I always like finding out about how Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards turn out for the year.  For 2025, here’s the top all-inclusive resorts for eastern Mexico–I’m focusing on the ones in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

• Fairmont Mayakoba is #3.  They have an all-inclusive optional plan and part of the Mayakoba resort complex in the Riviera Maya.
• Viceroy Riviera Maya is #7.  Also an all-inclusive optional plan and a collection of private villas rather than a full experience resort.  A beautiful place but not for true beach lovers.
• Excellence Playa Mujeres is #8.  When staying at resorts in this part of Mexico I always get into conversations with other guests and hear the same comment–“My favorite resort is EPM, I always try and go back there as often as possible”.  This resort has some awesome suite choices and a good mix of fun and relaxation.
• Catalonia Riviera Maya is #12.  Probably the biggest surprise on the list.  It’s a small resort with not the best of beach area so I don’t know what Catalonia has implemented here but it seems to be working or was working.  If you read the most recent reviews on Trip Advisor, there are a lot of recent misses.
• Atelier Playa Mujeres is #13.  Another surprise in terms of why it didn’t come in at a higher number.  The only negatives here are the price now that this gem has been discovered as well as the requirement of dinner reservations.  If you can afford it be sure to book the Inspira upgrade for access to the rooftop pool and bar during the day and best suite choices.
• Finest Playa Mujeres is #14.  I loved this resort, it’s got an adults-only room/suite section, swimmable beach, good food, full bottles of in-room liquor, and great beachfront luncheon spot.  What’s not to like at this resort?
• Excellence Riviera Cancun is #15.  Again, another Excellence resort choice makes the list.  This one is for more of the sedate middle age crowd looking for luxury-like amenities and don’t care much about the quality of the beach.  It’s located in Puerto Morelos and if you know anything about where the best beaches are in the Riviera Maya you know that Puerto Morelos beaches aren’t that great most of the time.  But the Excellence brand remains what it is–an overall excellent resort choice.
• SLS Playa Mujeres is #16.  If you are going for the food then the placement in this list is well deserved.  The food is very good for an all-inclusive resort, I must admit that, but beware of the trip hazards which are everywhere as well as difficult to find bathroom areas.  I found the service to be lacking when I stayed there, but it’s got a quirky spot called the Monkey Bar where the nighttime bartender makes a mean chocolate martini.
• Beloved Playa Mujeres is #18.  This is a small resort with only 109 suites and is now a couples-only resort.  This property is great for those who want a tranquil environment in which to reconnect with their significant other plus it has a swimmable beach area.  This resort also has some of the best suite choices I’ve found at a resort.

What do you think?  Do you agree with this list?  What would you add or take away?  Let me know in the comments section below.