It’s been quite a few years since I posted an article about my personal favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun and Riviera Maya parts of Mexico.  Since I vacation here 2-3 times p/year and have done so for many years, I now have quite a list of resorts from which to compare.

So, here’s a two part series on my personal favorites, both adults-only and family-friendly, that I have actually stayed at during my Mexico vacations. I’m going to start at #5 and work my way to #1 in each category.  I don’t have a checklist I use in terms of services or amenities, I just go by the overall vibe I get at each location and from each vacation experience.  Let me know in the comments section below if your personal favorites match my own, or your own personal favorites and why they are at the top of your list!  This first article will focus on adults-only resort, the next will focus on family-friendly resorts.

Adults-Only

#5.  Barcelo Maya Riviera.  First of all, this resort is part of one of my favorite megaresorts in the Riviera Maya.  I have stayed at several resorts within the complex and this adults-only gave me access to all of the property–stay at 1 play at 6!  There are over 100 swim-up suites and each room has its own balcony Jacuzzi including the swim-up suites (many resort swim-up suites don’t have terrace Jacuzzis since you can walk off your terrace into a pool).  Favorite bar here was the Music Bar–great music and fun bartenders plus a weird but wonderful mirror above the liquor selection at the Music Bar where you can see the ocean behind you (there’s also one like this at Atelier’s rooftop pool bar area).

#4. Atelier Playa Mujeres.  This one has actually slipped from my #1 spot in part due to its newer a la carte dinner reservations requirement–I don’t like to be tied down to a specific dinner time when on vacation, if I feel like spending more time in my room relaxing or in a resort pool I want to feel like I can mosey down to dinner whenever I want and have a great meal.  Not so any more at this resort.  The other reason it has slipped from my #1 spot is the decision by the parent company to put most room choices into their upgraded Inspira category.  I see this as a major $ grab (if you have priced out Inspira then you know what kind of $ I’m talking about) which puts many rooms out of many vacationers reach, especially those on a budget like myself.

#3.  Live Aqua Cancun.  This was the very first all-inclusive I stayed at in Cancun way back when and it will always hold a special place in my heart for that reason.  Best thing about this resort for me were all the pool choices, but the best pool was their round beachfront pool that gives you 180 degree ocean views.  Amazing panorama.  I also loved the Aqua Club Lounge on the 5th floor, a great place to have a pre-dinner drink, make new friends, and enjoy the resort and ocean views.

#2.  Secrets Moxche.  This has got to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful resorts I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at, there’s no question as to why it’s considered to be one of the most “Instagrammable” resorts out there.  I think I spent half my time taking pictures…I didn’t even have to upgrade my room to have a great vacation.  Best resort theater with all the bells and whistles, good food overall (even the poolside pizza), around 8 pools from which to choose, a great beach BBQ and fire show, it was an almost perfect vacation.  Beach lovers, however will probably not like this location since the beach experience was well below average, and ocean views and ocean swimming is where any negative reviews come into play.

#1.  JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar.  I would return to this resort every year if I could, it was that good–at least by my standards.  For those of you who want to experience a luxury resort experience without the $ attached then this is the place for you.  Loved the artistic style and look–I’m not up on my art history so the only thing that comes to mind is elaborate rococo-like architecture, I almost felt at times like I was in a museum but in a good way.  Loved the fact the poolside daybeds were complimentary, and that goes for both resort pools.  Also loved the fact I could use the spa’s hydrotherapy pool for free and without needing to make any spa treatment reservations, it was a very relaxing way to spend an hour or two.  Large guest rooms, my beachfront upgrade put me only 20 steps from the sand.  The beach is the only negative here since it has a rather rocky ocean entry–bring your water shoes!

What’s your favorite adults-only resorts?  Let me know in the comments section below.  Stay tuned for my family-friendly “best of” resort listing…