The Top 7 Luxury Hotels in Cancun in 2023

Find out the top luxury hotels in Cancun. I have the fortune to know all these amazing brands that I am talking about in this post, as a heritage of my past jobs.

I hope that this honest review will help you find your perfect luxury retreat in Cancun.

21 km of soft white sand beach lined by turquoise waters on one side and spectacular fancy Hotels on the other, delicious restaurants, nightlife, and culture: this is the Cancun hotel zone.

The thing is, in Cancun, there are about 300 hotels if you include the small ones in the city; on the beach, we could easily get to 200 or more.

I haven’t counted them personally, nor have I seen them all (as you can imagine).

So if you are deciding on where to stay in Cancun the choice is hard.

Of course, there are many good places to stay in Cancun, some are special, others are cheap, others again are cheap and fun, and others are spectacular and luxurious, you just have to know first what you want and what budget you have and then it will become easier.

There are also amazing Airbnb in Cancun if you prefer to stay in a luxury home as I normally do.

Most of all though, Cancun is mostly popular for its huge selection of all-inclusive hotels, the “all you can eat and drink” type of properties, which are not exactly the kind I am fond of. If you are following me for a while, you know what I mean. 

In this post, I have included my top favorite hotels, which are for me the best hotels in Cancun in general, but they all happen to be on the beach.

Oh well, who doesn’t love to be on the beach, especially if it’s as beautiful as the Cancun beach?

They are luxury hotels for those who wish to splurge and get pampered with beauty and charm.

Just scroll down to check them out.

Cancun Luxury Hotels | Over-the-Top Beach Hotels in Cancun

1. NIZUC Resort & Spa

NIZUC opened its doors in September 2013, it has been nominated by different prestigious travel magazines such as Condè Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Fodor’s, as one of the best new hotels of 2014.

And I certainly second that. NIZUC Resort and Spa is for me among the best Hotel in Cancun It belongs to the already popular Mexican chain, Brisas, and is their first luxury property.

I have to say, as their first baby, they really have done an amazing job. I hope they continue to spread beauty like this!

With some 250 suites of many different types (according to location and size), 5 restaurants, and a lounge bar; the property is spread out along the coast at the very tip of the beautiful beach of Cancun; an oasis of peace and tranquillity.

What I love the most is the Balinese architecture in both the outdoor and indoor design, where the dominant colors are black and grey, and the preferred material is wood, graciously combined with the finest Mexican art.

The result is a superb, elegant, and modern style, inspiring and soothing.

I love that they have a separate beach and a suite area for adults only, so as to guarantee tranquillity. And as much as I love kids, I find this is a very intelligent and thoughtful touch.

Hotels
The main beach – Photo Courtesy of NIZUC Resort & Spa

The restaurants offer a variety of cuisine from all over the world: Italian, Peruvian, Thai, and of course the local Mexican cuisine in a particularly gourmet style; not to mention the elegant ambiance and great authentic dishes. 

The restaurants are also open to the public, so if you are staying somewhere else and wish to have a special dinner or Sunday brunch, for which the hotel is also popular, I suggest you try this experience (reservation required).

They are all some of the best restaurants in Cancun.

Cancun luxury hotels - Boundless Roads
Photo courtesy NIZUC Resort & Spa

On the beach there are no motorized sports (a fact which I love), guaranteeing peace and quiet. They offer paddle-boarding, guided snorkeling trips, and kayaking, to enjoy the beautiful beach and reefs along the coast.

It was such a beautiful day when I went to visit the hotel; the colors were just stunning and you just wanted to jump into the turquoise water.

When I left, I was literally in love and decided I really wanted to spend a couple of days there. In fact, with my birthday coming up a few weeks later I had the best excuse to exceed my usual monthly budget.

And so I did. I wasn’t lucky with the weather, but my friends and I surely made the most of our time there, taking advantage of the stunning spa. 

NIZUC Resort and Spa is certainly one of a kind, in Cancun and the entire Riviera Maya, as far as the eye can tell.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

2. Atelier Playa Mujeres All Inclusive Resort

Not to be mixed up with Isla Mujeres, the beautiful island right off the coast of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is a new resort destination on the way to Isla Blanca. Here you will find some of the top luxury hotels in Cancun, and all of them offer an all-inclusive luxury service.

I choose to include the Atelier Playa Mujeres all-inclusive resort in this post for the excellent reviews it has gathered since its opening. The spectacular luxury facilities and the top-notch cuisine and service are what the guests love the most.

The hotel features include free WiFi, a private beach area, and a 24-hour front desk. Also, guests have access to a hot tub and an exceptional fitness center.

The restaurants offer a variety of culinary delights from the buffet breakfast to a choice between Italian and Asian cuisine, all with gluten-free options.

The spacious suites are equipped with the most modern facilities including flat-screen TVs, WIFI, and views of the pool or the beach, and they all offer room service.

Atelier Playa Mujeres is also one of the best hotels in Cancun with suites with private pools, one of my favorite features in a luxury hotel.

Overall Atelier Playa Mujeres resort offers an exceptional luxury experience.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Cancun All-Inclusive Properties

3. Hotel Paradisus by Melia

Hotel Paradisus by Melia
Hotel Paradisus by Melia – Photo © Expedia

Paradisus is a spectacular resort located just 15 minutes from the Cancun airport and on an amazing stretch of the world-famous Cancun beach.

The hotel offers luxurious, spacious, and elegantly decorated guestrooms, four lagoon-style swimming pools, 9 restaurants with international fine cuisine, tennis fields, a nine-hole golf course, and the exclusive YHI Spa.

If you wish to enjoy the perks of extra luxury you might want to upgrade to the Royal service, the adult-only section of the resorts that include ultra-luxury suites and exceptional service, the best option for travelers who want to get pampered by exceptional service.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

4. Hyatt Ziva Cancun

I have to admit that although I am not a big fan of ALL-INCLUSIVE, I reckon that there are brands that are able to make the all-inclusive a very exclusive experience (pun intended) HYATT resorts are one of them.

I know the brand as I stayed in one of their resorts in Jamaica when they opened and it was impeccable, in service, culinary choices, and quality of the room and amenities.

I know they keep their standard throughout their resorts especially the new ones in Cancun.

Another thing I like about  Hyatt is that they keep separated the family resort suitable for kids from the adults’ resort, suitable for couples and adults alike in search of peace and tranquillity.

Best Hotels in Cancun - Boundless Roads
Photo Courtesy of Expedia

In this way, they can differentiate the services that they offer and specifically aim to satisfy their audience in a better way, almost personalizing the service.

Therefore if you have kids you can choose the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, which is actually located in Punta Cancun, a 5-minute walk to the night entertainment, but still repaired from the noise, so you can enjoy peace and tranquillity on one of the best stretches of beaches of Cancun.

This is why if you wish to enjoy the nightlife in Cancun you should choose HYATT ZIVA.

Another great perk at Ziva is that it is located on a strategic point on Cancun Beach where the beach makes a turn, which makes the hotel basically surrounded by water, that turquoise water that we all imagine when we think about the Caribbean sea, exactly that one.

And on top of that, the huge pool located right in the middle of the resort makes it even more fascinating… and fun!

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

5. Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Best hotels in Cancun
Photo courtesy of Expedia

If you are planning a romantic getaway far from the crowd and the city lights, Hyatt Zilara will be your perfect choice. Located far from the hustle and bustle of the nightlife and on a beautiful stretch of beach, the hotel offers romantic rooms all with a hot tub in each room and rose petals on the bed (at additional cost, by request).

Best Hotels in Cancun - Boundless Roads
Photo courtesy of Expedia

You can also ask the concierge to set up in-room dining and draw you a bubble bath with candlelight. It’s definitely the perfect getaway designed to pamper you and your special one.

Zilara also offers a full-day schedule for watersports and fitness activities to keep you fit and entertained. 

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

6. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun | Adults Only All-Inclusive

BEACH AT le blanc luxury hotels in cancun
Photo © Expedia

If you are up for an extra luxury getaway in an adult-only all-inclusive hotel, Le Blanc Spa Resort is for you. It is one of the most exclusive hotels in Cancun with all-inclusive properties.

The hotel stands out for its world-class cuisine, which is a rare find in all-inclusive resorts normally.

The spa is also one of the best in Cancun, after NIZUC spa, and the overall service is outstanding.

The facilities and the elegant suites guarantee a premier experience for your stay in Cancun.

It is a really one-of-a-kind adult-only all-inclusive resort.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

LE BLANC RESTAURANT
Photo © Expedia

7. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

Live Aqua Beach resort Cancun
Photo © Expedia

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun belongs to the Posada Hotel Group together with other world-class hotel resorts of the Fiesta Americana popular brand.

It is indeed a guarantee of a high standard and outstanding service.

The Live Aqua brand is one of the high-class resorts in the group and it lives up to expectations.

The trendy resort is located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, right in front of the popular La Isla shopping center where you can enjoy some shopping and stunning sunset views over the Lagoon Nichupte.

Live Aqua Cancun Beach Resort Cancun is located right on the beach offering spectacular views over the Caribbean sea from the giant swimming pool and the beautiful rooms with balconies.

Each room and suite at Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun boasts a stylish décor with tiled floors and include a minibar, aromatherapy amenities, and TV, among other facilities.

The hotel also features 9 restaurants, among which you will especially love the trendy Siete Restaurant which serves a range of Mexican cuisine.

The Aqua’s ample spa offers a variety of treatments including hydrotherapy, an extensive massage menu, and aromatherapy.

If you don’t want to skip your exercise routine, you will love the fully equipped gym and the yoga classes.

👉 Check rates and availability on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

Luxury Hotels in Cancun – final thoughts

Punta Cancun nichupte lagoon beach

I know the title of the post is 5 top luxury hotels but I wanted to add some new additions to offer you more options of luxury hotels in Cancun for the sake of information.

I always love to update my post and give the most complete information. I hope you have found what you are looking for and you are now ready to enjoy your Cancun vacation.

If you are flying into Cancun International Airport make sure you check my post where I share useful tips on how to go through it for a smooth arrival.


IN THE TOP PICTURES. The header picture is NIZUC Resort and Spa, taken from the deck, by myself, taking advantage of the only ray of sun I could glimpse during my stay. The main picture above the title is the beach of Ritz Carlton from one of the rooms. Taken by me during my short visit. 


First Time in Cancun? Here Are My Top Travel Tips for a Quick Overview

✅ TOP THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN

✅ CANCUN TRAVEL TIPS

  • November to April is the best time of the year to visit Cancun because it’s less humid and lower chance of rain, while September and October are the rainiest months. However, I wouldn’t really bother. You never know about the weather.
  • You can pay with credit cards almost everywhere, but it’s better to travel with some local cash to pay in markets or street vendors.
  • Make sure you book your transfer before you arrive in Cancun or check the ADO bus schedule.
  • You want to know in advance what to pack and what to expect when you arrive at the Cancun airport.
  • Cancun is a great destination either for family, couples, or solo travelers. There’s everything for every taste and budget.
  • Watersport lovers will find their heaven on earth as both on the beachside or the lagoon, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, kite surfing, jetpack, and much more.
  • Don’t miss visiting the local market, Mercado 23, where real life happens.
  • Cancun is still a safe city to travel to, despite some recent facts, but you still need to use common sense, as I better explain in this thorough guide on safety in Mexico.
  • If you feel safer with organized tours, check out these Cancun tours that will take you around exploring this amazing region.