My First All-Inclusive Experience: Omni Cancun Hotels & Villas

I’ve always been turned off by the concept of all-inclusive resorts under the notion that it lacked quality in every aspect. Quality over quantity. It wasn’t until we spontaneously flew to Cancun for a weekend getaway and stayed at one of these places where I was pleasantly surprised.

We stayed at the OMNI CANCUN HOTEL & VILLAS. Here’s the basic lowdown:

• It’s kid-friendly but also very accommodating for adults. I didn’t feel like I was in the middle of Disneyland.
• There are lots of activities happening throughout the property including morning yoga, bingo at the swim up bar, beach/water volleyball, and dance lessons to name a few that cater to both families and couples.
• Food and drinks are included.

We took a red-eye flight from Los Angeles and landed in Cancun EARLY, which is what I wanted so we didn’t waste any time! By the time we got to our hotel, it must have been about 5am. Since we couldn’t check in until noon, we freshened up and changed into our swimsuits. I made sure we packed our swimsuits and sandals in our carry-on so it was easily accessible. With perfect timing, the breakfast buffet opened and we quickly ate some breakfast so we could catch the rest of sunrise on the beach. Vacation mode: ON.

Location

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We only left the hotel on a few occasions and when we did, our commutes were trafficless and easy to get around by a taxi.

From Cancun International Airport — 15 minutes driving

From Downtown (nightlife) — 12 minutes driving

Rooms

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There are various guest rooms and villas that are available — We stayed in a Deluxe Room. Being the most affordable option, it promised a panoramic view of the bay or lush gardens. Luckily for us, we also got a view of the ocean! The amenities in the room are pretty standard, including a mini-fridge which they restocked daily with bottled waters, select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

I totally forgot to take pictures of the room but you can see all the room types HERE. Rookie reviewer, my bad!

Beachfront

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While waiting to check into our room, we spent all day laying under the palapas – umbrellas made of palm leaves. I shamelessly read Confessions of a Shopaholic in the most relaxed state of mind. The beach wasn’t too crowded either, it seemed most people preferred to stay poolside.

Major tip: Grab towels early, like 7am, and place them on the chaise lounges on the beach or at any of the pools to reserve your spots. They get taken FAST! By 9am, most of the prime spots were taken.

There are also Thai daybeds you can reserve with PACKAGES starting from $50. Foot massages on the beach??? YES PLEASE. There are only 5 cabanas available, so I highly recommend making your reservation 24-hours in advance. When Pina Colada (restaurant) opens at noon, you can make you reservation with their hostess.

Poolside

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There are 2 large jacuzzi’s and 3 pools on the property, all cascading into each other that accommodates every age. Most kids hung out in the pools rather than on the beach. And then there’s Kuku’s Jaccuuzzi Beach Bar (pictured above), that is adults-only, complete with a swim up bar on one side and swings on the other. It was AWESOME!

Dining

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There are 7 restaurants on property, most mediocre. But what can you expect when all meals, drinks and room service is unlimited! Here are my thoughts on the places we tried:

DA VINCI — Italian, serves only dinner
Ugh. So this is their most upscale restaurant on their property that is 18+ with a STRICT dress code. I literally got sent back to my room to change out of my, classy might I add, distressed jeans. Any way, I ordered pasta. It was so heavy and drowned in its own sauce. The bread, olive oil and vinegar was the best part. I have to admit, their service was great. All else, very disappointed considering how fancy they make it seem. Lobster…ooooOo.

LA PALOMA — Mexican style buffet, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
We only ate here for breakfast. It’s pretty standard and basic except for their egg bar where your eggs are made to order. They have a nice selection of juices, too.

LA DEVA — Asian cuisine, only serves dinner
Don’t get the Pad Thai. It was so sweet and tasted nothing like the traditional dish. The restaurant itself is nice with a great panoramic view and turns into a “club” with hookah.

LA PIÑA GRILL — Mexican, serves only dinner
This was the best restaurant on the property. Everything from the attentive service, delicious food, live entertainment and ambiance made for a lovely dinner. Note: For breakfast and lunch the restaurant is called PINA COLADA. 

VIVA MEXICO — You guessed it, Mexican! Serves only lunch and dinner
As expected, so good. It’s a casual hut with benches to dine-in but you can also ask to take it with you to grub poolside or on the beach!

ROOM SERVICE —  Various, 24-hours, $5 delivery fee.
THE. SPAGHETTI. WAS. BOMB.

Another major tip: You must make all reservations, except La Paloma, Viva Mexico, and the Sushi Bar, through the concierge who gives you a ticket to present. I believe they start taking reservations at 9am every morning, and only up to one day in advance, so here’s another reason to get up early.

After finally staying at an all-inclusive resort, I can see how they aren’t meant for everyone. Overall, I had a great first experience despite the negatives that I realized along the way. Personally, I would definitely stay at another one! It’s great for larger groups too…shots on me! LOL.