Vacation planning for Cancun all inclusive resorts
All inclusive vacations to Mexico
You’ve come to love us for our expertise in Disney vacation planning. While our speciality is still in Disney Destinations, I’ve had an increase in clients asking for assistance with vacation planning for Cancun all inclusive resorts. In my early years of business, I felt it was a disservice to my clients to do other types of destinations, especially if I hadn’t personally traveled there. But through some additional training, personal travel, and agent familiarization trips (FAMs), I feel well equipped to help travelers with their all inclusive vacation needs!
The expansion of my business to include vacation planning for Cancun all inclusive resorts is parallel to my business of creating magical vacations at Disney destinations. I want to find resorts that uphold a high standard of customer service, pride in maintaining their facilities, and of course - good food!
Where to stay in Cancun - best all inclusive resorts
In January, I stayed at the Excellence Riviera Cancun with 11 other women from my FiA KC workout group. We had an absolute blast and there was no shortage of laughter. But I was really impressed by the overall experience we had at this resort. Of course I compare everything to Disney, and while I didn’t find any hidden Mickey’s around the property 😊 I did notice them taking immense care and pride in the facilities like Disney does. They always had someone cleaning up around the pool decks, immaculate landscaping, and I even noticed someone touching up exterior paint on a building one morning. The service quality was wonderful and the food and beverages were delicious. The rooms were very nice, updated, and spacious.
Suites at Excellence Riviera Cancun
The suites have different view options such as pool or ocean view, and there are even some swim-out suites. One of pairs in our group had a swim-out suite and it became the afternoon hangout spot for a round of Telestrations and rehydration. These were prime locations with direct pool entry access, but it wasn’t in the busiest or noisiest part of the pool.
The suites were very spacious with a King Bed, double vanity, separated shower and toilet areas, soaking tub, and private balcony. Most of the Excellence Club rooms have a maximum occupancy of 2 adults, but some of the other room types will allow for up to 3 guests and will have 2 double beds. There aren’t many of this style of room, so if that important for your trip, I recommend booking earlier rather than last minute.
Since taking this trip, I’ve had the opportunity to complete both online and in-person training for several other all-inclusive resort brands and I’m still most impressed with the Excellence Resorts. (Close second is Secrets, all inclusive by Hyatt — stay tuned for more on that one soon!) And we all enjoyed it so much we are going back next January, but this time to Excellence Playa Mujeres.
How do all inclusive resorts work?
All inclusive resorts are popular vacations for everyone from families to bachelorette parties, honeymoons, and more! Many resorts are for adults-only, but more resort brands are opening additional family-friendly ones so that they can return with the whole family. These are especially great for destination weddings if you have families with children that you want to attend. Some of the resorts are more “inclusive” than others, so it is important to have the assistance of a travel agent to help you decipher what one resort is including compared to another and if the prices you see online are really apples to apples.
The Cancun all inclusive resorts that I book, are truly “inclusive” — meaning that all of your food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) are included in the price of your package in addition to the nightly room stay and most amenities on the property. Let’s dig into a little bit more about these areas of inclusion.
Dining at all inclusive resorts
There is a plethora of restaurants to choose from, so no matter what your taste preferences are, you’re sure to find a place you’ll enjoy. During our stay, I tried the Asian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, French cuisine, and a Mediterranean restaurant that was exclusive to the Excellence Club level rooms (more on this later.)
No reservations are required when dining, (quite the opposite of what I’m used to with a Walt Disney World vacation) so you’re able to decide what sounds good or isn’t too crowded on any given evening. The only experience that does require reservations, if you choose, is the hibachi table at the Asian restaurant, due to the limited space for the cooking experience in front of you. We did not do this experience, and instead sat in the regular portion of the restaurant (still one of my favorite meals of the trip!) If you prefer to relax in your room or on your balcony, all room service is also included at no additional charge.
There is a buffet-style restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. There are also a limited rotation of restaurants that serve lunch if you would prefer sit and be served. Many of these had al fresco seating with beautiful views of the ocean and beach, so we did this a couple of times during our trip to soak in the experience!
Beverages are also all you care to enjoy (please drink responsibly), but for the most part if you wanted it, they could make it. One of my favorite things was starting the day with a mango mimosa at breakfast - so fresh and tropical! The margaritas (specifically in the Excellence Club lounge) were some of the best I’ve ever had. One of the bartenders also made a really delicious espresso martini (rivals my favorite one from Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!)
Amenities included at Cancun all inclusive resorts
Amenities typically include things like the pools, beach chairs and umbrellas, fun activities during the day, and nightly entertainment. The activities and entertainment reminded me of being on a cruise ship! They had staff by the pool hosting dance parties, bingo, live music and a friendly game of volleyball. One afternoon we all did a water zumba class in the pool. I don’t know if my abs were more sore from the zumba or the laughter! In the evening we saw a Michael Jackson tribute performance, attended a silent dance party, they had a casino night, and more!
If you feel like you’ve been eating everything in site, they do have a complimentary fitness center you can use. Additionally the one's I have booked also have areas for tennis courts that you could use included with your stay, along with non-motorized water sport rentals (snorkel, paddle boards, etc.)
Is anything not included at an all inclusive resort?
The Spa amenities and services are generally not included with your all inclusive package. This is something I have chosen to experience while staying at the Cancun all inclusive resort — you know, for research purposes for you all — but not something you would have to do if you wanted to save your money. I had a couple traveling for their honeymoon and the package we booked included vouchers that could be redeemed at the Spa, which can help off-set some of the additional cost. (Another benefit of booking with a travel agent!)
When staying at the Excellence Resorts, I choose to pay a little bit more to have an Excellence Club room. This provides a few extra perks compared to the non-club rooms. One of the additional inclusions is a free Hydrotherapy treatment at the Spa. This can be done on its own, or before your scheduled spa treatment ($). It is really good for your skin and is an overall relaxing and neat experience I hadn’t done before visiting a Cancun all inclusive resort. Some of the other perks with the Excellence Club rooms are: Nespresso machine in the room, top shelf liquor in the room, private check-in experience, and access to the Club-only lounge, restaurant, pool, and beach area. The value of everything included with the Club level is well worth it here, in my opinion.
Airport transfers to and from the all inclusive resort
For Excellence Resorts, this is actually included for no extra cost if you’re staying 4 or more nights! However, if you’re staying fewer than 4 nights, this would be an additional cost to factor in. The other all inclusive brands I book through ALG Vacations (Secrets, Dreams, etc.) can be added on to your package so that you’re not paying for it on-site, but it is an additional item we need to include in your package so you don’t have to worry about it on vacation. But, that is what your travel agent is for! I’ll make sure we add on the transfers and that they have your flight information so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
“Shannon made it really easy to go to Cancun with our FiA friends. She booked the room I wanted, took care of all the airport transfer details, and made it so I could just show up and enjoy the trip! It was really helpful as a busy working mom and business owner to have her plan it.” - Trish Reedy, owner of Planted Local Lending
Are all inclusive resorts for adults only?
When you’re vacation planning for Cancun, it is important to know which all inclusive resorts are for adults only and which allow children. One of the interesting things I’ve learned through some of my travel agent familiarization trips, is that even within the designation of “adults-only” how different the vibe is at certain resort hotels. Some are geared more towards couples and romance — for Excellence Resorts this is their “Beloved” resorts.
The main Excellence line is adults-only, but is great for both couples and adult friend trips like the group of women I went with. There is less emphasis on romance, but it was still a very nice and fun experience. We definitely would have felt out of place at Beloved.
Other resorts, such as RIU or Breathless, are adults-only, but more of a singles party scene. So if that isn’t your thing, you might be in for a shock when you arrive thinking you were at a resort like Excellence or Secrets. Knowing the atmosphere and reputation of these resorts is invaluable and another reason why booking your all inclusive vacation with a travel professional is so important!
Excellence Resorts also has a family-inclusive resort called “Finest.” This has all the consistency — food, service, cleanliness — you know from an Excellence Resort with the ability to bring the whole family along! A much different speed for a family vacation compared to Disney World, but it still provides the ability to connect, be present, and make memories. As parents, you don’t have to worry about what to cook for dinner or driving kids to activities, you just get to relax by the pool and order whatever you want.
Using a travel agent to book an all inclusive resort
As always, my vacation planning services are free to you when I book the vacation package. It doesn’t cost you anything more than the prices you see online from these resorts. Often, we even have additional specials, package perks, or promotional codes we can offer — saving you money or getting more value for your stay!
We can help you narrow down which resort and location is best for your trip, the difference in room types, coordinating the airport ground transfers to and from the resort, and even some excursions if you desire to leave the resort property.
Just like with my Disney clients, you’ll receive a pre-travel itinerary with tips for traveling, details about the resorts including restaurants and activities, navigating the airport and your ground transfers, plus I’m a personal resource to ask any questions you may have. Costco and Expedia definitely don’t offer that direct access to a real and informed human.
Ultimately you’re saving yourself time and money, worrying less about managing all the aspects of your vacation, and all while supporting a small business!
How far in advance should you book an all-inclusive vacation?
Just like I tell all of my Disney clients, the earlier the better! Typically when you book farther in advance, you’ll receive the best pricing and you’ll have the best chance for the resort and room availability of your choice. For example, a group of us going back to Excellence Resorts in January 2024 booked our rooms in early May 2023. A few others were looking to join and all of the Excellence Club rooms for our dates were already gone by July.
There is no downside to booking early either as long as we select the refundable rate. With Excellence this just requires a $1.00 (yes, one dollar) deposit and you can change or cancel the reservation without penalty up to 24 hours before your arrival date. You can choose to do the non-refundable option to get an even cheaper rate, but then the amount is due in full at time of booking, and as it states, is non-refundable if you have to cancel.
Many of the other all inclusive resorts I book have a similar policy, where you book a refundable rate for a minimal deposit (maybe $100-$200). So by booking earlier rather than later, you secure the room type you prefer and probably the best available pricing.
Booking an all inclusive vacation
Feel free to contact me with any questions you have about vacation planning for Cancun all inclusive resorts. I’m always happy to assist and provide a free vacation quote. There is no obligation to book, but I do hope you’ll let me help you with your next all inclusive vacation! Cheers!
