The Best Resorts in Cancún, Mexico

What an entrance! A giant metal bowl spouting real flames, in a lobby of towering, temple-like walls, is your welcome at Nizuc. It sets the tone for the magnificence to come: 274 suites and villas, spread about acres of lush tropical gardens. The gorgeous guest rooms merge Mexican design with Asian minimalism in soothing surrounds of natural stone and local wood. This is well-heeled, golf-buggy territory: it’s how guests reach their appointed activities, treatments and tables at meal times. You might subscribe to yoga on paddleboards, or try the Mayan cleansing ceremony in the first ESPA-branded spa in the Mexican Caribbean.

The location, in Punta Cancun, is a plus – you’re close to great nightlife and luxury shopping. But even if you never set foot beyond this family-favourite resort you won’t get bored: there’s plenty of entertainment. On the private beach, staff organise volleyball competitions, as well as movie screenings. Back at the pool there are foam parties, if that’s your scene. If not, take it down a notch in the Pevonia Spa: there’s two hydrotherapy gardens where you’ll be soothed as the warm sea breeze stirs the palm trees overhead.

The rooms in this high-rise head-turner are big-city-smart, all plush furnishings in washes of beige, blue and white – it’s a great showy slice of holiday hedonism. There are seven bars, including the Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge. Adults (only) roll up for pool parties, cocktails and panoramic views: sparkling Caribbean sea on one side, the natural beauty of mangrove-tangled Nichupté Lagoon on the other.

The comfort levels are reassuringly corporate, the color scheme is calming and the spa is the star: 35,000sqft devoted to balancing mind, soul and body. The treatment list is mind-boggling, featuring local ingredients and traditional techniques. You can ask for a massage in the open air and tune out to the hiss of waves. You can eat (pretty much) the world: Thai, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean; then burn calories at the ocean-view gym or daily fitness classes.

The Mayan-futuristic-looking exterior of this adults-only goliath belies the unassuming, serene world within: rooms are designer-dreamy, with gentle tones and ocean views. The ambience is calm throughout, with music and aromatherapy drifting wherever you go. There are seven swimming pools and the spa and yoga lessons are hugely popular. You’re close to some of Cancun’s best shopping options, as well as the Underwater Museum: a submerged sculpture park featuring 400 statues made from moulds of local residents.

Sheer devotion to pampering makes this a very popular resort among the adult-only, all-inclusive crowd. The spa features a Hi Tech Hydro suite (think vigorous aqua massage) as well as couples suites for side-by-side massages. For the full romantic experience there is a private Blanc Spa VIP suite featuring two treatment beds, a petal-strewn jacuzzi and personal lounging area. Completing the holistic approach to wellbeing is the modern gym for pilates classes and the ocean-facing paddleboard yoga instruction in the infinity pool. Just don’t skimp on the delicious food: Mexican, Japanese, French and Italian. After all, it’s good for the soul.

Against the brilliant backdrop of Caribbean blue, this four-star is all about entertainment and activities. You’ll find the works, from tennis courts and golf courses, to swim-up bars and an infinity pool with slides that’s a hit with families. Couples time is factored in too; the spa has a moonlight massage on the menu – served with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. It’s also well located, right across the road from the desirable La Isla Shopping Village with its upscale boutiques, cinemas and eateries.

All 333 suites at the adults-only Haven Riviera Cancun Resort are big ones, and have a private terrace or balcony with whirlpool tub. If you are splashing out on the presidential suite, it comes with a personal chef, wine cellar, butler and in-suite gym. If not, fret not – you’ll find plenty of perks to keep you happy elsewhere. Some of the rooms, for instance, have their own personal infinity pools. The main pool with bar and DJ booth sets the suitably chilled, Caribbean holiday vibe.