Years ago, the all-inclusive hotel concept was often equated with a rather middling vacation experience. But as new and existing hospitality brands have introduced more luxurious amenities, the category has found increasing appeal with upscale travelers. One of the best places to sample the finer side of this growing category is Cancun, Mexico’s largest tourism destination.
In Cancun, the plushest all-inclusive options tend to be for adults only. Palace Resorts, for example, targets upscale couples with its top-of-the-line property, Le Blanc Spa Resort. Accommodations at this AAA Five Diamond hotel range from Royale Deluxe to Royale Presidential suites, and clients can upgrade their visit further with options such as the Ultimate Luxury Yacht Experience onboard a sleek vessel called Impulsive. Priced at $425 per hour (with a minimum of four hours), the excursion includes food and beverages for up to eight passengers. It also includes the services of a chef and waiter and a choice of scenic routes around Isla Mujeres or along the coast of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
In addition, Palace Resorts recently launched the Casanova, a new, 51-foot yacht at Isla Mujeres Palace that transports guests from the pier in Cancun directly to the island, so they won’t have to take a public ferry. Transportation on the yacht, which has mahogany finishing and seating for 10 passengers, is included for guests at the hotel.
AMResorts is another player in Cancun’s upscale all-inclusive segment, particularly with Secrets The Vine. This adults-only property offers the brand’s Unlimited-Luxury concept, which includes a welcome sparkling wine toast as well 24-hour room service, unlimited top-shelf spirits and free greens fees at Playa Mujeres Golf Club.
Live Aqua, which is owned by Grupo Posadas, is another popular option for adults seeking upscale amenities and services. Clients looking for extra amenities can opt for an Aqua Club room, which provides access to the Aqua Club lounge, where extra amenities include premium-brand drinks, continental breakfast, appetizers and the services of a concierge. Clients seeking maximum space should consider reserving one of the suites, which have dual balconies, hydrotherapy spas and handsomely furnished living rooms.
Some upscale hotels in Cancun that previously focused on the European plan have introduced their own all-inclusive options. For instance, at the Westin Resort & Spa Cancun, the all-inclusive program includes accommodations in Deluxe Lagoon View and Deluxe Oceanview rooms, as well as a three-meal plan with a breakfast buffet, a three-course lunch and a three-course dinner. Guests who pay for the all-inclusive option can also enjoy the “open bar by the glass” inclusion from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at some of the hotel’s bars, as well as free use of the property’s tennis courts and fitness center.
Also offering an all-inclusive option is the JW Marriott Cancun, a AAA Five Diamond hotel that has an All Inclusive Getaway package for four-night minimum stays. The program includes breakfast and lunch as well as dinner at any of six venues, offering Mexican, Italian, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Also included is a 20 percent discount on massage and beauty shop services; a daily $25 resort credit; access to the children’s club; unlimited domestic non-alcoholic beverages, beer and house wine by the glass; Internet access for up to two devices; and 24-hour room service. Similar amenities are offered with the All Inclusive Getaway option at the nearby CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort as well.
The Details
Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.cancun.travel
