret, exclusive activities
- Standout amenity: All suites feature private pools
- Starting rate: $1,800
Available to book at Booking.com
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An intimate resort with one of the best beachfront locations in Cancun.
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Top-shelf spirits may come at an additional charge.
With one of the best beachfront locations in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Live Aqua Cancun comes with a considerable list of bragging rights. A 2019 renovation upped the all-suite room count to 371 and introduced tech touches like surround sound and smart controls. Dining here is exceptional at all seven restaurants, though my favorite is the toes-in-the-sand Sea Corner for its casual ceviche and tacos. Seven pools are scattered around the property, each one at a different temperature, and guests are treated to daily activities and themed nights. The spa has 12 treatment rooms, as well as a traditional Mexican temazcal sweat lodge.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, access to amenities, daily activities, themed nights, Wi-Fi, gratuities
- Standout amenity: A temazcal in the spa
- Starting rate: $673
Also available to book at Booking.com
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A fleet of e-bikes encourages the exploration of bohemian Isla Mujeres.
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A dress code is enforced at certain restaurants.
Across the Caribbean Sea from the glittering skyline of the Cancun Hotel Zone, Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a posh playground reserved exclusively for adults. The second resort to open as part of the new Impression by Secrets brand, this 125-room hotel is secluded and intimate. Guests arrive at the five-mile-long island by complimentary boat transfers to the property’s private dock. Rooms are decked out with locally sourced materials, like a textured accent wall and beautiful, handmade woven art. Private balconies boast hot tubs and outdoor living rooms. Outside the rooms, guests will find a sparkling beachfront, a four-story waterslide, seven restaurants, and five bars. For the perfect sunset experience, head up to the rooftop Unik The Kitchen and sip a beautifully crafted cocktail while drinking in the view of Cancun in the distance.
The Details:
- Closest airport: CUN
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, 24-hour in-room dining, daily bottle of sparkling wine, personal butler service, minibar, laundry service, complimentary wellness experience
- Standout amenity: Speedboat transfer to the resort’s private dock
- Starting rate: $625
Also available to book at Booking.com
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The experience of an all-inclusive resort within walking distance of downtown Puerto Vallarta.
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The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are fine, but not spectacular.
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of all-inclusive resorts, but the best part of this city is its eclectic, vibrant downtown scene. So when you have a resort that combines the best of both worlds, you know it’s something to talk about. Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway has a prime beachfront address that is within walking distance to the heart of downtown. The intimate 80-room adults-only resort features everything from yoga classes and beachfront Bali beds to a five-minute de-stressing massage and a personal concierge. Customize your room with a pillow and aromatherapy menu and then soak up the views of the Bay of Banderas from your ocean-view terrace. One of my most memorable experiences here was the private romantic dinner out on the jetty. Set at sunset, this gorgeous experience included a live violinist and three decadent courses.
The Details:
- Closest airport: PVR
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, 24-hour in-room dining, minibar, butler services, activities, access to amenities
- Standout amenity: Two oceanfront pools and unique private dining experiences
- Starting rate: $261
Also available to book at Booking.com
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A chic, garden oasis-style resort that’s close to the airport, but feels like a world away.
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You have to take a shuttle to access the private beach club.
Elegant and secluded, Casa Velas is a classic Spanish hacienda-style resort tucked away in the exclusive Marina Vallarta community. Shrouded in gorgeous jungle greenery, the Eden-inspired resort feels like an oasis, close enough to be a stone’s throw from the airport, but decidedly far enough removed. Roaming peacocks and languidly swaying palm trees set the tone for an enchanting stay. The small resort has only 80 rooms, as well as a large central swimming pool lined with cabanas. While the resort is not on the beach, guests can take a quick shuttle to Tau Beach Club, where they have preferential seating and all meals included. Guests can also take a shuttle to sibling resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, for additional restaurant options and one of the best beaches in the area.
The Details:
- Closest airport: PVR
- Included with rate: Meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, access to sibling resort Velas Vallarta, and more
- Standout amenity: Tau Beach Club
- Starting rate: $446
Know Before You Go
- Consider the season: Mexico’s idyllic tropical climate means it is also at risk for hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June through November. Rates will be considerably cheaper during these times, but they come with the risk of a soggy (or possibly washed-out) vacation.
- Tip in pesos: Tips are included at many all-inclusive resorts, but some guests feel inspired to leave a little something extra. While you may see guests tipping hotel employees in U.S. dollars, it’s a hassle for employees to exchange foreign currency. Tipping in pesos is always preferred.
- Feel free to roam: All-inclusive resorts make vacationing super convenient, but don’t be afraid to venture off-property and experience Mexican culture outside of the gates.
How We Chose These Hotels
Selecting the best all-inclusive, adults-only resorts in Mexico is a daunting task. A few of these hotels made the list because they’ve been recognized in our annual World’s Best Awards, voted on by thousands of T+L readers from around the world. In addition to these internationally recognized properties, the author of this article, Meagan Drillinger, contributed her expertise. She has been covering Mexico since 2009 and has personally visited hundreds (yes, hundreds) of accommodations all around Mexico. She focused on her personal experiences, which evaluated the quality of the guest experience, design, amenities, and location. In her 15 years covering the destination, Drillinger has spent more time on the ground in Mexico than anywhere else in the world.