If you crave the excitement of being amongst the first to visit a newly opened resort then we have a brand new roundup of All-Inclusive Resorts Opening in 2025 for you!
One benefit: One of the many reasons that some folks LOVE to be the first to enjoy a newly opened all-inclusive resort is generally the reduced rates….BUT it’s important to know that there are typically numerous issues that need to be worked through when a resort opens, when new staff is still undergoing training that is helped by early guest feedback, so sometimes the services or cuisine isn’t yet “up to snuff” ….early adopters are generally patient and willing (for those aforementioned reduced rates) to overlook minor annoyances and help resorts to “tune up” the engine, so to speak, by offering constructive input.
One caveat: it sounds cliché but it’s still important to emphasize that even with “the best laid plans..” oftentimes schedules get pushed out farther due to unforeseen circumstance, so be sure to check as you begin your vacation planning process if your heart is set on being a “first to stay”, and understand that even a very carefully planned vacation may need to change if the resort’s “opening” doesn’t happen as planned.
Question: What do I do if I book and the resort doesn’t open as planned or isn’t ready?
Answer: If a resort is -close- to being opened, but just running behind, they may honor your reservation but you’ll likely be dealing with construction noise and mess, fewer dining options as some planned restaurants aren’t yet open, and potentially issues with your room, such as a lack of hot water in the shower. MOST of the time, if a resort is truly not ready for even their “soft” opening (which happens just ahead of their public reveal and “grand” opening), they will move you to a nearby resort, either in the same brand or another, but typically one that offers a similar experience.
All-Inclusive Resorts Opening in 2025
Kimpton Tres Ríos – January 2025 – NOW Open!
The first all-inclusive resort for the Kimpton brand, the Check PricesKimpton Tres Rios (formerly the Hacienda Tres Rios) had its “soft” opening in late 2024 after undergoing extensive renovations, and began officially welcoming guests for its “grand opening” in early 2025. Located on a 326-acre nature reserve in Riviera Maya, this eco-friendly and ultra-luxe all-inclusive has 355 suites, 7 restaurants, 5 bars, and rightly boasts about its sustainable practices. They also offer guided eco-tours through its remarkable nature park, which features three distinct ecosystems: jungle, mangrove forests, and coastal dunes. The park is a sanctuary for over 90 animal species and 120 plant species, along with hidden cenotes, a native plant nursery, and scenic ecological trails—all within the resort’s expansive and lush grounds, where guests can explore on foot, by bike, or by kayak with all manner of activities available.
» Read our full post about the new Kimpton Tres Ríos
Melia Casa Maya Cancun – January 2025 – NOW Open!
Located on one of the prettiest stretches of beach in Cancun, the family-friendly and elegantly modern 260-room Check PricesMelia Casa Maya has a boutique and intimate small-resort vibe while still offering the numerous amenities you’d find at a much larger resort. Situated between the ocean and the lushly serene Nichupté lagoon, most rooms have amazing ocean views, and some feature direct swim-up access as well. There’s also an outdoor pool, a small on-site water park with slides, a kids’ club, three restaurants and four bars.
» Read our full post about the new Melia Casa Maya Cancun
Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres – Feb 2025
The newly-opened (in February) Check PricesExcellence Coral Playa Mujeres is an adults-only luxury resort located in the Marina area of Playa Mujeres, featuring elegantly contemporary suites, private pools, rooftop terraces, and ocean views, along with over 15 restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art Spa and fitness center, as well as access to the Greg Norman-designed Playa Mujeres Golf Course and the Marina. Tip: Playa Mujeres offers some of the nicest beach walking anywhere, given its proximity to the just-offshore island of Isla Mujeres (a great day trip) which offers protection from most of the seaweed as well as calmer waves (which also makes it nicer for snorkeling!).
Looking for a Resort Map of Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres? Here you go!
» Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres Resort Map
» Read our full post about the new Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres
Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa – April 2025
Located in the Dominican Republic, right next door to its adults-only sister, Check PricesSecrets Playa Esmeralda, the family-friendly Check PricesDreams Playa Esmeralda features 500 accommodations, some with swim-out access to the main pool, along with 9 dining options, 7 bars, and an on-site waterpark…and one of the most spectacular beaches anywhere! Kids (3-12) will love the Explorer’s Club, while teens can hang at the Core Zone. Reservations can be made now for stays beginning April 1, 2025.
» Read our full post about the new Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa – April 2025
Located in the Dominican Republic, right next door to its family-friendly sister, Check PricesDreams Playa Esmeralda, the adults-only Check PricesSecrets Playa Esmeralda features 500 accommodations, some with terraces offering direct beach access, along with 9 dining options, 7 bars, and an impressive Spa. The entire resort is designed with romance in mind, and you can extend the romance with long walks along a gorgeous stretch of beach that Miches is famous for. Reservations can be made now for stays beginning April 1, 2025.
» Read our full post about the new Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
W Punta Cana – April 2025
Located roughly 45 minutes from the airport (PUJ), the new Check PricesW Punta Cana is accepting reservations for stays beginning in mid-April and has plans for a “grand-opening” beginning in May. This newly-built adults-only luxury all-inclusive is the first all-inclusive-concept resort for the W brand, and we expect it to quickly earn rave reviews. Set on a stunning stretch of beach and featuring an uber-hip and trendy style (described as “boldly ultra-modern”) the W brand is known for, the resort will feel familiar to repeat W guests as they’ve included The Living Room (lobby bar), a Fit gym, an Away Spa, and their signature “Wet Deck” pool bar experience. Additionally you’ll find 13 dining and bar options and multiple outdoor pools. Best of all, since it’s a Marriott-managed property, you can use your Bonvoy points for a stay!
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba- June 2025
Located about 30 minutes from the airport, in the calm Baby Beach Bay and close to the San Nicolas Street Murals and Boca Grandi (a mecca for advanced kite surfers and their enthusiastic fans), the adults-only Check PricesSecrets Baby Beach Aruba is the first of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection in that part of Aruba. Situated on one of the nicest and most pristine white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, the new Secrets Baby Beach features 7 dining options, 3 pools, and a world-class Spa. We expect the same high standards for luxury, exemplary service, gourmet cuisine, and the romantic ambiance that Secrets Resorts are well known for all over the world. Guests may bring 1 small dog (up to 22lbs) for a small additional fee per night in specific room categories.
» Read our full post about the new Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
Ocean Azure Costa Mujeres – August 2025
The newly opened adults-only Check PricesOcean Azure Costa Mujeres is located in the exclusive Costa Mujeres community just a few minutes north of Cancun, and has two outdoor pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a water park, along with a theater, a bowling alley, 8 restaurants, and 10 bars and lounges. All 599 luxury rooms feature gorgeous “ocean-inspired” decor, but our favorite part is that the location gives its beach some protection from seaweed and the heavy waves that push it to shore, due to the presence of just-offshore Isla Mujeres.
About that seaweed….
We have a popular FAQ on this topic – where to go to avoid the seaweed problem….
That’s a great question! As the ocean temperature changes so does the seaweed problem, some years there is little to no seaweed (also called “sargassum”), in other years there is an over-abundance of the stinky stuff. Weather — sometimes far offshore — also has an effect. These factors can be hard to predict, and sometimes last for weeks or months, often changing overnight.
Your friends might have a perfect seaweed-free vacation just the week before your trip to the same destination, when you might encounter a daily pile-up of seaweed.
What that means is that it’s hard for anyone, expert or not, to tell you exactly when or where to go to avoid seaweed, but you do have SOME options.
- Consider an all-inclusive in Playa Mujeres or Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun) such as the new Check PricesSecrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, where they get *some* protection from the seaweed from Isla Mujeres (which also blocks some of the ocean’s larger waves, resulting in calmer water).
- There are several great all-inclusive resorts in Isla Mujeres where there is no seaweed at all on the west-facing (inward aka leeward) coast of the island. We’re really looking forward to a stay at the brand-new Check PricesSecrets Impression Isla Mujeres!
- A few resorts – such as the Check PricesHotel Xcaret and the Check PricesHard Rock Riviera Maya – have a “lagoon”-style beach area featuring either natural or man-made off-shore reefs that block most waves, and most of the seaweed, but still let you wade and snorkel amongst the fishies.
- On the opposite (western) coast, the all-inclusives in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Riviera Nayarit, rarely suffer from seaweed problems that can sometimes plague the Caribbean (eastern) side of Mexico. As of April 2024 there will also be a new Check PricesDreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan, a family-friendly option.
It’s also important to know that the government of popular Caribbean tourist destinations including Mexico, along with many in the tourism industry, are now spending millions of dollars to combat the problem. One solution being implemented is off-shore nets that will keep the stuff from hitting the beach.
More Reading:
Want to know more about when/where/why seaweed is more of a problem than it used to be?
Mexico & Caribbean Seaweed Report
RIU Ventura Cancun – December 2025
RIU has set a Grand Opening date of December 6, 2025 for their new family-friendly Check PricesHotel Riu Ventura outside (located on the stunning Playa Delfines in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone)! Featuring more than 700 rooms along with 6 pools (one is a dedicated kids’ pool with slides), 8 dining options, 6 bars, and of course – their highly respected RIULand Kids’ Club and RIUFit program for health & wellness. There’s also world-class golf nearby, as well as shopping and the famous Cancun nightlife.
Breathless Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa – ON HOLD?
Originally announced in 2024 and slated to open in April 2025, the 450-room adults-only Breathless Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is no closer to opening than when the press release was published. If rumors are correct, Hyatt intended to refurbish the Krystal Grand and change the brand, but there’s been no movement so we consider this project “on hold” versus postponed. We’ll update if this starts to gain traction.
Dreams Grand Island Cancun – ON HOLD?
(Photo not yet available)
Originally announced in 2023 and slated to open in early 2025, this Dreams Grand Island Cancun appears to be “on hold” and no additional information is available regarding completion and opening. It was anticipated to be a family-friendly resort connected to the Check PricesHyatt Vivid Grand Island (which opened in late 2024), offering 616 rooms, multiple pools, 19 restaurants, and a massive 26,000-square-foot wellness center. Set between the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Ocean, the Dreams Grand Island Cancun should offer both serene lagoon views and amazing ocean views.
BONUS – Moon Palace The Grand, Punta Cana – March 2026
NEW and Coming Soon! Expected to open in Spring 2026, the all-inclusive Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana will definitely include a Vegas-style casino with gaming tables and slot machines, but the resort is currently still under construction so some of the details are still subject to change.
Here’s what we know: It’s a mega-resort…plans include 3,350 lavish rooms (including more than 70 ocean-view swim-up suites), 19 dining options, numerous bars (including 11 swim-up options), at least 9 outdoor pools (including a water park with slides, a wave pool, and a kiddie pool), as well as a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a world-class Spa, a bowling alley, a fitness center, various sports courts, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs. Whew!
Palace Resorts is well-known for luxury family-friendly resorts and we LOVE the Check PricesMoon Palace The Grand in Cancun, so we have high hopes for their new Punta Cana property. We expect they’ll begin taking reservations this fall for their spring 2026 opening, we’ll post a link once it’s available.
We will update this as soon as we can get more information and confirmation on progress.
