9 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico with Swim-Up Bars

One of the best perks of staying at an all-inclusive resort is the unlimited drinks, which is why most resorts have lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. But in my opinion, there’s nothing better than enjoying a drink from the hotel’s swim-up bar. Feeling the warmth of the sun while you’re sipping a pina colada in the pool is undoubtedly a great way to spend a vacation.

But unfortunately, there are only a few hotels in Mexico that have pool bars. Therefore, if you’re looking to enjoy a nice cold drink in the water, you’ll want to make sure you book one of the following resorts for your trip.

Mexico All Inclusive with swim up Bars
Swim up bar at the Grand Americana Coral Beach Cancun Resort

What is the Best Resort in Mexico with a Swim-Up Bar?

If you’re going with your family, I would recommend the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, the Riu Emerald Bay, or the Moon Palace Cancun. However, there are also a few adult-only options as well, like the Excellence Riviera Cancun and the Le Blanc Spa Resort.

However, the right resort for your trip will depend on many other factors, including budget, location, and amenities. From the beaches of the Riviera Maya to the shores of Puerta Vallarta, finding a resort with a swim-up bar can be a challenge.

To help point you in the right direction, I’ll share a few of my top picks, along with what you can expect throughout your stay.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

When you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, you’ll feel like a VIP from the second you check in.

You’ll be treated to unlimited food and drinks, an action-packed itinerary of fun activities, and some of the best live entertainment in the area. Plus, the resort is located right on the beach and features a lagoon-style pool with two swim-up bars and incredible views of the Caribbean. 

And while the Hard Rock brand is synonymous with partying, this modern resort is very family-friendly.

Your all-inclusive package even comes with access to the on-site Music Lab, where you perform with your friends in a band, test your skills at creating EDM tracks, or even record your own music video! Trust me – you won’t find these facilities at any other all-inclusive beach resort! 

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

Although the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is located in the bustling heart of the Hotel Zone’s party quarters, its secluded location makes it a tranquil escape for a beach vacation. However, you’re just a short walk away from the lively restaurants and trendy bars if you are looking for a bit more action!

The resort itself has two popular swim-up bars – one in the main lagoon pool and the other in the adults-only pool. And there’s also pool service (the waitstaff is extremely attentive) if you’d rather spend your day lounging in the sun.

Although having a pool bar is a huge perk, the best part about staying here is the beach. As it’s located on the northern tip of the Hotel Zone, the waves are much calmer than other resorts along the strip, making it a great place for swimming or snorkeling. And if you’re feeling thirsty, there’s an awesome beach bar down there that makes excellent pina coladas as well!

Cancun Map
Kern Beach Author Headshot

Our Experience With This Property

Our family just got back from spending Spring Break 2023 at this family-friendly resort. As Tara mentioned, it is in the heart of Cancun, but being out on the point means you are tucked away from the busy and noisy streets of Cancun.
You are just a short three-minute walk to shopping and restaurants if you want to venture off the property. I met a good friend who lives in Cancun for tacos one day and never felt unsafe walking along the sidewalks. I will share a full write-up about our trip to the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun in another post, but we really enjoyed our stay.
Tip: If you have a family of four, and your budget allows, try to get a Two-Bedroom Family and Friends Suite Oceanfront. This is what we did, and our room up on the 11th floor had an amazing view. Plus, it gave the four of us room to spread out.

Excellence Riviera Cancun

best deals all inclusive resorts riviera maya pool

When you stay at the Excellence Riviera Cancun, you’ll likely have a hard time deciding which of the 11 bars to go to for drinks. From the beachside lounge to the cigar club, there are just way too many options! But during the day, there’s no better place to be than at the Blue swim-up bar.

This is easily one of my favorite swim-up bars in Cancun, as it always serves top-shelf cocktails that will knock your socks off.

However, the Excellence isn’t just known for its stellar drinks. With six swimming pools, ten gourmet restaurants, and a non-stop list of included activities, this resort has plenty to keep everyone in your party entertained and occupied. Just keep in mind that this is an adult-only all-inclusive – so no kiddos allowed! 

Kern Beach Author Headshot

Our Experience With This Property

Ashley and I absolutely loved our stay at the Excellence when we visited several years ago. They had some of the best entertainment of any of the all-inclusive resorts we have stayed in over the years. Also, it felt like we discovered a new pool to explore every day. It should definitely be on your list of places to stay. We truly enjoyed it!

Tip: Save a few dollars, and don’t pay extra for a swim in/out room. We only saw one couple actually using theirs during our entire stay. We stayed near the back of the resort, looking over the Spa. It was a less expensive room and we still had a very nice view of the property.

Velas Vallarta

Boasting jaw-dropping views of Banderas Bay, this all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta is the perfect setting for families, couples, and everyone in between. You can be as active (take part in the complimentary tennis, scuba diving lessons, fitness classes, and walking tours) or as lazy (lounge on the private beach or relax at the two swimming pools) as you’d like.  

And whenever you’re feeling thirsty, you can head to the Aqua Bar, which is the spectacular swim-up bar at the resort. They serve an impressive number of cocktails, from whiskey sours to rum punches, as well as a wide selection of tasty comfort foods.

Le Blanc Spa Resort

If you’re seeking a luxurious getaway, then the ultra-chic Le Blanc Spa Resort is going to be your favorite resort in Cancun.

From the fine-dining restaurants to the personal butler service, this is truly a high-class destination! The activities are also top-notch – pilates classes, paddleboard yoga, and hydrotherapy is all included with your room rate! 

But if you’re just here for some rest and relaxation, then the resort can help with that too! They have three pools and two incredible swim-up bars where you can hang out in the water with a refreshing drink or tropical cocktail. Just make sure not to drink too much! You won’t want to spoil your dinner at one of their world-class restaurants (the fine wine list is guaranteed to impress any wine aficionado). 

Riu Emerald Bay

As one of the biggest resorts in Mazatlan, the sprawling Riu Emerald Bay is a great choice for your all-inclusive vacation.

Families will love the exhilarating water slides at the on-site water park at this Mexican resort, while foodies can enjoy unlimited food and drinks at one of the four international restaurants. Also included with your stay is a complimentary kids club, daily fitness classes, and evening music or live shows. 

While the resort sits on the golden sands of Playa Brujas, you can also spend your time at the pool (five of them!).

Guests 18 and older can also enjoy a beverage at the great swim-up pool bar, which has one of the best views overlooking the beach. Bar service is also available if you prefer to enjoy your drink from one of the lounge chairs instead. 

Paradisus Cancun

One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving at the Mayan-inspired Paradisus Cancun is the resort’s stunning architecture, as all of the buildings resemble the pyramids of Chichen Itza. But that’s not the only reason why I love this resort!

Once you consider that they have an on-site golf course, a tranquil ocean-facing spa, and an astounding 17 restaurants and bars, you’ll see why Paradisus Cancun is one of the best inclusive resorts in Mexico. 

Finally, I can’t forget to mention the four luxurious pools and swim-up bars! Grab an ice-cold beer or a homemade mojito and enjoy picturesque views of the Caribbean from your underwater seat! 

Moon Palace Cancun

If you want to stay in one of the biggest all-inclusive mega-resort complexes, then book your vacation at the Moon Palace Cancun. This property has a whopping 2,433 rooms spread out across three different sections (it’s so big that there’s a resort shuttle to take you to and from your room). In addition, the resort features 17 restaurants, 13 bars, a nine-hole golf course, a tennis center, and a kid’s club.

However, one of the most impressive things about the Moon Palace is that it has 19 different pools!

There are pools for adults only, pools with water slides, beautiful pools with ocean views, and of course, pools with swim-up bars! The resort has some of the best swim-up bars in Cancun simply because there are so many of them. Therefore, you won’t have to fight the crowds if you’re craving something tasty to drink! 

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, though, check out our list of the best small all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

Riu Palace Las Americas

The adult-only Riu Palace Las Americas has a great location on the northern tip of Cancun’s Hotel Zone (you’re just a 5-minute walk to the biggest bars and nightclubs in the area). However, you won’t ever feel the urge to leave the resort property, as there are so many incredible activities and amenities to keep you occupied at all times.

Snorkel right from the shores, play a round of beach volleyball with friends, or simply soak up the sun at one of the three resort pools (one has a really nice swim-up bar).

You’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat or drink. Are you in the mood for Mexican or Italian? How about some fresh sushi? If you still can’t decide, you can always head to the buffet to sample a little bit of everything!