It was golden hour, and what began as a leisurely spa day had seamlessly melted into a spa evening. I found myself sinking into a hot tub framed by swaying palms, my skin still tingling from a bracing cold plunge moments before. Set within a lush, tranquil garden and inspired by ancient Mayan rituals, the spa and the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort turned out to be one of the most delightful surprises of my stay.
All rooms at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort are positioned to face the beach.
(Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)
Located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and a 10-mile taxi ride from the Cancun airport, the recently renovated 540-room resort offers no shortage of high-energy fun—from paddleboard workouts in one of the many pools to dancing the night away to live music. But during my three-night escape, I also found plenty of opportunities for quiet solitude. These moments of R&R included booking treatments in the serene spa, relaxing on the beach, sipping cocktails at an exclusive rooftop bar, and simply unwinding on my balcony as the rhythmic crash of waves played my favorite soundtrack.
During my winter stay, I booked one of the beachfront Enclave guest rooms (starting at $580 per night). While all rooms at the resort face the turquoise waters of the Caribbean—living up to the hotel’s name, Mar Caribe, which translates to “Caribbean Sea”—the 61 Enclave rooms and suites put you closest to the water’s edge. The suites (starting at $892 per night) offer added amenities like hammocks and private whirlpools for an elevated experience.
An Enclave Suite with a hot tub and hammock at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.
(Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)
Staying in the premium room category felt like a “hotel within a hotel” experience, with the upgrade unlocking a host of exclusive benefits—like a mini bar stocked with premium selections, access to the Enclave Lounge (a quiet space offering top-shelf drinks and tapas), and a reserved beachfront area. But the highlight for me was access to Chala, a rooftop bar with four pools and a laid-back beach club vibe. It became my go-to retreat for reading, where I ordered a different ceviche each day to pair with a perfectly blended piña colada.
Dining options spanned from teppanyaki live cooking at Noriku to juicy steaks at Flama, the steakhouse, and authentic Mexican dishes at Maxal, which boasts an impressive list of agave spirits. In all, the resort has a dozen restaurants and bars, plus around-the-clock room service.
For those traveling with kids, there’s plenty of fun to be had, too—from a kid’s club well-stocked with a dress-up chest and games to the teen’s club featuring foosball, pool, and video games. The resort also has a mini waterpark that’s a hit with families, complete with water slides, a palm tree that rains down water, and a giant bucket that tips and drenches you when full.
Aerial view of the waterpark at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort .
(Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)
When I travel, my favorite splurge is booking a spa treatment. At Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, I ended up having such a fantastic massage that I immediately booked a second one for the following day—leaving even more time to enjoy a few laps through the outdoor hydrotherapy circuit, which includes a steam room and sauna.
To really get a feel for the spa’s thoughtful offerings, I dove into the treatment menu and discovered a strong connection to local traditions and natural healing ingredients.
The spa menu features several treatments inspired by local Mayan traditions and indigenous ingredients. One standout is the Ancient Wisdom Ritual, rooted in centuries-old Mayan herbalism. It begins with a purifying smudging ceremony, followed by the placement of local herbs and flowers over the heart to dispel negative energy, and concludes with a deeply relaxing massage.
The welcoming area at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.
(Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)
Another local treatment incorporates wild sweet potatoes, used for their skin-brightening properties to leave you glowing.
I ultimately opted for the candle massage, which involved warm wax being gently dripped onto key pressure points. It was even more soothing than a hot stone massage, combining the benefits of aromatherapy with the deeply satisfying sensation of the wax being massaged into the skin.
After a few days of indulgent spa sessions, ceviche-filled afternoons, and beachfront tranquility, I left Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe feeling truly recharged—mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking high-energy adventures or moments of mindful relaxation, this all-inclusive escape offers the best of both worlds.