Amazing All-Inclusives in Mexico

With its endless coastlines of beautiful beaches on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, diverse gastronomy, welcoming manner and easy accessibility, it’s no wonder Mexico is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations on the planet. Combine all that with the ease of staying at an all-inclusive resort and you’ve got the makings for a romantic happily ever after. Hotels, however, are a bit like Prince Charming: Choose the wrong one and that hoped-for royal experience can turn out to be more fit for a frog. Here we’ve tried, tested and scouted Mexico’s diverse array of all-inclusive resorts to find the ones where everything that’s included will be exactly what you want.

Best for a Sexy Ambience: Excellence Playa Mujeres

Photo courtesy of Excellence Playa, Mujeres

If your idea of honeymoon bliss is decidedly grown-up — in-room Jacuzzis, showers for two and secluded hammocks — this 450-suite adults-only resort may be your ultimate romantic hideaway. Located just 20 minutes from Cancun’s lively hotel zone, Excellence Playa Mujeres features contemporary decor in its spacious suites (even the smallest, a junior suite, is a whopping 807 square feet), all overlooking a chic, daybed-lined pool and lovely stretch of beach. If you’re pool lovers, choose a junior swim-up suite; if privacy is a priority, opt for a two- story rooftop terrace suite with an intimate spa pool. Nine restaurants, eleven bars and a seriously indulgent spa mean everything two newlyweds could possibly want is easily at hand (room rates start at $396 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; excellence-resorts.com). 

Photo courtesy of Royal Hideaway Playacar 

Best for Chilling Out: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa
Wedding planning is stressful, so book into the 154-room adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa in scenic Los Cabos for a kick-off-your-shoes vibe that allows you to lazily focus on little more than each other. Set on a wide deserted (but not swimmable) beach and boasting a striking Zen-inspired design, the property appeals to couples that want all-inclusive ease paired with quiet time. Nights here are extremely low-key with just two intimate bars and a fire-pit area for socializing. Three restaurants (plus access to several others at nearby sister resorts), two large pools and the Armonia Spa round out the amenities (room rates start at $366 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; pueblobonito.com).

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Property

Best for Pool Lovers: El Dorado Casitas Royale
Designed for adults to feature lots of romantic amenities — such as in-­suite Jacuzzis built-for-two, outdoor showers, beachfront daybeds and a lavish couples-oriented spa — El Dorado Casitas Royale also has 13 free-­form pools. Some of its 205 palapa-topped casitas are swim-up, meaning you can take a dip right from your terrace and float down a lazy river to the main pool, which has a swim-up bar. If you’re a total water baby, book into an infinity pool swim-up casita suite, which adds a private plunge pool to the mix. When all that swimming (and après-swimming romance) makes you hungry, you’ll find eight restaurants, three cafés and 15 bars — 11 of which are swim-up, so pack lots of bikinis and sunscreen (room rates start at $570 a night and are all-inclusive; eldoradosparesorts.com).

Photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Best for Foodies: Royal Hideaway Playacar
If food selection and quality rank high on your honeymoon priorities, the six restaurants at this 200-room adults-only luxury resort located just a short stroll from Playa del Carmen will leave you more than satisfied. From the AAA Four Diamond Azia (serving Japanese and Thai cuisine) to the gourmet à la carte options at Las Ventanas (which also features an exclusive Chef’s Table at an extra charge), a variety of international flavors (including Mexican-Caribbean fusion at Spices) makes every meal an adventure. Spacious and elegant Mexican-inspired rooms, six pools set amid tropical gardens leading to a pristine white-sand beach, and a full-service spa round out the amenities (room rates start at $394 per person, per night and are all-inclusive; occidentalhotels.com).

Photo courtesy of Royal Hideaway Playacar

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