Shimmer Garage

Recommendations & Reviews for Cancun All-Inclusives

I often get asked about traveling to all-inclusive spots in Mexico because its an “easy” spot to travel to and typically a quick flight from the east coast. As of yesterday, I have traveled to four different all-inclusive spots in the Cancun/Rivera Maya area.

Ocean Maya Royale: The first all-inclusive resort I traveled to. While this was my husbands and my first trip to Mexico and more budget friendly than others, it was one of our favorites.

Perks: Lively, great swim up bar area, snorkeling from resort (easy to get on and off boat area), friendly staff, entertainment is good at night, employees are super helpful for excursions (we did Chichen Itza)

Cons: Not a great beach area, air-conditioning is light in restaurant and lobby areas, approx. 1 hour from airport.

El Dorado Seaside Suites: This resort is tied together with 3 others and is with the Karisma Chain. We booked this resort because we wanted the walk out suite to infinity pool. The views from the balcony were breathtaking.

Perks: Multiple Room options, swim up bar is in centered in the main pool, You can hop on a golf cart and get taken to different areas on the resort, we were able to use restaurants etc. with the other resort. Spa services were great. Clean resort.

Cons: Pool gets shaded earlier because by the hotel building, waiting for a golf cart can be hot, not as much of a “party” that we experienced the previous year at Ocean Maya Royale.

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres: We went in May 2021. We opted or a rooftop plunge pool suite. This gives you a private rooftop pool with a day bed and sitting area. Downstairs there was a balcony, sofa area with bed and bathroom. This resort was just a year or two old when we went and it was wonderful. Staying on the adults side gets you access to the entire resort (adults only and family side).

Perks: Clean and new resort, multiple room types, nightly entertainment. The photographers area great (additional charge), breakfast is delicious and multiple options for spa. The hydrotherapy is superb. Very walkable.

Cons: Adult pool seemed to be windy more so than the family pool. Drinks were not strong.

Margaritaville Island Reserve: Beautifully remodeled hotel in 2020 and is a Karisma brand hotel. Very laid back and casual. Very “instagramable” hotel. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar is the focal point for the nightly entertainment.

Perks: Laid back, very relaxing. Strong drinks. Smaller and easily walkable. I personally loved the License to Chill pool the best, it had a few chairs in the water to enjoy the water and cool off. The FLOATING TACO TRAY. A great way to enjoy an afternoon in the pool (This is an additional charge). There is also a spinning wheel for choosing a drink at the License to Chill Bar as well as Blender Bikes at the smoothie bar. Impeccably clean resort. 15-20 minutes from airport.

Cons: Nightly entertainment is lackluster. The swim up bar (SOS) is in the back of the resort and doesn’t have the ocean view. If staying for more than a week, the food may get repetitive.

I hope you found this helpful and you enjoy your time in Mexico.

-XOXO, Shimmer Garage