The best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico

Grand Riviera Princess starts at just $127 in the off season and even in peak December holiday season, prices can be as low as $132 per night. That's shockingly cheap compared to competitors but there's no catch. The price includes all food, many activities, and great resort amenities.

Suites with hot tubs make good options for couples, while Family Club rooms with King-sized beds, in addition to bunk beds, are ideal for families.

There is a wide range of global restaurants to please all palates, including Mexican, Italian, Swiss, and Asian cuisine. You won't find as many over-the-top amenities and activities here as at larger resorts or luxury hotels, but there's still access to great beaches, 15 (yes, 15) pools — including those designated exclusively for kids, a kids' club, a small game room, tennis courts, free non-motorized sports, and a spa.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 117 of 254 hotels in Playa del Carmen

Booking.com Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Pros: A wallet-friendly stay that still comes with all the amenities you'd want in a solid beach vacation including a beachfront location, multiple pools, a spa, and plenty of on-site activities.

Cons: The rooms are nice, but are not exceedingly memorable or luxurious when it comes to decor and amenities. The resort is also quite large and it can be a trek to reach the beach depending on where your room is located.

Just five minutes from San Jose del Cabo vibrant downtown, and 25 minutes from lively Cabo San Lucas, this well-appointed resort consistently comes in at under $200 even in the winter high season.

The horseshoe-shaped property includes gardens, multiple pools, beaches, tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts, plus a kids' club and mini water park. There's also a shuttle to and from Cabo San Lucas, but it costs extra. Lounging on the beach is always an option, though swimming is not permitted due to riptides and strong currents.

There are five restaurants, including a la carte dining, and buffets with nightly themed dinners. Rooms are nice, though plain, and all accommodations include balconies, but some are very small and don't have great views.

The property tends to cater mainly to families, but adults can take advantage of the spa and adults-only pools, along with the on-site bars.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 20 of 50 hotels in San Jose del Cabo

Booking.com Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Pros: An affordable resort that caters mainly to families with plenty to keep travelers busy on property, as well as easy access to Cabo San Lucas.

Cons: The beach is great for lounging, but not for swimming. Guests should also be wary of dated rooms and time-share sales pitches.

This AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort in Nuevo Vallarta is a serious steal coming in under $200 even during some of the busiest months. It's not exclusively all-inclusive, but it has an all-inclusive package option when booking, allowing for more flexibility. This can be a perk for larger groups who may want to choose different options. The all-inclusive add-on includes all meals, drinks, resort activities, access to the tennis courts, use of the hydrotherapy circuit at the spa, and all non-motorized sports equipment. Booking just the room starts at $156, but even with the all-inclusive package, the price can start as low as $248 per night.

The apartment-style property consists of multi-bedroom suites with either kitchenettes or full kitchens, depending on room type and price point. Private terraces provide sweeping views of the lush grounds and the Bay of Banderas.

The large main pool features multiple zero-entry points, making it extremely accessible, while the swim-up bar keeps the atmosphere fun. On-site activities cater to kids and adults, including kid-friendly survival classes and movie nights, as well as paddle-boarding and dance or Spanish lessons. Additionally, guests have access to the beaches, pools, and activities at sister resort Villa del Palmar Flamingos right next door.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 5 hotels in Flamingo

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: An apartment-style resort that gives guests the flexibility to book as a standard hotel or as an all-inclusive package with meals.

Cons: Some of the rooms can feel dated and it doesn't have as modern or chic decor as other nearby resorts.

Part of the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya complex of five resorts, the adults-only, 130-room TRS Yucatan Hotel offers a smaller, quieter retreat in comparison to its big behemoth sister properties.

TRS Yucatan Hotel is just right for couples in the beautiful area of Akumal, nestled between lively Tulum and Cancun. Akumal is named after the sea turtles you'll likely find swimming beside you while out snorkeling, alongside soft-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Contemporary accommodations start with huge entry-level Junior Suites and go all the way up to premium suites with private plunge pools, and Romance Bungalows featuring unique wood furniture, hidden outdoor showers, and private decks with kayak landings.

But perhaps one of the biggest perks of staying at TRS Yucatan is the fact that guests can enjoy all the amenities of Grand Palladium Riviera Maya's other four resorts, while TRS remains private only to guests booked there. It makes for a pretty exclusive stay, with the option of a big resort sprawl, while being able to retreat to a quiet, secluded base. Still, even at just TRS, there's plenty to do. Six restaurants, multiple bars, a VIP beach area, a spa, and three pools, including an infinity pool with exceptional ocean views, are all available. Additionally, activities like kayaking, diving, and windsurfing ensure guests are never left idling aimlessly on the beach — unless that's exactly what they're looking to do.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 22 hotels in Akumal

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: A more secluded, adults-only resort that still gives guests access to all the amenities found at the four sister properties within the complex.

Cons: None of the rooms are right on the beach and it can be a long walk to get there depending on where your room is.

This adults-only all-suite resort is found on the powdery white-sand beaches of Playa Mujeres in Cancun. The beach is dotted with private palapas that provide a shady reprieve for lounging and plenty of romantic R&R. Couples can also rest in hammocks, or dip their toes in crystal clear waters as a school of fish swims by.

More action can be found at the main pool where drinks and shots flow freely at the swim-up bar. There are seven pools in total, along with four jacuzzis, and five whirlpool tubs, and junior suites come with swim-up pool access right from the room.

Other room types include pool-view suites, or our top pick, terrace suites with private plunge pools. To really up the romance, opt for a two-story room with a massive private terrace, plunge pool, and in-suite jacuzzi.

Each night, guests receive a list of activities for the next day, along with daily restaurant choices, and a nightly entertainment schedule. Activities range from kayaking to yoga and Spanish lessons, and every activity except for deep-sea fishing, private yacht excursions, and scuba diving are included in the nightly rate.

Savor the sunset and the balmy nights that follow with live music, laser shows, and romantic outdoor dinners, all included.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 of 12 hotels in Playa Mujeres

Hotels.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: An adults-only, all-suite resort where lively fun and deep relaxation can all happen under the same palapa.

Cons: Not all of the restaurants are open every night, so be sure to check the schedules ahead of time and plan accordingly, especially if there's one restaurant you're eager to try.

There are perhaps two words that automatically set the tone for luxury and romance: overwater bungalows. And you don't have to fly halfway around the world to the Maldives to cozy up in one. We like El Dorado Maroma in particular, found on the pristine beaches of Quintana Roo, though they predictably come at a very high price point, starting at $1,500. Not to worry, we also rounded up our favorite affordable overwater bungalows around the world.

Don't dismiss El Dorado just because their overwater bungalow might be too far above your budget. Consider their spacious Junior Suites instead that start at $549 for all-inclusive rates, and feature balconies, hot tubs, and artfully decorated interiors. Honeymoon Suites are only $30 more and add oversized private terraces outfitted with double beds and in-suite hot tubs.

But if you can't resist the allure of waking up to turquoise waters directly under your glass-bottom floors, the overwater bungalows make a strong case for a serious splurge. Consider that you'll save on airfare, travel time, and jet lag compared to similar resorts in Tahiti or Asia. Plus, most other overwater bungalows aren't all-inclusive and cost the same price before adding hefty food, drink, and activity charges. If you've always dreamt of diving from your private terrace directly into the ocean, this is a good place to do it.

Additionally, there are six on-site restaurants ranging s from Mexican and Peruvian to Asian fusion. Sip on a fruity cocktail at any of the five bars — and don't even bother changing out of your swimsuit since three are swim-up. All-inclusive extras include paddleboarding, Latin dance lessons, and a free champagne toast upon arrival.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 7 hotels in Playa Maroma

Booking.com Rating: 9 out of 10

Pros: The spacious entry-level Junior Suites and slightly more expensive Honeymoon Suites still offer plenty of romance in the desirable setting of Quintana Roo.

Cons: The bungalows are expensive but if staying in one is a bucket list item, the resort makes a strong case to do it here. Unlike most overwater bungalow resorts, the price here also includes meals and activities, and the resort is much easier to reach than the Maldives.

Families can pair a beach getaway with exceptional cultural and learning opportunities at Club Med Cancun Yucatan. The resort offers quirky activities for kids including flying trapeze school and archery lessons, as well as direct access to the world's second-largest coral reef, plus snorkeling, waterskiing, and sailing school, all included.

Though they come at an additional cost, off-site excursions are worth a surcharge for easy access to days spent snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with whale sharks, exploring famed Chichen Itza, or floating in crystal clear cenotes.

The resort itself is situated on an idyllic stretch of sand and most rooms have furnished balconies with either sea or lagoon views. The Aguamarina buildings are designed specifically for families with colorful, beachy decor including purple couches, turquoise curtains, and multiple bedrooms. The oceanfront rooms are also located right by the family oasis pool on its own secluded beach.

Parents will appreciate the spa by luxury French skincare company L'Occitane, and six bars and lounges provide a fun retreat when it's grownup time.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 11 of 222 hotels in Cancun

Kayak.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: A kid-friendly resort with unique on-site offerings like trapeze classes and archery lessons, as well as easy access to book off-site excursions to wonders like Chichen Itza and the famous cenotes.

Cons: The excursions off property are a major draw, but they come at additional costs and staff can try to upsell guests.

The Hard Rock Riviera Maya promises to please every age group. At the on-site Rockaway Bay Water Park, teens can get adrenaline pumping zooming down high-speed waterslides, while young children splash away at the jungle gym. And, of course, everyone appreciates the private beach, and a wide variety of pools all designated for kids, families, or adults.

Young travelers will enjoy burning off extra energy at the indoor action-sports facility with trampolines, a skate park, indoor snowboard and ski equipment, and an obstacle course.

Children can also live out pop star dreams at Kidz Bop Experience, where they meet a tour manager, pick out a band name, select a red carpet look, and perform on a real stage. The entire experience is included as part of the all-inclusive rate, though taking it to the next level with a glam squad and cover shoots does come with a fee.

Parents aren't forgotten either and can find plenty of pampering at Heaven, the adults-only resort within a resort section of the property. Here, heaven also includes the signature Hard Rock spa, seven bars, a nightclub, four upscale restaurants, and private pools.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 of 18 hotels in Puerto Aventuras

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Kids will never be bored between the waterpark, action-sports facility, and unique activities like the Kidz Bop Experience. The adults-only resort within a resort concept also means parents can relax, too.

Cons: Guests need to make reservations for all of the restaurants and during the busiest seasons, they book up incredibly fast. If you don't book ahead of time, you could end up eating at the buffet every night.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico features a unique architectural approach with an eco-integrated design resulting in pools that look like natural lagoons and grottos, and "casa" complexes named after the natural elements.

The all-suite resort has four varieties of room types ranging from swim-up suites with private pools to junior suites with large terraces.

Best of all for families is the ALL-FUN All-Inclusive Concept, which gives guests unlimited access to Xcaret's eight eco-centric theme parks, waterparks, and tours with experiences like ziplining, waterslides, and driving off-road vehicles through the jungle. Shuttles between the resort and the eco-parks, as well as to and from the airport in Cancun, are also included.

Within the main grounds of Hotel Xcaret, join included activities such as kayaking down the river, sport courts, jungle trails, and kids' club, or simply grab a lounge chair on the beautiful beach.

Daily meals can be eaten at 10 different on-site restaurants, with drinks offered at eight bars. There is also the relaxing Muluk Spa that incorporates ancient Mayan mythology and practices into their signature treatments.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 14 of 254 hotels in Playa del Carmen

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: A resort with a unique eco-integrated design that gives guests access to eight parks and tours included in the all-inclusive price.

Cons: Reservations for the parks and restaurants can book up fast, and there can be long lines at the reservation center if you try to book with staff once you've arrived, so book activities and meals ahead of time if possible.

The 144-suite Grand Residences Riviera Cancun ingratiates itself to large groups with spacious suites and villas that include as many as four bedrooms, homey, handcrafted furniture, gourmet kitchens, Jacuzzis, and large terraces with sea views.

Despite the name, the hotel is actually located in the village of Puerto Morelos, which is 20 minutes from the Cancun airport, and close to Tulum and its archaeological wonders. We like it because it's a more peaceful spot away from the main party scene.

The resort delivers on many details others don't, such as airport transfers, welcome drinks (margaritas for adults, juice for kids), and a bottle of tequila waiting in the room upon arrival. Other perks and activities range from lollipops in the pool area and personalized cookies, to mixology and tennis lessons, daily beach games, snorkeling, bike tours, dance contests, Spanish classes, and more.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 of 36 hotels in Puerto Morelos

Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: An all-suite property with one- to four-bedroom suites in a calmer area than the usual Cancun party scene.

Cons: There are only two main restaurants, which can become repetitive on lengthier trips when you're paying to only dine on-site.

Set along 10 acres on the gorgeous Banderas Bay with views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Velas Vallarta offers all-inclusive options for groups, plus multiple pools and a relaxing beach area. The suites feature contemporary Mexican details and range from one- to three-bedrooms, with kitchens or kitchenettes, private balconies, and large living room areas.

All-inclusive rates include activities like tennis, basketball, morning yoga, and a kid's club for ages 4 to 12 with plenty of offerings to keep young ones busy.

Gourmet dining is also included and La Ribera Restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views along with steak and seafood dinners, as well as a great breakfast buffet. For live music and Mexican cantina food, Foodies Cantina offers authentic fare, while Andrea Restaurant serves fresh local seafood and Asian and Italian-inspired options. Just be sure to make reservations; they are required for all restaurants.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 137 hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: One- to three-bedroom suites with stunning ocean and mountain views in Marina Vallarta. The staff is also exceptionally attentive.

Cons: The resort could generally use a refresh and some rooms show signs of wear and tear. All dining requires advance reservations.

While it may seem difficult for a resort to cater to couples, families, and groups, Marival Distinct Luxury Residences in Riviera Nayarit has found a way to balance these contrasts with a wide variety of offerings, amenities, and lodging. For groups, Marival Distinct Luxury Residences are spacious and range from one to four bedrooms equipped with kitchens, washer/dryers, living rooms, and terraces. For even more space, villas and penthouses include huge private pools.

All meals from the five distinct a la carte restaurants are included, along with pool and beach concierge service, a personal butler, babysitting, and tennis clinics. The resort can also arrange spectacular off-site excursions like whale watching, ziplining, or sailing off to the nearby Marieta Islands, but these come with an additional fee.

Multi-gen groups with children will appreciate an on-site kids' club, a family-only area just two minutes from the main resort, as well as the fact that residences and villas come with children-themed bedrooms with special kid-friendly amenities and toys.

Finally, the Melange World Spa features nine thematic cabins, each with a distinctive atmosphere representing a different world country.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 of 29 hotels in Nuevo Vallarta

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: The huge residences and villas with kitchens, washer/dryers, and private pools give groups the feeling of staying in their own personal beach house.

Cons: In the busiest seasons, pools can be very crowded and some travelers have had issues with adults-only areas not being respected by families.

If spacious swim-out suites, tropical views, and a secluded, romantic setting sound like vacation heaven, consider Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun.

This AAA Five Diamond Resort is an adults-only resort tucked away along a private beach with a romantic vibe and modern rooms with whirlpools. In high season, prices can soar into the $800s, but in the off-season, you can get pampered starting as low as $233 per night. Though for most of the year, and throughout the summer, the average starting price is about $523. The spacious entry-level rooms start at over 600 square feet and come with private furnished balconies and luxurious spa-like bathrooms with hydro tubs. True romance is found in the Swim Out Suites that line a meandering pool and mimics the feel of having a natural river flowing by.

A peaceful sanctuary on its own private stretch of beach, the property includes two main pools with ocean views, along with several other smaller, semi-private pools. Daytime activities such as snorkeling, yoga, dance lessons, mini-golf, tennis, and non-motorized watersports are all free. Additionally, guests have green fees waived at the nearby golf course. The spa promises to pamper and has the option for beachfront treatments.

Beyond the usual buffet, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun features six a la carte restaurants, a grill, and a cafe. Unlike most resorts, reservations aren't required, leaving room for spontaneity. Fine gourmet options include Bordeaux where French food is served against the backdrop of aged wine barrels, and Oceana for fresh seafood al fresco by candlelight. Top-shelf liquor is also included and served at six lively bars and restaurants alongside, live performances and theme party nights.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 of 7 hotels in Playa Maroma

Booking.com Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: A romantic, secluded resort on a private beach with spacious entry-level suites, excellent dining options, and top-shelf liquor included in the price. In the off-season, you can find incredible deals for premium luxury service.

Cons: Prices can soar into the $800s during the most popular winter months. Rooms on the ground floor experience added foot traffic and lack privacy.

This luxury adults-only resort is an expensive option, especially given the fact that Cancun has many high-end hotels and resorts available at a much lower price point. However, Le Blanc is rated the number one hotel in all of Cancun on Trip Advisor for good reason.

Chic rooms feature dreamy lagoon and ocean views, whirlpool tubs, and personal butlers. In-room aromatherapy, comfort menus, and pillow menus ensure every room is a personal paradise. And the feeling extends outside. It's easy to find beach bliss on the hotel's large stretch of white sand, or at the manicured pools where attendants diligently hand out ice water and cool towels. Service is impeccable and every whim is easily pampered.

The elevated dining also goes far above the standard all-inclusive fare. Fine French cuisine is served in an elegant setting under bubble chandeliers, while melt-in-your-mouth sushi can be eaten among tasteful, Japanese-inspired decor.

For a more active vacation, tours to swim with dolphins, unlimited golf, sailing to Isla Mujeres, and fitness classes are all available. And, as the name implies, the sumptuous spa is a major draw. Book a treatment at the BlancSpa and take advantage of the sauna, steam room, ice room, and lagoons, for a final dose of serenity.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 222 hotels in Cancun

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: This luxurious, adults-only spot with elegant rooms, elevated cuisine, and above-and-beyond amenities is the best in Cancun.

Cons: Le Blanc Spa Resort is one of the most expensive resorts in Cancun where there are many other cheaper, still luxe options.

Grand Velas is a beacon for luxury in Los Cabos with a location overlooking some of the bluest, most beautiful waters in Baja. Indulgence is a way of life with guests receiving not just a welcome drink upon check-in, but a welcome massage, too. Personal butler service is included, as well as top-shelf liquor.

Even entry-level suites are massive, starting at 1,100 square feet, and come with ocean view balconies, elegant neutral furnishings, art, and decor. Premium suites boast large living areas and private plunge pools on the balcony.

Though the ambiance exudes romance, the resort also does an excellent job catering to families with two-bedroom family suites, a kids' club, teens' club, baby concierge, and rotating daily activities.

However, adults will find the hotel plenty posh with five signature restaurants serving fine dining, surf and turf, and Italian-Mediterranean dishes. Poolside and beachside service ensures guests never have to lift a finger when it comes to setting up chairs and towels or getting a drink refill. The spa is its own 35,000 square foot paradise with a private, serene pool, and personal spa valets.

For an additional fee, spend days surfing, kayaking over to Lover's Beach, snorkeling the reefs, or playing a round of golf. Just be aware that while the beach is exceptional for relaxation, the ocean is not ideal for a leisurely swim. In fact, swimming at all is frequently prohibited throughout the Cabo area due to strong currents.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 of 50 hotels in San Jose del Cabo

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: Famous in Cabo for its next-level luxury service and amenities, this picturesque resort pleases couples and families alike with massive entry-level suites, gourmet food, and some of the best views in Mexico.

Cons: The beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents, though this is common throughout the area.