Perched on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Mexican port town of Puerto Morelos is teeming with great places to stay – including several all-inclusive resorts.
(Photo: Ocean Coral & Turquesa / Courtesy Booking.com)
In contract with much of this region of Mexico which has been overtaken by high-rise hotels and tourist hordes, Puerto Morelos has retained plenty of its original fishing village character and charm. Nonetheless, there are still tons of fabulous accommodation options in and around the town, with several all-inclusive resorts among them. We’ve looked into each of them and picked out five of our favourites below.
The Fives Oceanfront
Set on powdery white sands directly in front of Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, a 15-minute walk from the centre of town, The Fives Oceanfront combines an idyllic setting with some top class amenities, and is our number one choice for couples. Among the enticing facilities are an outdoor infinity pool with poolside bar, a beachfront restaurant, a lobby bar serving cocktails till late, a state-of-the-art spa, and a fitness centre. Guests can also partake in sports including table tennis and there’s regular evening entertainment too. All guest rooms and suites come with a private balcony or terrace, and some also have a plunge pool. Nearby attractions include the lush palms and plants of Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín, located a 5-minute drive away. From $192 per night.
Generations Riviera Maya
(Photo: Generations Riviera Maya / Courtesy Booking.com)
This resort is positively teeming with child-friendly amenities and activities and is our top pick for families. From the large suites with separate bedroom and living room areas, to the Eko Kids Club, to the huge outdoor pool, no stone has been left unturned when it comes to little ones. For adults, there’s also a spa and fitness centre, and you can even drop your children at the kids club and head off to the adults-only resort next door for a sunset dinner. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a vast lobby with floor-to-ceiling wood columns surrounded by white cushions, and large tear-drop fixtures hang from the ceiling. Outside, landscape grounds feature palm trees and ocean views. From $344 per night.
Dreams Jade Resort & Spa
Set on a private sandy beach and surrounded by a landscape of crystal blue waters, this spectacular resort is a major hit with water sports lovers. By day, guests can embark on an ocean adventure with a kayaking, snorkelling or deep-sea diving excursion, before taking in a show at the on-site theatre by night. A 10-minute from Puerto Morelos town, between the city of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the resort also features a selection of bars and lounges that offer plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation, and there are several heated pools, a high-end gym, indulgent spa, gourmet dining, mini-golf course, and the teen-friendly Core Zone, too. Guest rooms are designed in a distinctive Mediterranean style and come with an iPod docking station and a private balcony. The verdant surroundings of Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín are a mile away. From $281 per night.
Ocean Coral & Turquesa
(Photo: The Fives Oceanfront / Courtesy Booking.com)
Situated on the seafront in Punta Coral, this resort’s exceptionally reviewed kids’ club makes it another excellent choice for families. Boasting contemporary amenities allied with a relaxed beachy vibe, the resort’s yellow facades and terra-cotta roofs are dotted through palm-tree studded lawns and encircle several large pools. The resort grounds lead up to the ocean edge, where lounge chairs are positioned under thatched umbrellas. Several restaurants offer a range of international cuisine, and there’s also an on-site spa and beauty salon, creperie, coffee shop, lobby bar and poolside bar. Recreational activities include scuba diving, tennis, and windsurfing, and there’s also live entertainment. Guest rooms are smartly designed with cream-coloured tiled floors, wood furniture and beige couches, and terraces or balconies offer ocean views. The sandy shoreline of Playa Azul is a short walk away. From $174 per night.
Margaritaville Beach Resort
Set 100 metres from Playa Punta Caracol, this beachfront resort is our favourite choice for those who enjoy all the amenities of an expansive resort but also the vibe of a boutique hotel. It features four restaurants, six speciality bars, four swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre, a garden, and a private beach area. There’s also free on-site parking, room service, currency exchange, and 24-hour front desk. All-inclusive packages include buffet and à la carte breakfasts, lunch and dinner, plus the option to dine in all of the à la carte restaurants as many times as you wish. You also get all-hours room service, gourmet snacks at set times, and unlimited alcohol and soft drinks. From $395 per night.