“My absolute go-to all-inclusive resort is ATELIER Playa Mujeres in Mexico. As the Founder and CEO of Surreal Journeys Travel, I've recommended this property to countless clients, including some of my most discerning VIP travelers, and it consistently receives rave reviews. From the exceptional dining and sophisticated atmosphere to the beautiful accommodations and outstanding service, ATELIER never disappoints. I've also hosted groups here, and my confidence in this property is so strong that I've chosen it to host Surreal Journeys Travel's 10-year anniversary celebration! For me, true luxury is about consistency, and ATELIER delivers every single time.” - Iris Martin, founder & CEO of Surreal Journeys Travel
“[Secrets Resorts] I love all their resorts. Great food, great activities and great staff.” - Paula Sue Nelson, travel advisor and VAX VacationAccess survey respondent
“[For the best pool, and my personal favorite, I recommend Westin Playa Vallarta. The] Heavenly Panoramic Rooms are my favorite with panoramic views of Banderas on high floors and huge balconies. The real treat of the resort is the pool, the property was a former coconut plantation, and little islands dot the pool with towering palm trees overhead providing a unique and stunning backdrop at a resort that is accessible for many price points. Sunsets from the resort are stunning year-round. Best yet, the resort is walkable to the Marina area, providing tons of shopping and entertainment options or hop in a 15-minute taxi ride to El Centro, the Malecon or Zona Romantica. [For the best overall all-inclusive resort, I recommend Grand Velas Riviera Maya because the] rooms are huge (starting around 1184 sq feet), and the service really stands out. What surprises most guests is the quality of the dining options - this is not your typical all-inclusive resort. Fine dining and Michelin-starred dining options are all in close proximity to Playa del Carmen, Cenotes and Tulum or Chichén Itzá. The picture-perfect white sand beaches of the resort make it difficult to choose between sitting poolside or having your feet in the sand.” - Cole Sjoholm, travel advisor and author of “Filling My Bucket: A Year of Solo Travel Across Seven Continents”
“[Live Aqua Cancun] the peace and class of the resort are unmeasurable.” - Katie Styler, travel advisor and VAX VacationAccess survey respondent
“There are so many reasons I love Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, starting with the consistency and quality I expect from Hyatt’s Secrets Resorts. One of my favorite experiences is dining at the French restaurant (yes, French cuisine in Mexico!), which is a highlight at Secrets properties. What truly sets Maroma apart is its intimate, romantic atmosphere. The private cabanas are tucked away from the livelier main pool, offering direct walk-in pool access and a more peaceful escape. While you can still enjoy entertainment like the incredible fire show, this resort focuses on slowing down, soaking in the beautiful views, and enjoying exceptional service. If you’re dreaming of a quieter, more intimate, romantic getaway, Secrets Maroma Beach is hard to beat!” - Bernice Bakley, managing owner of Huntley Travel
“My go-to is Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun. It comes down to the food, the vibe, and the rooms. The à la carte restaurants are some of the best food in the Cancun area, the rooms are comfortable in a way you notice after a long day in the sun, and the whole resort feels relaxed without feeling sleepy. The one thing I always tell clients before they go: the buffet is just a buffet. Plan your nights around the restaurants and you’ll understand why I keep sending people there.” - Scott Wismont, CTIE, founder of Rainbow Getaways
“[ATELIER Playa Mujeres for its] service, allergy-safe food, ambiance and beach.” - Janelle Williams, travel advisor and VAX VacationAccess survey respondent
“A go-to favorite all-inclusive for me is Secrets Playa Blanca. There's so much to love about the resort. I have found so many incredible partners at the property from their weddings team, the sales team and the staff who make the resort memorable interacting with on a daily basis as a guest. The property is beautiful, lush and most importantly, home to a fantastic beach. It fits quite a few client types for me. I find it's a great option for a second or third all-inclusive stay because it's a higher budget and has some elevated experiences that guests are going to want to be better than the hotel before. Most importantly, I know I can trust the end product my clients will experience.” - Victoria Fricke, owner of Vic’s Vacations
“[Sandals Grande Antigua for] the people, the food and the luxury.” - Corissa Britten, travel advisor and VAX VacationAccess survey respondent
“My go-to all-inclusive resort is Princess Senses The Mangrove in Green Island, Jamaica. This is an adults-only property, but guests have shared privileges with the on-site Princess Grand family resort. I've visited my fair share of resorts over the years, and at this point, it takes more than a beautiful room to impress me. Princess Senses The Mangrove has definitely earned a spot at the top of my list! What I love most is the variety this property offers. This property has overwater bungalows, gorgeous romance suites, and the elevated Platinum experience with butler service. It's literally something here for everyone. One thing I especially appreciate is that you don't have to stay in a Platinum room category to enjoy a rooftop pool and bar amenities … there are two! Speaking of amenities, they are pretty impressive. The hydrotherapy experience is fantastic, and I have to mention the Princess Gym because it is, hands down, the sexiest resort gym I've ever seen! I don’t even work out while on vacation but I did when I stayed here.
My clients absolutely love the Illusion Night Club & Terrace, MVP Sports Bar, and the variety of Restaurants. And speaking of food, I've not had a single bad meal on the property. That's saying something, especially at an all-inclusive resort! And there's even more excitement on the horizon with the upcoming Adamas Grand Casino Jamaica, which will bring Jamaica’s first full-scale casino experience to the resort complex. I'm looking forward to seeing how that adds to an already impressive property.
A property can have the most beautiful rooms, incredible restaurants, and every amenity imaginable, but if the service doesn't match, none of it matters. Thankfully, the team at Princess Senses The Mangrove delivers on that front, too. The hospitality I've experienced here is just as memorable as the property itself. Jamaica has been through a lot over the past year, which makes me even more passionate about continuing to support this beautiful destination. When it comes to recommending resorts, I take that responsibility seriously. I’ve stayed here, I’ve sent clients, and I am also hosting a group here. I don't recommend a property just because the pictures look good; I want to see firsthand what my clients are walking into. That's why it's my go-to. It's not just about how beautiful the resort is. It's about how the entire experience and this property checks all the boxes for me.” - Laticia L. Jacobs, Owner, Travel Concierge Partners
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