Cancun Resorts 2024: What to Expect on Your Beach Vacation

Post by Kelly McLaughlin May 05, 2024.

Hey there, sun-seekers and beach lovers!

So, you’re planning to vacation in Cancun this year? Makes a whole lot of sense, awesome choice. Cancun and the Riviera Maya are just a hop, skip and a jump from most major US cities. The flights are frequent and cheap. The whole destination was designed to bring joy to tourists! That means world-class service, accommodations of all kinds and big adventures in our tropical backyard.

What’s sizzling at the Cancun resorts in 2024? Trust me, with 20 years of local expertise under my belt, I’ve got the inside scoop on all the fun stuff happening in our Mexican Caribbean paradise.

Living the Dream: What’s Hot at Cancun Resorts in 2024

Opulent. Indulgent. Exquisite. Divine. High-end Cancun resorts are just oozing with everything you need and want in a luxury beach vacation. When you check-in to your Cancun resort, the VIP experience begins. Leave your worries at home, kick off your shoes and let the pampering commence.

Picture everything you’ve ever seen in postcards and travel magazines and suddenly it’s all real and right in front of your eyes. I’m talking plush suites with ocean views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Don’t even get me started on the amenities – infinity pools, spa treatments that’ll make you melt, and more. Yeah, Cancun resorts don’t mess around when it comes to pampering their guests.

Did you know that many resorts have a signature scent? Subtle aromas that will from this day forward bring to mind your ultimate vacation and compel you to return. The memories of the time I stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba are scented with Le Labo Rose 31 and I treasure the aromatic touch.

To all-Inclusive or not all-inclusive, that is the first question for choosing the resort for your Cancun luxury vacation

Cancun resorts come in all shapes, sizes and vibes but one of the first decisions you have to make when planning your vacation is whether or not you want to “Go AI”. These days AI may mean artificial intelligence but to me it is always going to bring to mind the unlimited drinks and endless culinary treats at an “all-inclusive”.

Deciding to go AI or non-AI (also called European Plan at some hotels) is a matter of opinion. Some travelers love the stress-free experience of an AI resort in Cancun, others prefer to have the freedom to have culinary adventures away from their hotel. Both styles of Cancun resorts have their benefits.

Make a list of the things that are important to you for your ideal vacation and you can pretty quickly see if an all-inclusive Cancun resort is right for you. I like a little of both, I will never turn down a weekend of all-inclusive fun or a few days at a European plan boutique hotel .What’s your travel style?

Feast Like Royalty: Authentic Mexican Cuisine and International Restaurants

Listen up, foodies! Cancun is a culinary playground, and the resorts here are serving up some serious deliciousness. Gone are the days of the boring old buffet, Cancun resorts have stepped up their game and the chefs are stellar. From mouthwatering seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine that’ll make your taste buds dance, you won’t go hungry, that’s for sure.Get yourself to Secrets the Vine in Cancun for a unique experience in wine and food that will delight your taste buds and your soul.

Pro tip from a local: It is absolutely possible to eat at the sushi restaurant at 6 pm, steakhouse at 8 pm and enjoy a late dinner at the Mexican at 10 pm. For serious food lovers only.

Get out and explore, the Yucatan Peninsula is full of adventure

My number one piece of advice to anyone planning a vacation at a Cancun resort is….to leave your resort. At least one day trip. I have lived here for 20 years and explored a LOT and I still have not seen all the cool hidden corners of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean.

It may be tempting to just chill in your lounge chair but it really is a must to have an adventure. Ancient Mayan history, stunning island escapes, jungle fun, cenotes, sea turtles, the Mesoamerican Reef, and the fascinating Mexican culture, there is SO much to see that is literally out of this world and truly important for the planet. Cancun resorts are amazing but the region has a million places to explore beyond the pool bar.

Pro tip from a Cancun local: First trip here? You must take a tour to Chichen Itza, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and it is in our backyard. Visiting Cancun and not seeing Chichen Itza is like going to Egypt and not seeing the Great Pyramids. If you’ve been there, done that with “Chichen”, my personal fave tour to Ek Balam is waiting for you.

Getting to your Cancun resort and getting back home (sad face)

If you are not lucky enough to live in Cancun, you’re going to have to put in a little travel time to get to your Cancun resort. There are convenient flights from all over the world landing constantly at the Cancun International Airport. Once you arrive, you will need to arrange transportation to your hotel.The best way is with a private transfer service with a reputable company like Happy Shuttle Cancun.

Book round-trip Cancun airport transportation to your resort, unless you have a secret plan to stay. Leaving Cancun is HARD but we are always here waiting to welcome you back. Once you’ve had a taste of our corner of heaven, you’ll never want to vacation anywhere else.

Why is a Cancun resort vacation right for you in 2024?

1. Location, location, location in the tropical Mexican Caribbean.
2. Convenient, cheap flights to the Cancun Airport, all day, everyday.
3. Luxury Cancun resorts straight out of travel magazines. Lush life baby.
4. World-class service and warm and welcoming Mexican hospitality.
5. History, nature, culture, a million things to do in Cancun.