When it’s cold up north, short flights, warm water, and a wide selection of true all‑inclusive's make booking your next family vacation a no‑brainer. This guide highlights the best all-inclusive resorts for 2025 across Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Playa Mujeres—focusing on what actually matters to families: room setups that work, kids’ programming that's engaging, food you’ll want twice, and what to know before you book.
- How we pick
- Regions at a glance
- 1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)
- 2. Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa del Carmen
- 3. Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun
- 4. Dreams Natura Resort & Spa (Riviera Cancun)
- 5. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
- 6. Barceló Maya Beach
- 7. Finest Playa Mujeres
- 8. Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya
- 9. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
- 10. Iberostar Selection Cancún
- FAQs
How we pick
- Family-first programming: supervised kids’ clubs with posted hours, teens’ spaces that aren’t an afterthought, and daily activities beyond a single waterslide.
- Rooms that work: suites with separate sleeping areas, guaranteed connecting options, and swim-up or plunge-pool categories where appropriate.
- Food quality and variety: multiple à la carte options, easy access to breakfast and lunch, and consistent service.
- Logistics: reasonable distance from the airport, walkable layouts or reliable internal transport, and clear restaurant reservation policies.
- Setting: beach swim-ability (when applicable), multiple pool zones, and quiet pockets for downtime.
- Consistent guest satisfaction: We research and review guest feedback across multiple travel review sites and booking platforms.
Regions at a glance
- Cancun Hotel Zone: quickest transfers, walkable strips, wide beaches; can be busy.
- Riviera Cancun (south of the Hotel Zone): short airport transfers, newer builds, some seaweed-prone stretches.
- Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya: lush settings, cenotes and park access, more spread out; transfers run 45–60+ minutes.
- Playa Mujeres: quieter, newer complexes north of Cancun; calmer seas and spacious beaches.
1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)
$1,018-$1,514
stars
This is the category leader if your priority is service, food, and space. The resort is split into three ambiances: Zen Grand (jungle), Ambassador (ocean-facing and family-focused), and Grand Class (adults-only). Suites are large, many with terraces or plunge pools, and housekeeping/service standards are tight.
Guest Reviews
Guests describe the service at Grand Velas Riviera Maya as exceeding expectations, particularly for a family all-inclusive resort. The kids’ camp staff is great at keeping children engaged, even on days with inclement weather. Reviews also indicate that the resort's size and layout allow families to spread out and have their own space, while still feeling connected, with the option to jump in and socialize whenever.
2. Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa del Carmen
775-$1,303
stars
The All-Fun Inclusive program includes unlimited access and transportation to Grupo Xcaret parks (Xcaret, Xplor, Xel-Há, and more), plus airport transfers. On property, you get jungle paths, coves, and underground rivers wrapped around multiple pools. Suites face either the jungle or the Caribbean, and the dining lineup spans \~20 venues as part of the Hotel Xcaret's Gastronomic Collective.
Guest Reviews
Reviews on TripAdvisor are consistently exemplary, particularly in terms of the dining experience, with numerous comments claiming that it’s the best food they’ve had at an all-inclusive resort ever. Despite the size, most say it rarely feels crowded.
Families find that between the water activities, nature trails, and casual pool areas, it’s easy to split your day between high-energy fun and downtime. A few mention that the check-in/check-out processes could be more organized, and that the resort can get noisy and crowded during peak travel season.
3. Moon Palace The Grand – Cancun
$575-$1,119
stars
This is a high-amenity complex with access to select areas at the broader Moon Palace Cancun (policies can vary; confirm on arrival). Kids get real spaces—a cinema, arcade, even an indoor ice rink—and a substantial water park. Parents get a wide dining range, pools that split by vibe, and a full-service spa.
Guest Reviews
Families love that they get access to all dining and amenities of both the Moon Palace and the Nizuc-Cancun, totalling 17 restaurants to visit throughout the trip. Additionally, the kids' amenities are well-received, from the supervised playroom with bumper cars to the water park.
Some experience challenges with the resort's size, stating that golf carts are necessary for getting around, and wait times of 20-30 minutes can be frustrating. Other considerations include the resort being crowded during peak seasons, which can result in lineups and wait times at food and drink spots.
4. Dreams Natura Resort & Spa (Riviera Cancun)
$282-$530
stars
Fifteen minutes from the airport, Dreams Natura balances easy logistics with enough variety that you won’t feel stuck. The Explorer’s Club handles younger kids with supervision, while the Core Zone gives teens a social space. The cenote-inspired Dreams Spa by Pevonia is a legit regional nod for adults.
Guest Reviews
Reviews highlight the spa experience, highly recommending the hydrotherapy sessions. Food and service are consistent, punctual, and innovative. Several reviews highlight the clean rooms and well-maintained facilities. Adults also appreciate the addition of an adults-only swim-up bar, which is an idyllic setting to unwind for the evening.
5. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
$621-$942
stars
All suites are oceanfront and include a swim-up terrace pool, so kids can splash without committing to a full pool day. Aqua Nick—the 6-acre water park—does the heavy lifting with slides, a lazy river, and splash zones. Themed dining and character breakfasts are built-in highlights; schedule them and the rest of your week is easy.
Guest Reviews
The Aqua Nick water park is the star of the show at the Nickelodeon resort, with kids spending nearly their entire days occupied and ecstatic. The lazy river you can float along is a favorite for both adults and the younger crowds.
The themed decor, Paw Patrol characters, and supervised childcare make Nickelodeon especially attractive for families traveling with young children. Several also mention that having a private terrace pool adds a nice bonus to the trip experience.
6. Barceló Maya Beach
$211-$403
stars
Barceló Maya Beach sits within the Barceló Maya Grand complex. Depending on booking and bracelet rules, you’ll have access to select facilities at Caribe, Colonial, and Tropical. Pools are abundant, nightly shows are easy entertainment, and the beach has both soft sand and some rocky entries (water shoes help).
Guest Reviews
Several mentioned being repeat guests at Barceló Maya, appreciating the resort's high standard of quality, cleanliness, professional service, the well-maintained grounds, and pool areas. Adults enjoy relaxing on the wide, sandy beach, but suggest water shoes since the shoreline is rocky.
The atmosphere is lively, but guests suggest it’s easy to find quiet spots whenever needed. Feedback on the food is mixed, with the self-serve coffee machines being a highlight. Some note that the menus tend to overlap, and that they had gotten tired of the food by the end of their trip.
7. Finest Playa Mujeres
$401-$713
stars
Finest is the family brand from the Excellence Collection, built with kids in mind, in an area that exudes natural beauty. Guests have access to stunning beaches with unbeatable views of the Caribbean Sea. Suites are spacious, the beach is broad, and there are multiple pool zones, including kids’ splash areas. The Imagine Kids Club has structure and care that parents notice, and adults can find quiet corners without leaving the property.
Guest Reviews
Families traveling with young kids say the resort strikes a good balance between adult-friendly amenities and child-focused activities. One guest traveling with three children under 7 years old recommended the Kids Club, noting the staff's attentiveness, level of engagement, and care.
The beach is consistently cleaned, and overall, the property upkeep and maintenance are evident, according to reviews. Meals and drinks are generally well-reviewed, with guests saying there’s enough variety to satisfy both adults and picky eaters.
8. Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya
$374-$934
stars
Paradisus is divided into a family side and an adults-only side, so you can choose your zone while sharing the overall campus. Expect contemporary design, multiple pools with shade, and a broad mix of dining and lounges. Upgraded tiers may include extras like better room placement and priority dining (confirm current program names at booking).
Guest Reviews
Families mention that it’s easy to find quiet areas or join in group activities, and the split layout helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, the responsiveness of the staff and their commitment to ensuring guests' happiness are appreciated by the guests. Other highlights are the on-site water park for younger kids, and many cite *Heaven* as a favorite dining option.
9. Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
$393-$929
stars
Hard Rock is two worlds in one: Hacienda (family friendly resort) and Heaven (adults-only). The look and programming are high-energy by design, but the beach coves and multiple pools give you places to downshift. Dining spans nine restaurants with international menus and Mexican classics.
Guest Reviews
This resort attracts a high volume of repeat guests—one family mentioned it was their third stay, and they appreciated the new updates each time they visited. Recent additions include the Rockaway Bay water park with tube slides, updated restaurants, and expanded access to the Blue Lobby area, which now allows families to use the gym and spa facilities. Guest reviews mention the staff’s attention to detail and immaculate service across the board.
10. Iberostar Selection Cancún
$291-$613
stars
You’re in the middle of the Hotel Zone with a straightforward all-inclusive: six restaurants, a kids’ water park, daily programming, and a wide beach when conditions cooperate. Iberostar’s Wave of Change initiative pushes sustainability—expect efforts to reduce single-use plastics and a focus on responsible seafood sourcing.
Guest Reviews
The resort’s app is a recent addition and a guest favorite—it notifies guests when rooms are cleaned and makes it straightforward to request assistance. One person commented that maintenance was taken care of in under 15 minutes.
A few mention requiring reservations for the themed restaurants, as they fill up quickly, especially during busier seasons. Rooms are described as comfortable, although some guests suggest improvements to the air conditioning noise and soundproofing.
FAQs
November–April (dry season) brings lower humidity and comfortable temps. For deals and fewer crowds, aim for shoulder periods outside major holidays. Hurricane season runs June–November; summer can be hot and stormy but offers value.
In major tourist zones (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos), resorts maintain on-site security and can arrange airport transfers. Stick to marked beaches, use registered transport, and apply normal travel common sense.
An all-inclusive resort offers accommodations, all meals, snacks, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), various activities, and entertainment for a single, fixed price. Some resorts also include airport transfers and off-site excursions.
Grand Velas, Moon Palace, and Finest can provide cribs and other baby items on request. Confirm availability pre-arrival and reserve what you need.
Absolutely! Some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are built for kids and teens alike. Most offer teen lounges, arcades, water parks, and adventure activities. Xcaret, Moon Palace, and Nickelodeon work especially well for mixed-age groups.