All-Inclusive is the way to go! The Fairmont is a bit on the pricey side!

Friends just got back from the Fairmont and they enjoyed it but they taxied to Playa for dinners. Brought their bottles with them back to the hotel.

Four days of breakfast was almost $200 for the couple.

I think it depends on what you want. If you want luxury, go for the Fairmont, it is outstanding. You will loose something by going to the AI, but if the free drinks are important, you probably want the AI.

Witout a doubt Secrets Capri. If you stay there you can walk to Fairmont Mayakoba down the beach and see the expensive prices. It is nice but Secrets restaurant blows away Fairmont. If you stay at fairmont you will not be allowed to see or taste Secrets.

Aventura is very nice, but please note it does NOT have an accessible beach -- if you want a beach, you have to take a shuttle next door to its sister property, Xpu-Ha Palace.

It does have many beautiful pools though and a fantastic spa and health club.

If a beach is important to you, you may want to rule out the Aventura.

Aventura's beach is a man made lagoon which is beautiful. You can swim and snorkel and the sitting area is sandy with plenty of palapas and food and drink service. We'll go in March for our 3rd time. The food is excellent with 7 restaurants to choose from. You'll have privileges at any of the Palace Resorts if you stay at ASP. For sure, AI is the only way to go if you intend to drink. We're not big drinkers but still feel that AI is a great value. Some of the meals we had this year easily would have been over $100/couple in many restaurants.If you don't like something, no worry, you get something else.

The Fairmont is really something. It looks like a Four Seasons, and I think it's equal to the Ritz in Cancun. If you like really nice hotels, this is the place for you.

However, if you like to drink a lot, you might not be that happy paying for all your drinks. (I'd go by the store in Playa or Cancun and bring some water/beer to my room.). So an Al might work better for you. Though neither of these places will have as nice a beach.

Thanks for your thoughts on the Fairmont. We're lucky enough to get our travel industry rates while staying there for a week... otherwise would be going the AI route. Looking forward to very comfortable beds,signature baths, and unlimited pool time!

Do you hear any tips on how to get the most out of your time at the Fairmont? We aren't golfers, so....

Have to say, I haven't actually stayed, just checked it out, and wished I was staying there, lol!

I think it's more an r&r type place rather than a high energy place.

Get a map from cancunmap.com! It'll give you lots of ideas and places to check out!

Enjoy.

Stayed @ Secrets last Feb.Although the resort is gorgeous Got violently ill from food poisoning. The resort staff was very attentive but the vacation was ruined and Secrets did nothing to resolve the issue. If you stay be very careful about the food.

I have to vote for ASP, although, as another post stated, there is no real beach. It never bothers us as we are pool people, but if that's a must for you, I say go with Secrets. The Fairmont looks gorgeous, but if, as you say, you enjoy a few drinks, they can REALLY add up at a place like The Fairmont. We've been to similar hotels where we've paid over $20 for a mixed drink at the pool!! (Not exaggerating). I don't know about you, but that kills my vacation. Also, Fairmont is NOT adults only.