Picture this: Your toes are buried in warm white sand, the sun is beaming down, and the only decision you have to make all day is whether your next drink will be blended or on the rocks. That’s the magic of an all-inclusive beach vacation in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.
Now imagine making that getaway even sweeter by skipping the jaw-dropping bill at checkout because you paid for it all with points instead. Thanks to hotel loyalty programs like Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are bookable entirely with points. That means unlimited food and drinks, gorgeous beachfront resorts, and zero stress about racking up charges every time you order another margarita.
But not every all-inclusive resort is bookable with points … and some are certainly better than others. Whether you’re planning a romantic, adults-only escape or a full-blown family beach vacation, we’ve rounded up our top picks for travelers heading south of the border.
If you’re sitting on a stash of points and dreaming of sun, sand, and stress-free sipping, read on for our full list of the best all-inclusive hotels bookable with points.
A Couple Things to Know Before You Dive In
While we’re calling this list of hotels “Cancún,” a few standout resorts are tucked farther down the Riviera Maya – but they’re all within 30 miles or so of the airport and well worth the short drive.
You’ll see a lot of Hyatt on this list – that’s no accident. World of Hyatt absolutely dominates the all-inclusive space, and thanks to its partnership with Chase Ultimate Rewards®, these resorts often deliver some of the best value for your points.
If you're light on Hyatt (or Chase) points, there are a few options from the other big hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, too. Considering you can often earn more of these points through big co-branded credit card offers, bank transfer partners, or even outright buying the points, you might be closer to that dream redemption than you think.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
Travelers headed to Mexico have an overwhelming number of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, but there's one that deserves a spot at the top of your list: Secrets Moxché.
Located just five minutes north of downtown Playa del Carmen and a little over 30 miles south of the Cancún International Airport (CUN), this adults-only all-inclusive resort offers 485 luxury suites with Caribbean views and thoughtful design. Set on a pristine white-sand beach, the resort delivers a relaxed yet upscale vibe ideal for couples.
The dining scene is strong, with a dozen-plus restaurants and bars serving a range of international cuisine and top-shelf drinks included with your stay. Not in the mood for a crowded restaurant in the morning? Order room service directly from your tablet in the room. It typically only takes an hour and can be dropped off in your room's “Secrets Box” for a stress-free morning.
There’s no shortage of ways to cool off or unwind, either. You can sip a cold drink around one of seven different outdoor pools, including unique man-made cenotes, plus a rooftop pool and swim-up bars.
Secrets Moxché is a “Category E” all-inclusive property, meaning a standard redemption here will set you back 40,000 points per night. But you may also see nights for as low as 35,000 points or as high as 45,000 points, thanks to Hyatt's peak and off-peak award pricing.
While that's no doubt a lot of points, it sure beats the $700 (or more) Hyatt typically charges for these rooms when paying cash.
All meals, drinks, entertainment, and many activities are included when you book with points, making it a standout adults-only option just minutes from Playa del Carmen’s vibrant Fifth Avenue.
Read a full review of our stay at the Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
For travelers looking to dial the luxury up even further, Secrets Moxché also features an Impressions section – a more exclusive resort-within-the-resort offering larger suites, upgraded amenities, and access to additional private spaces. Impressions rooms require more points per night, but deliver a noticeably more refined experience for couples celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting the best of the best.
Since Moxché Impressions is a category F resort, off-peak nights can be had for just 42,000 points but the most desirable, peak dates will set you back a whopping 58,000 points per night.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
A little further north, you'll find Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún. Set on one of Mexico’s most pristine white-sand beaches, this adults-only all-inclusive gem features 412 luxury all-suite rooms, many with private terraces or swim-out access, and sweeping views of the Caribbean or tropical gardens.
As is the case with all Secrets Resorts, food and drink are major highlights here: You can indulge in six à la carte gourmet restaurants, a buffet, a grill, and a café – all with unlimited dining and top-shelf drinks included and no reservations required – plus multiple bars and lounges for sipping poolside or on the sand.
The resort’s beachfront setting is spectacular, with soft sand and crystal-clear water, and guests can relax in signature adults-only style around expansive pools and beachfront loungers.
Secrets Maroma Beach fell victim to Hyatt's latest round of award chart changes last spring, pushing the price up to 40,000 points per night for a standard redemption. Once again, you may see nights for as low as 35,000 points or as high as 45,000 points with Hyatt's peak and off-peak pricing.
Cash rates fluctuate, but you'll typically find these exact same rooms going for $700 or more – sometimes, much more – per night, making award redemptions look like a steal in comparison.
Overall, Secrets Maroma delivers a romantic, upscale all-inclusive experience bookable with points – perfect for couples looking for sun, sand, great food, and hassle-free luxury.
Want hotel award alerts delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up (or upgrade) to Thrifty Traveler Premium+, and we'll send deals like this straight to your inbox!
Paraíso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya
OK, enough Hyatt for a bit. How about something for travelers with a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points?
Tucked away along a quiet stretch of coastline just 15 miles south of Cancún, Paraíso de la Bonita is a boutique(ish), adults-only, all-inclusive property – a far cry from the mega-resort scene you probably fear when heading to Cancún.
With just around 100 oceanfront suites, Paraiso de la Bonita looks intimate, serene, and decidedly upscale, making it the perfect getaway for couples seeking privacy, pampering, and a slower pace. While the beach is narrower than what you’ll find in Cancún's Hotel Zone, the calm waters, attentive service, and relaxed atmosphere more than make up for it.
Dining here is said to be a highlight, with chef-driven restaurants that focus on elevated Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood, as well as premium drinks included throughout your stay. The resort centers around a peaceful beachfront setting, a tranquil main pool, and one of the resort's standout features: a world-class spa with Thalassotherapy pools overlooking the sea.
So what does a “free” night here cost? With Marriott's dynamic award pricing … you'll never really know. Looking at a full year's worth of award availability, I'm seeing some nights for as low as 80,000 points, while other peak nights are going for north of 130,000 points. Meanwhile, cash rates run anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per night.
While those award prices might seem astronomical – and they are – it's important to note that points and miles aren't created equally … especially when it comes to hotel points. So while you might see the 40,000-point price tag on those Secrets resorts above and instantly assume they're the far better deal, it's hardly that simple. Depending on how you're earning your hotel points, it could be far easier to rack up the Bonvoy points needed for a free night here.
Plus, Marriott has something Hyatt does not: A fifth-night free benefit on award stays. When you book five consecutive nights at Paraíso de la Bonita (or any other Marriott hotel), the cheapest night is always free. For example, this five-night stay in April costs 320,000 Bonvoy points in total, for an average of 64,000 points per night.
Compared to the $3,000-plus cash cost for the same five-night stay, that's not a bad use of Marriott points.
Above all else, Paraiso de la Bonita delivers a refined, all-inclusive experience where everything – meals, drinks, and activities – is covered, without the sticker shock of paying cash for a luxury resort like this.
Related reading: A Complete Guide to Marriott Bonvoy
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island
You came here looking for all-inclusive resorts in Cancún, right? Here you go: The Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is located just south of Cancún's famous Hotel Zone, a short 20-minute drive from the airport. This property just opened last year, making it one of Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive resorts in Cancún.
The resort features 400-plus rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the lagoon or Hotel Zone skyline. The biggest (potential) downside with this hotel? There’s no direct beach access here.
While you won’t be stepping from your room straight onto the sand, Hyatt Vivid Grand Island makes up for it with pools, entertainment, and a fun, social scene – plus easy access to Cancún nightlife nearby.
Dining is fully covered with multiple restaurants and bars serving international fare, casual bites, and plenty of cocktails – all included when you book with World of Hyatt points. The heart of the property is its expansive pool complex, where daytime lounging quickly gives way to an upbeat atmosphere as the sun sets.
As a “Category B” all-inclusive property, standard award redemptions here cost 20,000 points per night. With Hyatt's peak and off-peak pricing, you can also find awards for as few as 17,000 points per night or as high as 23,000 points, depending on the day. Meanwhile, cash rates often average $300 to $400 per night.
With a livelier, more social vibe than many of Hyatt’s traditional all-inclusives, this hotel won't be for everyone … but the price when redeeming points is pretty tough to beat.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
Hyatt Ziva
If there’s one all-inclusive in Cancún that truly nails it for families, it’s Hyatt Ziva Cancún. Set on a spectacular peninsula at the tip of the Hotel Zone, this resort is surrounded by water on three sides, delivering calm, swimmable beaches, turquoise views, and easy beach access – a huge win when traveling with kids.
The resort is massive, with 500-plus rooms and suites, including family-friendly layouts and swim-up options. Dining is one of Ziva’s biggest strengths: you’ll find a dozen restaurants and bars, from kid-approved pizza and burgers to upscale steak and Mexican cuisine, all included with your stay – no stressing over picky eaters or extra charges here.
What really sets Hyatt Ziva apart for families is the sheer number of activities and amenities for kids and teens. There are multiple pools, a water park with slides, a kids club, daily entertainment, and even unique touches like on-site dolphins. Meanwhile, adults still get their own spaces to unwind, including adults-only pool areas, bars, and a spa.
Now for the bad news: The Hyatt Ziva Cancún is pricey. When booking with points, this property slots into Hyatt's award chart as a “Category F” property, costing 50,000 points per night for a standard redemption with two guests. Meanwhile, off-peak nights can be had for just 42,000 points and the most desirable, peak dates will set you back a whopping 58,000 points per night.
Adding a child to your reservation will raise the price by 25,000 points per kid, per night. If you're staying with two kids, you'd be better off getting a second room for added space … assuming multiple rooms are available with points.
With cash rates typically in the $700 to $800 range for a family of four (per night), this is the rare all-inclusive where you might want to skip the points redemption and book with cash instead. Nonetheless, this property is perfect for families who want an easy, everything-included beach vacation – with tons to do, great food, and no surprise bill waiting at checkout.
Read more: A Full Review of the Hyatt Ziva Cancún All-Inclusive Resort
Marriott Cancún, An All-Inclusive Resort
The Marriott Cancún underwent a major facelift in 2024, transforming a longtime Hotel Zone favorite into a solid all-inclusive option for families seeking a large, modern resort with everything bundled into one price – or paid for with points. Located right on Cancún’s Hotel Zone beach, the resort offers easy airport access, a vast stretch of sand, and calm Caribbean waters that are great for kids.
The property is quite large, boasting over 600 newly refreshed rooms and suites, including family-friendly configurations and ocean-view options. Dining is a major highlight, with multiple restaurants and bars ranging from casual poolside bites to sit-down Mexican and international cuisine – all included, whether you're paying cash or booking with points.
For families, the amenities are where this resort really shines. There are multiple pools, including kid-friendly splash areas, a kids club, daily activities, and plenty of space to spread out. Parents still get solid perks too, with beachfront lounging, a spa, and quieter pool areas when a break is needed.
When booking with Marriott Bonvoy points, you never know exactly what a given night will cost – but on the low end, you can expect to pay around 60,000 points per night, while peak nights often go for 100,000 points (or more). Five-night stays will lead to the best value when using points, thanks to Marriott's fifth-night free benefit.
As you can see, a sample five-night stay next fall would cost 254,000 points for a family of four – way better than the $3,000 cash price.
Overall, the Marriott Cancún delivers a familiar, reliable all-inclusive experience in a prime location – making it an easy win for families who want beach time, variety, and no bill at the end of the stay.
Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Sitting right on a prime stretch of white-sand beach in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, Hilton Mar Caribe is a modern, crowd-pleasing all-inclusive that’s tailor-made for family vacations. With 500-plus rooms and suites, including family-friendly layouts and ocean-view options, there’s plenty of space to spread out without sacrificing comfort.
Where this resort really shines is its kid-focused fun. Families get access to multiple pools, a large on-site water park with slides, splash areas, and a kids club packed with supervised activities – meaning kids stay entertained while parents actually get to relax. Teens aren’t left out either, with games, sports, and social spaces designed just for them.
Dining is easy and flexible, with a wide range of restaurants and casual eateries serving everything from tacos and burgers to international cuisine, all included with your stay. That means no stressing over picky eaters – and no surprise charges when someone inevitably wants seconds (or thirds).
When booking with Hilton points, standard rooms go for 100,000 points per night for two guests … or even a family of four. Compared to cash rates of nearly $700 (or more) per night, using Hilton points can be a great deal. If you've got any level of Hilton Honors™ elite status (even if it's earned with a credit card), you'll also get a fifth-night free on award bookings, similar to Marriott's program.
Do note that you'll often see some rooms going for way more points than this, though. Like many other hotel programs, Hilton uses a dynamic pricing model … with a twist. While the points rate is typically tied to the cash price, they also have “standard awards” at a set rate for every property. This means award rates can be all over the map at many Hilton properties – sometimes as high as 1 million points a night – but there’s still a lowest-and-best base rate when redeeming Hilton Honors points.
Hilton Mar Caribe delivers big value for families looking for a beachfront resort with tons to do, modern amenities, and the simplicity of having food, drinks, and activities bundled into one points-friendly stay — no checkout bill required.
Related reading: A Complete Guide to Hilton Honors
Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya Suites
Nestled on a beautiful stretch of beach between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, less than 30 miles from the airport, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya is a standout family-friendly all-inclusive that delivers something for every age group.
Families will love the variety of pools and water fun – including a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and splash zones – which makes it easy to spend days in the sun without a single “I’m bored” moment. The resort’s Star Camp kids’ activity program caters to various age groups with tailored activities and entertainment, while teens and adults also have plenty of choices.
Accommodations include a range of junior suites and family-friendly rooms, often with balconies or pool views, and the resort’s beachfront setting on a wide white-sand shore gives everyone direct access to the Caribbean.
Dining here is broad and all-inclusive, with multiple restaurants and bars serving everything from buffets to specialty cuisine and snacks throughout the day – a big plus for families juggling different tastes. Guests can also take advantage of amenities and dining at nearby Iberostar resorts in the same complex, widening the options without extra cash out of pocket.
When booking a room with IHG points, you can expect to pay 100,000 (or so) points per night on the low end, and closer to 200,000 points per night during peak season. The good news is that the rate includes up to four guests per room. If you hold an IHG co-branded credit card, you'll also get a fourth night free on award stays, dropping the average nightly rate even lower.
Overall, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya is a well-rounded family escape with excellent kid activities, a huge water-centric pool scene, beachfront access, and plenty of food and drink options – ideal if you want a full all-inclusive experience covered with points through IHG One Rewards.
Bottom Line
Cancún and the Riviera Maya are packed with all-inclusive resorts – but not all of them are bookable with points. From adults-only escapes with gourmet dining and serene pools to family-friendly mega-resorts loaded with water parks and kids clubs, programs like Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and IHG make it possible to enjoy sun, sand, and unlimited food and drinks without a massive bill at checkout.
If you’ve got points to burn, these standout resorts prove that an all-inclusive beach vacation doesn’t have to come with sticker shock.
Featured image courtesy of Hyatt
