Mexico is known for its stunning beaches, dense jungles, rich history, and flavorful food. Off the east coast lies a postcard-perfect beach (well, when the seaweed is at bay) and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Meanwhile, the west coast shelters more rugged shores, perfectly positioned for sunsets. In between, there's a host of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. There's beauty everywhere you turn, from the landscapes on the horizon to the art in museums, so it's only natural that this gorgeous country also has a hefty number of attractive all-inclusive resorts. Below, our list of the most beautiful all-inclusives in Mexico.
Le Blanc Spa Resort is steeped in luxury and blessed with a beautiful beachside location off Cancun's Hotel Zone. Design and decor are modern and minimalist, featuring whites, creams, and deep greens. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort's positioning between a leafy lagoon and powder-soft beach only adds to its beauty. There are also stunning pools (two with swim-up bars), top-notch gourmet cuisine, and a huge, decadent spa with a fantastic (and free) guided hydrotherapy circuit. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the spectacular beach views straight into the 260 luxe guest rooms. Cream marble bathrooms feature enormous two-person jetted tubs, glass showers, and Bulgari toiletries -- and, here, butler service is the norm.
Valentin Imperial Maya, Playa del Carmen
The secret is out for this 540-room all-inclusive gem in Riviera Maya's Playa Secreto. Though it may not be as fancy as some of its higher-priced competitors, Valentin Imperial Maya is a beauty inside and out. Expect elegant and traditional decor throughout, including lots of marble, granite, polished stone, chandelier lighting, and fountains. However, this resort's most gorgeous feature is its beach, arguably one of the best in the area. The staff here works hard to free the long stretch of white sand from seaweed, which really makes it stand out. Other draws are the massive main pool with two swim-up bars, a lazy river, and the well-maintained, landscaped grounds.
Fairmont Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury resort known for its stunning grounds, wildlife sightings, and excellent food options. An expensive restoration project has widened the beach and renovations have modernized a few public spaces. The property is surrounded by gorgeous, natural jungle landscaping and features several canals snaking through the complex. The resort has over 150 species of birds and 300 species of wildlife that can be spotted on the grounds and nature paths, giving the space a natural, wild feel. However, we must admit that the simple decor in the rooms, suites, and casitas feels a bit underwhelming.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla
Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is a chic adults-only, all-inclusive property with gorgeous swimming pools, a swim-up bar and a serene vibe. Decor is upscale and stylish, thanks to marble walls, floral displays, and ornate metal sculptures. A large sitting area has an abstract gold chandelier, statues of women holding birds rise from a small pool, and lush grounds feature flowering plants and palm trees. The spa is romantic, with a water ritual, sexy day beds and an expansive treatment menu. Overall, the vibe here is beautiful, sophisticated and relaxed.
Marival Residences Luxury Resort, Riviera Nayarit
Many hotels advertise themselves as luxury all-inclusives, but Marival Residences Luxury Resort is one of the few properties that actually delivers on the promise. Geometric white buildings with dark wood inlays give the hotel a sleek and modern look, which is accented by surrounding fountains and reflecting pools. The open-air lobby feels equally sophisticated, with a large central water feature separating the room into twin halves. Bold accent colors are a Marival hallmark, and all 162 rooms are designed around a central hue. Besides eye-catching color schemes, rooms are richly styled with abstract canvas artwork, textured light fixtures and sleek dark wood furniture. A large freeform pool and beach club are the big attractions here, but the luxe Melange Spa is the cherry on top. Each treatment room is designed to represent a different part of the world, and the decorative elements reflect the healing inspirations of its culture.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen
If you're looking for utopia, it's here at Hotel Xcaret Mexico. This massive, 900-room all-inclusive resort is a visual stunner with expansive grounds that work with the existing natural rock formations, emerald lagoons, jungle, and beach to create a paradise of a property. There are hidden grottos, canals, and pathways that are up for exploration if you can tear your eyes away from the moss-covered boulders and sparkling waters. Rooms are just as gorgeous with local decor, jetted tubs, and furnished terraces with hammocks. Travelers won't feel the number of guests outside of check-in and check-out, and the atmosphere is largely peaceful and relaxed. Perhaps part of the reason this resort is so beautiful is that it's located next to the popular Xcaret eco-park.
Montecristo Estates Pueblo Bonito, Los Cabos
Montecristo Estates Pueblo Bonito starts off strong with an impressive gated entrance featuring a long driveway that winds its way towards the coast and then suddenly turns to jaw-dropping ocean views. The stark beauty of the deep blue water in the distance can feel Mediterranean at first, though the rugged landscape of mountains, sand and cacti -- together with neatly-constructed Spanish-style architecture scattered across layers of the cliff -- seems distinctly Los Cabos. Expect 151 bi-level houses that can sleep eight guests each and villas with high-end amenities such as infinity pools, gourmet kitchens, and stainless steel Weber grills. Days might be spent swimming, sunbathing, and watching whales in the distance, while evenings are for enjoying sunset cocktails before cooking on the grill. The fact that the hotel is located in a chic neighborhood where celebs like George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston have vacation homes doesn't hurt either.
Though it's only a few miles from tourist-heavy Puerto Vallarta, this gorgeous, 80-room adults-only all-inclusive feels eons away. The posh neighborhood and golf course surroundings help. Resort buildings are contemporary, tastefully executed versions of traditional Spanish-style haciendas, and the public spaces, especially the lobby, feel grand. The grounds are meticulously groomed, including the hotel's extensive botanical garden, where herbs, flowers, medicinal plants, vegetables and trees are all labeled so guests can stroll through and know what's what. Don't be surprised if you see some of these plants pop up in restaurant dishes or spa treatments. Expect huge rooms (some with private plunge pools), a large freeform pool and a roaming flock of peacocks.
This luxurious, 434-room property is landscaped with over 4,000 types of trees and flowers, winding outdoor walkways and an intimately serene vibe that's often hard to find in a mid-sized all-inclusive resort. The romance factor is no accident. In fact, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya has gone so far as to mark down its most romantic spots right on the guest map. The resort becomes more stunning thanks to its several pretty pools and location on the soft sands of Akumal Bay, a chilled-out stretch of beach known for its turtle sightings. Rooms have a beautiful, contemporary Mexican design featuring neutral tones, polished natural wood furniture, bright pops of red and orange, tile floors and minimal wall decor. Luxury amenities are extensive, with standouts including two-person whirlpool tubs, iHome dock systems and Nespresso machines.
Royal Hideaway Playacar, Playa del Carmen
The Royal Hideaway Playacar wows at first sight with a red carpet entrance that guides guests down an airy hallway dotted with colonial-style benches, candelabras and plants to a stunning, two-story reception area featuring a dome with a skylight and elegant decor. The Old World-inspired lobby is probably one of the most striking public areas in the hotel, with long, narrow windows showing off a beautiful garden view and a grand staircase descending to the lower level library. To top it off, the hotel's 200 rooms and suites overlook manicured grounds with fountains, small ponds, and palm trees.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta
The 265-suite Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is one of the crown jewels of the Velas Group and is thoroughly luxurious throughout, from the rooms and gardens to the pool and spa. The lobby is set inside a massive thatch-roofed palapa, and the wings of the hotel sweep out away from the lobby and curve toward the ocean, with the gardens, pools, and restaurants nestled in between. Wide-open spaces, high ceilings, marble and granite accents, wood beams and plenty of contemporary Mexican artwork define the architecture and decor. The resort's layout means that every suite has a view of the pool and ocean. Impressive features include a three-tiered infinity pool overlooking the beach, a decadent spa, a kids' club, and five restaurants with excellent food.
(Editor's note: Oyster.com is an independent hotel review site that does not have any financial arrangement with the individual hotels reviewed.)