Tulum’s picturesque beaches and turquoise waters are synonymous with idyllic, tropical luxury. Once known for bohemian boutique hotels, this Caribbean paradise is home to many all-inclusive resorts catering to every travel style. In 2025, Tulum will offer everything from ultra-luxurious adults-only retreats to family-friendly resorts—all against a backdrop of white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and a community eager to welcome visitors.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya (Adults-Only)
Secrets Akumal is consistently rated as one of Tulum’s top resorts and offers a romantic, luxury escape for adults. It’s famed for its prime beachfront location on Akumal Bay – a powdery white beach where guests can snorkel with sea turtles just offshore. Past guests rave about the outstanding suites and delectable dining options, noting that the resort delivers a top-notch experience. This 5-star resort features multiple pools (including an oceanfront infinity pool), a full-service spa, and gourmet restaurants offering cuisines worldwide. Pricing is on the higher end (often around $500+ per night for two), reflecting its upscale amenities and stellar service – but visitors seeking unforgettable honeymoons or anniversaries usually find it well worth the splurge. Unique features like beachside Bali beds, an on-site coral reef for snorkeling, and personalized concierge service make Secrets Akumal a standout for couples seeking serenity and luxury.
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa (Family-Friendly)
Set on a very pretty stretch of secluded white-sand beach, Dreams Tulum greets guests with an ambiance evocative of a traditional Mexican hacienda. This expansive resort boasts 432 rooms with colonial-style decor, each featuring a private terrace or balcony. Families love Dreams Tulum for its kid-friendly amenities – there’s a jungle-themed water park, a climbing wall, and a supervised Explorer’s Club for children. Parents can relax at two large pools or the tranquil spa, knowing the little ones are entertained. The resort offers six restaurants and five bars, ranging from Mexican and Italian à la carte venues to a buffet, plus 24-hour room service. Guests especially praise the lush grounds and daily activities (beach volleyball, yoga, dance lessons) that create a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and upgrading to the Preferred Club yields perks like a private lounge and beach area. Rates are moderate for the area (starting around $396/night), and the value is enhanced by included touches like kids’ activities, all gratuities, and even an on-site wedding gazebo for destination weddings. While some reviews mention the food can be hit-or-miss, most families report a wonderful stay filled with lasting memories, making Dreams Tulum one of the best all-inclusive options for families in Tulum.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
A newcomer that has quickly made waves, the Hilton Tulum opened in 2022 as Hilton’s first all-inclusive in Tulum. It’s a mega-resort with 735 rooms, currently the largest Hilton in the Caribbean and Latin America, yet designers managed to infuse it with Tulum’s signature eco-chic style. The open-air lobby greets guests with local artisan artwork and calming earth-tone decor, immediately connecting the resort to the region’s natural beauty. Amenities are abundant: there are eight ocean-view pools (including some designated quiet pools), a sprawling fitness center, and a luxury spa shared with the adjacent Conrad Tulum. Guests can choose from thirteen dining venues, offering an impressive culinary variety – from Mexican ceviche by the beach to Asian fusion and Italian trattoria. This resort is family-friendly, with a dedicated Family Zone (featuring kids’ pools and a kids club) set apart from the more tranquil areas so that adults seeking peace can find quiet corners. Pricing is mid-to-upper range (approximately $395/night to start), and advance reservations are recommended for the popular à la carte restaurants due to demand. The Hilton Tulum is ideal for travelers who want big-resort amenities – like nightly entertainment, a plethora of dining, and all the conveniences – while still enjoying Tulum’s stylish and natural aesthetic.
UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya (Adults-Only)
An adults-only haven known for its focus on modern Mexican luxury, UNICO 20°87° sits about 30 minutes north of Tulum and consistently wows guests seeking a high-end, all-inclusive experience. This resort has a boutique feel with just over 400 rooms, each boasting local art, spa-style bathrooms, and even double Jacuzzis or swim-up pools in select suites. Luxury level is exceptional – from personal local host service (like a butler), to artisanal cocktails and even inclusions like select spa treatments or tours (available for a small service fee). Past lodgers have been “wowed” by the resort’s offerings, praising the chic suite design and outstanding dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients. There are five gourmet restaurants (no buffets here) serving everything from upscale Yucatecan cuisine to Japanese teppanyaki, plus a mixology-focused cocktail bar and even a small craft brewery on-site. Entertainment is low-key and sophisticated – think mixology classes, pool parties with live DJs, and art workshops – reflecting UNICO’s vibe as a trendy retreat for couples and groups of friends. Starting rates can be higher (often $600+ per night), but the consensus is that UNICO delivers value in quality. It stands out for its immersive cultural touches (guests can take Spanish lessons or learn to cook Mexican dishes) and a strong commitment to the local community and environment. For adults seeking pampered relaxation with a local flair, UNICO 20°87° is a top pick in the Tulum area.
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club (Adults-Only)
Opened in late 2023, Secrets Tulum is a brand-new all-inclusive that brings Secrets’ renowned luxury into Tulum’s Aldea Zama jungle enclave. This unique resort is tucked into lush foliage, giving it the feel of a secret jungle oasis – with modern architecture interwoven with palm trees and tropical plants. It’s not directly on the beach (a rarity for Tulum resorts), but offers a beautiful private Beach Club on the Tulum shore, with frequent shuttles ferrying guests the short 15-minute ride to the beach. On property, Secrets Tulum features 300 suites (all first-floor suites include swim-up pools right off the terrace) and even one exclusive beachfront villa for those who want a private oceanfront experience. Scattered through the grounds are four secluded courtyard pools and two rooftop infinity pools overlooking the jungle canopy, so there’s no shortage of places to soak and relax. Guests enjoy 10 dining options ranging from a casual open-air grill to a chic French restaurant, plus a stylish jungle-inspired spa and a rooftop lounge for nightly entertainment. Rates start around $400/night, positioning it in the luxury tier. Early reviews highlight the stunning design and intimate vibe – perfect for couples – while noting that the off-beach location is made up for by the top-tier beach club and the novelty of experiencing both jungle and beach settings. In short, Secrets Tulum is an ultra-modern, eco-chic getaway marrying luxury with Tulum’s bohemian spirit.
Comparing Tulum’s Top All-Inclusives
Each of Tulum’s leading resorts has its own character, appealing to different tastes. Here’s how they stack up on key criteria:
- Luxury & Amenities: If you’re seeking high-end luxury, adults-only resorts like Secrets Akumal and UNICO 20°87° pull out all the stops – from gourmet dining and plush suite amenities to personalized service. Secrets Tulum and Hilton Tulum also deliver luxury, though Hilton’s sheer size means you’ll find an abundance of amenities (13 restaurants, big spa and gym) but a less intimate feel than the boutique-style UNICO. Family-oriented resorts such as Dreams Tulum and Grand Palladium White Sand/TRS Yucatán provide extensive facilities (kids clubs, water parks, nightly shows) – a “something for everyone” approach – albeit at a 4-star rather than 5-star luxury level.
- Eco-Friendliness & Design: Tulum’s DNA is eco-chic, and many resorts incorporate sustainable practices. Smaller properties like Playaakun were built with sustainability at the forefront – its villas are solar-powered and the property maintains a carbon-neutral footprint. Among larger resorts, Dreams Tulum has achieved Travelife Gold Certification for its extensive green initiatives, which include reducing environmental impact, supporting the local community, and even on-site turtle conservation programs. New developments are also mindful of nature: Tulum was declared Mexico’s first official Sustainable Tourism Zone in 2018, prompting developers to preserve roughly 60% of natural areas on resort sites and to install advanced water treatment and solar energy systems. Design-wise, resorts like Hilton Tulum and Secrets Tulum embrace natural materials, earth-tone palettes, and open-air architecture to blend with the surroundings. In short, eco-conscious travelers will find Tulum’s resorts increasingly committed to sustainability – from eliminating single-use plastics to protecting wildlife – although the degree of green practices can vary by resort.
- Guest Experience & Service: Across the board, Tulum’s top resorts earn high marks for warm, attentive service. Guests frequently mention friendly staff who go “above and beyond” to make their stay special. At Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort, for instance, “great staff, a great layout, and beautiful beach” are commonly praised. The quality of food is generally very good at these resorts – with particular kudos given to the gourmet restaurants at places like UNICO and Secrets. Many travelers are pleasantly surprised that even the buffets and casual eateries maintain high standards; one guest noted the buffet offerings were “above expectations – excellent in both food and service.” Of course, tastes vary: some resorts (e.g. Dreams Tulum) get mixed feedback on certain dishes, but the overall dining variety ensures no one goes hungry. Another aspect of guest experience is the atmosphere: Hilton Tulum and Grand Sirenis can feel like small villages bustling with activities, which is perfect if you love socializing and events, whereas Kore Tulum or Playaakun offer a quiet, retreat-like vibe suited for wellness and relaxation. Importantly, cleanliness and comfort are consistently highlighted – “rooms are perfectly cleaned, beds very comfortable, and Wi-Fi never failed,” wrote one visitor about their all-inclusive stay. From check-in to checkout, most guests report feeling pampered and welcomed as part of the “family.”
- Activities & Entertainment: If you crave nonstop entertainment, the larger all-inclusives have you covered. Family resorts like Dreams, Bahia Principe, and Hilton run full daily schedules – think beach Olympics, yoga classes at sunrise, Spanish lessons, kids’ camp adventures, and live shows nightly. In the evenings you might find a cultural performance, fire dancers on the beach, or a themed party. Adults-only resorts also offer entertainment, but often on a smaller scale: Secrets Akumal has music and dance shows in its open-air theater, and UNICO brings in live musicians or DJs for a chic lounge vibe. Notably, being in Tulum, many resorts help guests explore beyond the property too – they organize tours to the Tulum Mayan ruins, cenote swims, or snorkeling excursions (sometimes included or at extra cost). And of course, the beach and sea are a main attraction in themselves: resorts on prime beaches provide kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear for guests. One of the most special activities in Tulum is witnessing sea turtles – at certain times of year, turtle nesting and hatching occurs on the beaches (Dreams Tulum even educates guests about protecting turtle nests). In summary, whether you want to stay active with sports and nightlife, or simply sip a cocktail by the pool listening to DJ-spun tunes at sunset, each resort offers a unique entertainment style. The key is choosing the resort whose energy matches your own – lively, tranquil, or a mix of both.
Impact on Tulum’s Tourism
The rise of all-inclusive resorts has had a significant impact on Tulum’s tourism sector – in many ways positive, though not without challenges. On the economic front, these resorts are contributing to record tourism numbers in the region. International visitors are flocking to Tulum in greater numbers and even in traditionally slow seasons the all-inclusives help keep occupancy up. In fact, resort operators anticipated a 20% boost in bookings in October 2024, an off-season month, thanks to attractive packages drawing foreign travelers.
This kind of steady visitation provides a welcome boost to the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs from resort staff to tour operators. Large all-inclusives often employ hundreds of locals – from managers and chefs to housekeepers, entertainers and gardeners – creating employment opportunities and stable incomes in the community. Moreover, many resorts invest in the area: they pay local taxes, source goods from regional suppliers, and some sponsor community programs (for example, Dreams Tulum’s foundation funds scholarships for local students).
All-inclusive resorts have also put Tulum “on the map” for a new segment of travelers. Tourists who might have gone to Cancun or Playa del Carmen for an easy, packaged vacation are now choosing Tulum, drawn by its natural beauty and the convenience of all-inclusive stays. The opening of the new Tulum International Airport (which by 2025 is receiving direct flights from major cities) has further amplified this trend, making Tulum far more accessible. Travelers can now land just outside Tulum, “cutting travel time to hotels… to an hour or less,” whereas before they had a 2+ hour drive from Cancun’s airport. This improved access, combined with the marketing power of big hotel brands (Hilton, Hyatt, etc.), means Tulum is no longer just a backpacker or boutique destination – it’s firmly in the mainstream vacation spotlight.
However, the growth of all-inclusives isn’t entirely without controversy or challenges. One concern is the effect on local businesses. Traditional beach clubs, independent restaurants, and shops in Tulum town have sometimes felt a pinch when visitors opt to stay within their resort for all meals and entertainment. Fewer tourists venturing out for dinner or tours can mean less income for the small businesses that once thrived on Tulum’s more adventurous travelers. As one community leader noted during a slow season, “fewer visitors… directly impacts the earnings of employees [in] restaurants, small businesses, and other tourism-related services,” since many rely on the steady flow of tourists outside the resorts. That said, there’s evidence that the presence of all-inclusives can also draw more tourists overall, some of whom do explore beyond the resort gates. Tulum’s appeal is strong enough that even all-inclusive guests often take a day to visit the famous archaeological ruins or dine in a trendy downtown eatery at least once. The local government and business associations are actively encouraging partnerships – for instance, resorts might feature local artisans’ crafts in their gift shops or recommend off-site excursions operated by Tulum locals – to ensure that tourism revenue circulates through the broader community. The ideal balance is one where all-inclusives and local businesses coexist symbiotically, and Tulum is working toward that by promoting cultural tours, local markets, and events that entice resort guests to experience the town itself.
Another impact to consider is environmental. Tulum’s rapid development, including large resorts, has raised concerns about sustainability of the region’s delicate ecosystems. Issues such as wastewater management, mangrove deforestation, and beach erosion have required careful management. Many older properties in Tulum (and even some newer ones) were notorious for lacking proper sewage treatment, resulting in pollution runoff that threatened the aquifer and coral reefs. In the past, “many hotels and developments… lack proper wastewater treatment, which can result in raw sewage being discharged into the ocean,” contributing to harmful algae blooms. This algae, combined with the regional sargassum seaweed influx, has occasionally marred Tulum’s postcard-perfect beaches with unsightly (and smelly) seaweed accumulations. The good news is that awareness and action have ramped up in recent years: government regulations now mandate stricter environmental measures, and resorts have invested in infrastructure like biodigesters and water recycling systems to avoid contaminating the groundwater. New resorts often advertise their eco-friendly construction – preserving large percentages of green space and using renewable energy – precisely to address these environmental pressures. Additionally, the resorts themselves play a role in mitigating certain issues; for example, most all-inclusives deploy teams at dawn to clean beach seaweed and keep the shoreline attractive for guests (and sea turtles!). They also participate in conservation efforts, from turtle protection programs (cordoning off nesting sites and educating visitors) to sponsoring local beach clean-ups and tree planting.
In summary, all-inclusive resorts in Tulum have become a driving force in the local tourism economy by increasing visitor numbers, providing jobs, and elevating Tulum’s global profile. The influx of capital and attention is spurring infrastructure improvements (airports, roads) that benefit all. Yet, it remains crucial to manage growth responsibly. The community is actively dialoguing about how to ensure that prosperity from tourism is shared and that Tulum’s natural and cultural treasures are preserved. As 2025 unfolds, Tulum is learning to balance its new popularity – leveraging the economic benefits of all-inclusive resorts while striving to remain the eco-paradise that first captivated travelers. The prevailing sentiment is optimistic: with collaboration between resorts, locals, and authorities, Tulum can continue to flourish in a way that supports both the community and the environment.
Tulum’s all-inclusive resorts in 2025 offer a vibrant mix of luxury, culture, and community spirit. They have elevated Tulum’s hospitality scene while largely embracing the town’s eco-friendly ethos and local charm. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a rejuvenating retreat, there’s a resort that fits your vision.
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