Cancun, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Mayan Riviera… this part of the World is one of our favourite regions to visit on a luxurious getaway. Alongside the launch of our FREE Cancun travel guide app for iPhone and Android, we thought we’d curate a list of the best luxury hotels and resorts in Cancun for you guys. Hopefully, it’ll inspire your own travels.

When it comes to travelling and deciding where to head on our next trip, we often find ourselves drawn to (and inspired by) luxury hotels. After all, there comes a time in your life when you just want to be looked after 😀

Cancun is the type of destination that offers fun activities for everyone, whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo or with the whole family. Many of the places to stay in Cancun can be described as otherworldly, and you will be impressed, particularly if you consider yourself as more of a ‘luxury traveller’.

Is it better to stay in The Hotel Zone or Downtown?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Cancun as a tourist, then The Hotel Zone would be best. If you’ve used our Cancun travel guide then you’ll know Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone) is where you’ll find the vast majority of Cancun’s best hotels, resorts, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and fun activities. Downtown does have restaurants, fast food chains and shopping malls, but not on the same scale as the Hotel Zone.

Which Cancun resorts are best for couples?

All of the luxury resorts on our list are perfect for couples, but Sun Palace probably tops the list for lovers as it’s a couples-only resort. Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Le Blanc Spa Resort are adults-only resorts, so they’re also great for couples seeking a child-free atmosphere.

Which Cancun resorts are best for families with kids?

Moon Palace The Grand tops our list for families looking for the most fun Cancun resort for kids! We also featured 11 of the best Cancun resorts with water parks previously, so make sure you check those out if you like water slides!

Which area should first-time visitors stay in Cancun?

The Hotel Zone is the most practical area to stay in Cancun for first-time visitors, due to its vast number of amenities at hand. This is where you’ll find the majority of Cancun’s restaurants, nightlife, all-inclusive resorts and tourist attractions. Playa Mujeres is also a great area to stay for first-timers. It’s about 35 minutes away from the Hotel Zone, so you might need to hire a car if you want to see the best that Cancun has to offer. Downtown Cancun is more of a residential area, and we wouldn’t recommend first-time visitors stay there for the duration of their trip.

How many days in Cancun is enough?

If you’re flying to Cancun from Europe (like we do), then you’ll probably want to stay in Cancun for 7 days. If you’re travelling from the Americas (especially the East Coast of the USA), then you only have a short flight. You could even enjoy a weekender in Cancun if you just want to lay on the beach and not see many sights. In all honesty, 5 days is long enough to enjoy some snorkelling, dance the night away at crazy nightclubs (i.e. Coco Bongo), hop on a boat to Isla Mujeres, and take a journey back in time to the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.

What is the cheapest month to visit Cancun?

December to March is Cancun’s high season so it is an expensive time to visit. April and May are low season months when the city is more quiet than usual. August to October is hurricane season, so hotels are cheaper and so are the flights into Cancun.

Which of Cancun’s luxury resorts are near the airport?

All 10 of the luxury resorts on our list are within a 32-minute drive of Cancun International (CUN) Airport. If you’re looking for a short drive once you touch down in Cancun, then two of the closest resorts to the airport are Moon Palace The Grand (13 minutes drive) and Sun Palace (15 minutes drive).


Build excitement for your luxury vacation or holiday in Cancun… count down the days, hours, minutes & seconds until your trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown app 😊

Vacation & Holiday Countdown App for iPhone and Android


What are the best luxury hotels & resorts in Cancun for 2024?

If you find yourself wondering where to stay in this Mexican Caribbean paradise, we’ve hand-picked 10 of the best luxury hotels & resorts in Cancun just for you! From golfing and fine dining experiences to incredible beachfront spa stays and personal butler services… hopefully our list of accommodations will give you some inspiration if you have luxury in mind for your Cancun trip.

1. Iberostar Selection Cancun

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 16 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Iberostar Selection Cancun Resort
Photo: iberostar.com

For families, the Iberostar Selection Cancun is an excellent choice. You’ll have heaps of fun exploring the splash area, colourful outdoor playground, and the hotel-run kids’ club. All of this is in addition to the enormous pool scene that sweeps across the resort.

There are ten pools, six restaurants, and eight bars at this expansive hotel, which also happens to be placed in a perfect beachfront location.

Every evening, there is entertainment in two venues. One venue has more of a family feel and the other offers some great adaptations of popular shows by the talented events team.

There is also a sports bar where you can watch all the important sports fixtures with a drink in hand. A luxurious spa, tennis courts and football courts are also available for anyone feeling sporty. These amenities are all, of course, meticulously kept.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Iberostar Selection Cancun


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2. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 23 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
Photo: cancun.leblancsparesorts.com

This all-inclusive resort is an adults-only paradise. Le Blanc Spa Resort, as the name suggests, combines beauty, luxury, and tranquillity to offer the ideal setting for full relaxation on your trip.

There are three swimming pools within the grounds, two of which are infinity pools. You will also find an outdoor Jacuzzi and a full-service spa surrounded by bamboo gardens. The spa offers a variety of therapies to ensure your worries just melt away. If you enjoy golf, there are two demanding, but beautifully designed championship golf courses nearby to choose from.

All guests staying at this resort receive butler service, which includes everything from unpacking bags to organising dinner or spa reservations. Le Blanc really is one of the best luxury resorts in Cancun if you want to totally unplug and relax. With six restaurants and five bars to try out, dining is also something to look forward to here.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Le Blanc Spa Resort



3. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 20 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Photo: hardrockhotels.com/cancun

Cancun’s Hard Rock Hotel is where ‘the stage meets the beach’. The hotel has been clever enough to develop the ultimate beachfront playground. It has transformed the idea of a standard all-inclusive holiday into a rock-star paradise at this one-of-a-kind Cancun beach resort.

The hotel has also somehow managed to keep the feel of Mexico tied into its super-trendy interior. This 5-star hotel is located right in the centre of Cancun’s hotel zone. Guests can expect unrivalled, all-inclusive luxury accommodation, featuring an in-room hydro spa tub.

This oceanfront hotel also has Hard Rock’s iconic Rock Star Suite and a great collection of rock memorabilia. This is certainly one of the more ‘out there’ places to stay in Cancun, but you’ll love it!


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel



4. Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 23 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Hyatt Zilara Hotel in Cancun
Photo: hyatt.com

Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort, which is perfect for romantic beach getaways. The order of the day is barefoot walks and sunset watching.

The bedrooms all seem to have access to amazing terraces with a hammock. You’ll also find a double hot tub in the bathroom, which makes getting ready for your evenings out feel super luxurious.

During your visit, you will be treated to a diverse assortment of culinary delights from around the world, making this a great hotel for the foodies. Spice restaurant will thrill your taste buds with innovative food in an oceanfront setting, while Maria Marie will serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Head to the Tequileria Beach Bar Lounge for some cool cocktails, such as their signature Tequila Sunrise, while admiring the view.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Hyatt Zilara Cancun


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5. Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 32 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula Cancun
Photo: riu.com

This large, luxurious hotel is well-liked for its beachside location and diverse dining options. The Riu Palace Peninsula is in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, about a five-minute drive from the city centre. When staying here, you’ll find no reason to leave as everything you could possibly want is here!

On the doorstep of the hotel, there are pristine sands and turquoise waters, with a length of beach reserved exclusively for Rui Palace’s guests.

There are four pools, one of which is exclusively for adults and has a swim-up bar. Dining is also a highlight, with steakhouses and Japanese restaurants among the choices on offer. The decor here is fresh and modern throughout, including the lovely guest rooms.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Riu Palace Peninsula



6. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 27 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Photo: grandfiestaamericana.com

This premium hotel is a high-flyer in the centre of Cancun’s entertainment zone. The 602 rooms at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach have the elegance of a classic European-style hotel. The hotel also benefits from the kind and gracious service that has made it famous.

The full-service spa is a great spot to indulge in an unlimited supply of relaxation. The nine restaurants and bars serve some incredible cuisine.

During the day, splash about in the huge outdoor pool. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids club is run by a talented team who will keep them occupied for hours if you want to soak up even more poolside sunshine.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Grand Fiesta Americana


7. Wyndham Alltra Cancun

Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 23 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Wyndham Alltra Cancun
Photo: alltrabyplaya.com/cancun

Wyndham Alltra Cancun is a lovely all-inclusive beachfront resort that offers guests of all ages endless things to do. Glistening swimming pools, a private beach, oceanfront yoga and live entertainment will instantly transport you to paradise during your stay at the resort.

The mini golf and splash park at Wyndham Alltra is loved by all the kids, while the beachside serenity of Aura Spa definitely appeals to the grown-ups! Explore adjacent golf courses and historic Mayan monuments or relax in luxurious lodgings and take in the breathtaking seascapes from your private balcony.

When it comes to dining, you’ll be impressed with the variety of cuisines and drinks that are available in the on-site restaurants and bars.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Wyndham Alltra



8. Sun Palace

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 15 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Sun Palace - Couples-Only Resort in Cancun
Photo: sun.palaceresorts.com

Sun Palace was Cancun’s first couples-only resort and is still one of the most beautiful places to stay in Cancun. This romantic haven is located right on the shore, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes from the airport and will pride itself on offering excellent service and amenities throughout your time here. Everything you could want has already been thought of, making it a special stay for all.

Spend your time here trying out food and drink you haven’t tried before, because you might be surprised at the new dishes you end up enjoying!

The hotel has been newly remodelled with 252 luxuriously fitted accommodations set against a breathtaking coastline. There are five restaurants and three bars to suit all tastes and moods. The adjacent Moon Spa & Golf Club is open all year for golf fans.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Sun Palace


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9. Hyatt Ziva Cancun

Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 27 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Zona Hotelera (The Hotel Zone)

Hyatt Ziva Hotel in Cancun
Photo: hyatt.com

This all-inclusive resort is located on the oceanfront of Punta Cancun’s stunning strip. It has a fantastic assortment of restaurants and bars, as well as a microbrewery and dessert parlour!

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun, which is surrounded by pristine sands and crystal blue ocean, is an activity-packed resort featuring theatre shows, water sports and well-thought-out activities.

Relax with a drink in one of the three infinity pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea. You could also cut through the ocean’s waves on a kayak or go snorkelling and scuba diving. A not-to-be-missed dolphin swimming experience is also available on-site too.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Hyatt Ziva



10. Moon Palace The Grand, Cancun

Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Distance from Cancun International (CUN) airport: 13 minutes by car or taxi
Neighbourhood: Riviera Maya

Moon Palace The Grand Cancun Resort
Photo: thegrand.moonpalace.com

Moon Palace The Grand is an unapologetically giant, wholehearted mega-hotel with its own bowling alley, bar, and water park with a lazy river. A neon mini golf course, bumper cars, a mirror maze, and a three-story labyrinth are among the attractions at the children’s play zone.

They’ve also gone gloriously over-the-top with their all-inclusive dine-and-drink package, which includes top-shelf drinks and access to all 11 restaurants. You’ll find fine French dining, flavourful Mexican favourites, and sizzling steakhouse classics among the luxury 5-star palace’s global menus.

Despite listing all the extravagant features and activities on offer here, don’t be put off that you won’t be able to relax. As an added extra, relaxation and quiet areas are dotted around the resort.


Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Moon Palace The Grand


As you can see, Cancun is home to a plethora of fun things to see and do, so these are just a few of our top picks for luxurious places to stay while you enjoy the best of the Mexican Caribbean.

The hotels we’ve featured are second to none when it comes to pure, unbridled luxury in the most incredible surroundings. Whether you’re on a touristy vacation with the family or on a romantic couples break, we hope that you’re inspired by our comprehensive list of the best luxury resorts in Cancun. We’re sure that you’ll find one to suits your needs perfectly.

Plan Your Trip to Cancun

The first thing you should do… Download our FREE Cancun Travel Guide App for your iPhone or Android device. This will help you to plan your entire trip – from giving you the top 10 restaurants, attractions, nightlife and top things to do in Cancun, to giving you easy access to the very best guided tours. Excited? Count down the seconds until your Cancun trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown App !

We always look for the best deals when it comes to flights, accommodation and tours. Over the last 20+ years of enjoying trips together, we’ve come to rely on a few providers that have saved us money and given us a great service…

GUIDED TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN

  • GetYourGuide.com – Excellent guided tours and all of the best things to do in Cancun, hand-picked by local, English and Spanish speaking tour guides.

HOTELS, RESORTS & PLACES TO STAY IN CANCUN

  • Booking.com offers the lowest prices from a huge choice of 1,690 hotels, resorts and accommodations in Cancun!

CHEAP FLIGHTS TO CANCUN

  • Skyscanner will get you up to 20% OFF your flight price by comparing flight prices on hundreds of websites including Expedia, Opodo, British Airways, American Airlines, United, TUI and more! Book a few weeks in advance and you’ll find cheap flights to Cancun, including international flights flying direct to Cancun International (CUN) Airport from major cities.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANCUN

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