1. Iberostar Selection Playa Mita
IBEROSTAR Playa Mita, located just north of Puerto Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit (a 200-mile stretch of Mexican coastline along the Pacific), is an all-inclusive resort that garners praise with its fine dining and recreational options, though a few guests note its isolated location isn’t necessarily convenient for getting to town. On-site, the resort has five restaurants, ranging from fine dining Japanese cuisine to casual Mexican food, and many guests advise making reservations if you want to eat at a specific restaurant during your stay. For recreation, this IBEROSTAR offers a kids club, a disco, an on-site tennis court and a golf course, plus free water sports rental equipment, including kayaks and windsurfing boards. Guests looking for a low-key experience should head to Sensations Spa, which has private treatment rooms, a salon and an isolated garden. The huge outdoor pool has a swim-up bar and lounge chairs that overlook the beach, just steps away. IBEROSTAR Playa Mita’s secluded location and all-inclusive atmosphere attracts leisure-seekers and families as opposed to those looking for endless nightlife entertainment.
2. Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort
Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort’s culinary offerings stand out among Cancun’s versatile dining options. Guests heartily approve of this all-inclusive resort’s five restaurants, pointing to Gaijin as especially memorable for its inventive sushi creations. After you eat, hit the hotel’s white sand beach or its three oceanfront infinity pools. But take note: Previous guests said that after 2 p.m., the pool area is cast into shadow by the neighboring Secrets The Vine Cancun. While guests say that there is some entertainment offered on the pool deck, they add that Sandos is not the place for glitzy evening productions or loud nightlife. However, seekers of a quieter stay will enjoy these guest rooms and suites, which feature marble bathrooms, coffee makers, minibars, Wi-Fi access, 32-inch flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. What’s more, during your stay, you can take advantage of the 15,000-square-foot Spa del Mar, which offers soothing treatments such as hot stone massages and mineral spa therapy body wraps. And should you crave more activity, enjoy windsurfing, kayaking or a deep sea fishing expedition (for an additional fee).