Top 5 All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

With their spectacular settings and luxury amenities, the top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are the perfect places for a family getaway. These top-tier properties are tucked into the rainforest, nestled on the turquoise waters of the Mayan Riviera and perched next to the wild waves in Cabo San Lucas. The best part? All you have to do is show up — all the essentials are included with your room rate, so you're free to focus on having fun.
 

1. All-Inclusive Appeal
2. The Criteria for Selection
3. The Elite Five
4. Unique Offerings
5. Guest Reviews and Testimonials
6. Frequently Asked Questions

All-Inclusive Appeal

If you've ever planned a family vacation, you know that it can be a logistical and financial challenge. That's why all-inclusive resorts are so appealing — they're a convenient, value-packed alternative to a traditional getaway. While every resort is different, bookings typically include a room, food, drinks, activities and entertainment, all for a single, transparent fee. That way, you never need to wonder if there's room in the budget for that luxurious dinner or a trip to the water park. Many properties also offer round-trip airport transfers, so you can start relaxing from the moment your flight touches down.
 

The Criteria for Selection

Mexico is overflowing with all-inclusive properties — how did we narrow it down to the top five? Here are the criteria we used:

• Luxury amenities. We looked for resorts with high-end perks that appeal to both parents and kids.

• Kid-friendly. Some all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are adults-only or designed for couples; we're focusing on properties that welcome the whole family.

• On-site family activities. Each of our top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico offers on-site adventures, so you can have a blast just steps from your room.

• Service. We evaluated resorts based on the level of service you can expect, from the friendliness and efficiency of check-in to the on-time performance of the final airport shuttle.

• Guest reviews. Our all-inclusive resort picks come with glowing reviews from past customers.

The Elite Five
 

1. Hotel XCaret

Hotel XCaret takes the all-inclusive concept to the next level with its "All-Fun Inclusive" policy. Your booking includes everything from the airport shuttle to food, drinks and unlimited visits to local eco-adventure parks including Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor. Of course, you'll also have access to the hotel's 13 pools and 11 restaurants. Make sure to research the options in advance; you'll want to make the most of every hour.
 

At the 900-room Hotel XCaret, the buildings are thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, giving the enormous property an organic, wild feeling. The hotel is tucked into the jungle, an easy 40-minute ride from the Cancun airport.

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2. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

The Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya effortlessly blends fun and luxury, creating a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for a young family. This resort is all about the activities — from the interactive game shows to the Aqua Nick water playground and Club Nick kids' club, you'll never run out of things to do. If you're in the mood to relax, check out the gorgeous oceanfront pools and the Mayan-inspired spa.
 

This resort sits just 22 miles south of the Cancun Airport, and from the moment you arrive, it feels like a different world. Legendary Nickelodeon characters wander the resort, and swim-up suites take luxury to a whole new level. Traveling with small children? The all-inclusive fee includes character breakfasts and other meet-and-greet events.

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3. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Nestled next to the ocean about an hour south of Cancun International Airport, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is a luxurious getaway for your whole crew. The property is split into the family-friendly "Hacienda" and the adults-only "Heaven" sections — and in between, you'll find a lush walking path, white sand beaches, sprawling pools and more restaurants than you can count. The all-inclusive package includes everything you need, including round-the-clock room service, land sports, live entertainment and Wi-Fi.
 

There's plenty for the whole family to do: ride the slides at the Rockaway Bay Water Park, go bowling, play laser tag or check out the nightly shows. Need some alone time? Drop the little ones off at The Roxity Kids Club and head over to the adults-only side of the resort. Get a massage at Rock Spa, or go for a swim in the peaceful Eden pool. The kids won't even notice your absence because they'll be too busy competing in floatie races, making crafts or joining a talent show.

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4. Paradisus Playa del Carmen

Geared toward active travelers, the Paradisus Playa del Carmen is the perfect choice for families with older kids. Take advantage of the spectacular waterfront location with the resort's many water activities, or book tours to go jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. The hotel hosts a full lineup of daytime classes and evening shows, and you can always take advantage of the kids' club or babysitting service.
 

If your family loves to explore the local area on vacation, the Paradisus is a great choice. It's located a stone's throw from lively downtown Playa del Carmen and is an easy drive from the cenotes and Mayan ruins of the Riviera Maya.

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5. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Compact and chic, the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is a welcoming resort for a shorter stay. Two enormous pools face the white-sand beach, providing plenty of space to relax with a drink. Your all-inclusive booking includes access to an ever-changing lineup of daily activities, live entertainment and thrilling nightly performances. If your little ones are longing for independence, send them straight to the supervised KidZ Club for games, crafts and a private playground.
 

The Hyatt Ziva is a popular option with west coast travelers — you can get there with a quick flight and a 20-minute drive from the Cabo San Lucas Airport. The property sits far enough from town that you won't hear the local nightclubs, but it's close enough for a fun afternoon of exploring.

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Unique Offerings
 

Culinary Excellence

The food is one of the best parts of an all-inclusive stay, and each of our top resorts offers a selection of world-class restaurants. If you're a family of foodies, you can't beat the Paradisus Playa del Carmen; it has a mind-boggling 22 restaurants and bars. The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is a close second with 14 restaurants, including the Toro steakhouse and Float, a swim-up spot for drinks and snacks.
 

Love experiential dining? The Nickelodeon resort offers fun, vibrantly colored restaurants that transport you to the network's most iconic locations. Enjoy pizza with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the New York-inspired Piazza, or travel to SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom at Le Spatula.
 

Global cuisine is a given at Mexico's all-inclusive resorts. The Hyatt Ziva has seven carefully curated options, including the adults-only Bon Vivant French restaurant and the stunning Dozo Japanese restaurant. And at Hotel XCaret, you can discover modern Mexican cuisine at HA', the brainchild of Mexico's first Michelin-starred chef, Carlos Gaytán.
 

Spa and Wellness

Book a resort babysitter for the kids and spend the day treating yourself at the spa; there's one at every resort on our list. The most unusual is the adults-only Rock Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel. Here, you'll find the first-ever music-centric spa menu — treatments are synchronized to a custom playlist. At the Paradisus Playa del Carmen's YHI Spa, the unique hydromassage circuit will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. When you book a service at the Muluk spa in the Hotel XCaret, your treatment room will come with a view of rocky coves and turquoise water.
 

In the mood for a workout? Exercise with a view of the sea at the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos fitness center, or sign up for a Body Rock fitness class at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.
 

Activities and Entertainment

Our favorite all-inclusive resorts come with a variety of activities and nightly shows. The Hotel XCaret dominates this category. Your room includes unlimited transportation and entry to the local Grupo Xcaret parks, which offer zip lining, snorkeling, underground cave swimming, paddling, whitewater rafting and much more. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya overflows with on-site activities, including an enormous water park and interactive game shows. Participate as a family, and you might even get slimed.
 

The Hyatt Ziva is all about relaxation, with floating fire pits and an on-site water park that are popular with guests of all ages. And at Paradisus Playa del Carmen, the creative class lineup ranges from Latin dance to hand painting straw hats.
 

Looking for after-hours fun for the adults in the group? At the Hard Rock Hotel, the Club Heaven dance club brings in a DJ every night.
 

Guest Reviews and Testimonials

What do guests say about our top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico? Here's a quick overview:
 

• Hotel XCaret. Guests love the beautiful property and luxurious rooms. Many mention the exceptional staff, noting that they're "friendly and always smiling" and that the "service is unmatched."

• Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts. Parents are highly impressed with the fun family activities at this hotel, which is "super clean and maintained" and packed with "amazing food options."

• Hard Rock Hotel. Families who stay at the Hard Rock love the lively atmosphere and the delicious food options. In particular, one traveler noted that there are "many fun pool activities" for both kids and adults.

• Paradisus Playa del Carmen. If you're looking for a resort with plenty of space, this is a good option — guests often comment on the large rooms. They also love the endless activities and the kid-friendly food options, saying, "The amount that this resort caters to families is like no other."

• Hyatt Ziva. Family travelers praise the Hyatt Ziva for its flexible offerings, including free room service, regular entertainment and service that is "out of this world." They often mention the on-site French restaurant and the lovely swim-up rooms.
   

If you're planning a family vacation to Mexico this spring break, an all-inclusive resort is a wonderful way to streamline the planning process. Each of our top picks offers luxurious amenities, kid-friendly activities and a full complement of restaurants that cater to every taste. Whether you're searching for adventure in the Riviera Maya or booking a quick getaway in Los Cabos, these resorts promise to create a memorable vacation for your whole crew.

Ready to book? Indulge in unparalleled luxury by booking one of our top 5 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico today.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Do all-inclusive resorts include alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks are typically, but not always, included in an all-inclusive resort booking. Make sure to read the fine print to see if any cocktails or liquor types are excluded.
 

Do Mexican all-inclusive resorts include airport transportation?

Some resorts, including Hotel XCaret, include airport transfers in the booking fees. For others, you must reserve and pay for transfers separately.
 

Are there family rooms at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico?

Each of our top 5 all-inclusive resort choices offers a variety of room types, including rooms that accommodate families. If you're traveling with more than two children, you may need to upgrade to a larger suite or book adjacent rooms.
 

Can you book flights with all-inclusive resorts?

When you book through the resort, the Hotel XCaret and the Hard Rock Hotel allow you to book a flight and a room together. In some cases, these packages are more affordable than booking each component separately.

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