Marriott's First-Ever All-Inclusive Is a Fresh New Option in Cancún, Mexico

I got the opportunity to stay at Marriott Cancun for its grand opening celebration. When I arrived, the tranquil vibe I experienced from the infused water at the resort’s welcome station was quickly replaced by an eagerness to check in and navigate to the nearest lounge chair outside. By my trip’s close, I left thinking that Marriott Cancun’s attention to detail and commitment to unique guest experiences set it apart in the crowded all-inclusive landscape.

While I’ve experienced more luxurious resorts, the thoughtful touches at Marriott Cancun made it a memorable property — and a destination I plan to revisit.

Accommodations at Marriott Cancun

Thanks to the resort’s front desk staff, check-in was a breeze. I speed-walked to my fourth-floor room to drop my bags. The view from my partial ocean-view room didn’t help ease my FOMO. From the balcony, I could see guests relaxing poolside as a DJ provided the background soundtrack. The room was large, with a king bed and the most comfortable long sofa that doubled as a bed. I found myself using it when winding down and eating room service. I didn’t open it up, so I’m not sure how comfortable it’d be for sleeping, but it’s a great option for families with young kids.

The bathroom was bright and featured a roomy, open rainfall shower. The room had standard features like an in-room safe, a coffee machine, and a mini fridge stocked with an assortment of beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and local snacks. There’s no doubt that my room was part of the resort’s recent renovation project. It was clean, bright, and new. My favorite feature was a housekeeping button on the wall. With one push, you can let the housekeeping staff know if you need service that day.

With 450 newly redesigned rooms, including 38 suites, the resort can accommodate varied guests’ needs and budgets. Rooms come with either a resort, partial ocean, or oceanfront view. Marriott Cancun also has four types of suites with additional space, separate living spaces, and other luxury amenities. The resort offers accessible resort-view rooms equipped with roll-in showers and various mobility-enhancing features to accommodate guests with additional needs.

Amenities at Marriott Cancun

There’s no shortage of amenities and activities to fill your days at Marriott Cancun. The water park, adorned with thrilling slides and a lazy river, provides families and adults with a playful outdoor escape. For those seeking tranquility, the adults-only pool, with its swim-up bar and infinity edge, offers a peaceful haven that looks out over the resort’s beachfront and the ocean.

Adjacent to the adults-only pool is the larger main pool. The pool area has several sections of chairs, tables, and loungers. It also has a massive whirlpool and a lengthy swim-up bar. Resort staff are around to take drink orders and meet other needs.

The resort’s fitness center was challenging to find due to ongoing renovations. The sprawling facility is packed with state-of-the-art equipment, including various exercise and cardio machines, kettlebells, and bands. Hidden off to one side is a separate, more private studio area for yoga, fitness classes, and other workouts.

Next to the fitness center is a small beauty salon. I didn’t go inside, but it offers a range of services, providing a touch of indulgence away from the sun and sand. This section of the resort is also the future location of the resort’s pickleball courts, which were under construction during my stay.

The CAMP Club is one of the property’s most impressive amenities. I’m genuinely jealous of families that will enjoy this experience since our kids are teens and adults now. The CAMP Club far exceeds the standard kids’ clubs I’ve visited elsewhere, which have resembled daycares or afterschool care programs.

Our group of writers got the opportunity to be kids for the morning. We received first-class instruction and supplies to make the bluest slime I’ve ever seen. The CAMP Club staff were lively, interacting with everyone with genuine enthusiasm. You could tell they were proud to be part of this space and experience, the first edition of the CAMP Club within the Marriott family.

Experiences at Marriott Cancun

During my stay, I participated in a ceviche-making class, which was both educational and enjoyable. Learning directly from one of the property’s head chefs, we prepared two types of ceviche. I appreciated the hands-on approach and the chef’s guidance throughout the session. The best part was that I was able to keep my chef’s apron as a souvenir to use at home.

I also indulged in a relaxing massage on the beach, which was incredible. The resort features a tent-like structure along one side of the beach, partitioned into several private areas where guests can enjoy spa services.

While the prime location allowed me to enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves and the refreshing ocean breeze, the lack of doors or screens meant privacy was limited. It was difficult to fully relax hearing beachgoers steps away. Changing before and after the massage in privacy was also challenging due to the open setup. This spa arrangement seemed to be a temporary location during ongoing construction and renovations at the resort.

In the near future, Marriott Cancun will introduce a creative space called The Workshop that’s designed to connect guests with the local culture through arts and crafts, led by local artists and artisans.

Dining at Marriott Cancun

Eyes are the window to the soul. From my first on-property culinary experience at Casa Madre, I knew my eyes and stomach would be well-fed on this trip. The open-air restaurant sits toward the front of the property. It has an expansive buffet of local cuisine along with dishes from various regions across Mexico for a 360-degree culinary trip around the country.

Marriott Cancun offers a variety of dining experiences, each showcasing different aspects of global and local cuisine. For breakfast, Hana Polynesian Grill had a buffet that included both Mexican and international options. The highlight for me was the unique experience of enjoying raw honey taken straight from the honeycomb. Casa Madre offered similar fare at its breakfast buffet.

Another trip favorite, ONO Teppanyaki is all about the show. Chefs cook right at your table, providing entertainment as they whip up Japanese dishes. It’s an interactive experience that combines dinner and a show, making it a fun choice for families or groups.

As an avid coffee drinker, Organic & Co. Cafe & Bakery became a regular stop for me. The menu featured an array of drinks, fresh pastries, and gelato. The bakery was hard to resist, especially during mornings when its stunning donuts occupied the window display.

Mo’s Burgers & Shakes provides a throwback American diner experience that pays homage to Marriott’s hospitality beginnings. The burgers were average, but the fries were exceptional. I received several recommendations for Mo’s from other guests, specifically for the french fries.

I wish my trip was longer for several reasons, one of which is that I would have had more time to explore Marriott Cancun’s restaurants and bars. The vibe inside Press Start, an arcade-themed sports bar, was lively. Its menu was right up my alley. Unfortunately, my only time there was to watch fellow press sing late-night karaoke. Sacbé Beach Shack looked like the perfect beachfront spot for a quick bite. I also missed out on Alice’s Tamale Ritual, a tamale cart that rolls throughout the property most days.

Getting to and from Marriott Cancun

As part of my trip, I received a ride from Cancun Airport (CUN) through a local transportation company. The drive to Marriott Cancun took approximately 25 minutes. My return trip was equally uneventful. My driver was ready and waiting for me in front of the resort before I checked out.

The Cancun Airport can get hectic. If you’re planning a trip to Marriott Cancun, I recommend securing transfers in advance to avoid the airport’s hustle and ensure a fixed rate.

There’s little need for a rental car unless you plan to explore the wider area. Marriott Cancun offers enough experiences and activities to fill your schedule. For excursions beyond the property, there’s a concierge that can assist with transportation arrangements and guided tours.

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