The 16 best all-inclusive hotels in Cancún

One of the most sought-after all-inclusive hotels in Cancún, Sun Palace is an exclusive oceanfront spot that's close to all of the popular attractions. There are all the on-site facilities you could need, including a spa, a pool and four restaurants. The target market is couples, so there's no shortage of romantic vibes. And really, where could be better than this hotel for a few days or relaxed bliss by the ocean?

The mood? Sun-drenched and luxurious. 

Location perks? Arrange a surprise romantic dinner for two on the beach or balcony, for a little extra. 

Budget range? Not for the faint-pocketed. 

If it's adults-only that you're after, Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort should be on your radar. Offering two outdoor pools, four hot tubs and a spa, this unique hotel is found on a secluded stretch of beach, right next to an 18-hole golf course. You'll fill your days with relaxing spa treatments, swimming laps of the pool, tanning by the beach and so much more, knowing that all the stress of normal life is miles away.

The mood? Classy and elegant. 

Location perks? Enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear blue waters just off the coast. 

Budget range? Not cheap, but certainly the ideal spot for a honeymoon. 

This family-friendly resort covers all bases. Rooms have flat-screen TV and cable, iPod docks, comfortable seating, coffee machines, bathrobes, slippers and top-quality toiletries. Situated in Cancún in the Quintana Roo Region, Moon Palace The Grand has year-round indoor and outdoor pools, plus a children's playground and a private beach area. After a full day, there's no better place to chill out with a bite to eat than the on-site restaurant. 

The mood? Cozy luxury. 

Location perks? For those into water sports, there's paddle boarding, the wave pool for those who like an adrenaline rush, and Vegas-style entertainment for those who like a bit of glitz. 

Budget range? A pricey one, but decent for all the facilities you get thrown in.

Framed by the Caribbean Sea, Hyatt Ziva Cancun will answer your dreams for sandy beaches and clear blue skies. While the rooms have luxuries like bath robes, slippers, TVs, minibars and more, it's what's going on outside that you should be excited about. Activities include theatre shows, water sports and tequila tasting, or you can keep things classic and tan on a sound lounger with a marg to hand. If that's not relaxing enough? Make use of the oceanfront spa or a spot of aqua aerobics. 

The mood? Wellness paradise. 

Location perks? Beautiful white sandy beaches meets luxurious holistic body treatments and oceanfront dining. Count us in. 

Budget range? Not too shabby for a few nights in private luxury. 

Giving you unparalleled access to Cancún Beach, Live Aqua is a sprawling hideaway with stylish rooms, nine restaurants, five bars and a spa all on-site. Of course, you've got a pool to cool off in too, with impressive views over the Caribbean Sea to boot. The adults-only resort will have you exploring Mexican cuisine at Siete Restaurant, enjoying hydrotherapy treatments, massage and aromatherapy, and hitting the gym for the odd holiday yoga class.

The mood? Glossy and modern.

Location perks? A pooch-friendly luxury resort that offers guests a unique aromatherapy dining and spa experience. 

Budget range? Spenny, but can you really put a price on finding total bliss in the Caribbean?

Found in the Set in San José area, kid-free this resort offers all kinds of wonderful things to help you relax on holiday. This includes a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Enjoy slowly flicking through a novel by the pool, having relaxing back massages and enjoying top-quality dining all without having to leave the site. If you do feel like venturing out though, El Tule Beach is just a mile away, while you'll find San Jose Estuary 15.5 miles away and Puerto Los Cabos 18 miles away. 

The mood? Rose-tinted sunsets by the pool. 

Location perks? It doesn't get any more romantic than luxury sunset sailing

Budget range? A small fortune for all this sand and sea. No biggie. 

Yes, you've got the sandy white beaches of tropical paradise, but you're close enough to the city centre to enjoy all of the excitement Cancún has to offer at this place. Inside the Dreams Sands resort, you've got gourmet dining, bars and nightlife entertainment, and two swimming pools. Other features include the fully-equipped fitness centre and spa, which parents can enjoy while the kids take part in Explorer's Club. Couples will also want to make use of the outdoor hot tub, plus non-motorized water sports activities can be arranged by the Dreams Entertainment team. A place for all tastes, this.

The mood? Peaceful and luxurious. 

Location perks? Wake up to serene coastline views each morning, before indulging in a little retail therapy in the nearby luxury shops. When it's time to refuel, you can choose from one of the many trendy restaurants and bars. 

Budget range? Still on the luxury end, but cheaper when you book in advance. 

Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort & Spa is placed right in the middle of the main hotel strip, meaning you're in a prime location for a little action if you want it. Inside the resort, you'll find a bold and beautiful paradise with five outdoor swimming pools, four hot tubs and elegantly designed rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and balconies. Activities span yoga on the pier to trips in a glass-bottomed boat, with six restaurants to choose from when your stomach rumbles. 

The mood? Palm-tree-lined utopia. 

Location perks? On-site shopping is available so really won't have to lift a finger. 

Budget range? More affordable than most when you book ahead of time.

Waking up every morning to views of the Caribbean Sea or Nichupté Lagoon is a rather nice thought. Rooms at this all-inclusive resort in Cancún offer large windows, rain-style showers, and all the usual mod-cons. Make use of the YHI Spa, offering all kinds of traditional therapies, have a go at scuba diving, or perform tai chi in your downtime. You've also got three pools, a fitness center and water sports are available if you want to get a little more active.

The mood? Like having your own mini island.

Location perks? This pyramid wonder is inspired by ancient Mayan architecture and boasts gorgeous lush greenery, wall paintings, and carvings immersing you in the local traditions It's an otherworldly escape.

Budget range? Decently priced for such a luxurious oasis. 

This resort is all about the suites. Book into The Royal Cancun for a swish escape you'll never forget, complete with access to a sheltered beach and views of the bay and Isla Mujeres. Rooms are set up to give you ultimate relaxation, with little kitchen areas, open-air terraces and top-range TVs. While you're there, explore two pools, the gym, tennis courts, mini-markets and more, with the beach massage service a particularly luxurious experience.

The mood? Luxury laid-back vacationing with the fam.

Location perks? There are also some great eateries on-site, La Palapa is particularly pretty at sunset for its beachfront location.

Budget range? A super affordable family vacation.

Looking for a beachfront oasis with all-inclusive perks? Hilton Cancun comes set within a mangrove preserve on 100 acres of the Mayan coastline. A trusted staple in the hotel scene, this resort offers plenty of perks, you'll find 12 eateries, including five speciality restaurants, a health club, and spa offerings among its many amenities. Make your trip even more memorable with ocean-view suites, spend many a sunny afternoon splashing around in one of two pools, and take part in fun activities on the shoreline.  

The mood? A Jam-packed family vacation with ocean views.

Location perks? From traditional Mayan arts and crafts and fitness facilities to the Teen Zone and splash playground, you'll find something for all the family here. Failing that, a visit to the churro shop ought to do the trick. 

Budget range? It's a hefty one, but what an epic adventure. 

Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa is an adults-only, all-inclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of life. As you'd expect from a five-star resort, this place comes with three swimming pools, a fitness center, a garden, and a terrace alongside private hot tubs, karaoke, and room service in the accommodation itself. Speaking of the rooms, they've got all the things you need and come decked out in a soothing cream and white color scheme to help really get you into relaxation mode.

The mood? Stylish oasis: dulce-de-letche-coloured rooms with nothing but ocean views.

Location perks? Enjoy everything from Spanish classes to rooftop sun parties. 

Budget range? The perfect luxury escape for two. 

This is what kids' dreams are made of. Complete with pyjama characters breakfasts, Nick-inspired rooms and all manner of waterpark rides, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya is the first of its kind. Set against a backdrop of crystal clear waters and dusty white sand is a wonderland of Nickelodeon dreams. When you're not sipping cocktails (the adults, of course) or getting stuck into gourmet cuisine, you've got the pools, character meet and greets, and getting slimed to look forward to.

The mood? Cartoonified bliss. 

Location perks? A fun, wholesome, immersive stay exclusively designed for families. 

Budget range? Those premium rates are well worth the novelty giggles and slime. We promise. 

All of the rooms at Grand Park Royal Cancun come with little luxuries, so no feeling left out. Make the most of sea views, a mini-bar and flat-screen TVs when you're winding down after a busy day. Meanwhile, on-site dining options include El Mirador restaurant for Italian eats, Cocay's international buffet, Flor de Sal for fresh seafood and Koi Restaurant's oriental cuisine. When you're not running along the beach a la Pamela Anderson, you can chill out with massage and spa treatments.

The mood? Fresh seafood and sunshine.

Location perks? Does it get any better than an outdoor spa experience? We think not.

Budget range? In the mid to high ranges, so not outrageous. 

If it's that jet-set kind of romance you're looking for then five-star Atelier Playa Mujeres should be at the top of your bucket list. As one of Cancun's newest hotels, this adult-only all-inclusive resort is one that knows how to live up to the hype. Spacious, elegant suites with private terraces, a lounge and a giant hot tub, private beach and gym access, and an outdoor pool are just a few of the many luxuries on offer here. And when it comes to dining options you'll find a variety of mouthwatering cuisines from across the globe from Japanese fare to French fine dining. Spend your afternoons snorkeling, shopping, playing volleyball on the beach, relaxing at the spa, on a private tour of neighboring islands or all of the above. 

The mood? Elevated tropical escape for two.

Location perks? Located on the coast of Isla Mujeres, you'll be surrounded by views overlooking the stunning coastline and lush rainforest.

Budget range? A high-end price tag to match its five-star amenities. 

A stone's throw from Mujeres Beach, Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres does exactly what it says on the tin. Boasting impeccable architecture that captures the sun, this family-friendly all-inclusive is the perfect balance of luxury and sophistication for the big kids while offering the actual kids a ton of recreation and adventure over at the Kids' Club. Along with waking up to mesmerizing oceanfront views, you can look forward to not one, but four pools, nine restaurants, a spa, VIP lounges, and so much more. 

The mood? What we call paradise. 

Location perks? This place really has it all – infinity pools, spacious facilities, and even a butler service. 

Budget range? Pricey, but no need to cancel Christmas.