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5 stunning all-inclusive Mexico resorts you’ll want to visit

The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit all-inclusive resort on Mexico's west coast. Photo by Gaston Galicia/Courtesy Pleasant Holidays

It's no surprise that Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The nation has miles of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean waters, and a rich cultural heritage.

But in today’s demanding world, planning a getaway to Mexico—figuring out where to stay, what to eat, and how much money to bring—can feel overwhelming. That’s the beauty of an all-inclusive resort. It takes the stress out of organizing the perfect Mexico vacation.

Mexico has a number of all-inclusive resorts that are rated AAA Four Diamond or AAA Five Diamond for their impeccable, personalized services and amenities. Here are 5 of the most stunning resorts, where you can enjoy luxe accommodations, excellent dining, and a vacation filled with relaxation, resort activities, and local adventure.

1. UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya 

With warm tones, espresso-colored wood beams, and tufted leather sofas, the AAA Five Diamond UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya oozes luxurious sophistication. Relaxation is the priority at this adults-only, all-inclusive beachfront resort located about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

A view of the pool at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

Guests have a choice of 3 pools at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

Enjoy cooling ocean breezes and an icy cocktail on a lounger by a white-sand beach, or take a dip in one of 3 refreshing pools (don’t miss the swim-up bar).

An ocean-view room UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya .

An ocean-view Estancia Suite at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

Many of the 448 guestrooms have ocean views, and some have a deep soaking tub on the spacious balcony. Those who opt for ground-floor accommodations have direct access to a swim-up pool. Even before checking in, you can choose the snacks and beverages to be stocked in your room’s minibar.

And your personal concierge can help unpack your luggage, draw a bath, and make reservations for you at any of the 5 on-site restaurants. You may want to try the regionally focused Cueva Siete, currently helmed by celebrity chef Lula Martin del Campo. After dinner, head to the Palmera Lounge, inspired by the Cuban clubs of the 1940s, for a nightcap and a cigar. For wine lovers, the sommelier at La Botella at UNICO can curate a tasting of red, white, and sparkling wines.

It’s tempting to want to chill in your room all day, but don’t miss out on the resort’s many amenities, including basketball and tennis courts, complimentary kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, and fun workshops like painting, cooking, or mixology classes.

Explore more: On the Riviera Maya Whale Shark Tour, you’ll sail on an Avanti boat into the open ocean to swim with gentle whale sharks, followed by a 45-minute snorkel at a gorgeous reef. The excursion includes a light breakfast, lunch, and beverages. 

2. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun 

Get ready to be pampered at the adults-only, all-inclusive AAA Five Diamond Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. A butler is on hand to take care of your needs, and can even help you pick the type of soap you prefer (perhaps green tea, cucumber, or a strawberry-currant-pear), your tea flavor (black or herbal), pillow selection (orthopedic comfort or lavender infused to eliminate tension), and even aromatherapy. 

A room at Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun.

The Wellness Suite at Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. Photo by Xchel Guillermo Ledesma Cervante/Courtesy Pleasant Holidays

The 259 bright and airy rooms have ocean or lagoon views. All are equipped with a hot tub as well as a rainfall shower with body massage jets. And when you arrive, you’ll receive a bottle of complimentary wine. 

Beach cabanas at Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Beach cabanas at Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

Start your mornings with Hatha yoga on the beach or sign up for an aquatic spinning class. Or simply relax by the infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. A highlight is the complimentary hydrotherapy circuit at Blanc Spa, where you’ll rotate through a sauna, a steam room, an ice room, a whirlpool bath, and a cold pool. Afterward, you’ll probably be famished for sushi and noodles at Yama or elegant French haute cuisine at Lumière.

Explore more: On the Cobá Mayan Encounter, you’ll visit an authentic Maya village and the ancient city of Cobá; see Nohoch Mul, the tallest Maya pyramid in Mexico; bike on an ancient trail; rappel down cenotes; and zip line through tree canopies. 

3. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

One of the most highly rated all-inclusive resorts near Puerto Vallarta, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is a great choice for families with children. 

A family enjoys the pool at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit caters to families with children of all ages. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

The Kids’ Club offers a range of activities from arts and crafts to outdoor games; the Teens’ Club has video games, pool tables, karaoke, and lounge areas. The resort even has a baby concierge who can arrange for strollers, carriers, and cribs. For an additional charge, a certified nanny can help care for little ones while you enjoy a romantic night out. Family-friendly activities include a traditional Mexican doll workshop, bicycle and kayak tours, soccer, and beach volleyball.

A master suite at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

A master suite at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Photo by Brandon Barre/Courtesy Pleasant Holidays

All 267 suites in the resort span more than 1,000 square feet, and each has a private terrace overlooking the ocean, the Sierra Madre mountains, the landscaped gardens, or the expansive, 3-tiered pool. The rooms are thoughtfully curated with loaner beach totes, umbrellas, a Nespresso machine, a stocked minibar, and complimentary bottles of artisanal mezcal and wine. 

The all-inclusive stay includes a world tour of dinners at on-site AAA Four Diamond restaurants: contemporary Mexican at Frida, classic French cuisine at Piaf, modern Asian fusion at Sen Lin, and Italian-Mediterranean at Lucca.

Explore more: A Taste of Vallarta takes guests on a tour of downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Lady of Guadalupe church, the Gringo Gulch, the Main Square, and the Municipal Market. 

4. La Casa de la Playa

For a secluded adults-only getaway, head to the new La Casa de la Playa in Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast. Opened in December 2021, the all-inclusive, pet-friendly boutique hotel features 63 primarily ocean-view suites, each equipped with a plunge pool. 

The shower in a room at La Casa de la Playa.

At La Casa de la Playa, the shower doubles as a steam room. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

Suites are tastefully designed with Mexican artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a habitat with live jellyfish. In the spa-like bathroom, the shower doubles as a steam room, and a jetted tub on the terrace is made from volcanic stone. Menus at 4 on-site restaurants celebrate the diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Unlike at mega resorts, La Casa de la Playa’s experiences are highly curated and personal. Through 24-hour butler service, you can have a bartender come to your room to make cocktails at any time of the day. Craving chocolate at 3 a.m.? The butler can satisfy your desire for a bonbon or chocolate bark either at the Chocolatería or your room. 

At La Casa de la Playa, the infinity pool is suspended over the ocean.

At La Casa de la Playa, the infinity pool is suspended over the ocean. Photo by Cesar Bejar/Courtesy Pleasant Holidays

A resort showstopper is the 40-meter infinity pool that extends over the ocean. The all-inclusive experience includes round-trip ground transportation to the airport, round-trip ferry tickets to Isla Mujeres, and transportation to Cancun with Xcaret Xailing. Guests also have unlimited access to all the Grupo Xcaret parks.

Explore more: Discover the 75-foot-high pyramid of the Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, the capital of the ancient Maya. The tour includes exclusive access to Chichén Itzá, coffee and bread at Ebtun town, a swim in a cenote, and a stop at the colonial town of Valladolid.

5. Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa

The AAA Four Diamond Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa can easily be mistaken for a world-class art museum. The jaw-dropping, modern, open-air lobby is flanked by 2 bronze winged sculptures by renowned artist Jorge Marín, and the Vista Ballenas restaurant is enlivened by the vibrant mandalas by visual artist VENA2. Even the 3 ocean-facing pools—2 infinity pools and a central pool with a cascading waterfall—are works of art. 

Oceanfront pools at Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa.

The pools at Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa are right on the beach. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

This adults-only, all-inclusive resort features 209 suites with private balconies and views of the Sea of Cortez; 25 casitas are just steps from the beach. Fresh house-made sweet bread is delivered to your room each morning—perfect with Nespresso-brewed coffee—and your minibar is replenished daily. The bathrooms have double sinks, a jetted tub, a separate shower, and L’Occitane products. 

A junior suite at Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa.

A junior suite at Marquis Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort & Spa. Photo courtesy Pleasant Holidays

Your days will be packed with complimentary resort activities, such as water aerobics, archery, beach volleyball, wine or tequila tasting, cooking classes, dance lessons, and mixology lessons.

In the evenings, you’ll enjoy themed nights that range from circus performances to a cabaret show. Make new friends at the teppanyaki table at Sakke or upgrade to a romantic 4-course dinner at the contemporary French restaurant Canto del Mar. 

Explore more: Embark on an unforgettable Camel Ride & Safari along the white-sand beaches in Los Cabos. After the ride, you’ll feast on a taco buffet and can partake in a tequila tasting and class.

Award-winning writer Rachel Ng’s fondest vacation memories are care-free stays at all-inclusive resorts with her best friends. 

Riu Palace Baja California Pool Bar

Getaways to Mexico from $1,009

Book select 5-night resort packages with round-trip airfare before October 22, 2022 and receive up to $200 in value.  

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