Cancun Hotel Guide
The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatán Peninsula, is rightly famed for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle and fascinating Mayan heritage. It’s hardly surprising, then, that it’s become a holiday and hotel hotspot. Strung out along the Caribbean coastline between Cancún and Tulum – and on the offshore islands – you’ll find a host of fabulous places to stay, from fun, family-friendly properties to exclusive adults-only retreats. We’ve picked out 10 of the finest, below.
Platinum Card Members have access to over 1,600 properties worldwide with Fine Hotels + Resorts and enjoy a suite of elevated benefits including US$100 Credit1 to use on eligible charges, guaranteed 4pm check-out, room upgrade2, when available, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi and daily breakfast for two people.
When staying two nights or more at The Hotel Collection properties, eligible Card Members receive a US$100 credit towards eligible charges1, a room upgrade upon arrival2, 12pm check-in and late check- out, all when available.
1Credit use varies by property
2Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade
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Rosewood Mayakoba
There can’t be many hotels that transport their guests from reception to room via boat - but then Rosewood Mayakoba isn’t just any hotel. Part of the exclusive Mayakoba development north of Playa del Carmen, it was built to exacting ecological standards and designed from the outset to provide high levels of luxury without harming the natural environment. The spacious open-plan suites (all with a private plunge pool, terrace and butler service) are set along winding lagoons lined with protected mangroves that provide a home for hundreds of indigenous flora and fauna. Guided adventures include daily eco tours with a wildlife expert, and every suite comes with free bikes so you can explore the tropical surroundings at your own pace. There’s plenty to discover, onsite treats include a pristine white sand beach (with free non-motorised water sports all day), an 18-hole championship golf course, assorted swimming pools and a choice of eight restaurants and bars serving Mexican and international dishes. Sense, A Rosewood Spa®️ is set on its own island, where, as well as massages and facials, you can experience Mayan-inspired therapies including a cenote temazcal purification, sensory garden ritual and consultation with the resident shaman.
Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Km 298, Solidaridad, 77710
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Set on a secluded stretch of coastline between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, it’s a sleek, beautifully designed property that pays subtle homage to the region’s natural wonders with undulating forms that mimic the sea. And it doesn’t stop there, the interior details are just as stunning; featuring textured glass, mother-of-pearl inlay and illuminated crystal. Bedrooms have a fresh, calming colour palette, warm lighting and natural stone and wood features. Better yet, all have private ocean-facing balconies and soaking tubs, which can also be accessed from the bathroom shower. On one side of the hotel lies acres of mangroves; on the other, there are firepits by ornamental ponds, zigzag infinity pools lined with palm trees and cabanas, and a white-sand beach with assorted watersports on offer. Food and drink options include the signature restaurant, Malpeque, which specialises in superb local seafood. And you could easily lose yourself for days in the serene indoor-outdoor spa, with its locally driven menu of treatments. Onsite entertainment, meanwhile, ranges from bike tours and nature walks to mezcal tasting and movies under the stars.
Carretera Federal Libre 307, Cancún, 77580
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Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya
In its characterful new incarnation, the resort makes a point of championing all things Mexican and artisanal. The vibrant interiors showcase the skills of local craftsmen and women, from hand-painted ceramic floor tiles and hand-carved furniture to custom-made glassware and locally woven textiles. Restaurants and bars fly the Mexican flag as well: at Casa Mayor, which adds innovative new twists to traditional flavours, 90 per cent of the ingredients are sourced within the country, with over half coming from the Yucatán Peninsula. Whereas at Woodend by Curtis Stone, Centred around exceptional wood fired grill cuisine, the inspiration comes from the farmers and fishermen whose ingredients are the heart and soul of local gastronomy. Beachside Freddy’s Bar, meanwhile, celebrates Mexican craft beers, tequila and other national spirits such as raicilla, rum, gin and corn whisky. Environmental initiatives help to reforest local areas and conserve endangered tropical species, and after years of keeping its own hives, the hotel has now created a new bee sanctuary. On the wellness front, Maroma will be home to Latin America’s first Guerlain Spa, where the brand’s signature face and body treatments will feature alongside exclusive experiences designed around Mayan philosophy and healing rituals.
Carretera Cancún-Tulum, Km 51, Playa del Carmen, 77710
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Prepare to be wowed by this new Conrad resort, set on a secluded sandy bay eight miles north of Tulum. Behind its monumental wooden doors, the large, breezy entrance space sets the design tone for the rest of the property, with its indoor-outdoor layout and prominent use of natural materials and local crafts. Wide-open shutters frame an idyllic view across a large reflecting pool to the ocean beyond; slices of matt and glossy stone create a striking parquet-effect floor; and overhead there’s a stunning macramé installation, made up of more than 7,000 knotted strings. The nature-led look continues in the bedrooms (all of which have a balcony with a relaxation tub) and in the 11 beautifully designed restaurants, bars and lounges. Facilities are excellent - there’s a teens zone and a kids club, a watersports centre and a fitness centre, and dotted around the jungly grounds, you’ll find five pools and a stand-out spa, offering wellness rituals inspired by Mayan legends and Mexican traditions. The hotel doesn’t miss a trick on the activities front either: now’s your chance to try out anything from tequila tastings and an art club to drum circles and astrology practice.
Carretera Cancún Tulum, 307, Tulkal Chemuyil, Tulum, 77774
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UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Whichever room you book at Unico, it’s guaranteed to come with its own water feature, whether it’s a swim-up pool for ground-floor rooms or a balcony hydro-spa tub for those on the floors above. Plenty of other little luxuries come as standard, too, from 55-inch TVs and Bluetooth sound systems to locally sourced soaps and an aromatherapy and pillow menu. You also get the services of a personal host to assist with things like restaurant and spa reservations. Roughly midway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this beachfront adults-only all-inclusive makes a point of celebrating its strong connection to the region: the very name is taken from its geographic coordinates (20°N, 87°W) and the chic, clean-lined interiors feature custom-designed furniture, local artworks and natural materials. The bars serve up regionally-inspired cocktails and the five restaurants include Cueva Siete, where the food is deeply rooted in Yucatecan tradition and flavours. There’s a fun, youthful vibe to the resort and always something going on, from pool parties and tequila tastings to Mexican cooking classes and artistic demonstrations.
Carretera Federal 307, Chetumal - Puerto Juarez, Km 260, Playa del Carmen, 77710
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Cancún may have a well-earned reputation as a party destination, but you’d never know it when you check in to this romantic five-star resort, hidden away at the southernmost tip of the Zona Hotelera. Once inside Nizuc’s Mayan-inspired walls, on the Punta Nizuc headland, you enter a tranquil, rustic-luxe world, where the dramatic, contemporary style cleverly capitalises on the scenic location. The lines between inside and out are artfully blurred and all possible spaces are directed towards the best views, whether you’re gazing out to sea from one of the beautiful infinity pools or beaches (both of which come in adults-only and family-friendly versions), or sitting on a bar sofa, cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over the protected mangroves. The show-stopping design extends to the restaurants, which serve up a variety of cuisines (including contemporary Mexican, Asian, Peruvian and Mediterranean) in stylish surroundings; they also host a wide range of cooking classes if you want to learn how to recreate your favourite dishes at home. The resort’s programme of activities is every bit as varied, offering everything from cigar-rolling to snorkelling, and there’s a very impressive ESPA spa, complete with a hydrotherapy circuit, fitness centre and beauty salon.
Boulevard Kukulcan, Km 21.26, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, 77500
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Banyan Tree Mayakoba
One of the four upscale resorts that make up the exclusive Mayakoba development, the Banyan Tree brings a touch of Asia to Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The results are stunning, marrying Eastern-influenced architecture with local materials and traditional Mexican crafts, including colourful textiles and hand-painted Talavera basins. Indoor-outdoor spaces show off the beauty of the natural setting and highlight the water that is an ever-present feature of the resort, from the freshwater lagoons and canals that cut through the mangroves to the Caribbean Sea lapping gently onto the white-sand beach. Every villa and suite comes with its own heated pool and private outdoor bathtub, plus a couple of bikes that come in handy for exploring the vast grounds and spotting native wildlife on the three-mile nature trail. There are also boats and buggies on hand to ferry you around as you discover the abundant facilities, including assorted bars and restaurants, more pools, a beach club and a Greg-Norman-designed golf course. Not to be missed is the acclaimed Banyan Tree Spa, delivering Zen-style serenity with its signature range of Asian therapies and impressive hydrothermal circuit.
Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Km 298, Playa del Carmen, 77710
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
If you prefer your beach resorts to come with an urban buzz rather than rustic seclusion, the Grand Hyatt has you covered. On one side it fronts the long white sands of the Mexican Caribbean; on the other, you step out into the centre of Playa del Carmen, just a block from La Quinta Avenida, with its many shops, bars and restaurant. Guided bike tours around the local area are among the hotel’s guest excursions, or for those who’d rather stay put, the spa offers treatments inspired by the healing pools around the Mayan Rivera. Therefore, there is plenty of opportunity for eligible Card Members to use the US$100 Credit on qualifying dining, spa and resort activities when they book two nights or more through The Hotel Collection. The resort itself has grand monumental architecture and a vast, open-sided lobby that steps gradually down towards the restaurants, bars and three infinity pools overlooking the sea. Natural stone and wood feature prominently throughout, and the designers took clear inspiration from Yucatán landscapes: entering the hotel takes you past a Mayan pyramid-inspired waterfall; turquoise accents in the bedrooms reflect the colours of the ocean; and the centrepiece of the spa is a man-made recreation of a cenote, where you can enjoy a whirlpool soak in dimly lit tranquillity.
1a Avenida Esquina Calle 26, Playa del Carmen, 77710
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InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa
The island of Cozumel is famed for its snorkelling and diving, and this west coast resort makes it easy to enjoy both: you can swim straight out from the beach to see colourful fish and corals and visit the dive shop to arrange scuba trips around the island. The multiple shades of blue and green in the clear sea here are reflected in the accent colours used in the chic, modern bedrooms. Where you’ll find custom-made wooden furniture complemented by Mexican crafts, plus Nespresso machines, iHome docks and LED TVs to complete the luxury feel. Four onsite restaurants offer a choice of cuisines – and, for eligible Card Members, a chance to spend the US$100 Credit on qualifying dining and spa charges when booking two nights or more through The Hotel Collection. If you’re feeling active, there’s a 24/7 fitness centre and two tennis courts; if you’re travelling with kids, the Planet Trekkers club will keep them entertained. But if you just want to relax, head for the two pools, hot tub, hammocks and waterfront cabanas, or visit Ikal Spa, where treatments include a traditional temazcal purification ritual and a chocolate body wrap.
Carretera a Chankanaab Km 6.5, Zona Hotelera Sur, Cozumel, 77600
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Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR): Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.
The Hotel Collection Terms and Conditions
The Hotel Collection (THC): The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc; Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
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