What are the best adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico? It’s a question that I get asked all the time. If you know me by now you know it’s a question I’m *extremely* hesitant to answer, because “best” can mean so many different things based on what you’re looking for.
But I can’t lie to you — I do have my favorite all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, particularly the ones that are designed exclusively for adults. Over the past 15 years, I’ve stayed at hundreds of resorts all around the country, and I’ve come to discern what makes the best all-inclusive resorts that are adults-only.
These five resorts are my go-to recommendations for couples or groups of friends who are looking for a fun, relaxing getaway in Mexico, complete with great food, beautiful beaches, luxurious rooms, and lots of fun amenities.
Read on to discover my favorite adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
I first visited this resort when it opened in 2017, and it blew me away so hard that it has been the benchmark to which I measure other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico ever since. I recently revisited it and was pleased to see that it still holds up to the memories in my mind.
Why do I love this resort? Because it’s beautiful. It’s not small with around 400 rooms — but it certainly feels like it’s much smaller than that. All the rooms have ocean or partial-ocean views, plus all ground-floor rooms are swim-up suites. Rooms on higher floors all have terraces with soaking tubs. It’s tough to book a bad room at this all-inclusive Mexico resort.
That’s just the beginning. It’s also one of the best party resorts in Playa del Carmen, if you’re looking to be social, but has plenty of spots to unwind and disappear into tranquility if you want to lay low. The resort has two pools: one for parties, and one for relaxation. A quiet beach area offers another place to escape. Plus, guests can always kick back with a bottle of bubbly from their private, ocean-view terrace.
The golden sandy beach stretches forever, and you’ll feel like you have the entire spot to yourself. It hugs a warm, gentle bay perfect for swimming, with mesmerizing turquoise-colored water. The beach is steps from the pool area, so it’s easy to snag a cocktail or something to eat.
The food, the service, the design, the decor, and the location are all a cut above other all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Plus, it’s one of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen for couples.
Book UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Hotel Xcaret Arte
Every few years Mexico welcomes a new hotel that stops me in my tracks. In 2021 that hotel, for me, was Hotel Xcaret Arte. You may find that surprising seeing as it’s a mega all-inclusive resort with 900 rooms, a multitude of restaurants, and a very “activity-minded” mentality — none of which is really “on brand” for me. But what can I say? When something is done as well as Hotel Xcaret Arte, it’s tough not to drink the Kool-Aid. I am going so far as to say this is one of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Yes, the resort is big. Extremely big. And yes, it’s branded as part of the Grupo Xcaret family of resorts and theme parks. But it’s done with such attention to detail and of the highest quality that I cannot deny how spectacular it is. The resort’s rooms are divided into five separate “casas,” all of which have art-centric themes, and all of which operate like mini-hotels on their own.
I stayed in the Casa de los Artistas, which is the oceanfront casa, complete with its own rooftop bar and infinity pool. This particular casa has a private gym, as well. If you want ocean views and an even more exclusive vibe, this is the casa to book. But the rooms in all of the casas are made with the same quality and attention to detail.
One of the reasons why Hotel Xcaret Arte is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen is because it embodies so many experiences in one. Whether you’re being pampered in the underground, cenote-inspired spa, having a decadent tasting menu meal, snacking on casual ceviche, or drinking margaritas in the main infinity pool with six of your newest friends, you’re going to be having a wonderful time at this resort.
The staff is not only helpful and kind but also incredibly fun. I loved befriending the bartenders at the pool bar, the waiters, as well as the women at Mercado San Juan who made the tortillas by hand every single day.
Hotel Xcaret Arte is spotless. Each space is impeccable, and as energetic as the pool is, it is never sloppy. That’s because eating is not permitted by the pool, which helps considerably. You can, of course, have all the drinks you like whether at the swim-up bar, your chaise lounge, or overlooking the infinity edge.
Within the room rate, not only is all food and beverage covered (except for one tasting menu restaurant), but it also includes round-trip transportation to and from the airport, your in-room mini-bar, and unlimited access to any of the theme parks included under the Xcaret umbrella. This includes everything from Xcaret Park to Xel-Ha, Xenses, Xplor, etc. These theme parks are among the top reasons many people visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya. While I’m not big on theme parks myself, if you are an activities person, this is a huge value.
It’s difficult to find an all-inclusive resort in Mexico that gets the dining just right, but Hotel Xcaret Arte passes with flying colors. Start with breakfast at the Mercado San Juan, a market designed to look like a traditional city market in Mexico. Here you’ll find a station with women hand-making blue corn and regular tortillas, stuffing them plump with chicken tinga, mushrooms, and Oaxacan cheese.
Dinner leaves you spoiled for choice, as well. China Poblano was one of my favorites — a restaurant that fuses cuisines from Puebla in Mexico, as well as China. But you’ll find restaurants that are dedicated to Lebanese/Mexican fusion, Oaxacan food, Japanese food, an entirely vegan restaurant, and more.
One of the best dining experiences is at Xaak. This is the only restaurant not included in the all-inclusive plan, but it is worth the splurge for a tasting menu and wine pairing. The beautiful, romantic restaurant has the best ambiance, impeccable service, and truly memorable food.
Book Hotel Xcaret Arte
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
For years, Grand Velas Los Cabos was one of my all-time favorite Cabo all-inclusive resorts. The only thing that could have made it better was for it to be adults-only — not a shocker that I’m a fan of child-free hotels. Much to my delight, Grand Velas made my dreams come true with the debut of the smaller hotel-within-a-hotel, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. This smaller, more intimate resort is just as luxurious as the original, but with the added perk of being entirely for adults.
The resort operates like its own entity, with a separate spa, on-site restaurants, gym, and pool. But guests of Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos have the perk of accessing the restaurants at the next-door Grand Velas Los Cabos, which has quite a bit of variety. Adults at Grand Velas Los Cabos can not use the facilities at the Boutique hotel, which gives guests of this newer resort even more exclusivity.
I was invited to experience the resort for myself back in March 2024 and, not surprisingly, found that it was just as luxurious and thoughtful as the original. Plus, the added benefit of being adults-only made it even that much more relaxing. If you’re looking for a fabulous Cabo resort that is all-inclusive and adults-only, look no further than Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.
From the moment I stepped into the gorgeous lobby, I knew I was going to love the vibe of this resort. Soaring ceilings give way to an open-air space that looks out over the Pacific Ocean and a central courtyard below. The lobby shares space with the main dinner restaurant, Loto Robata Grill, as well as the lobby bar. I was handed a welcome glass of Prosecco and whisked off to my expansive suite.
Because this is one of the best resorts in Cabo for adults, the vibe here is extremely relaxed. The mood is quiet, without being overly monastic. It’s sleek and sexy with a beautiful design that emphasizes the natural beauty of Los Cabos. The color palette is muted with whites and creams, letting the bright purple pops from the bougainvillea blossoms and the turquoise of the sea do most of the heavy lifting.
The amenities at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos are wonderful. The main pool overlooks the Pacific and is tiled with brightly colored pool tiles, creating an iridescent, radiant glow on the surface of the water. Chaise lounges and daybeds are laid out on terraced steps that lead down to the pool.
Guests of the resort also have included in their all-inclusive rate a Mexican wine and cheese tasting, which can be arranged through each suite’s private butler. Activities like this typically come at an extra charge but at this resort, it’s included in the rate.
While the resort is on the beach, the beach itself is rather small and the ocean here is not swimmable, which is not uncommon for Los Cabos.
So let’s get into the rooms, which steal the show. They are among the most spacious rooms in Los Cabos, with even entry-level rooms starting at 900 square feet. Every suite has a walk-in shower, personal Jacuzzi, and private terrace. All suites also have daily stocked mini bars, with top-shelf wines, tequila, and mezcal. All rooms also feature Dyson hair dryers and straighteners.
I checked into a Grand Class King Suite, which was massive, with both a huge bedroom and a separate living and dining area. These suites have expansive terraces with private fire pits, aromatherapy diffusers, an indoor jacuzzi, and an outdoor private plunge pool.
The primary restaurant at this resort is the Loto Robata Grill, which is a Japanese izakaya-themed restaurant. I loved the short rib gyozas, the temaki hand roll cones, and the decadent skewers of yakitori, from rib eye to pork belly, shrimp, and yellowfin tuna.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos also has a poolside restaurant and a breakfast buffet, both of which are also great. I recommend the shrimp tacos poolside for lunch.
For more dining options, guests have access to Grand Velas Los Cabos, which is one of the best resorts in Los Cabos for families. However, that means that guests from the Boutique will be dining with families at the restaurants at Grand Velas Los Cabos. If you were looking for a truly adults-only experience, I recommend sticking to the Boutique resort, but that does limit your options when it comes to dining.
There are a few restaurants next door that are adults-only: Cocina de Autor is a fantastic 8- or 10-course tasting menu adventure. Piaf, the French restaurant, is also for 16 and older.
Book Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
Opened in 2015, this hillside tower hotel is an extension of the nearby veteran resort, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta. Unlike its sister, however, this Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort is strictly for adults and is one of the funkiest resorts I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
I love Hotel Mousai for many reasons. The design is vintage and off-beat, the service is outstanding, the food fantastic, and the views sublime. It is truly one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta, if not the best.
I first stayed at Hotel Mousai when it opened in 2015. Back then it was a single tower. Since then, it has debuted a second tower and is planning for a third in 2025. With the addition of the second tower came an additional gym, new restaurants, and a second rooftop pool. But we’ll get into all the amenities in a little bit.
If you’re looking for a chic, comfortable, luxe adults-only all-inclusive, with spectacular views and tons of great activities, look no further than Hotel Mousai, one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
Hotel Mousai is a bit removed from downtown Puerto Vallarta. It’s close enough to be a 10-minute taxi ride to Zona Romantica, but far enough removed to feel like you’re having a resort experience. The gate to Hotel Mousai is dramatically plated in gold and pocked with giant rhinestone-like studs.
It certainly sets the tone for the overall look of the resort, which I describe as 1980s-meets-Art Deco. Think giant chess pieces, black-and-white checkered floors, neon, and plush velvet. It’s a departure from the trendy “boho chic” design that has become synonymous with luxury in Mexico, but I welcome the change-up.
The new tower (the South Tower) feels fresher than the original tower (the North Tower). This is to be expected, as the North Tower is now almost nine years old, but you can feel the difference in the two lobbies. The South Tower also has fewer rooms on each floor than the North Tower. I find the South Tower lobby to be more social, as well, because of the central lobby bar, part of the Italian restaurant, Noi. The North Tower does not have a lobby bar.
In both, however, the service is impeccable as is the cleanliness. The rooms are also almost the same, except for a few design details.
There are amenities at the resort that are exceptional, and others that certain resort-goers may have to forego. Hotel Mousai certainly wins for best pool in Puerto Vallarta, with a chic infinity pool perched atop each tower. The pools are stunningly beautiful, with views out to the Bay of Banderas and the jungle-covered mountains.
Beach lovers may have to compromise a bit because this is not one of the Puerto Vallarta hotels on the beach. Hotel Mousai guests have access to the beach, but it is located a quick shuttle ride down the hill at the sister resort. I am a pool person, so this makes no difference to me, but if you are looking for a prime beachfront resort, you may want to consider Garza Blanca.
The perks of staying at Hotel Mousai and purchasing an all-inclusive plan are that you have access to all the restaurants at Hotel Mousai, as well as all the restaurants at Garza Blanca. As far as all-inclusive food goes, the restaurants at Hotel Mousai feature some of the best food I’ve ever had.
Standout restaurants include Hiroshi and Dao at Hotel Mousai, and Bocado at Garza Blanca. Hiroshi serves amazingly fresh sashimi and sushi, while Dao is contemporary Chinese. Bocado is the steakhouse and the steaks were among the best cuts of meat I’ve had anywhere.
Each rooftop has its own restaurant, as well, serving Mediterranean and Mexican-influenced cuisine. I was a big fan of the shrimp tacos and the tuna burger. Room service breakfast is another win, with my favorite being the egg white omelet or the huevos rancheros.
The gyms in both towers are two of the most comprehensive I’ve ever seen, complete with virtually every piece of equipment you’ll ever need. The cardio machines face out towards the bay and the mountains for stellar views. If that’s not enough to distract you from dreaded cardio, nothing will.
The Spa Imagine is also a haven of tranquility, with a huge hydrotherapy area and separate treatment rooms. The spa is very small, considering it serves the entire property, as well as Garza Blanca.
Book Hotel Mousai
Meagan Drillinger is a professional traveler whose career has taken her to six continents. You can read her stuff in Travel + Leisure, AFAR, The Points Guy, and other international publications.
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