11 Best Cancun Resorts for Spring Break

The thriving resort city of Cancun sits on the Yucatán Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. So, certain things are a given, right? Just as we thought, we were greeted with glittering ocean waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lots of amazing margaritas. Plus, with spring break around the corner, Cancun sure makes for a thumping spring break destination with amazing pool parties, whether it’s by day or night. The sheer number of options we found for the best Cancun resorts for spring break is a testament to that. What’s great is that these resorts go beyond simply offering springtime entertainment. They also offer dramatic staying options with hammocks and plunge pools, mouthwatering cuisine, and elevated spa experiences.

Plus, what’s great is that they sit across a variety of budgets and kinds of stays, thus catering to all kinds of travelers. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the best Cancun stays for the best springtime break.

Crown Paradise Club

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Best family-friendly. Beachfront? Check. Family-friendly? Check. All-inclusive with kids’ amenities? Triple check! Crown Paradise Club is one place that’s fun for all age groups, thanks to the five (yes, five!) swimming pools. These include kids’ pools, family pools, and even an adults-only fenced one, where we enjoyed quite a bit of quiet downtime. Aside from the pool parties, there are places to enjoy non-pool parties too, like the fun British pub Trafaglar’s, which has pool tables for some fun downtime. Add to that there’s also the attached adults-only nightclub Disco Nitro, as well as the aptly-named College Bar, too.

For families with kids, the Baby Club hosted tots from 18 months up to 3 years old, while the Kids’ Club for ages 3-12 years even had a castle with nine waterslides, a pirate ship pool, and lots of activities. Meanwhile, older kids had access to a small waterpark, mini-golf, video games, billiards, and more. So, this resort practically catered to all ages of travelers, whether it was kids with the kids club or the adults with their adults-only entertainment outlets. Two tennis courts, a fitness center, poolside massages, and a total of seven restaurants and bars wrap up the amenities here. And, of course, there’s the gorgeous beachfront, too, with bright blue waters, stunning white sand, and shaded loungers.

The rooms and suites are no less impressive, and came with balconies, and many even had soaking tubs. We especially loved the family suites, which came with king beds and triple bunk beds. However, we went ahead with the Club-level upgrade, which even added a Jacuzzi to our room and even a complimentary lagoon cruise.

Royalton Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort And Casino

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Fun is the main motto at the 840-room, all-inclusive Royalton Riviera Cancun. This all-inclusive Autograph Collection resort is all about adventure and fun for all ages. For instance, we could choose our own adventure from watersports like deep sea fishing and snorkeling to a splash park for the little ones. Plus, our kiddos especially loved the Royalton Riviera’s friendly mascot “Turbo the Turtle!”

After the young ones went to bed, we had our fair share of fun at the casino with roulette, slots, and blackjack, followed by sipping nightcaps in the lobby bar. Later, we’d all get together to enjoy the nightly entertainment and weekly dance parties at one of the 10 restaurants. Of course, we had loads of water fun with eight swimming pools to choose from, as well as the private beach out front. A decadent spa and wellness center, a fitness center, and tennis courts round up the amenities here.

The rooms and suites here were oases of calm and seclusion, with cloud-like DreamBed mattresses and marble bathtubs. What’s more, they came with all mod-cons to make our stay comfortable, right from seating areas and flat-screen TVs to luxe bathrooms. Our oceanfront room even had gorgeous, sweeping, and unobstructed sea views.

Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort

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Best adults-only. We were looking for a couples-only place in Cancun to spend spring break, and no place was more perfect than Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort. What makes this place unique is that it’s aimed at the alternative lifestyle public, as some places on the property are even clothing optional. Now that’s what we call wild, don’t we?

Our favorite place on the property was the oceanfront swimming pool, which is one of the clothing-optional places on the property. It was a great way of freeing ourselves of the inhibitions of “What will people think?” We also loved the private beachfront area with beach beds, where we loved soaking up the Caribbean sun. Back at the resort, we enjoyed the adult-oriented day and night activities, including jacuzzi playtime, afternoon beach volleyball, dance lessons, paddleboard lessons, and more. When the hunger pangs came calling, the three onsite restaurants were perfect for all meals. A decadent spa and a nightclub round up the amenities here.

We had the choice of rooms, suites, and penthouses, many of which come with a balcony or a terrace. Since we wanted to splurge, the master suite with the heated plunge pool was the highlight of our stay.

Dreams Sands Cancun

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Best value for money. There’s nothing about Dreams Sands Cancun that we didn’t love. Not only did it sit on one of Cancun’s best beaches, but also this all-inclusive resort was affordable and boasted warm and crystal-clear ocean waters. The beach was extraordinary, complete with watersports, games, and an ocean trampoline. We could even sprawl under palapas while enjoying drinks from the beachside bar and snacks from the Barefoot Grill and Sushi & Ceviche.

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Back at the resort, two pool areas, a louder and a quieter one have loungers, umbrellas, and lots of fun and games, including foam parties during spring! When we wanted to unwind, the beautiful Pevonia Spa beckoned, especially since the kids were busy at the kids’ club and the babies were being babysat. Five restaurants, a fitness center, and a fantastic and friendly staff round out the offerings here.

What we loved was that all rooms and suites have either partial or complete ocean views and come with cable TVs, included minibars, and 24-hour room service. If you want to splurge, we’d highly recommend the balcony rooms or the Preferred Club ones, which allow access to not just an exclusive lounge but even a discrete beach area.

Excellence Riviera Cancun

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Most luxurious. Whoever said that spring breaks had to be all about loud partying? Taking a quiet and luxurious holiday during spring break was our motto, which is why we loved Excellence Riviera Cancun.

Set on a sugary white sand beach in Riviera Maya, the all-suite resort was primed for a grown-up escape for us. We were treated to glasses of bubbly the minute we arrived, by the way! We loved choosing between the six meandering pools that dotted the grounds, especially since the entire resort was adults-only. So, no matter where we chose to relax, it was quiet, tranquil, and serene. One of the standouts here was the swim-up spa – we’d only heard of swim-up rooms until now! What’s more, they had a Turkish hammam and even hot springs! When we wanted to get out, we had archery, dance lessons, and private yacht excursions to choose from. Heck, we didn’t even have to step out for meals, with as many as 12 restaurants and bars.

Even entry-level rooms have spacious terraces, lots of natural light, and Bulgari bath products, while the junior suites even boast pool and beachfront views. However, the real ticket was the Honeymoon suites, where we were, as they came with couple’s massage rooms and private outdoor jacuzzis on fully-furnished balconies.

Hard Rock Cancun

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The Hard Rock Cancun happens to be one of the best Cancun hotels for spring break, and it’s easy to see why. For one, it’s one of Cancun’s best party hotels. Since it sits right in the heart of the Hotel Zone on a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach, it hosts lots of live music performances with world-famous DJs spinning tunes. It’s not surprising, given the hotel’s and brand’s history, especially since it also had evening karaoke and entertainment across its five restaurants and bars. During the day, we’d be swimming in or lying around one of the two spacious outdoor pools that overlook the ocean. What followed was relaxing/rejuvenating massages and treatments at the spa, or a fitness center, two onsite tennis courts, and yoga classes for when we wanted to get moving. Outdoor playing equipment and a kids’ club wrap up the offerings here.

“There’s no doubt that staying at a Hard Rock hotel is always fun, and when it’s Cancun, what could be better?”

WOW Travel

We especially loved the digs at this Hard Rock outpost, all of which boasted free music streaming services. Besides that, the stays came with a ton of bonus perks, such as free Wi-Fi, a fully stocked minibar, plush beds, and luxe bathrooms. Of course, we also had the choice of lagoon or ocean-view rooms, and there’s no doubt that we chose the fabulous ocean-view ones.

Moon Palace Cancun – All Inclusive

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If your idea of a spring break is to get in tee time and more tee time, then we’d highly recommend the Moon Palace Cancun. Experienced enthusiasts and golfers like us have long admired this grand property which sits on the dazzling Riviera Maya. Its prime feature is the challenging Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course on the tropical grounds, which is actually divided into 3 9-hole courses. Post a game, we’d have seven swimming pools to choose from to relax at, especially since they were a mix of quiet and boisterous environments. Of course, the fact that we had the choice of 20 restaurants and bars right on the property meant that drinking and dining here was a dream. Finally, we didn’t have to worry about walking around the entire property; we’d enjoy complimentary shuttle rides or could even rent golf carts to get around.

We even had the choicest of accommodations here, including our superior junior suite with fabulous golf course views. Nevertheless, all rooms came with private balconies and scenic views, double whirlpool tubs, and 24-hour room service. What more could we want?

Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa

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Another great Cancun resort known for partying is the 214-room, all-inclusive Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa. This adults-only Hotel Zone resort is very well known for its wild parties, with the majority of the action being around the outdoor pool area, which also has a fantastic jacuzzi.

The stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, along with the continuous delicious drinks being served, certainly made for a party atmosphere even during the day. When the sun went down, the poolside Tiki Bar was legendary for guests playing body shots – and it was true! In fact, there were thrilling events like foam parties at the pool while we were staying here during spring. Despite being a smaller property, we even enjoyed global culinary delights at the four specialty restaurants, which operated 24/7, so we always had a place to go whenever we were hungry. And when we wanted to recharge our batteries, there was always the spa.

The rooms and suites, while traditional, were very comfortable and came with furnished balconies, all of which either had lagoon or ocean views.

Temptation Cancun Resort

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The name Temptation Cancun Resort says it all; it was the absolute best spot for us spring break travelers who were looking for a sensuous adults-only party atmosphere. In fact, you should be expecting a lot of risque here, and that was the kind of spring break we wanted!

Firstly, there’s a separate section at the resort for uninhibited guests who don’t mind going topless. In fact, we could even swim in the nude in the themed outdoor pool in this part of the resort – that’s how freeing it was. Aside from that, the resort was and is famous for its wild, themed pool parties, and let us tell you that, man, can they get wild! For instance, Temptation had a “Sexy Pool,” an outdoor pool that even hosted risque live shows. It’s true; we’ve never felt sexier and more confident in our lives, for sure.

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Besides the fantastic party atmosphere, along with live music, the resort also had everyday entertainment during the day and night, as well as a nightclub and a DJ. During the day, we’d love to relax at the two outdoor pools, followed by a divine body treatment at the spa. If that wasn’t enough, we had the choice of seven restaurants and six bars for drinking and dining, as well as 24-hour room service. When it came to the stays, the contemporarily designed rooms and suites all boasted private balconies/patios with excellent garden/ocean views. Not only did all the rooms have coffeemakers, satellite TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but our suite even had a hot tub.

Beach Palace

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We couldn’t find a better-named hotel than Beach Palace when it came to the best Cancun all-inclusive hotels for spring break or even resorts. With an excellent Hotel Zone location and all-inclusive alcohol, we didn’t feel like stepping out of the resort! And even when we did, we were just minutes from the top things to do in Cancun. And, of course, the white sands of the Caribbean Sea are right out front.

We had 3 pools to choose from at this 287-room resort, where there would always be a plethora of activities taking place. These included everything from foam parties to live shows and entertainment that would go on late into the night. When the hunger pangs came calling, there were six drinking and dining options to choose from, many of them with amazing ocean views. When we wanted some downtime, we’d head to the spa for some amazing massages and body treatments. A fitness center, an unbeatable location, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 room service wrap up the amenities here.

After a day and evening of constant fun and entertainment, the spacious rooms and suites were very relaxing at the end of the day. Not only did they all come with double hot tubs, but they also came with private balconies.

Grand Oasis Cancun

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Sitting at the top of this list is the Grand Oasis Cancun, which is often called the biggest party hotel in all of Cancun! And it’s easy to see why. This Hotel Zone resort is famous for its entertainment on offer, especially at the 14 (yes, 14!) bars and restaurants. What’s more, it boasted an incredible party scene, especially at the pool, where there’d be foam parties and DJs belting out tunes during the day and night. If that wasn’t enough, the resort is also very popular for the bands, live shows, and DJs that come to play here. And, of course, there were those fantastically priced, all-inclusive drink packages since we wanted to party hard. Did you know that this resort was the site for some legendary MTV Spring Break beach parties in the past? Yes!  

Since it sat on a private beach, we had access to some of the most gorgeous waters and sands along the Hotel Zone. And since we were surrounded by tropical gardens, the place was as serene during the day as it was party central all the other time.

All rooms and suites at the Grand Oasis Cancun came with views of the gardens or the ocean, and we, of course, chose ocean-facing rooms. Nevertheless, they all had minibars, flat-screen cable TVs, and heavenly beds.

Our Verdict!

While we’re in love with all Cancun resorts on this list, we like some better than the rest, which we’ve listed below:

• Best family-friendly: Crown Paradise Club
• Best adults-only: Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort
• Best value for money: Dreams Sands Cancun
• Most luxurious: Excellence Riviera Cancun

Where to Stay in Cancun?

What makes Cancun great is that it boasts a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit the preferences of different kinds of travelers. So, while we have the main, bustling Hotel Zone, we also have the quieter and more local neighborhoods.

To begin with, first-timers who want to stay right in the middle of all the action will love the Hotel Zone in Quintana Roo. This fabulous L-shaped strip is home to some of the best beach hotels in Cancun, which sit pretty on the pristine white sand beaches. So, for those who love beach days like anything, love all-inclusive luxury, and want easy access to water sports, then the Hotel Zone is where you should stay.

Secondly, there’s El Centro, or the center of the city, which is also where Cancun’s downtown lies. We loved the mix of all kinds of hotels and resorts, street food, vibrant structures, and the traditional Mexican markets. So, for those who want to soak in the culture of the city, then Centro is the perfect place to stay for an authentic Cancun experience and for also escaping the crowds.

Last, but not least, there’s the fun-filled Playa Mujeres, an up-and-coming area north of the city of Cancun. It’s also home to a number of luxurious spas and resorts. Since part of our agenda was to relax and enjoy the beaches, that’s why we considered and loved staying at Playa Mujeres.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Cancun:

• Taqueria Los Chachalacos: If a quick taco lunch in the Hotel Zone is what you’re after, then Los Chacalacos should be your go-to spot. They offer tons of delicious options like vegetarian gringas, chorizo, and bistec, which can be paired with an ice-cold Corona. While they have many different locations around Cancun, the Hotel Zone outpost is where you should go if you’re looking for lunch with a view.
• La Casa de los Abuelos: Literally meaning “the grandparents’ house,” this spot sort of feels like it’s a Mexican diner, complete with vintage art and photos on the walls. We’d head here for quick breakfasts and lunches of sopes, flautas, and quesadillas before we hit the beach. Don’t forget to explore their bakery menu of tartlets, cornbread, and churros.

Recommended Activities in Cancun:

• Isla Mujeres Full Day Dancer Cruise: There was no better way to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico than on this three-storied catamaran tour. We visited Isla Mujeres, relaxed in lounge chairs, dug into delicious food, cooled off in the water, and danced to the hilt to the DJ’s musical tunes.
• Snorkel Paradise Cancun and Underwater Museum in Nizuc: The Punta Nizuc reef and the beautiful Caribbean Sea beyond are the best places to snorkel in all of Cancun, and we enjoyed every bit of it. We simply put on our gear and discovered tropical fish, coral, and a selection of gorgeous underwater art sculptures.