One of my favorite vloggers, New Travel Escapes, has put out a video giving her time-honored lessons learned about looking for and booking an all-inclusive experience. The video below highlights adults-only properties, but there are quite a few items mentioned that could also apply to finding family-friendly resorts as well.
I find videos about others’ resort recommendations very interesting, especially so when I’ve stayed at some of the exact same properties and might have an entirely different opinion on where I would rate them in my own recommendations (please see my blog articles dated July 7 and July 10 on my own personal adults-only and family favorite resort choices).
I recently posted two separate articles on “the best of” adults-only and family-friendly resorts that I have actual experience with–if interested, head back a few older posts and you will find them.
If you haven’t already read my first blog article on favorite resorts (re. adults-only), then check that one out. Here’s the second article in the series–my personal favorite resorts which are family-friendly. All the resorts I mention I have actually stayed at so if you don’t come across them in my resort review section then they are on their way–I have taken a year off of writing resort reviews in lieu of finishing my book on all-inclusive resorts and am trying to catch up.
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.
In the process of finishing up my book, I am finalizing my lists of various resort amenities for easy reference–I’m trying to finalize one of the most difficult and that is a list of all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya that have heated pools. (Also one of my most requested pieces of info when people email me with specific requests).
For those of you who don’t already know, El Dorado all-inclusive resorts are adults-only and each one has its own vibe. As is true for all resort bookings at any property, you need to know what you’re stepping into (literally as well as knowledge of amenities) in order to have the best vacation experience.
If anyone follows vloggers/frequent videos out about resorts, there are a few that currently stand out in terms of quality and thoroughness. My personal favorites are the following: 3 Days 3 Noches, Coolist, Memories and Mojitos, Christine Turner, Where We Going Next, and the Flip Flop Traveler.
Finally have my full itinerary for my next solo trip to Cancun later this spring (April 28-May 7).
I just saw a post on Instagram stating that Secrets Playa Mujeres opened for business again on Jan. 2, 2026 after a very lengthy renovation where the resort has been fully closed since April 15, 2025. Here is a short list of what’s been renovated: Continue reading