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The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

By U.S. News & World Report

The best vacations are hassle-free.

The benefit of vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is simple: everything is included. There’s no need to budget extra money for meals and activities at the resort, you can simply relax and enjoy. And doing so surrounded by the beauty of Mexican beaches is an ideal getaway for many. But when traveling out of the country, it can be difficult to determine which all-inclusive property is worth the splurge. That’s why U.S. News used the overall scores from its 2016 Best Hotels in Mexico ranking and additional data to rank only properties that offer all-inclusive packages. So if you’re ready for an all-inclusive experience in Mexico, try one of these resorts on for size.

10. Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort

The Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort in Playa del Carmen routinely earns praise from guests for its individualized service and its staff’s attention to detail. Whether you decide to take part in water sports, such as kayaking and windsurfing, perfect your backhand at one of two tennis courts or simply lounge by one of the resort’s six pools, you won’t have to pay an extra dime. Plus, the all-inclusive rate covers dining at six different venues on the property, meaning you’ll have a variety of menus to choose from.

9. Secrets The Vine Cancun

This adults-only Secrets outpost not only offers stylish guest rooms (complete with complimentary minibars, free Wi-Fi and private terraces), but also features the brand’s signature Unlimited Luxury program. Guests have seven restaurants to choose from, beachside service along the private stretch of shoreline The Vine Cancun sits on and a complimentary round of golf each day, among other services and amenities. And since the resort is a member of the Secrets Resorts & Spas family, it means guests can enjoy dinner and drinks at more than 10 neighboring resorts for free.

8. The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres, Mexico

Located about 10 miles north of Cancun’s crowded hotel zone, The Beloved Hotel is a lavish adults-only oasis along the Riviera Maya. Guest rooms in the all-suite property offer private terraces, whirlpool tubs and free Wi-Fi access. The luxury extends to the four eateries and four bars on the property, which include a sushi and ceviche bar, oceanfront restaurants and a swim-up bar. Those who want to stay active can enjoy complimentary water sports, such as sailing and snorkeling, while others can relax along the 2-mile stretch of private beach. Another perk: With only 109 accommodations, personalized service is a top priority.

7. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

This adults-only retreat is off the beaten path, located about 30 miles south of Cancun and 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen. But don’t let its remote address fool you, it’s still chock full of amenities. The resort’s Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive program covers everything from complimentary green fees at the nearby Grand Coral Golf Course to shows in the open-air theater, not to mention free use of nonmotorized water sports equipment and meals at eight dining venues. When it’s time to bed down, guests will find spacious suites with large, furnished terraces. Looking for even more luxury? Splurge on a Preferred Club guest room that includes access to a private lounge and special concierge services.

6. Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya

The name of this Zoëtry resort says it all — it’s a beautiful paradise nestled along the coast about halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The boutique property features 90 oceanfront suites, all of which offer private terraces, minibars that are refreshed twice daily and marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. The resort’s Endless Privileges program not only features the typical all-inclusive perks, such as dining and unlimited spirits, but also comes with unique offerings, such as sunset catamaran sailings and a shopping excursion to Puerto Morelos by boat.

5. Hotel Mousai

This Puerto Vallarta gem offers an all-inclusive option that covers the price of meals at three on-site restaurants, unlimited libations, private beach access and activities like squash, basketball and tennis at the property’s Outdoor Play & Fitness Center. Other free activities include kayaking and paddleboarding at the beach. Even with these perks, recent guests were most impressed with the accommodations, which feature walk-in showers, terraces complete with hammocks and whirlpool tubs or plunge pools.

4. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Guests at the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will have their pick of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, all of which come equipped with minibars, free Wi-Fi access and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. The expansive suites are well-suited for families, as is the on-site kids club, which welcomes youngsters ages 4 to 12 at no additional charge. Other activities part of the all-inclusive rate range from free scuba diving clinics to pool and beachside service. When hunger strikes, lodgers will have four restaurants to choose from.

3. Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

This luxurious Fairmont property is tucked away on 240 acres along the Riviera Maya. Those who choose the resort’s optional all-inclusive package enjoy access to endless dining and drinks at award-winning restaurants, as well as activities like tennis, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Guests can also take the Fairmont’s bicycles out for a spin at no extra charge. Plus, the Fairmont Mayakoba welcomes kids with open arms, offering a splash pool area just for little ones, a supervised kids club and a teen room outfitted with gaming consoles.

2. Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Situated along the northern edge of Playa del Carmen, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya sets itself apart from neighboring properties by offering a little something for everyone. Those looking for a quiet escape can choose the adults-only section of the resort, while families with little ones in tow can take advantage of kids and teen clubs, as well as a children’s pool and organized activities that range from beach volleyball to pingpong. No matter what area of the resort you choose, you’ll have access to unlimited dining and drinks, as well as additional perks like 24-hour butler service.

1. Le Blanc Spa Resort

Ranked the No. 1 Best Hotel in Cancun and No. 1 Best All-Inclusive Resort in Mexico, this adults-only retreat offers four diverse restaurants, six bars and a private stretch of shoreline. The property receives consistently high ratings from travelers, who say the entire staff, from the butlers to the beach attendants, provides exceptional service with a smile. When you’re not lounging by one of the three pools (two of which offer swim-up bars) or participating in excursions (for an additional fee), you can relax in your amenity-filled room. Accommodations feature flat-screen TVs with Apple TV, stocked minibars, in-room aromatherapy options and bathrooms with double whirlpools.

More from U.S. News

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

The Evolution of All-Inclusive Resorts

The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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