A luxury adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a somewhat palatable price tag (for the $$$ price range), Excellence Riviera Cancun caters well to couples with plenty of activities and dining options. Located just north of Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya (south of Cancun), it’s a fair value overall (the TripValue is Even) and not too far from the airport. Guests rave about the staff. Seaweed can be an issue at times and there aren’t any off-site shops or restaurants within walking distance; but the property offers excellent food for an all-inclusive with top-notch variety (10 restaurants and 11 bars), an exceptional network of swimming pools that winds its way through the grounds (plus a lazy river), a strong beach area with palapas and lounge chairs, a fun entertainment team that keeps activities going throughout the day, a unique swim-up bar protected from the elements by a thatched roof, robust spa and fitness facilities with hydrotherapy and Temazcal treatments, a jogging trail, a cigar lounge, and outstanding overall service. Rooms come with furnished balconies, and some two-level suites have rooftop terraces with private plunge pools (the Excellence Club versions of these two-story suites are oceanfront). Activities include yoga and Pilates classes, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, dance and Spanish lessons, cooking classes, professional shows and theme nights, tours of nearby Mayan ruins, and yacht excursions.
The Excellence Collection has partnered with certified local labs to provide complimentary COVID-19 tests for guests whose home countries require a negative result to board a return flight. Testing is available on-site and free of charge (antigen tests for the US and UK, PCR tests for Canada).