Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma is an all-inclusive luxury resort teeming with family-friendly activities. From the 144 large suites with separate bedroom and living room areas, to the Eko Kids Club, to the giant outdoor pool, to the “baby amenities” available, the hotel has thought of every last detail when it comes to the little ones. Though Generations bills itself as a gourmet all-inclusive, the food is fairly mediocre, portions are small, and restaurant menus are limited. Couples traveling alone might find this place overrun with kids, but parents can leave tots with the hotel’s designated nannies and spend some time next door at the adult-only El Dorado Royale property.
Generations Riviera Maya by Karisma is an all-inclusive luxury resort teeming with family-friendly activities. From the 144 large suites with separate bedroom and living room areas, to the Eko Kids Club, to the giant outdoor pool, to the “baby amenities” available, the hotel has thought of every last detail when it comes to the little ones. Though Generations bills itself as a gourmet all-inclusive, the food is fairly mediocre, portions are small, and restaurant menus are limited. Couples traveling alone might find this place overrun with kids, but parents can leave tots with the hotel’s designated nannies and spend some time next door at the adult-only El Dorado Royale property.
Hidden Beach Resort -- Au Naturel Club is an adults-only, luxury, clothing optional resort located about one hour south of Cancun. Hidden Beach is an all-suite, all-inclusive, beachfront property; but the suites are little more than king rooms with hot tubs, the restaurant and nightly entertainment are mediocre, and the beach is too rocky for swimming or strolling. A large pool has a swim-up bar and communal games of volleyball. Guests here tend to 50 and over, and almost all take advantage of the no clothing policy. There aren’t many on-site amenities, but guests are welcome to use the facilities next door at El Dorado Seaside Suites, including the pools, restaurants, and spa -- but clothing is required to do so. For a younger crowd and more of a party vibe, check rates at Temptation Resort Spa Cancun -- a topless-optional all-inclusive resort.
Hidden Beach Resort -- Au Naturel Club is an adults-only, luxury, clothing optional resort located about one hour south of Cancun. Hidden Beach is an all-suite, all-inclusive, beachfront property; but the suites are little more than king rooms with hot tubs, the restaurant and nightly entertainment are mediocre, and the beach is too rocky for swimming or strolling. A large pool has a swim-up bar and communal games of volleyball. Guests here tend to 50 and over, and almost all take advantage of the no clothing policy. There aren’t many on-site amenities, but guests are welcome to use the facilities next door at El Dorado Seaside Suites, including the pools, restaurants, and spa -- but clothing is required to do so. For a younger crowd and more of a party vibe, check rates at Temptation Resort Spa Cancun -- a topless-optional all-inclusive resort.
There are two Punta Mitas: inside the fence and outside the fence. Inside the fence are five-star hotels, multi-million dollar homes, and Jack Nicklaus-designed links. Outside the fence is a scruffy little town called Anclote, with a few high-end properties. One such property is the Hotel Cinco (formerly, the Hotel des Artistes), a 12-suite luxury boutique hotel on the beach, with two pools, a gym, and the Punta Mita branch of Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurant, the Café Des Artistes, on the ground floor. For those seeking a luxurious Punta Mita vacation without fencing themselves off from Mexican reality, this is a great spot.
There are two Punta Mitas: inside the fence and outside the fence. Inside the fence are five-star hotels, multi-million dollar homes, and Jack Nicklaus-designed links. Outside the fence is a scruffy little town called Anclote, with a few high-end properties. One such property is the Hotel Cinco (formerly, the Hotel des Artistes), a 12-suite luxury boutique hotel on the beach, with two pools, a gym, and the Punta Mita branch of Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurant, the Café Des Artistes, on the ground floor. For those seeking a luxurious Punta Mita vacation without fencing themselves off from Mexican reality, this is a great spot.
The Royal Suites Punta Mita by Palladium is located about an hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta. These suites occupy a lush swatch of manicured jungle overlooking a private beach a few miles inside the point at Punta Mita. This adults-only hideaway offers a memorable vacation spot -- except that it is also part of a bigger, busy, all-inclusive resort. The 100 Royal Suites section has its own buildings, lobby, outdoor pool with grass palapas for shade, and beach, but everything else is shared with the Palladium and its 400 rooms. Still, this perfect little stretch of Bahia Banderas beach offers many pleasures, including soaking tubs on balconies overlooking the ocean. While some guests complain about the remote location being far from Puerto Vallarta, the result is a peaceful beach getaway.
The Royal Suites Punta Mita by Palladium is located about an hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta. These suites occupy a lush swatch of manicured jungle overlooking a private beach a few miles inside the point at Punta Mita. This adults-only hideaway offers a memorable vacation spot -- except that it is also part of a bigger, busy, all-inclusive resort. The 100 Royal Suites section has its own buildings, lobby, outdoor pool with grass palapas for shade, and beach, but everything else is shared with the Palladium and its 400 rooms. Still, this perfect little stretch of Bahia Banderas beach offers many pleasures, including soaking tubs on balconies overlooking the ocean. While some guests complain about the remote location being far from Puerto Vallarta, the result is a peaceful beach getaway.
Hotel Playa La Media Luna sits at the northern tip of Isla Mujeres along Half Moon Beach. The property’s seclusion offers a tranquil atmosphere, but it’s also not far from the more lively downtown area. The highlights here are the private terraces with hammocks, great views, and fresh ocean breezes. Though the 18 rooms are a bit outdated and plainly decorated, they still retain a hint of tropical charm and are cozy enough for the affordable price. A simple continental breakfast is included for all rooms, while the pricier units -- such as the bungalows -- have a fully equipped kitchenette, Jacuzzi, living room, and dining area. There’s no restaurant on-site, and although there’s a poolside bar, it rarely seems to be open. While there isn't anything spectacular about the hotel itself, its beachfront location is excellent.
Hotel Playa La Media Luna sits at the northern tip of Isla Mujeres along Half Moon Beach. The property’s seclusion offers a tranquil atmosphere, but it’s also not far from the more lively downtown area. The highlights here are the private terraces with hammocks, great views, and fresh ocean breezes. Though the 18 rooms are a bit outdated and plainly decorated, they still retain a hint of tropical charm and are cozy enough for the affordable price. A simple continental breakfast is included for all rooms, while the pricier units -- such as the bungalows -- have a fully equipped kitchenette, Jacuzzi, living room, and dining area. There’s no restaurant on-site, and although there’s a poolside bar, it rarely seems to be open. While there isn't anything spectacular about the hotel itself, its beachfront location is excellent.
Hotel La Finisterra is an 11-room value hotel with exceptional views of Playa Hermosa. Located on a cliff overlooking the beach, La Finisterra offers sweeping vistas from its pool, bar, outdoor terrace, and on-site restaurant. The scenery is so beautiful that some guests may be able to overlook Finisterra’s hodgepodge rooms, which feature mismatched furniture and cheap decor, and lack amenities such as mini-fridges or coffeemakers. Other travelers may prefer nearby Hotel El Velero, which has nicer rooms and is directly on the beach.
Hotel La Finisterra is an 11-room value hotel with exceptional views of Playa Hermosa. Located on a cliff overlooking the beach, La Finisterra offers sweeping vistas from its pool, bar, outdoor terrace, and on-site restaurant. The scenery is so beautiful that some guests may be able to overlook Finisterra’s hodgepodge rooms, which feature mismatched furniture and cheap decor, and lack amenities such as mini-fridges or coffeemakers. Other travelers may prefer nearby Hotel El Velero, which has nicer rooms and is directly on the beach.
Sharing space with Grand Palladium White Sand, the 948-room Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa is the largest property in a massive five-resort complex. Located along the beautiful Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun, this upscale resort gives guests an all-inclusive experience with more food an drink options than you can count on both hands, all-day and night activities, soft sand and coral rock beaches, wildlife, a huge hydrotherapy-based spa with gym (access for a fee), and relaxing nature-filled grounds. Rooms are a bit dated and dim, and even partial ocean views are scarce, but they do all have sofa beds and whirlpool tubs. The Riviera stands out among its sister resorts for its naturally beautiful saltwater pool by the ocean, its more secluded location (though this means more walking), and the big two-room Suites it offers (White Sand has these as well).
Sharing space with Grand Palladium White Sand, the 948-room Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa is the largest property in a massive five-resort complex. Located along the beautiful Akumal coastline between Tulum and Cancun, this upscale resort gives guests an all-inclusive experience with more food an drink options than you can count on both hands, all-day and night activities, soft sand and coral rock beaches, wildlife, a huge hydrotherapy-based spa with gym (access for a fee), and relaxing nature-filled grounds. Rooms are a bit dated and dim, and even partial ocean views are scarce, but they do all have sofa beds and whirlpool tubs. The Riviera stands out among its sister resorts for its naturally beautiful saltwater pool by the ocean, its more secluded location (though this means more walking), and the big two-room Suites it offers (White Sand has these as well).
The luxury Las Palmas Beachfront Villas has a privileged home on Playa Blanca on the outskirts of Zihuatanejo, well away from any other developments. The secluded property has all the amenities required of a beach vacation: two infinity pools, beachfront palapa restaurant and bar, and stunning sunset views. The 17 rooms range in size from studios to three-bedroom villas. All are sleek and modern, and come with spectacular ocean views, kitchens, and private dip pools. They come with full kitchens, coffeemakers, and modern appliances. The hotel is ideal for those who value tranquility and relaxation over location. Travelers looking to be closer to the action should check out Embarc Zihuatanejo, which has similar features at a consistently lower price -- but rooms aren't as chic.
The luxury Las Palmas Beachfront Villas has a privileged home on Playa Blanca on the outskirts of Zihuatanejo, well away from any other developments. The secluded property has all the amenities required of a beach vacation: two infinity pools, beachfront palapa restaurant and bar, and stunning sunset views. The 17 rooms range in size from studios to three-bedroom villas. All are sleek and modern, and come with spectacular ocean views, kitchens, and private dip pools. They come with full kitchens, coffeemakers, and modern appliances. The hotel is ideal for those who value tranquility and relaxation over location. Travelers looking to be closer to the action should check out Embarc Zihuatanejo, which has similar features at a consistently lower price -- but rooms aren't as chic.
A simple spot with a central location (but one not right in the thick of the main strip action), Aqualuna Boutique Hotel has 11 spacious, clean, no-frills rooms and one Mini-Suite within a block of central La Quinta Avenida. Located on 10th Avenue, this small budget (and super pet-friendly) boutique is easy walking distance to bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It gives guests discounts to local beach clubs, free Wi-Fi, a business center alcove in the garden, hospitality showers, and extra features such as bike rentals, breakfast, pools, and massages at nearby sister properties. It may not be the strip, but light sleepers should still pack earplugs.
A simple spot with a central location (but one not right in the thick of the main strip action), Aqualuna Boutique Hotel has 11 spacious, clean, no-frills rooms and one Mini-Suite within a block of central La Quinta Avenida. Located on 10th Avenue, this small budget (and super pet-friendly) boutique is easy walking distance to bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It gives guests discounts to local beach clubs, free Wi-Fi, a business center alcove in the garden, hospitality showers, and extra features such as bike rentals, breakfast, pools, and massages at nearby sister properties. It may not be the strip, but light sleepers should still pack earplugs.
