‎Where to Find the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

When cooler winds start blowing in the northern hemisphere, savvy tourists flock to the beaches of Mexico for the sunshine and warmth that will get them through the worst of winter. Mexico is an ideal destination for a beach vacation: it has all-inclusive resorts on both coasts and several islands. Here are some of the favorite vacation spots where you can find a perfect resort.

Cancun – The farthest eastern point of Mexico is the Yucatan Peninsula, where you’ll find the state of Quintana Roo and the city of Cancun. A spit of land shaped like the numeral 7 extends east from Cancun into the Caribbean Sea. This is the famous Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). An astonishing 90 resorts line the beach of this sand bar, and provide all-inclusive vacations from budget to luxury. Look for onsite restaurants, oceanfront pools, spa services on the beach or in your room, and tiki bars galore.

Cozumel – This is an island 12 miles from the coast of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, a small land area with outstanding dive and snorkel sites in an extensive offshore reef system. The west coast of the island, facing the sunset, has many romantic all-inclusive resorts in a less-crowded beach setting. There is only one town on the island, the city of San Miguel. The east coast of Cozumel is just wild – and breathtaking.

Playa del Carmen – Part of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this beach area in Quintana Roo is south of the Hotel Zone and across the sound from Cozumel. The resorts on this beach face the Caribbean Sea and the sunrise. Playa del Carmen is home to Mexico’s Xcaret Park, a unique park that offers more than 50 ecological and cultural attractions like tubing underwater rivers, viewing traditional Mexican dances and exploring ancient Mayan ruins.

Los Cabos – There are two towns that make up the vacation destination of Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas and San Juan Los Cabos. These oceanfront tourist hubs are on the very southern tip of Baja California, facing the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. They have very different vibes, and the resorts reflect the differences. If you love historical architecture and art walks to the many galleries, San Juan Los Cabos is for you. Cabo San Lucas might appeal to you if you love wind surfing, the Latin beat of Mexico’s night life, and an active marina full of pleasure craft. You can stay along the 20-mile corridor between the two, and enjoy both destinations.

Puerto Vallarta – You won’t find more beautiful sunsets anywhere in the world. Puerto Vallarta, on Banderas Bay, faces the Pacific with its legendary blue waters and peaceful swells. A sunset cruise on the bay or an oceanfront all-inclusive resort will offer the best settings for watching the sun go down. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its Malecon, a boardwalk along the beach with seaside shops and cafes, and the incredible backdrop of the lush Sierra Madre mountains.