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Cancun area – Oddball’s Favorite Things at Resorts

Cancun consists of the hotel zone (central), Playa Mujeres to the north, and the Riviera Maya to the south.

Below are our photos and opinions from the all-inclusive resorts we have visited...

“Have you been there?” Yes! Oddball has recently visited these resorts in Cancun area. And we’re sharing a few of our photos and things we liked best about each resort. We travel to learn about the resorts so that we can help you find the ideal resort for your vacation! Ask us about these resorts, and others not listed here. Want more info? Email Cassie at cassie@oddballescapes.com for more information!

Playa Mujeres (north)...

Hotel zone (central)...

Riviera Maya (south)...

Entertainment...

Excellence Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This adults-only luxury resort is designed so that everything is close to the beach or offers a relaxing tropical pool view.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Layout. - With 6 pools meandering through the resort, every room has a nice courtyard view with a pool, providing a relaxing, secluded atmosphere.
Beach. - The beach is wider than most other resorts, so the chairs, beds, and palapas aren't right on top of each other... love the space!
Excellence Club. - Access to a completely different side of the resort, private beach, private lounge, and upgraded services.

Hyatt Zilara Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. An adults-only resort located in Cancun’s hotel zone, featuring all suites, and the best part is that they ALL face the ocean!

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Is this a palace? - I personally love the décor here! The mix of pillars, stone, and wrough iron makes it feel like you're staying at a palace... or a mansion!
Layout. - At 8 stories, this resort sits wide along the beach, offering a larger pool area and more swimout rooms compared to the high-rise resorts!
Spa & gym. - The spa and fitness areas are fantastic! The gym even has a pilates center and an outdoor lap pool!

El Dorado Casitas (Riviera Maya)

Overview. An adults-only resort with a luxury stamp-of-approval and a very unique “bungalow” design. Each room is called a “casita.”

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Bungalow vibe! - This resort features several semi-circle beachfront spaces, each with bungalows surrounding a pool and swimup bar. Very unique!
The rooms! - Each casita is round! And has amazing décor, an "open-air" shower, a jacuzzi area, and either a patio or balcony. It's the perfect space!
Beach. - With a long stretch of beach in front of the resort, there is plenty of room to spread out. The bali beds are a perfect way to enjoy the beach!

Secrets Akumal (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This adults-only resort is ideally located about 20 minutes north of Tulum, yet still provides you with an upscale all-inclusive experience.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Natural landscape. - Plenty of lush greenery is featured at this resort. Enjoy tropical walkways and natural fountains as you walk around.
Beach & ocean. - Soak in the stunning views of the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches! Perhaps swim with turtles right in front of the resort!
Décor. - The use of stone, woods, and driftwood provide a very beautiful and natural atmosphere to your experience.

Dreams Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. A family-friend resort located in the gated community of Playa Mujeres, where adults can visit the Secrets resort next door.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Kids areas. - Wow, the kids have a lot of fun options, both with indoor and outdoor entertainment, including two a full-sized waterslides!
Pools. - For families that love pools, this resort has a large courtyard with multiple levels of pools, with plenty of space to relax and have fun!
Swimout rooms. - The 2 buildings that are closest to the beach have an elevated terrace area for swimout rooms, with fantastic ocean views!

Royalton Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)

Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the northern stretch of the Riviera Maya area, with the luxury stamp-of-approval for families.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Kids area. - Amazing kids entertainment is available both indoor and outdoor, complete with an entire pool designed for the kiddos!
Diamond Club. - Upgrade and enjoy all of the features of the resort, including 3 different courtyards, each with their own pool and entertainment!
Tropical beach. - Enjoy the natural landscape that separates the resort from the beach, with beauitful walkways to access the beach and ocean.

Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun (Riviera M.)

Overview. An adults-only resort located within the larger Royalton resort, where you have full access to enjoy the facilities at Royalton as well!

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Pool. - Most Hideaway resorts have their own pool area, but at this resort, the pool is large and takes up nearly the entire courtyard! Very nice.
Diamond Club. - Upgrade and enjoy all of the features of the resort, including 4 different courtyards, each with their own pool and entertainment!
Tropical beach. - Enjoy the natural landscape that separates the resort from the beach, with beauitful walkways to access the beach and ocean.

TRS Coral Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. An adults-only resort located in Costa Mujeres, with full access to the connecting resort Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Pool area. - The earth-tone colors of the pool tile are relaxing and visually appealing. I love the deep turquoise colors of the swimout areas!
Modern rooms. - The loft suites on the upper 2 levels are incredible! And all rooms have a large patio or balcony. Very modern and trendy.
Chic Cabaret. - Guests staying at the TRS Coral have complimentary access to attend the Chic Cabaret Show at the Grand Palladium.

Secrets The Vine Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. An adults-only resort located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, featuring one of the tallest buildings in the area, at 18 stories high!

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Wine! - The perfect resort for wine lovers, as they have over 4,000 bottles on-site. You are encouraged to learn about and explore the flavors!
Amazing views! - With 18 stories, this resort offers sweeping views of the ocean, the lagoon, and the stretch of hotels. Absolutely stunning!
Modern rooms. - Junior suites offer very spacious rooms, a fantastic balcony, and a modern mix of colors, woods, and glass. Beautiful.

Dreams Natura (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This compact family-friendly resort in the Riviera Maya doesn’t require much walking, but is packed full of fun features & amenities!

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Activities! - The courtyard features several pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a splash bucket, a rock wall, and a Rollglider Aerial ride! So much fun!
Spa décor. - Feel like you're relaxing in an underground cave when you visit the spa! What a unique relaxing experience.
Restaurant décor. - Each restaurant has a fun and unique atmosphere, complete with intriguing items that grab your attention.

Valentin Imperial Maya (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This adults-only resort is designed to reflect a true Mexican Hacienda, and is tucked into the natural landscape of the Riviera Maya.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Immersed in nature. - Enjoy perfectly landscaped views around the resort, with plenty of tropical trees and bushes that create a relaxing atmosphere.
Beach & ocean. - The beautiful white-sand beach and blue-turquoise ocean are absolutely gorgeous! A great location in the Riviera Maya!
Room options. - Whether you want and ocean front experience or a pool-front bungalow-inspired vibe, there are several room categories to choose from!

Atelier Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. An adults-only resort surrounded by a beautiful golf course, that blends contemporary Mexican architecture & art in the natural scenery.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Décor. - The rooms are stunning with natural colors, wood, and contemporary accents. This matches the entire vibe of the resort. Beautiful.
Ocean Front Master Suites. - These rooms include a living room and a HUGE terrace with several seating areas and an impressive plunge pool!
Unique theater. - With a relaxing lounge décor and a speakeasy vibe, this is a unique spot to enjoy nightly entertainment.

Secrets Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. An adults-only resort located in the gated community of Playa Mujeres, with complimentary access to the Dreams resort located next door.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Beachfront rooms. - A unique layout, there is a semi-circle of rooms that sit right on the beach, each with their own private pool. Great location!
Secluded swimouts. - The swimout areas of each building are surrounded with lots of tropical greenery, providing a semi-secluded atmosphere!
Pools. - The main courtyard features a large pool area, technically divided into 3 "wandering" pools. It's easy to be social or find an area to relax.

Excellence Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. A luxury adults-only resort located in the gated community of Playa Mujeres, with fantastic access to the beach and ocean.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Pool access. - Each of the buildings faces a pool, so that you don't have to go far to enjoy the relaxing vibe that Excellence provides.
Décor. - This resort perfectly blends modern and contemporary, with the tropical and laid-back vibe, for a relaxing and upscale atmosphere!
Beachfront. - While most resorts in Playa Mujeres have a mangrove between the resort and the beach, here, the beach is directly in front of the resort!

Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Riviera Maya)

Overview. Built into the natural landscape of the region, this resort offers premium accommodations that let you relax and truly getaway from your daily life.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Stunning architecture! - You will feel at one with nature when surrounded by jungle, caves, rivers, and buildings with natural stone & colors. Beautiful!
All-Fun Inclusive. - Guests receive unlimited access to the parks & tours, including Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, Xel-Ha, Xoximilco, Xenotes, and Xichen.
Roof pool in the adults-only section. - Wow. Breathtaking! This rooftop pool is large and offers stunning views of the surrounding area & coastline.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. This family-friendly resort sits directly on the “point” of Cancun’s hotel zone, and also features an adults-only tower, perfect for large families.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Distinct areas. - Because of its location on the "point," there are 2 separate beach and pool areas to enjoy. The beach is wide, and the pools are large!
Swimout rooms. - Only a handful of rooms are swimouts, and most overlook the natural rocky shoreline, that reminds me of a golf-course landscape.
Adults-only area. - One of the 3 buildings is exclusively for adults. Plus, adults can enjoy the rooftop bar and infinity pool with beautiful ocean views.

Dreams Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)

Overview. A family-friendly resort for all age ranges, with a beautiful central courtyard that provides easy access to the pool, beach, and entertainment.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Pool and beach. - This large main pool area is broken up into sections so that people are spread out and can enjoy both a fun and relaxing atmostphere.
Kids club. - Of course the kids club has activities for kids of all ages, but their activities include a mini rock wall, bungee, and other unique options!
Layout & décor. - The central courtyard houses most of the activities and entertainment, and the buildings are within easy-walking distance.

Sandos Caracol (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This family-friendly resort is built into the surrounding natural landscape, and located on the northern edge of Playa del Carmen.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Nature! - The resort is tucked into the natural landscape featuring 7 cenotes, mangroves, an area with ancient ruins, and plenty of wildlife.
Aquapark! - One of the largest on-resort waterparks in the Riviera, enjoy 29 slides of various sizes as well as other fun water features!
Snorkeling. - While the beach may be a bit rocky (bring water shoes), it's ideal for snorkeling and viewing the natural marine life in this area!

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. This family-friendly resort is located in Costa Mujeres, and features a very large, very modern concept.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Layout. - A man-made lake has been built into the center of the resort, providing scenic views, and taxi-boat service to get from place to place.
The Village. - A must-experience dining and entertainment area of the resort, with big bold restaurants, a theater, and a cabaret venue ($).
Loft suites. - The loft suites provide lots of space, with a living area downstairs and the bedroom upstairs! Very spacious and modern.

Secrets Maroma Beach (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This adults-only luxury resort is ideally situated on Maroma Beach, an award-winning white-sand beach in the Riviera Maya.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Beachfront pools. - Two large pools are located within steps from the beach and ocean. Very convenient to enjoy the pool and beach all day!
Fountain Pool!? - A unique fountain starts near the lobby and widens out as it approaches the main pool! Relax in a hammock or have lunch in its waters!
Swimout rooms. - With a bit of greenery to provide privacy, each building has beautiful swimout pools for you to enjoy right from your room!

El Dorado Maroma (Riviera Maya)

Overview. An adults-only resort with only 157 suites provides a relaxing, intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Swimups & private pools. - Swimups are obviously on the ground level, but several rooms on the upper floors have their own private pool balcony!
Honeymoon villas. - Available to anyone, these villas are HUGE, with 2 stories and a private plunge pool... some are even beachfront!
Beach. - This beach has been rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world, and you can easily enjoy the calm waters of the surrounding ocean.

El Dorado Palafitos @ Maroma (Riviera Maya)

Overview. Located at the El Dorado Maroma resort, the Palafitos are over-the water bungalow retreats exclusively for adults-only.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Infinity pools. - Yes, these over-the-water bungalows feature an outdoor plunge pool with an infinity wall with fantastic ocean views.
Ocean views. - The "elite" bungalows have truly ocean front views, but all have fantastic views of the clear, shallow water surrounding your room.
Restaurant. - You're only steps away from an over-the-water restaurant experience that sits at the end of the pier, with gorgeous views.

Unico 20 87 (Riviera Maya)

Overview. An adults-only resort located in the southern end of the Riviera Maya, not too far from Tulum.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Vibe. - Unico is a blend of wellness and activities. For a service fee, you can enjoy unlimited spa, golf, and selected tours and adventures.
Décor. - The culture of the region is infused into the décor with local artwork and architecture, along with natural materials and colors.
Laid-back. - Restaurants do not require a fancy dress code! They want you to feel like you're on vacation and relaxing. So it's a more casual vibe.

The Fives Oceanfront (Riviera Maya)

Overview. A boutique hotel refuge on the edge of Puerto Morelos, a charming beach community located in the Riviera Maya.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
All suites. - Perfect laid-back resort for guests needing 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suites, each featuring a separate living area and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Access to town. - Puerto Morelos is a fishing community that's easily accessible from the hotel, perfect for those wanting a local experience!
Rooftop! - The rooftop has a pool, bar, and lounging area. And, the views are perfect for enjoying the colorful sunsets in the evenings.

El Dorado Royale (Riviera Maya)

Overview. An adults-only resort offering an intimate getaway that’s perfect for couples, especially those celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Layout. - Several buildings are spaced around the resort, allowing a more intimate vibe. Only a few rooms are swimouts that connect to the main pool.
Saltwater pool. - Built into the natural shoreline, a saltwater pool features a calm area to enjoy the natural ocean water!
Culinary theater. - An additional entertainment option allows you to experience a full cooking show, as they prepare your delicious meal!

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Overview. With its signature decor, this resort is spread out with 9 different buildings along the beach, with both a family-friendly and adults-only side.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Beautiful coves. - The beach area is set against a rocky barrier, providing calm, clear waters perfect to relax, swim, snorkel or kayak.
Night club for adults! - Wow! The hot tubs INSIDE of the nightclub are amazing! Thursday-Saturdays only, from 11pm to 2am.
Full but not crowded. - The pool and beach areas may feel less full during the day because many guests are often attending conferences or meetings.

The Fives Beach (Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya)

Overview. With 2 family-friendly sections, you can choose the Beach experience or the Residences experience, each offering various types of suites.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Suites. - Feel right at home with suites that feature 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom layouts, perfect for families traveling together or for families with lots of kiddos!
Mangroves. - The resort is tucked into nature, so enjoy the wooden walkways through mangroves as you try to spot wildlife!
Pools! - Both sections of the resort feature several pools, and the beachfront area features a conveniently located pool with terrific views of the ocean.

Golden Parnassus Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. An adults-only hotel that is located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, that offers budget-friendly rates with a great beach & ocean experience.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Rooms views. - While the room décor and amenities are quite basic, you can choose views of the ocean for sunrise, or the lagoon for sunset.
Poolside fun. - Enjoy a game of volleyball or basketball while in the pool! While also taking in the spectacular views of the beach and ocean!
Nightclub. - Their Sixties nightclub is a flashback to the past, with life-size statues of famous celebrities such as Elvis, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe!

Panama Jack Cancun

Overview. A family-friendly resort with a terrific beachfront location, perfect for budget-friendly families looking for an informal vacation atmosphere.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Kids area! - So much fun for the little ones! An outdoor area features small slides, plenty of toys, and best of all, the floor is lined with squishy mats!
Swimout rooms! - Very limited availability! The swimout rooms go directly into an infinity pool that has beautiful ocean views, only steps from the beach!
Fun décor. - From the welcoming lobby area to the fun-style restaurants, the resort features fun décor, unique items, and memorable sayings.

Hard Rock Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, with a lively upbeat vibe and featuring their signature memorabilia.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Compact. - Not as large as their other resorts, this one doesn't require as much walking, but still has a great convention center and is perfect for groups.
Fun vibe. - The pool area is lively, fun, and has great views of the ocean! Plus, several restaurants are located on the pool level.
Ocean views. - The rooms feature decor that will make you feel like a rockstar, and the upper levels also have terrific ocean views!

Generations Riviera Maya

Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the Riviera Maya that has the luxury stamp-of-approval with a yummy all-gourmet concept.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Infinity pool balcony suites. - Is it a balcony? Or a swimout? It's both! Three levels enjoy a swimout balcony that stretches the length of the building!
Large Suites. - Each room is spacious, but you can also choose from 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites to accommodate more people!
Gourmet Tower. - This ocean-front building features many gourmet-inclusive restaurants that offer stunning views of the ocean.

Iberostar Paraíso - The Grand (Riviera Maya)

Overview. With 5 resorts on this large complex, I recommend The Grand for adults-only, which gives you full access to the rest of the complex.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
All suites luxury. - These spacious rooms come with all the amenities you'd expect, including butler service!
View from balconies. - Choose the view you'd like to have from your spacious balcony - a view of the gardens, jungle, pool, or ocean!
Main pool. - The main pool is salt water pool, with natural color tiles. You can soak in the terrific views of the ocean while floating in the main pool.

Iberostar Paraíso - Maya + Lindo (Riviera Maya)

Overview. With 5 resorts on this complex located in the Riviera Maya, I recommend either the Maya or the Lindo sections for families.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Stay at 1, play at 4! - When you stay at the Maya or Lindo, you will also have access to two additional resorts, the Beach and Del Mar.
Mexican culture. - The resort captures "Mexico" with bold colors and fun design elements such as pyramids, statues, and Mayan hieroglyphics.
Pools at Maya and Lindo sides. - The main pool is very large, but there is also a quiet pool, a volleyball pool, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a waterpark!

Catalonia Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. A family-friendly resort with a modern vibe that features two main courtyards, each with their own large pool.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Room size. - All of the rooms are suites, and the smallest room is very spacious and have a living room area along with a decent-sized patio/balcony.
Quinta Avenida. - 5th avenue is at the center of the resort, with very nice grab-and-go style restaurants, sitting areas, and shops!
Spa and gym. - Both the gym and the outdoor hydrotherapy pool are located at the end of the buildings, with stunning views of the beach and ocean.

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya

Overview. Perfect for young families who want a family-friendly resort in a lush tropical setting without sacrificing classy décor & adult attention to detail.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Young kid friendly! - This resort caters to kids in an amazing way! There are kid menus in all the restaurants, character décor throughout the resort, kid-sized loungers on the pool deck, free baby amenities in the rooms, kid-friendly spa services, signature Nickelodeon entertainment on resort... and MORE!
A smaller boutique hotel. - With only has 148 rooms, the Azul experience is all about personalized service in an intimate family-friendly setting.
Wellness. - I am jealous of the fitness center at this resort! They even have a kid-friendly gym for ages 6-12. Wow. And the spa is amazing as well.

Dreams Sands Cancun (hotel zone)

Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, that typically is very budget-friendly.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
The view. - With 12 floors, the upper levels are reserved for Preferred Club, and they have the best ocean views.
Swimming. - The shallow water allows for you to venture deeper into the ocean and enjoy splashing around in the fairly calm waters!
Short walking distances. - This resort is compact, making it easy to walk from your room, to the pool, to the beach, and to the restaurants.

Panama Jack Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya)

Overview. This recently renovated resort (November 2018) has vintage travel-themed décor, modern rooms, and a prime location to Playa del Carmen.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Easy access to Playa del Carmen. - Just steps from shopping & nightlife, this is the perfect beachside resort for people who want easy city access.
Smaller boutique resort. - With less than 300 rooms, this resort has both a colorful fun vibe and laid-back beach vibe.
Unique basic rooms. - Simply need a basic room with no frills? A section of these rooms features a semi-private terrace and a small rooftop pool!

Estudio Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)

Overview. A family-friendly resort that is connected to the Atelier (no exchange privileges) located in Playa Mujeres.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Décor. - Rooms have an upscale, contemporary vibe with natural colors and wooden accents.
Doodleland. - The kids club is for ages 3-15, and has many fun programs. Plus it's located "in" the pool, with windows looking out to the water!
Setting. - The pool is located closer to the rooms, but only a few minute walk to the beach. And the resort is surrounded by a beautiful golf course.

Cirque du Soleil Joya

Overview. I LOVE Cirque du Soleil shows and this one did NOT disappoint! Located across from the Vidanta resort, about a half hour south of the airport.

Top 3 favorite things about this show:
Always here! - Joyá is Cirque du Soleil's first resident show in Latin America, and its performance is exactly what you'd expect from Cirque du Soleil.
Dinner and a show. - This is the first show that Cirque du Soleil has paired with a dinner experience. And it's a unique experience not to be missed!
What a welcome! - An impressive structure pops out of the jungle landscape, and is surrounded with tiki-hut buildings. Arrive early and enjoy the bar.

Xcaret

Overview. The namesake park by Xcaret, this park is for those who want to experience Mexican culture, nature, and a touch of adventure all in 1 park.

Top 3 favorite things about this park:
Underground rivers. - Built into natural landscape, you can float down 1 of 3 underground rivers! Sometimes lasting more than a half hour!
Culture. - Enjoy typical Mexican dances, spectacular presentations & performances, and explore onsite Mayan archaeological vestiges!
Optional activities. - Fill your day with memorable experiences such as Snuba, Sea Trek, or Adrenalina!

Xplor

Overview. One of the famous parks by Xcaret, Xplor is for those you love adventure and want a day filled with active experiences.

Top 3 favorite things about this park:
Natural caverns. - Built into natural caverns and caves, you'll walk inside the earth or through the jungle to get to each adventure in the park.
Adventure activities. - Fill your day with zip lines, amphibious vehicles, hand-paddled rafts, river swims, and hammock splashes! So much to do!
Xplor Fuego. - The park's nighttime experience that comes to life with fire throughout the park.

Woodward Riviera Maya

Overview. A world-class facility full of adventure, featuring a skate park, a BMX park, trampolines, jumps, and more! Designed for all skill levels.

Top 3 favorite things about this activity center:
An active kid's paraside! - Wow, what a facility for kids (or kids at heart) that like to be on wheels.
Timed sessions. - Timed sessions help regulate the number of people sharing the park, and mandatory instructional sessions are required.
Outdoor experience. - The Ninja Obstacle Challenge is another feature located outside of the main building that seems very fun... and not as scary!