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With its picturesque beaches, seemingly endless outdoor activities and pulsing nightlife, Cancun is one of Mexico’s most attractive escapes. Here’s where to rest your head at the end of each sun-soaked day.
With over 10.6 million tourists in the first quarter of 2018, Cancún has long been a favourite destination for wayfarers in search of sun, sand and good times thanks to its breathtaking ocean views and idyllic beach vibe. Located on the bustling Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is also known as the Las Vegas of Mexico and with its growing commercialisation there is now an intimidating number of resorts and hotels to choose from. Enter: the wonders of the all-inclusive resort, meaning once you check in you’ve got nothing to think about but which bar to get your next cocktail from. With secluded beaches and plenty of activities just steps away from lavish suites, here’s where to stay to take on Cancún in style.
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Set along a private beach stretch, this more isolated getaway lies 16 kilometres north of downtown Cancún. Guests are able to relax in a closed-off, gated community but still have convenient access to the busy Mexico city. The resort itself offers water sports, special privileges to Playa Mujeres Golf Course — one of Mexico’s best golf courses — and 19,000 square metres of swimming pools, which include two infinity pools, six whirlpools, two children pools and a waterpark. Each suite has a private terrace or balcony, daily refreshed mini-bar, rain shower and a Dreams Box for private 24-hour room service delivery. And best of all, like all Secrets, Breathless, Now and Reflect hotels, guests of Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort are treated to ‘Unlimited-Luxury’, which means reservation-free dining, unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, pool and beach wait service, plus plenty of other perks. What’s not to love?
Breathless Riviera Cancún Resort and Spa
This 526-suite luxury resort and spa allows guests to choose from 11 different stays – from the ocean-view Allure Suite with its full bathroom and private balcony or terrace, to the exclusive Xhale Presidential Suite with its spacious living, dining and kitchen area, as well as exclusive access to the posh Xhale Club amenities. Guests are also treated to water sports, special deals at the El Tinto Golf Course in the Cancún Country Club and a range of exclusive classes, including tequila tastings, dance class and massage lessons. In addition to a 24-hour room service delivery, the resort has 10 gourmet dining options varying in cuisine and ambience, such as the more formal Coquette, offering lavish French fare and the casual Barefoot Grill, serving up classics poolside.
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancún
Located 13 kilometres off the coast of Cancún, the tranquil Zoëtry Villa Rolandi combines holistic wellness with top-tier accommodations. This oceanfront haven boasts 35 rooms with gourmet dining, a Thalasso Spa, complimentary arrival and departure yacht services and Bvlgari bath amenities. In addition to being a mere 25 minutes from mainland Cancún, the resort’s private beach setting also provides activities without venturing far; travellers can choose from scuba diving, kayaking through cerulean waters, snorkelling at a coral reef and more — all while ending the day with a complimentary sunset ride on a private yacht.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
The accurately-named Secrets resort resides on the hidden, white-sand Maroma Beach, just south of Cancún. With 412 suites in an adults-only setting, it is ideal for romantic getaways and more private stays. Each of the suites features a king-size bed or two double beds, a private terrace or balcony, an in-suite hydro tub for two and a complimentary mini-bar. Three swimming pools, nine restaurants and a full-service spa with beachfront treatment options make the stay all-inclusive. In addition, an open-air theatre houses live performances, while themed party nights and movies under the stars ensure an unforgettable night every day of the week.
Secrets The Vine Cancún
Offering another intimate accommodation perfect for honeymooners, this adults-only resort has 497 chic guestrooms and suites complete with Italian porcelain floors and teak wood furnishings. All rooms and suites feature one King or two Queen-size beds with custom headboards, a sleek private terrace or balcony, luxury bathrooms wrapped in white glass and a complimentary mini-bar. This Secrets resort also boasts a turtle release program that allows guests to watch baby sea turtles hatch and take their first steps right on the hotel’s white-sand beach. The resort also boasts an active nightlife with beach parties and a weekly manager’s cocktail party; wine tasting and mixology cocktail classes. If you’re more interested in hanging by the pool, you’ll be spoilt for choice with two infinity pools, a terrace swimming pool, an outdoor whirlpool and an exclusive pool for Preferred Club guests.
Want more Mexico? Read about our other Yucatán Peninsula recommendations here or discover Los Cabos here.