A new addition has joined the coastline just north of Puerto Morelos, bringing another major five-star option to one of Mexico’s most in-demand stretches of sand. Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has officially opened Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun, a beachfront all-inclusive that expands the brand’s footprint in the country and adds a fresh take on family-friendly, couple-friendly luxury on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The resort, located 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, became part of the portfolio last month and reinforces Iberostar’s presence in a destination where it now operates 12 hotels.
The property centers on ease and scale. There are 444 suites across several wings, each designed with ample space and a jacuzzi. The accommodations range from family units to swim-up suites connected to semi-private pools, along with oceanfront options that face directly toward the Caribbean. The mix gives the resort a versatile layout that appeals to travelers looking for a modern, all-inclusive base close to both Cancun and the quieter atmosphere around Puerto Morelos.
Dining is one of the resort’s focal points. Guests can rotate between an international buffet, a wood-fired pizzeria, and four specialty restaurants. L’Oliveto highlights Italian flavors; Nopal serves contemporary Mexican dishes; the Caribbean restaurant focuses on regional seafood and coastal classics; and Martinete draws on Spanish culinary traditions. The resort also includes six bars, three of them swim-up, along with a Star Café that anchors the social spaces throughout the day.
Leadership described the opening as a milestone tied to the company’s long-term strategy in Mexico, emphasizing expansion, elevated service and the development of local talent, with responsible tourism at the center. The new addition brings Iberostar’s inventory in the country to 4,400 rooms and pushes total employment beyond 5,800 professionals. Approximately 650 jobs are expected to be generated from the new resort alone.
The location places guests within easy reach of two major draws: the Great Mayan Reef, which runs along the coast and offers snorkeling and diving access, and the Route of the Cenotes, a chain of freshwater pools set deeper in the jungle. The beachfront itself is the resort’s primary attraction, shaped by wide sand, steady breezes and quick access to the region’s turquoise shallows.
Iberostar implemented an intensive training program ahead of the opening, a two-month initiative designed to align team members with the brand’s values, service approach and operational standards. The resort also integrates the company’s Wave of Change movement, a framework focused on responsible tourism across all Iberostar properties. The guest experience is designed without single-use plastics, purified drinking water stations are positioned throughout the resort, seafood sourcing is monitored, and a dedicated 3R Team oversees waste sorting to support the long-term goal of sending zero waste to landfill.
What We Like
The resort blends scale with a controlled, contemporary feel. The room inventory gives travelers a wide range of beachfront options, from swim-up suites to oceanfront spaces that face the Caribbean directly. The culinary program adds range, particularly the specialty restaurants that bring a mix of regional and international flavors. Iberostar’s responsible-tourism framework is visible throughout the property, from water systems to sourcing and waste management, which adds depth to the overall experience. The setting means quick access to Puerto Morelos, one of our favorite beach towns in Mexico.
How to Get There
Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancun is located approximately 20 minutes south of Cancun International Airport along the highway toward Puerto Morelos. Most visitors reach the resort by private transfer or taxi. The property sits near the beachfront corridor that links Cancun to the fishing village, giving guests easy access to local restaurants, marinas and day-trip operators along the coast.
Caitlin Sullivan
2025-12-05 14:22:00