A Cancun Honeymoon Guide for an All-Inclusive Getaway
A Cancun honeymoon evokes images of beautiful white-sand beaches and luxury resorts with ocean views, making it a top honeymoon spot for newlyweds seeking a beach getaway. Whether it's a minimoon or an extended honeymoon in Mexico, couples who prefer to sit back and enjoy a pre-planned schedule will enjoy the various honeymoon packages offered by local resorts.
If you're up for an adventure with a healthy dose of relaxation, Cancun can offer both. Honeymooners will spend days getting couple's massages, relaxing in cabanas and snorkeling. Evenings will involve romantic dinners at sunset, followed by a lively nightlife scene for newlyweds who want to get dressed up and dance under the stars.
When it comes to planning your Cancun honeymoon, let us be your guide. From the best months to visit Mexico to the top hotels and travel trends, use our expert tips to plan your Cancun honeymoon itinerary.
Cancun Honeymoon Tips in this Article:
- Best Time to Visit Cancun
- Cancun Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Best Cancun Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
- Things to Do in Cancun for Couples
- What to Pack for a Cancun Honeymoon
Best Time to Visit Cancun
Cancun is gorgeous year-round, but summers are often too hot for honeymooners to handle and the area is prone to storms during the fall's hurricane season. The best time to visit Cancun is during winter in the US, from December through April, when the weather is most comfortable.
Best weather: December to April.
Festival highlights: Carnaval in February or March features parades, music, dancing and colorful costumes. Día de los Muertos takes place in early November, where locals honor deceased loved ones with altars and offerings. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is also held in November and attracts international jazz artists and fans to Cancun's beaches.
Cancun Honeymoon Planning Tips
Cancun is a beach honeymoon destination for couples who want a paradise-like locale with convenience. There, you'll find white sand, the Caribbean Sea, golf courses, water sports and historic sites like the Mayan ruins. The first-class concierge service at your resort can help you make the most of your stay.
Cancun's beauty and the ease of all-inclusive resorts attract people from around the world. The downside is it's touristy, and you're not going to get a truly authentic Mexican experience, particularly if you stay on the resort grounds the whole time. Couples who want to get to know the beauty of the country may want to pick a different spot, so keep that in mind before buying plane tickets. But if you're looking for an easy trip? Cancun is the place to be.
Entry requirements: A valid US passport.
Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
Location: Cancun is a vibrant resort city located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is part of the Riviera Maya, known for its stunning Caribbean Sea beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife.
Currency: The currency used in Cancun is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
Flight time to Destination: Flight times from New York are around 4 to 5 hours.
Getting around: Car rentals, taxis, buses, bicycle, by foot.
Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Cancun honeymoon tips.
Best Cancun Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
You just planned the biggest party of your life. You may not have the time to add mapping out a memorable vacation to your list. One major perk of taking a Cancun honeymoon is that you don't have to. Services, like Expedia, can help you find all-inclusive honeymoon resorts and honeymoon packages to fit the experience you crave.
Excellence Playa Mujeres
Every suite comes with an oversized jacuzzi, rainforest shower and private balcony or terrace at Excellence Playa Mujeres. The staff is also known for being friendly and accommodating. But you'll want to get out of bed and take in the views often at this spot—they're gorgeous and serene. Activities to consider for your itinerary include kayaking, cooking lessons, beach soccer and, of course, plenty of relaxation.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Secrets the Vine Cancun
Secrets the Vine Cancun is ideal for couples who don't want to share a beach with little ones. The resort is adults-only and combines the natural beauty of the Caribbean with modern luxury. Friendly staffers will bring you a fruity cocktail while you recline on the beach. Plus, couples will find gourmet dining and top-shelf spirits. Rooms come with private balconies, and the resort boasts two infinity pools.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Marriott Cancun Resort
Impeccable service from check-in and on draws travelers from all over the world to the Marriott Cancun Resort. Couples can roll out of their comfy featherbeds and take in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views from behind their floor-to-ceiling windows. Spa treatments are also available on-site. This resort is close to downtown Cancun and fun nightlife options like Coco Bongo.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Paradisus Cancun
True to its name, Paradisus Cancun is like a tropical paradise. The white-sand beaches and palm trees will immediately put honeymooners in a relaxed state of mind. The on-site spa is an ideal spot for a couple's massage. Guests can snorkel or scuba dive too. Beyond the beach, Paradisus Cancun's unique architecture is a nod to the country's history. The five glass-roofed buildings are shaped like pyramids, paying homage to Mexico's Mayan roots.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
The Grand at Moon Palace
This all-inclusive resort is ideal for couples who want beautiful views, chic accommodations and a little adventure. The Grand at Moon Palace Nizuc has top-notch dining choices, glimmering pools and water sports. Sunrise is known for its lively nightlife scene. Or, you could book a suite with a view of a 27-hole golf course, which comes complete with a personal golf cart. Regardless of where you stay, room service is available all day, every day.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Hyatt Zilara
This beachfront resort in the heart of Hotel Zone ensures your honeymoon will be an adults-only affair. The luxurious rooms feature plush beds, hammocks and well-stocked minibars. During your stay at Hyatt Zilara, you can also wine and dine at seven restaurants and two beach bars.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Live Aqua Beach Resort
Liva Aqua Beach Resort is a six-minute stroll from the Underwater Museum of Art and boasts plenty of luxury on-site as well. Located along the Caribbean, the private balconies give way to ocean views. A stay at the all-inclusive resort comes complete with meals and drinks at its seven on-site restaurants.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Fiesta Americana Condesa
Situated on a white-sand beach, Fiesta Americana Condesa is an ideal spot for honeymooners who want their first vacation to be to heaven on earth. Palm trees surround the swimming pools, and the restaurants offer something for every tastebud, from sushi to pizza. Experiences include museum trips, couple's massages and romantic dinners by candlelight.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Pro tip: If you're looking for accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, have a look at Cancun Airbnbs. For even more options, check out different honeymoon resorts across Mexico.
Things to Do in Cancun for Couples
Though you'll find a ton of things to do from check-in to departure at your Cancun resort, it's fun to take a day trip or two. Ditch the room service for a few hours and explore these destinations.
Enjoy Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a gorgeous coastal resort town located in Riviera Maya and a little more than an hour from Cancun's Hotel Zone. Though you're probably enjoying beautiful beaches at your resort, a change of location is nice. It's an ideal spot to go snorkeling or scuba diving. Coralina Daylight Club is famed for its live entertainment, outdoor pool and nightlife.
Visit Tulum
Tulum is a must-see for history buffs. Couples can explore Mayan ruins while peering out at the pristine waters. Snorkeling, swimming with turtles and ziplining are also popular adventures in these parts. It's about two hours from Cancun, and many resorts may be able to arrange transportation. Ask your concierge.
Learn About History in Chichen Itza
Another favorite stop for history-loving honeymooners, Chichen Itza is home to Mayan ruins too. Its heyday was 600 to 1200 AD, but couples can explore the ancient city today. Catch a glimpse of the El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, a towering pyramid. You can swim in the crystal-clear cenote waters and sip Mexican tequila.
Scuba Dive in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a breathtaking Mexican island situated on the Caribbean Sea. It's about an hour from Cancun, and people come for its under-the-sea adventures. See beautiful coral reefs as you snorkel or scuba dive in the Caribbean. The northern Playa Norte is a popular beach.
Pro tip: Add Cancun honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so your loved ones can give you and your new spouse a fun thing to do together on your honeymoon in Mexico.
What to Pack for a Cancun Honeymoon
Beachwear is always en vogue in Cancun. You'll a couple of bathing suits, a beach towel or two, a cute cover-up and plenty of sunscreen.
When you're not lounging on the beach, you'll want outfits for casual days and fancier nights on your packing checklist. We suggest sundresses, flip-flops or comfortable sandals, shorts and light-weight shirts for days. Little black dresses, heels, nice slacks and polo shirts will have you feeling cute and confident during romantic dinners.
If you plan to leave the resort to walk through historical sites like those in Chichen Itza, you'll want comfortable shoes and clothes in your honeymoon luggage, too.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.