A wellness getaway in Cancun, Mexico, is just what the doctor ordered. Set your out-of-office email and head south of the border for massages, margaritas, and a schedule of self-care. 

 

Luxury resorts in Cancun are leaning into wellness offerings, from fresh-pressed juices and smoothies to sunrise yoga and massages by the sea. Whether you prefer to relax with a pickleball game or a hydrotherapy circuit, guests of top-tier properties are enjoying activities and culinary options that go far beyond pina coladas by the pool. 

To get the scoop on seaside wellness offerings in Cancun, I visited two stunning Caribbean resorts: Garza Blanca Cancun and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. Read on to see which one might be the perfect choice for your next wellness getaway.

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun

June was Wellness Month at Garza Blanca, so I hopped on a quick flight from Austin to enjoy a few days of pampering and relaxation at this gorgeous 5-star resort. From the morning smoothie bar and yoga under a massive palapa to Imagine Spa’s hydrotherapy circuit and relaxing massage, I quickly detoxed from my daily work life and embraced wellness by the playa.  

Prime location for wellness

Located on a quiet stretch of Playa Mujeres, Garza Blanca Cancun glistens like a shiny, modern white and silver gem. From the rooftop adults-only pool and bar, you can survey five huge pools below that stretch to the teal and emerald sea. 

The resort faces Isla Mujeres, an island that acts as a natural barrier. This calms the waves on Garza Blanca’s beach and blocks much of the sargassum that can clutter shores further south. Behind the resort is an equally tranquil view of a mangrove preserve that stretches as far as the eye can see. 

Caribbean views from bed, bathtub, and balcony

Garza Blanca is thoughtfully designed to highlight its stunning surroundings. Want to take a relaxing bath in your oceanview suite? You can gaze out over the sea from the comfort of your huge soaking tub. Lounging in bed or from your balcony hammock? The beach is your backdrop there, too. Even in the spa lounge and treatment rooms, you’ll have spectacular views. 

Spa and hydrotherapy circuit

No wellness stay is complete without a spa treatment (or three). From the moment you approach the Imagine Spa entry, its lovely aroma and soft music will put you at ease. You’ll find a quiet retreat at the end of a soothing, golden-lit path. 

With a booked treatment, you’re invited to enjoy the full hydrotherapy circuit. A guide will lead you through the stations, from sensation shower to sauna, from cold plunge to steam room, and from pressure-jet massage pool to whirlpool. The cold plunge is not relaxing, but the complete circuit will leave you feeling calm and ready for a chakra-balancing massage or body wrap.  

Daily wellness activities

Even when it’s not Wellness Month, Garza Blanca has a rotating calendar of daily activities, from water adventures to culinary experiences. Start with Aqua Zumba or volleyball by the pool, head to the beach for kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling. Then give mixology or sushi-making a try. In the evenings, there may be dance lessons, live music, and shows to enjoy. 

Pools, pools, pools

The resort also has pools galore. When I visited in June, Garza Blanca was at 70% occupancy, but the pools were never crowded. From the rooftop pool for adults to the family pools below, there is plenty of room to spread out. Many rooms also have private swim-up pools.

Wellness center, for the truly committed

Hitting the gym on vacation isn’t for everyone, but if that’s your thing, the resort’s Wellness Center is a pretty great one. It’s a large space fully equipped with new-looking cardio and resistance machines.

Cold-pressed juicery bar

You can get juices, smoothies, and mimosas at breakfast, but I recommend making an extra stop at the Lobby Bar. Here you can enjoy a rotating cold-pressed juice bar offering.

From mocktails to modern Mexican cuisine

Every bite and beverage at Garza Blanca was a celebration for my taste buds, from the beachside cucumber dreams mocktail at The Snack to the tableside guacamole at the Mexican restaurant, Bianca Blue.

Whether you opt for TAFER’s signature gourmet culinary all-inclusive plan or pay as you go, your taste buds will be happy at Garza Blanca. You have six restaurants to choose from, plus 24/7 in-room dining. With the all-inclusive, you can also dine at the neighboring TAFER properties, Villa del Palmar Cancun and the adults-only Hotel Mousai Cancun.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

From Garza Blanca, I moved 15 miles down the beach to the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, an oasis of understated luxury in the Hotel Zone. Why would you want to be in the Hotel Zone? It’s prime real estate for the Caribbean blues and greens that Mexico travel expert Jenny Hart calls “slap you in the face color.” 

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is a thin strip of land between Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea with great views in every direction, and JW Marriott is right in the center. Here, the sea is not slowed by a natural barrier like Isla Mujeres, so large waves crash on the sand — the perfect soundtrack for a wellness retreat.

Beachfront serenity

JW Marriott is more low-key than its neighboring sister property, the all-inclusive Marriott Cancun Resort. It’s a great place to chill by the water with a drink in hand, and you have several pools to choose from. There’s an adults-only pool and a large infinity pool that spills into sweeping views of the Caribbean. Reserve a cabana and order a cocktail — I recommend the prosecco margarita.

Sens-yah Spa for a Mayan experience

The JW Marriott Sens-yah Spa signature treatments include Mayan rituals, massages, and herbal scrubs. Before your treatment, enjoy a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna, steam room, and both hot and cold whirlpools. Or, if you’d rather be outside, reserve a massage on the beach.

Sunrise yoga and beachfront fitness

Sunrise yoga sessions are held in the gardens by the beach, and there is a host of other classes you can join, from box to abs to pilates. There’s an expansive, light-filled gym stocked with modern equipment, plus personal trainers available for private sessions. Stop by the gym’s health bar for a protein smoothie. 

Happy bellies by the beach

Mouthwatering cuisine is where JW Marriott Cancun really shines. Everything I ate here was delicious, from light local bites at the LA 16 Speakeasy to the circular churros at Bravio. One night we stuffed ourselves with fresh homemade pasta at Gustino Italian Grill, and another we dined al fresco at Sasi Thai (a Thai night market street food menu I still dream about). After meals, we stopped by the JW Lobby Bar, which boasts 150 flavors of margaritas. 

A balanced wellness stay

Whether you’re decompressing at the spa, lounging by the infinity pool, or taking a day trip to a Temazcal sweat lodge experience, JW Marriott Cancun has the ingredients for a restful retreat. 

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 Cover photo Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub is an editor who lives in Austin, Texas. She never misses an opportunity to visit Mexico.