The all-inclusive resort concept has long been a favorite with Mexico-bound travelers. And destinations around the country continue to up the ante, as new hotels debut with novel features and activities.
As Mexico’s all-inclusive segment continues to grow and diversify, one thing is clear: This category of vacation experience is a far cry from the “one size fits all” concept of yesteryear. Today, options range from ultra-luxurious to budget-friendly, and from sprawling resort complexes to boutique-style properties.
There is, truly, something for every type of sun-seeking traveler.
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Hilton Cancun and Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya
Among the fastest-growing players in Mexico’s all-inclusive segment is Hilton, which debuted Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort last year with an especially diverse array of live entertainment — including a circus show with acrobats, an adults-only burlesque show, a fire drums show, a Michael Jackson impersonator and a traditional Mexican music and dance show.
While Hilton’s Pacific coast property provides the brand with a strong new presence in the state of Jalisco, Hilton is following the strategy of many hoteliers in Mexico and focusing heavily on developing new properties in the Mexican Caribbean. For example, Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort opened in 2021 with features like all-you-can-eat churros and tequila tastings, as well as access to the spa at the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Cancun, which is set to open in November.
Farther south, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort opened in May as the brand’s largest resort in the Caribbean and Latin America, with 735 rooms and a range of activities, including music workshops, an art club and classes where participants learn to make crafts from recycled materials. The property also hosts breath work and yoga classes as part of its wellness-oriented programming.
La Casa de la Playa
Travelers looking for a smaller-scale all-inclusive experience may want to consider La Casa de la Playa, the newest property in the Grupo Xcaret portfolio. Located in the same resort complex as Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte, La Casa de Playa is an adults-only boutique hotel with just 63 suites. Guests at the property can sign up for activities like Maya purification ceremonies and private dinners by the side of a cenote, and they can take advantage of access to all the Xcaret eco-theme parks, as well as free roundtrip airport transfers.
La Casa de la Playa is the newest property in the Group Xcaret portfolio.
Credit: 2022 Grupo XcaretVilla La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa
In Los Cabos, new all-inclusive hotels include Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa, which opened this year as a member of The Villa Group. The property features a 1,148-foot lazy river — billed as the longest in Los Cabos — and family-friendly accommodations that range from studios to four-bedroom oceanfront suites.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
Meanwhile, families will find one of the most exciting new all-inclusive developments to be Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, which opened in late 2021 with all swim-up suites. Since debuting last year, the property has opened a new Club Nick, which features a large ball pit, a two-story slide and a variety of classes and activities — a perfect complement to the extensive offerings at the property’s 6-acre water park, Aqua Nick.
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun
Among the newest properties flying the Hyatt flag is Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, which is home to nine swimming pools, a waterpark and a two-story Zen Spa.
AMR Collection's Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa, Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa and Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
There’s also AMR Collection’s new Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa, which has two rooftop infinity pools and hosts events such as beach parties, Champagne pool parties and a “live art experience” that showcases the work of local artists while a DJ spins tunes.
AMR’s Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa, meanwhile, is slated to open in September with rooms and suites ranging from 470 to 1,600 square feet. Adult guests will have access to the facilities at nearby Secrets Aura Cozumel, and all guests will have access to Sunscape Sabor Cozumel. Also new from AMR this year is Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen, a 485-suite property with three man-made cenotes, 11 dining options, a spa and sporting activities such as bicycle tours, tennis and archery.
