Beloved Playa Mujeres

The adults-only Beloved Playa Mujeres is a rare breed -- it's a true boutique hotel, with just 109 rooms and personalized service (from the check-in cocktail and cool towel, to the pillow menu), but it's also an all-inclusive resort. If all meals and drinks (including top-shelf liquor) weren't included, though, you'd hardly know it. There are no wristbands, no early-morning hustle for lounge chairs, no buffets (aside from a quality breakfast buffet), and no reservations required for the restaurants. There are some of the activities many associate with all-inclusives, such as bingo, trivia, and DJ music by the activity pool (the one with the swim-up bar), but overall the activities and nightlife are pretty low-key. And some of the included activities are better than the norm, such as guided ocean kayaking and bike tours. Beloved bills itself as a couples-only resort, so it’s best for adults seeking a tranquil getaway, though some groups of lively couples are present.

The Beloved Playa Mujeres, in operation since 2003, also differs from most of Cancun's top luxury all-inclusive resorts because of its location in remote Playa Mujeres. The Beloved shares a private resort complex with Excellence Playa Mujeres, Finest Playa Mujeres, and La Amada Residences, all of which make use of the inland marina that houses 170 slips. The seclusion is part of the appeal for many, but those who crave the activity of the Hotel Zone may prefer the pricier Le Blanc (which is one of the smallest adults-only all-inclusive options in that area, and has the most pampering service). Hyatt Zilara is a more comparably priced alternative, but it's much larger.

The Beloved's compact size is a pro for most; the layout means it is easy to get around, and it takes five to 10 minutes to get across the entire property. Stamped concrete pathways with river-rock accents connect the grounds, with sandy gardens featuring shrubbery and palm trees off to the side. While there’s plenty of shade in the areas closest to the buildings and around the large pools, the walkways themselves get lots of sun. The buildings housing the rooms are block and stucco.

Note that the hotel implemented an adults-only policy in Sept. 2016.

The Beloved Playa Mujeres is set in a quiet upscale resort area about 30 minutes north of downtown Cancun, and far from the crowds. It's close to a Greg Norman-designed golf course and the marina, and is just a short boat-ride from Isla Mujeres. The two-mile stretch of beach here feels nearly private, and there's not much around aside from the Excellence Playa Mujeres and Finest Playa Mujeres next door and residential real estate. There are no public transportation options here, so guests will need to rent a car or use taxis to get around. The Cancun international Airport is about 35 minutes to an hour away, depending on traffic.

• 20-minute boat ride to Isla Mujeres
• 30-minute drive to downtown Cancun (Ciudad Cancun)
• Hour's drive to snorkeling and quiet beaches in Puerto Morelos
• 90-minute drive to Playa del Carmen, a town with great shopping and a well-heeled crowd
• Two-hour drive to the Mayan ruins at Tulum

The Beloved's 109 rooms are all massive suites. The entry-level Junior Suites start at a whopping 960 square feet (90 square meters), edging out the entry-level Junior Suites at next door Excellence Playa Mujeres (which are 807 square feet). Decor is sleek -- polished marble flooring, leather accents, plenty of natural light, and mostly white fabrics and furniture throughout. All rooms have big whirlpool tubs with access from both the main rooms and the private terraces, and with views of either the pools or the ocean.

There are Swim-Up Suites available, as well as several categories with private plunge pools -- in order of size, the Casita Suite, Two-Story Casita Suite, the Terrace Suite, which has the plunge pool on a private rooftop area, and the Penthouse Suite. The largest unit here is the 4,478-square-foot (416-square-meter) Owner's Suite. All rooms accommodate only two people.

In addition to the size, little luxuries help these rooms stand out, such as the pillow menus and twice-daily maid service. (Though Le Blanc in the Hotel Zone takes it to the next level, with butler-prepared baths and specialized aromatherapy scents.) Standard amenities include Nespresso machines, fully stocked minibars, in-room selection of premium wines and liquor bottles, and 24-hour room service. On the digital front, there are flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, and free Wi-Fi.

Bathrooms are decadent, with massive rainfall showerheads (plus adjustable height showerheads) and dual basin sinks. Robes and slippers are provided.

Many guests may choose to lounge on their own terrace or in their private plunge pool, but there are also three common outdoor pools to enjoy. Two swimming pools are near the room buildings, and one is closer to the beach, with ocean views and a swim-up bar -- this is where any poolside activities take place. There are plenty of cushioned loungers, daybeds, and palapas at the pools and beach, plus beach cabanas for rent. There is food and drink service at both the pools and beach.

Free water-sports equipment, including kayaks, snorkels, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats, is supplied. There are also free activities such as bike tours and guacamole-making class. The hotel can arrange off-site excursions for a fee, such as diving at the Great Mayan Reef, sailing, deep-sea fishing expeditions, trips to the wildlife sanctuary at Isla Contoy, Xel-Ha, Chichen Itza, and others. There is also a Greg Normal golf course inside the resort complex (shared with other properties.

One of the highlights of Beloved is the eponymous 35,000-square-foot spa. Its facilities include an impressive hydrotherapy circuit, with steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, jet massages, an ice glacier room, sensation showers, heated lounge beds, and more. The hour-long Aqua Viva circuit is included with treatments or can be purchased separately, and a guide will take you to each station for a designated number of minutes. There are 14 treatment rooms, including couples’ rooms. A full-service salon is also on-site.

The spacious gym has wood floors, ample natural light, and plenty of strength-training machines, free weights, and cardio machines. Fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates are available.

Beloved Playa Mujeres is an all-inclusive resort, so all food and beverages are free, including international premium alcoholic drinks. There are four gourmet restaurants here, and all have a la carte fare and don't require reservations. Le Bisou is am indoor French-influenced restaurant that serves breakfast buffets with American and Caribbean fare and a la carte French fare for dinner. Lupita Steak House is an indoor eatery open only for dinner. Outside are La Isla Grill Trattoria, set on the beach and serving Italian fare with a taste of Mexican cuisine, and the open-air, palapa-style El Mar, which has a wood oven for pizzas. Both of the outdoor options serve all three meals).

Note that a dress code applies for dinners at the restaurants. Guests who get a bit peckish during the off-hours can hit up the 24-hour room service available in all of the rooms, or snacks from the beach and pool service. Quality is great for an all-inclusive resort.

There are four bars and one lounge.