For a long-haul beach holiday where everything is taken care of, Mexico's Caribbean coast is hard to beat. The Riviera Maya and Cancún have some of the most impressive all-inclusive resorts in the world, white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water, and fascinating ancient Mayan sites on the doorstep. Here's what you need to know to choose the right area, the right resort and the right time to go.
Where is it?
Most British visitors head for the Yucatán Peninsula in south-east Mexico, flying into Cancún. Direct flights from the UK take around ten to eleven hours, and the region is five or six hours behind the UK depending on the time of year. Along the coast south of Cancún lies the Riviera Maya, a long stretch of beaches, resorts and towns running down towards Tulum. Mexico's Pacific coast, including Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, is also wonderful, but the Caribbean side is the most popular choice from the UK.
Choosing your area
- Cancún – the Hotel Zone is a long strip of sand lined with big resorts, with lively nightlife and plenty to do. Convenient for the airport.
- Playa Mujeres and Costa Mujeres – just north of Cancún, quieter and home to many newer, high-end all-inclusive resorts.
- Puerto Morelos – a laid-back fishing village with a protected reef just offshore, ideal for snorkelling.
- Playa del Carmen – a buzzing town with the pedestrianised Fifth Avenue, restaurants and shops, and ferries to the island of Cozumel.
- Tulum – bohemian and stylish, with boutique hotels and a dramatic clifftop Mayan site overlooking the sea.
What does all-inclusive really include?
All-inclusive in Mexico is often a world away from the buffet-only image. Many resorts offer a choice of à la carte restaurants, premium drinks, room service, entertainment and activities such as non-motorised water sports, all within the price. Some include extras such as minibars, in-room drinks or a set number of spa treatments.
That said, inclusions vary a great deal from resort to resort. Some restaurants may need booking, certain premium wines or spa treatments may cost extra, and excursions are usually not included. We always check the details carefully so there are no surprises.
Adults-only or family-friendly?
The region has an excellent range of both. Adults-only resorts are a favourite with couples and honeymooners, offering peaceful pools, romantic dining and a calm atmosphere. Family resorts often feature kids' clubs, water parks, teen zones and family suites – and some resorts cleverly combine a family section with a separate adults-only area, which is ideal for multi-generational groups.
When to go
The dry season, from roughly December to April, brings sunny days, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures – and it is peak season. May and June are hot and generally still pleasant. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the greatest risk usually in late summer and early autumn; summer is also more humid with frequent showers. Plenty of families travel in the summer holidays and have a wonderful time, but comprehensive travel insurance is a must.
One thing worth knowing: in recent years, seaweed (sargassum) has affected some Caribbean beaches, particularly in the warmer months. Levels vary from season to season and beach to beach, and resorts often work hard to clear it. If it's a concern, we can talk you through areas and resorts that tend to be less affected.
Beyond the resort
It is well worth leaving the sun lounger for a day or two. Highlights include:
- Chichén Itzá – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the great pyramid of El Castillo.
- Tulum – one of the few Mayan cities built on the coast, perched above the beach.
- Cenotes – natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear fresh water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Yucatán has thousands of them.
- Coba – a jungle-set Mayan site that is great for exploring by bike.
- Isla Mujeres and Cozumel – easy island day trips with excellent snorkelling and diving along the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
- Whale sharks – in season, roughly early summer to early autumn, you can take a boat trip to swim alongside these gentle giants.
- Theme and eco-parks – several parks combine underground rivers, zip lines and cultural shows, and are brilliant for families.
Practical tips
- Check passport validity and the latest entry requirements on the UK government's foreign travel advice pages before you travel.
- The currency is the Mexican peso, though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Tipping is customary, even in all-inclusive resorts – a few small notes go a long way.
- Drink bottled or filtered water; resorts provide this as standard.
- Use reef-safe sun cream to help protect the coral.
- Many travellers enjoy combining Mexico with a few nights elsewhere, such as Cuba or a US city on the way.
Is Mexico right for you?
If you'd love a long-haul beach holiday with excellent food and drink included, beautiful beaches and genuinely fascinating culture within easy reach, Mexico is a superb choice – for couples, honeymooners, families and groups alike. The key is matching the right area and resort to the way you like to holiday, and that's where we can help.