Paradisus Cancun sits at the northern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, occupying a stretch of Caribbean beachfront that feels more secluded than its address suggests. This is a luxury all-inclusive aimed at couples and families who want everything handled – meals, drinks, activities, entertainment – without constantly reaching for their wallets.
I spent five nights here, and the experience was exactly what all-inclusive resorts promise: no decisions, no stress, and no nasty surprises at checkout. Whether that appeals or feels restrictive depends entirely on what you want from a beach holiday.
The Property
Paradisus occupies a significant footprint – large enough that the resort provides golf cart shuttles between areas. The main building houses reception, the lobby bar, and several restaurants. Accommodation wings stretch along the beach, with the Royal Service section (the resort’s premium tier) occupying prime beachfront real estate.
The grounds are well-maintained without feeling manicured to sterility. Palm trees provide shade, the pools are generously sized, and the beach – the real draw – stretches white and wide with surprisingly few loungers per guest. I never struggled to find a spot, even at peak afternoon hours.
Rooms and Suites
Standard rooms are more spacious than typical resort fare – around 45 square metres with proper seating areas, balconies, and king beds or two queens. The decor is contemporary Mexican with neutral tones, and everything feels relatively fresh. Air conditioning works well (essential in Cancun’s humidity), the WiFi is adequate, and the minibars are restocked daily with beer, soft drinks, and water.
The swim-up suites on the ground floor offer direct pool access from your terrace – genuinely useful if you like the idea of rolling out of bed and into the water. These cost more but eliminate any pool-chair anxiety.
Family Concierge suites add a dedicated check-in area, access to a private lounge, complimentary breakfast in a separate restaurant, and butler service for bookings and requests. The premium is significant (roughly 40-50% above standard rates) but families with young children often find the perks worthwhile.
Room tip: Request a room in buildings 1-3 for closest beach access. The walk from building 7 is not terrible but adds five minutes each way in the heat.
The All-Inclusive Package
Paradisus runs a genuine all-inclusive – meals at any restaurant, drinks at any bar, room service, most activities, and even some off-site excursions are covered. The exceptions are spa treatments, premium spirits, and certain speciality dining experiences.
Three main buffet restaurants handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner with rotating themes. The quality is solid if not exceptional – fresh fruit, good Mexican options, decent international spreads. You will not go hungry, and the variety prevents boredom over a week-long stay.
The speciality restaurants elevate things considerably:
Mole serves modern Mexican – well-executed tacos, ceviches, and mains that go beyond tourist expectations. Reservations required.
Naos handles seafood and Mediterranean, with a terrace overlooking the lagoon. The grilled fish is reliably good.
Gabi Club offers Italian in a more formal setting. Solid pasta, decent steaks, reasonable wine selection.
Fuego is the steak and grill option – straightforward cuts cooked well, with a South American influence.
You can eat at speciality restaurants each night if you prefer, though reservations fill quickly. Book on arrival for your entire stay.
Drink quality: The included spirits are mid-range – perfectly acceptable for mixed drinks and decent enough straight. Premium options (top-shelf tequilas, single malts) cost extra. The cocktails are strong by default; ask for less ice if you want them stronger still.
The Beach and Pools
The beach is the highlight. Wide, white, and with that particular Caribbean turquoise that photographs never quite capture. The water is warm year-round, calm enough for swimming most days, though winter months can bring occasional swells. Beach vendors are minimal compared to public beaches – the resort keeps them at bay.
Loungers and umbrellas are plentiful and included. Towel service is efficient. Beach waiters circulate taking drink orders, which arrive within reasonable time.
The resort has six pools of varying sizes and purposes. The main pool is large with a swim-up bar that stays busy from noon onwards. A quieter pool near the spa suits adults wanting less noise. Family pools include shallow areas for children. The Royal Service pool is reserved for premium guests.
Pool tip: The swim-up bar serves excellent frozen margaritas. The staff will remember your order after a day or two.
Activities and Entertainment
The activities team runs a full daily schedule – aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, pool games, Spanish lessons, cooking classes, salsa dancing, and various competitions. Participation is optional but the energy is there if you want it.
Water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling equipment – all included. The house reef is nothing special (better snorkelling exists on day trips), but the equipment is free and the water is pleasant.
Tennis courts and a fitness centre are available and rarely crowded. The spa is excellent but costs extra – expect to pay $100-200 for standard treatments.
Evening entertainment happens in the main theatre – shows ranging from acrobatics to Mexican folklore to live music. Quality varies, but it is free and fills the post-dinner hours. The casino is small but functional for those inclined.
Families vs Couples
The resort handles both demographics reasonably well, though the balance tilts slightly toward families. The kids’ club keeps children occupied with activities, pools, and supervised programs. Family Concierge guests get priority access and extended hours.
Couples seeking adult-only atmosphere should consider the Royal Service section, which restricts under-18s from its pool and beach area. Alternatively, the Hyatt Zilara down the road is adults-only throughout.
The noise level is manageable – this is not a party resort. By 10pm, things quiet down considerably. Light sleepers should request rooms away from the main pool.
Day Trips and Excursions
Cancun’s appeal extends beyond the resort. The concierge books excursions to major attractions:
Chichen Itza – The famous Mayan pyramid, about 2.5 hours each way. Full-day trips leave early, return late, and include lunch. Genuinely impressive despite the crowds and heat.
Tulum – Smaller ruins dramatically perched on coastal cliffs, closer to Cancun (about 90 minutes). Combine with a cenote swim for a full day.
Cenotes – The Yucatan Peninsula is riddled with these limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Swimming in them is surreal. Numerous options exist within an hour’s drive.
Xcaret and Xel-Ha – Theme parks combining snorkelling, zip-lining, wildlife encounters, and evening shows. Family-friendly but expensive if booked independently.
Isla Mujeres – A small island reached by ferry, offering a more relaxed vibe, better snorkelling, and excellent fish tacos. Easy half-day trip.
The resort’s excursion desk charges premium prices. Booking directly with tour operators in Cancun or through your hotel sometimes saves 20-30%, though the convenience of resort booking has value.
Practical Details
Getting there: Cancun International Airport is about 30 minutes from the resort, depending on traffic. Transfers can be arranged through the resort (expensive) or private operators (cheaper). Taxis are readily available but negotiate the price before getting in.
When to visit: December through April is peak season – dry, warm, and busy. Prices and crowds peak around Christmas and Easter. May through November is rainy season with occasional afternoon storms but significantly lower rates. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October being highest risk.
Costs: Expect to pay $400-600 per night for standard rooms in peak season, $250-400 in low season. Royal Service and Family Concierge add premiums. Tips are not included – budget $10-20 per day for housekeeping and a similar amount for restaurant and bar staff you see repeatedly.
What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Mexican law), insect repellent for evenings, a light layer for over-air-conditioned restaurants, and cash for tips. The gift shop has basics but charges resort prices.
How It Compares
Paradisus vs Moon Palace: Moon Palace is larger, louder, and has a water park – better for families with older kids who want more stimulation. Paradisus is calmer and feels more refined. Moon Palace is in the Hotel Zone proper, meaning easier access to Cancun’s restaurants and nightlife if you want to venture out.
Paradisus vs Hyatt Zilara: Zilara is adults-only, newer, and slightly more upscale in feel. If travelling without children and seeking a quieter atmosphere, Zilara edges ahead. Paradisus is better for families or those wanting a larger property.
Paradisus vs Live Aqua: Live Aqua is smaller and more boutique-feeling, with a spa-centric approach. Good for couples prioritising relaxation over activities. Paradisus offers more facilities and a larger beach.
The Verdict
Paradisus Cancun delivers exactly what it promises: a well-run luxury all-inclusive where the main decision you need to make is which restaurant to book for dinner. The beach is excellent, the rooms are comfortable, the food is better than average for the category, and the service is professional without being intrusive.
It will not win awards for innovation or intimacy – this is resort tourism at scale. But within that category, Paradisus executes well. If you want to switch off completely, lie on beautiful beach, and not think about anything for a week, it does the job.
For first-time Cancun visitors wanting the classic all-inclusive experience, it is a solid choice. Repeat visitors or those seeking something more distinctive might look elsewhere.
