The 4 best things about my first-ever all-inclusive beach resort experience: Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort
Editor's Note
After years of editing and reading articles about all-inclusive beach resorts, I finally took the leap on my very first all-inclusive beach trip.
In June, I traveled to Isla Mujeres, a small but accessible island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico (which is a popular all-inclusive resort destination in and of itself). Isla Mujeres is a well-known resort destination, too, but it's a little quieter and slower than Cancun's famed, often frenzied Hotel Zone. On the island, I had the pleasure of experiencing the second adults-only, all-inclusive property in Marriott's Luxury Collection: Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort. Because it opened in October 2024, the resort had that shiny, new hotel quality about it — ideal for an all-inclusive first-timer like me.
Bookable from $569 or 78,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night — a pretty incredible value based on the quality of my experience — this resort feels like one worth saving up those points for.
Better yet, you could apply for one of the best Marriott credit cards to stack up points, like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card. With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy, you can earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
Here are a few things that I loved most about Almare and my time there.
Related: The best Marriott all-inclusive resorts to book with points
I felt the easy pace of island life throughout the resort
When you head to an island resort, you expect it to be just that — an island resort. But since this was my first all-inclusive beach resort experience, I wasn't entirely sure what it would really feel like. I expected a lot of activity, noise, crowds, etc. Much to my relief, though, the vibe was an expertly balanced concoction of laid-back and luxe, all starting with a relaxing, 20-minute boat ride from Cancun aboard a private, hotel-operated vessel.
Upon arriving, staff members greeted guests dockside with a refreshing, fruit-forward welcome drink. After that, we simply floated up the dock to the sandy beach where we entered an open-air lobby adorned with plenty of wicker seating, beautiful nods to ancient Mayan culture and bountiful greenery. Check-in was swift, with friendly reception desk attendants slipping a convenient room key bracelet onto our wrists — no plastic keycards to worry about.
After that, it became abundantly clear to me that the name of the game at this resort was relaxation. There was no sense of being rushed anywhere or forced into activities; rather, staff presented guests with a daily schedule (which we could also see in the Marriott Bonvoy app) and explained the beach, pool and spa locations. Then, we were off to explore and lounge as we pleased.
Our 463-square-foot deluxe guest room, which overlooked the pool and the glistening sea beyond from floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, featured two sumptuous double beds, a chic sitting area, an ocean-facing balcony with lounge chairs, a beautiful marble bathroom, a large flat-screen TV and an oversized tub.
The room was hard to leave each morning, and the ability to order breakfast straight to the room (more on the food below) made it even more tempting to stay cozied up. The fact that all the snacks and beverages in the room were included in the rate was hard to get used to, in a good way.
The Mexican food was phenomenal
There has been a lot of talk about how many run-of-the-mill, all-inclusive resorts offer uninspired menus with watered-down drinks, but all-inclusives are changing now more than ever. (Read TPG Senior Hotel Reporter Tanner Saunders' article on why now is the time to book all-inclusive resorts.) I experienced this change firsthand at Almare. Since I was in Mexico, I really wanted to focus on local cuisine, and luckily, out of the seven on-site dining outlets, there were several authentic Mexican restaurants to choose from.
My favorite was Boga, where dishes that incorporate a fusion of authentic Mexican and traditional Mayan cooking techniques are on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There, I had the best tamale of my entire life (served with a poached quail egg and a rich roasted cherry tomato cream), as well as fresh local ceviche and a very flavorful short rib.
For breakfast, I enjoyed everything from a refreshing acai bowl and delectable homemade quesadillas made in a clay griddle to chilaquiles and fluffy pancakes with smoked butter and carrot compote. The coffee throughout the resort was fabulous, but I especially enjoyed the cappuccinos at Boga, as well as the freshly squeezed juices.
Another must-try spot was The Breeze pool bar, where guests could snack on bites like crispy shrimp tacos, fresh guacamole and aguachile while sipping ice-cold pina coladas or a chilled Tecate, of course.
The rooftop had one of the prettiest sunsets I've ever seen
The only thing better than a seaside resort with a pristine white sand beach is one that has that and a rooftop overlooking the ocean.
Almare's rooftop took the cake in terms of where to enjoy the evenings. The small infinity pool (featuring submerged lounge chairs) offered sweeping views of the sunset, which I could see just beyond the rooftop restaurant, Seasalt. (Seasalt offered a Mediterranean-centric menu, which wasn't my favorite but still had quite a lot to choose from, including raw bar items like Baja oysters and plenty of pasta, pizza and protein-forward dishes.)
My favorite way to begin the evening was with an expertly crafted cocktail from the restaurant's open-air bar and that unbelievable sunset. I'd recommend starting there before heading down to Boga for dinner.
The influence of Mayan culture was threaded creatively throughout the property
One of the very first things I noticed — and continued to appreciate throughout the duration of my three-day stay — was the emphasis on local art pieces and installations, as well as thoughtful nods to Mayan culture.
From the use of chukum plaster — an ancient Mayan practice that involves applying a mix of tree resin and limestone to walls for a weather-resistant, beautiful effect — to massive handpainted murals from local artists and a cenote-inspired installation in the lobby, Mayan artistic techniques and cultural influence abounded.
I noticed this throughout the spa, too (which was a magical microcosm within the resort). It featured a menu paying homage to Mayan wellness practices through offerings like a shaman consultation and massage treatments utilizing local ingredients. (Note that spa treatments are not included in the nightly rate; they come at an extra cost.)
Checking out
It was hard to say goodbye to Almare. When I left, I was still sort of pinching myself — the all-inclusive newbie that I am — about how a resort could offer so much at such a good value. If you book cash rates, a multinight trip here will cost a good chunk of change, for certain. But Almare feels, to me, like the type of property that is really worth saving up your Marriott Bonvoy points for. This is especially because the quality of the Mexican cuisine is so high, the service is reliable and friendly, and the property itself is so new and therefore in excellent condition.
Those who enjoy art and culture will appreciate the abundance of local art, and the rates cover plenty of on-site activities. Plus, the beautiful stretch of beach meant there was always something to do — or a good reason to do nothing at all. (And let's not forget that glimmering pool with a swim-up bar.)
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.