Because they are affordable and easy to access from the US — direct flights are rarely more than four hours, dropping you down into paradise by lunchtime — a beach resort in Mexico is the perfect vacay. But just because all food and drinks are included does not mean you need to plunk down $1,000 per night to stay at some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
From the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Sea, some all-inclusive resorts in Mexico charge a more affordable rate — under $300 per night — but still include more than one restaurant, on-site entertainment, a pool, killer views and a beachfront setting to make your time on the property so blissful you may never want to leave. Whether you’re booking a family-friendly trip or a romantic getaway, here are 11 all-inclusive beach resorts that offer a lot of value — without the high cost.
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The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences, Playa del Carmen
Rooms at this 662-room beachfront resort are not typical all-inclusive décor: think modern art and clean lines. Ten restaurants (from Thai food in a funky wallpapered dining room with a larger-than-life Buddha statue to an adults-only Peruvian-meets-Japanese raw bar) and four bars (including a swim-up bar and a high-design Mexican cantina with live folk and mariachi music) make this a destination for foodies. A beach club, seven outdoor pools, a fitness center and manicured gardens provide other spots to unwind.
Grand Oasis Palm, Cancun
Tucked into Cancun’s Hotel Zone the 470-room beachfront property on a private beach features a spa with massage cabins, multiple outdoor pools, and a kid’s club with enough immersive activities to keep the little ones happy, plus an arcade and the Yucatan Jurassic River. Sixteen restaurants, including The White Box, serving molecular gastronomy in a house-like eatery on the beach, are joined by nine bars. Despite being family-friendly there are also adults-only zones — like a nighttime pirate-ship tour. Keep your eyes peeled for wine, tequila and mezcal tastings for even more fun.
Solmar Resort, Cabo San Lucas
That the 100-room resort’s a five-minute walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas means you can easily check out taco stands, art galleries and boutiques, and the marina — all on foot. Thankfully it’s also on the beach, nearly secluded behind granite cliffs, a plus if you book a massage in the spa’s private cabanas. There is also a pool right on the beach and an adults-only pool, too. For meals, choose from three restaurants serving barbecue, Mexican, sushi and international-fusion fare, along with a swim-up bar. Staff do a good job of cultivating a fun calendar of events, including themed nights.
Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa, Acapulco
Open since 2019, what sets this 605-room resort apart is not the Acapulco Bay location, but the off-beat interior design, such as tiles in vintage hues of turquoise and mauve. A full roster of activities is available, from beachfront yoga to sport fishing, as well as live musical performances at night and two outdoor pools to enjoy. Kids and teens clubs ensure everyone in the family is kept busy and made happy. Choose from seven dining options that leave nothing undesired — such as a buffet, coffee shop, ice-cream stand, multiple pools and beachfront bars, and eclectic dining from grilled seafood and steaks to hearty pasta dishes for dinner.
Krystal Grand Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo
Only a quick seven-minute car ride from the artsy, vibrant town of San Jose del Cabo, Krystal Grand’s 429 rooms frame views of the Sea of Cortez or the resort’s manicured gardens. Three specialty restaurants focused on Pan-Asian, Teppanyaki, Mexican and Italian join an all-day buffet and plenty of bars, each focused on different beverages. Four pools, movie nights, yoga classes, game rooms, themed parties, fitness centers and for those traveling as a family — kids and teens clubs and a waterslide at the kid’s pool means you’ll never get bored.
Melia Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
In addition to the usual all-inclusive amenities at this family-friendly all-inclusive — pools, multiple restaurants and bars, and a beach — there are also three that are rare: a rock-climbing wall, an archery gallery and a weekly night market where artisans sell their crafts. While it’s a five-minute jaunt to the airport this property also rims the coast, giving you access to both. Four restaurants, including a breakfast buffet and a lunch buffet, a lobby bar, a swim-up bar and a palapa bar, plus a lagoon-style pool are also on-site.
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, Punta Mita
The cliffside setting of this 518-room resort translates to amazing views, whether you’re kicking back at one of the five pools (one boasts a kid’s waterpark while another is “the quiet pool”) or relaxing on a private balcony. Zentropia Spa & Fitness Center caters to wellness-oriented travelers while the orchid garden cultivates a sense of calm. Ten bars and five restaurants such as sushi at Bamboo, wood-fired pizzas at Portofino, or a taste of Mexico at La Adelita are options for guests, including a swim-up and beachfront bar.
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites, Riviera Nayarit
Right on Nuevo Vallarta Beach, in the Riviera Nayarit Complex, each of the 495 rooms of Marival Emotions Resort flaunt a private balcony. Interior design and cuisine at each of the six restaurants and seven restaurants are contemporary, such as bright-yellow dining chairs at Amalfi or surf-and-turf at La Bamba, just steps from the sand. What this all-inclusive has that not all do is a nightclub. Many guests keep the night going after a show at Miraval theater, live piano music at the martini bar, or by heading to Cesar Night Club for drinks and dancing. Intra Mare Spa’s treatments fold in little luxuries, such as “Champagne cream” in one massage service and hot stones in another.
Cozumel Palace, Cozumel
Anchored by its stunning infinity-edge pool that appears to spill right onto the beachfront, this 175-room hotel comes with a huge perk: access to sister hotels in Cancun (except Le Blanc). This widens the options for dining as well as different pool views. A short ferry ride connects the two regions. Divers flock here because some of the world’s best diving spots are nearby. Or, you can snorkel right off the resort’s dock. An onsite spa for pampering, four restaurants, nightly fire and karaoke shows, and a kids club packed with fun activities are other amenities.
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa Resort & Spa, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
For travelers with extreme adrenaline, one of the outdoor pools at the Sunscape features five waterslides to zip down. Then, at another pool is a swim-up bar so you can put in a few laps before relaxing with a drink. Night owls love to dance the night away at Starlight Lounge. Forget something at home? A shopping center is connected to the resort. Of the six dining options is a food truck called The Snack Machine for casual meals on the go as well as Tamarindo’s high-end Mexican fare for date night, or a private dinner for two set up on the beach.
El Cid Marina Beach Hotel, Mazatlan
With the Golden Zone Marina and a private beach just outside this 210-room all-inclusive’s doors, you get the best of both worlds in terms of views. At the two pools are a swim-up bar and underwater caves, a unique add-on you don’t normally find at resort pools. A spa is also on-site. For guests who like to golf, there is a complimentary shuttle service to El Cid Golf & Country Club. While there are only two restaurants, La Terraza, entirely outdoors; and the seafood-focused La Marina Restaurant & Bar, both are open for all three meals of the day. Plenty of restaurants are also within walking distance. 