Cancun once had a reputation as an inexpensive all-inclusive destination. Now, the famous beaches of the Hotel Zone boast one of the best collections of luxury resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean as a whole, as Cancun continues to draw travelers in massive numbers from around the world. Here are the most stylish, elegant, and pampering places to spend a week in Cancun.
Nizuc Resort & Spa The resort that led the way in making boutique luxury stays a reality in Cancun, the Nizuc continues to set a high bar for exclusivity with its Punta Nizuc location (remote by Cancun standards) and 274 suites and villas spread across 29 acres of property. Add a half-dozen upscale restaurants, classes on everything from cigar rolling to sushi making, and a top spa and adds up to a high-end stay that can stand up to anything offered by a Ritz or Four Seasons.
LeBlanc Spa Resort Cancun Prepared to be dazzled by the gleaming white buildings, sun-speckled pools, and sparkling all-service at this five-star all-inclusive resort in the heart of the hotel zone. The decor and selection at eateries like the Japanese restaurant Yama are indistinguishable from any big-city dining experience, rooms overlook either the ocean or lagoon and are all served by butlers, and hydrotherapy sessions at the spa are included with every stay.
Grand Hotel Cancun Formerly the Ritz-Carlton Cancun, this luxury Cancun resort was reborn this summer as the Grand Hotel Cancun. Don’t expect the 363-room hotel’s legendary service to fall off, however: the Grand Hotel Cancun is managed by Kempinski, another five-star luxury hotel brand. Notable amenities include a tennis center and a luxury spa offering Mayan inspired treatments. And it will soon relaunch with the Kempinski name, too.
SLS Cancun With just 45 guest suites, you’ll never feel crowded at this boutique resort with its exclusive beach club, acclaimed Lenaya restaurant, marina and 18-hole golf course. It’s the latest expansion by the SLS brand and part of a broader development push in the Mexican Caribbean, set in the brand-new Puerto Cancun luxury community.
Secrets The Vine Cancun Part of Apple Leisure Group’s AMR Collection, this adults-only hotel is a AAA four-diamond all-inclusive has 497 rooms including upgraded suites on a club level with exclusive lounge access. Dining options run from casual poolside restaurants to a sports bar and a wine bar with sommelier-led tastings.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa A classic name in a la carte luxury, the JW Marriott faces Cancun’s golden beach and features 10 restaurants, 80 club level rooms among its accommodations, ample meeting and event space, and a bar with 150 margaritas on the menu. The 35,000-square-foot spa is one of the largest in Cancun.
Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun Opened at the beginning of this year and operated by the all-inclusive TAFER Hotels & Resorts chain, the Garza Blanca is one of the newest entrants on the Cancun luxury hotel scene. The resort offers a rare-for-Cancun rooftop pool, swim-out rooms, food truck dining in addition to elegant eateries, and three- and four-bedroom high-floor suites for a private villa experience paired with resort amenities.
A Grand Opening for Dominica’s Newest Resort
