Rating8.2Adults Only
Rating8.2Adults Only
Rating8.2Adults OnlyGood
Based on 18.1k reviews
Outstanding Service
Guests consistently praise the attentive and personalized service from staff, frequently highlighting individual team members for their exceptional efforts.
Gourmet Dining
The resort's diverse restaurants offer high-quality, varied cuisine, including unlimited lobster, often without requiring reservations, making dining a standout experience.
Abundant Pools & Activities
With six winding pools and a packed daily schedule of activities, guests enjoy ample opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
Elegant Ambiance
The Mexican hacienda-inspired design and lush tropical gardens create a beautiful, serene, and relaxing atmosphere throughout the property.
Return Guest Loyalty
Many guests choose to return repeatedly, a strong testament to the resort's consistent high standards and overall guest satisfaction.
Potential Room Noise
Guests should be mindful of potential noise in certain room locations, particularly those near activity hubs or specific buildings.
Increasing Costs
While offering great value for a luxury experience, some guests note that the resort's prices have been steadily rising.
Semi-Private Bathrooms
The design of semi-private bathrooms in some suites is not universally favored, which some couples find less desirable.
Beach Seaweed
Despite the resort's proactive efforts in maintenance, seaweed can occasionally still be an issue on the beach.
Main Pool Chair Game
Securing prime shaded spots or lounge chairs around the main pool can be competitive due to high demand.
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AAA 5 Diamond Award
2024
AAA
Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best"
2023
TripAdvisor
Readers' Choice Awards (Top Resorts in Eastern Mexico)
2022
Condé Nast Traveler
Best Hotels in Mexico - Gold
2022, 2025
U.S. News & World Report
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico - Gold
2022, 2025
U.S. News & World Report
Eco-Certified property
Ongoing
EarthCheck
Excellence Riviera Cancun opened in November 2004 in Riviera Maya near the fishing village of Puerto Morelos — about 20–45 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN) depending on traffic. The property went through a full renovation of all suites and public areas in 2022–23, and added two new rooftop pools in 2024. Among the Excellence properties, this one has the most recently updated physical plant, which matters for guests comparing options.
The defining design element is the 6 winding, meandering pools that thread through the Mexican hacienda-style grounds — including two new rooftops. Private hideaways and secluded corners in the landscaping make it feel less like a resort and more like an estate. That atmosphere is the strongest argument for this property over Excellence Playa Mujeres, which has a better beach location but less distinctive architecture.
All 440 suites are adults-only (18+). The all-inclusive rate includes unlimited premium alcohol, daily restocked minibar, 24-hour room service, unlimited lobster (outside conservation season), no reservation requirements at most restaurants, and a 'wristband-free vacationing' policy. Complimentary calls to USA and Canada are included and genuinely used by guests.
The primary limitation: noise. Building six and areas near activity hubs generate complaints. The spa pool and the pool near building six are cited as quiet alternatives by guests who ask specifically. Certain suites also have 'semi-private bathrooms' — an open design between bedroom and bathroom that some couples appreciate and others dislike. Worth checking the specific room configuration if this matters.
Price tier is genuine upper-luxury. The Excellence Club upgrade adds private restaurant, private pools, Nespresso, L'Occitane toiletries, and exclusive beach access. The Miilé Spa spans 19,695 sq ft with 10 indoor treatment rooms and one outdoor oceanfront treatment room.