“Welcome home,” the staff at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Cancun will say to you as you arrive at the lobby of the 415-room Mexican resort. Resting along the Caribbean coastline just 35 minutes from the airport, the property and its team members have one common mission: to make you feel as comfortable and welcomed as you would be under your own roof.

And, after spending some time there this month, it’s easy to see why guests return year-after-year to visit their “second home.” The staff are warm and cheerful, happy to help with whatever is needed—even the general manager can be spotted regularly walking the grounds and greeting guests by name.

A part of Tafer Hotels & Resorts, this five-star hotel sits just outside of the more touristy hotel zone of Cancun, offering a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown. But don’t worry, if you’re in the mood to check out the city’s nightlife, you’re only a short car ride away.

When it comes to luxury, the term “all-inclusive” can seem like a far cry from the kind of high-end vacation you’re looking for. However, Villa del Palmar has found a way to marry the two experiences seamlessly with gourmet food, top-notch service, super luxe guestrooms and amenities that don’t feel cookie cutter.

Luxury Guestrooms With a Taste of Mexico

With a nod to its heritage, the property’s guestrooms feature a more traditional look with bold colors and classic Mexican décor. Ranging from studios to two-bedroom ocean suites, the three-bedroom presidential suite, and luxury penthouses with wrap-around balconies, it’s easy to find the right accommodation for your needs.

From the one-bedroom room category and up, all accommodations feature a full kitchen, L’Occitane toiletries (in most), washer and dryer, exclusive Tafer linens and mattresses, two full bathrooms, a dining and living area, and all the cookware and bakeware you need should you wish to make your meals in your room.

What’s also nice about these guestrooms is that they all come with hammocks, making it easy to cozy up and take a siesta while listening to the sounds of the sea below.

In the oceanfront corner units, guests are treated to a premium bar, exclusive amenities (such as a VIP oceanfront pool) and butler service. Some also boast private Jacuzzis on their expansive balconies and steam rooms in the bathroom.

What we loved about the rooms here is that you almost forget you’re at an all-inclusive. The resort caters to its guests by ensuring that your stay is as perfect as you imagined. This includes having your favorite Nespresso pods stocked daily for your morning cup o’ Joe, arranging an in-suite chef-prepared meal, or hitting up the on-property general store to make your family’s favorite dishes one night.

Unique Amenities & Exclusive Experiences

As far as resort amenities and activities, the hotel features a family pool, adults pool, the main pool and a private pool for elite members and VIP guests. The property also boasts plenty of seating around the pool and beach areas with enough loungers, day beds and cabanas to accommodate 750 guests. Don’t worry, you won’t need to stress about saving your beach chair at the crack of dawn on your trip.

Pool butlers are also well-trained to anticipate guest’s needs and will often remember your orders from the day before. They may even greet you with your favorite beverage when you settle into your lounger. When you’re ready to be more active, the aquatic sports club offers kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling and a children’s aquapark to enjoy.

Or, for those traveling with little ones, the kid’s club is available for children 4 to 12 years of age. And if you’re looking to have a romantic dinner with your partner but have children under two-years-old, the resort’s babysitting services can be booked for a minimum of two hours and come with a dedicated staff member per child.

Elevated Dining & Chef-Driven Fare

Possibly one of the biggest ways the resort sets itself apart from other all-inclusives in Cancun is its dining options. Featuring six food and beverage options as well as the Palmita Market & Deli, the fare here stands on its own. You can tell that the brand took special care to ensure that each dining venue offered menus and flavors that live up to fine dining standards.

Especially noteworthy is La Casona STK, a modern steakhouse serving gourmet meats and Japanese cuts complemented by an award-winning wine list (this isn’t your grandma’s all-inclusive restaurant).

You’ll find dishes such as the signature clam chowder; pork belly and watercress with Brussels sprouts, peas, and edamame cooked with lentil butter; and the slow-cooked short rib with a rich, buttery flavor paired with mashed sweet potatoes and vegetables. And, regardless of which restaurant you’re dining at, if you’re a regular guest and are missing a dish that was on an old menu, the kitchen staff is more than happy to accommodate your request.

Tradition Meets Present-Day at the Spa

Finally, one of the best reasons to go on vacation: the resort spa. Tucked away within a submerged rainforest-type setting, the Village Spa features 12 treatment cabins, steam rooms, hot and warm Jacuzzis, a cold plunge pool, and men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Here, guests can try the latest and greatest in treatments or opt for more unique Mayan therapies and healing rituals. For a traditional treatment, book the hydrafacial, a non-invasive treatment that combines deep cleansing, microdermabrasion, extraction, and hydration to improve the texture and tone of the skin.

Or, experience the Yaakunah Lovers Ritual with your loved one for something a little different. This treatment includes a body wrap made from Mexican magnolia and juniper extracts, aromatherapy, and a relaxing massage within the couples’ suite.

Goodbyes & COVID-19 Testing

With the rest of the year ahead of us, there’s plenty of time to book your Mexican getaway. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat for two or bringing your extended family for a much-needed reunion, Villa del Palmar Resort & Spa Cancun has everything you need for the perfect trip.

And here's the thing, even though you're on vacation, you still want to feel as comfortable as you are in your home, and that's what this property does best. You're home here—a part of the family. When you return, the staff will be waiting for you, your favorite drink in hand, and a warm smile as they say, "welcome home."

If you’re headed back to the states or a country requiring COVID-19 testing before returning home, the resort has its own lab on property so you can take care of all your testing without leaving the hotel. During check-in, the front desk will arrange your test for you so that your results are in before takeoff. It’s simple and quick so you don’t have to stress about anything on your last day there.