From all-inclusive rates to VAT exemptions and azure Caribbean vibes, read on to discover why our expert planners love hosting corporate retreats in Cancun and Tulum, Mexico.
From the moment the views of the Riviera Maya, Mexico, appear in your peripheral from the plane window, you’re greeted by quintessential tropical views. Miles of coastline peppered with thatched roof palapas, grand hotels mirrored by sparkling pools and lush green jungle alike, ombre blue and green hues of the waves rolling ashore - this is Mexico. And it’s one of the most popular places for corporate retreats for good reason! While we love all of Mexico, today, we’re diving deep into our favorite locales for corporate retreats in Cancun and Tulum.
Nestled along the pristine shores of Mexico's eastern coast, the destinations of Tulum and Cancun are some of the most popular on the Yucatán Peninsula. Cancun boasts a glamorous Hotel Zone adorned with lavish resorts that are designed to welcome corporate groups and leisure travelers alike, offering unparalleled views of the idyllic Caribbean Sea and boasting world-class amenities. Meanwhile, Tulum, a haven of sophistication and serenity, exudes an air of exclusivity with its boutique beachfront properties, where eco-conscious luxury meets unspoiled natural beauty.
This area has expanded immensely in the past decade, and that growth will only continue with the recent addition of Tulum Airport (TQO), which is now operating daily flights to the U.S. It’s quickly becoming the region to go for retreats and larger hotel groups like Secrets and Four Seasons are slated to open resorts in the area over the next few years.
Savings When Hosting Your Cancun Corporate Retreat
Before we dive into our favorite properties for your Cancun company retreat, though, we have to talk about the potential savings. And, while it’s a definite perk, we’re not just talking about all-inclusive packages that make it easy to budget.
Hosting meetings and conventions in Mexico has a unique advantage—foreign companies can benefit from a 16% VAT exemption on all lodging costs for their attendees.
This exemption, applicable to non-Mexican residents, adds an attractive incentive for businesses considering these vibrant locales for their next retreat. The only requirement is that there be at least one meeting with a coffee break on the agenda.
This is an incredible way to extend your meeting and retreat budgets!
Hotels for a Corporate Retreat in Cancun:
Hilton Cancun
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Caribbean Sea in a secluded mangrove preserve, Hilton Cancun, an all-inclusive resort, offers affordable luxury and is one of the most coveted destinations for company retreats in Cancun. While only 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, you feel as if you’re whisked worlds away driving down the palm-lined drive to the resort’s seemingly private oasis.
The coastal chic guest rooms boast local artisan flair with modern design, providing ultimate comfort for your attendees. Plus, the benefits of hosting all-inclusive corporate retreats are often overlooked. Think about it—free Wi-Fi, food and beverage included, so nothing is charged to T&E cards, and built-in entertainment. It’s definitely a great option for those companies seeking luxury for less when it comes to their incentives and corporate retreats in Cancun.
Property Features:
- 715 guest rooms, including 69 suites
- 12 all-inclusive gastronomic experiences with options for private dining
- Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces spanning 68,000 square feet
- Three on-site restaurants and two bars
- Nightly entertainment
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- AAA 4-Diamond rating
Barceló Maya Riviera
For large Cancun corporate retreats, the Barceló Maya Riviera offers the ideal oceanfront conference center locale. This sprawling complex features a mall, water park, theatres, mini golf, go-karts, and a bowling alley, all in addition to standard resort amenities you’d expect from a Cancun hotel. It’s also adjacent to other Barceló properties if you’d like your attendees to have options if they’re bringing family along.
The ultra-modern guest rooms are sleek and decorated with a contemporary, neutral color palette that allows the turquoise waters and beach to be the focal point, as over 500 of the rooms boast ocean views. Every room features a terrace and hydromassage tub.
Property Features:
- 850 guest rooms, including 110 suites
- 16 on-site restaurants and bars
- Over 226,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space in the Barcelo Maya Arena Complex
- 8 swimming pools
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- Forbes 5-Star rating
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Waldorf Astoria Cancun and the Hilton Cancun actually share the same meeting space while providing different resort experiences right next door. The Waldorf Astoria Cancun is ideal for C-suite or executive guests, as the white-glove, top-notch service is praised after nearly every stay.
The rooms exude the elevated luxury you’d expect from the Waldorf Astoria brand. They have ocean-front views and private balconies with plunge pools overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s definitely a spot that will spark creative energy and rejuvenation for your team.
Property Features:
- 173 guest rooms, including 34 suites
- Three on-site restaurants and two bars
- Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces spanning 68,000 square feet
- Two sprawling infinity pools
- Daily wellness classes
- Cenote-inspired spa
- AAA 5-Diamond rating
Hilton Playa del Carmen
Ideally located halfway between the Tulum and Cancun airports, Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, internationally influenced town. More intimate than Cancun but with all the same amenities, Playa is home to beautiful beaches, a chic downtown area great for offsite events or scavenger hunts, and eco-parks and excursions that make for great team-building.
One of our favorite locations for corporate retreats near Cancun is the Hilton Playa del Carmen. With the perfect location just steps away from both the main street for entertainment, Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue, and the stunning turquoise waters, this adults-only, all-suites, all-inclusive resort is popular among business travelers.
Property Features:
- 524 guest rooms, all suites hotel
- 12 restaurants and lounges with options for private dining and 24/7 room service
- Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- AAA 4-Diamond rating
Andaz Mayakoba Resort
Andaz Mayakoba, situated in the picturesque Mayakoba resort complex just north of Playa del Carmen, epitomizes modern luxury blended with authentic local charm. This Hyatt property draws inspiration from its lush natural surroundings and offers a unique experience characterized by innovative design, personalized service, and immersive cultural encounters reminiscent of the brand.
Attendees are welcomed into stylish and spacious accommodations featuring sleek furnishings, locally inspired artwork, and private balconies or terraces overlooking serene lagoons, mangrove forests, or the Caribbean Sea. After meetings, guests can indulge in a variety of activities, from relaxing by the pools or on the pristine beach to exploring nearby ecological reserves or partaking in traditional Mayan rituals at the serene Naum Wellness & Spa.
While it’s not an all-inclusive hotel, it does offer all-inclusive rates for groups, which makes planning and budgeting even simpler.
Property Features:
- 214 guest rooms, including 36 suites
- 5 on-site restaurants serving fresh, internationally-inspired cuisine
- Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
- AAA 4-Diamond rating
Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba sits atop 240 hectares of tropical forest intersected by crystal-clear waterways and a pristine Caribbean shoreline in the heart of the Mayakoba resort community. For companies with sustainability goals, Fairmont Mayakoba’s commitment to sustainability and preservation includes initiatives such as waste management, natural resource preservation, and partnerships with local communities. This cultivates a truly bespoke and environmentally conscious destination, which allows you to plan a corporate retreat in Cancun that remains true to your organization’s values.
The hotel is also famous for its par 72 championship course, which was designed by Greg Norman. The course plays home to the Mayakoba Golf Classic, the first PGA Tour event hosted outside the U.S. or Canada. Adding a morning scramble is always a good team-building idea!
Property Features:
- 401 guest rooms, including 41 suites
- 5 on-site restaurants serving fresh, internationally-inspired cuisine
- Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
- AAA 4-Diamond rating
ATELIER Playa Mujeres
ATELIER Playa Mujeres, just north of Cancun, is a world-class option for a luxurious Cancun company retreat. Built in 2021 and renovated in 2023, this independent property artfully combines service, gastronomy, relaxation, and adventure for the ultimate retreat experience. With their signature ATELIER Artist Service® experience, guests are treated to an array of luxurious amenities designed to enhance their stay as they’re immersed in the art and nature of the Riviera Maya.
But don’t just take our word for it. They were awarded the title of Mexico’s leading conference hotel in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 World Travel Awards and one of the “25 Best Hotels in the World” for the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. High praise!
Property Features:
- 593 guest rooms, all suites hotel
- 13 restaurants, 2 coffee shops, 13 bars
- Over 30,000 square feet of meeting space in their on-site Convention Center
- Par 72 18-hole golf course with lagoon and sea views
- Pool and beach
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- AAA 5-Diamond rating
TRS Coral Hotel
TRS Coral Hotel offers an exclusive adults-only retreat where luxury meets tranquility for the most discerning business travelers.
It is renowned for its exceptional dining options that offer a bit of interactive flair, like live cooking demonstrations and dinner shows. These are a great addition to all corporate retreats in Cancun!
Plus, the property works hard to offer a robust agenda of entertainment, such as mixology classes or tequila tasting, and wellness options, like Pilates or archery, that can be customized for your group. Another fun fact is that the property was featured in Season 2 of Love is Blind!
Property Features:
- 469 guest rooms, all suites hotel
- Over 30 restaurants and bars
- Rafael Nadal Tennis Centre
- Butler service for all rooms
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- Pool and beach
- Featured on Love is Blind Season 2
- AAA 4-Diamond rating
Hotels for a Corporate Retreat in Tulum:
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
The Conrad brand is known for its elegance and elevated resort experiences, and the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya doesn’t disappoint.
One of the unique offers at the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is The Ceiba Club. This premium offering within the resort provides exclusive amenities and personalized services for discerning guests seeking an elevated experience. Named after the Ceiba tree, a sacred symbol in Mayan culture representing the connection between the earth and the heavens, the Ceiba Club offers an intimate and luxurious retreat within the larger resort setting. It’s particularly great for companies seeking more privacy within the comfort of a larger branded property!
This property joins the Waldorf Astoria Cancun as one of the best hotels in Mexico, according to Condé Nast Traveller editors.
Property Features:
- 349 guest rooms, including 33 suites
- 11 dining venues with international flair
- Over 55,000 square feet of flexible function space
- Northstar 4-Star rating
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya Resort
Just 45 minutes away from the brand-new Tulum airport, the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya Resort is not only convenient but truly optimized for meetings, retreats, and events. From package recommendations for theme nights, which are always a hit for corporate retreats in Cancun, to stellar service that makes your team feel right at home, they become a partner in your success.
Plus, we love that they take corporate social responsibility and sustainability seriously. For eligible group bookings, they offset carbon emissions from your company retreat in Cancun and make a donation to a local non-profit on behalf of your organization.
But that isn’t all. The property was also voted Mexico’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort in the 2023 World Travel Awards!
Property Features:
- 735 guest rooms, including 74 suites
- 13 on-site dining outlets
- Over 50,000 square feet of meeting space in their on-site conference facilities
- Nightly music and entertainment, as well as daily cultural activities
- Group wellness classes
- 8 resort pools
- All-inclusive
- Northstar 4-Star rating
Ask The Experts
While incredibly worth it, planning a meeting in Mexico can get tricky, from negotiating all-inclusive meeting contracts to ensuring all your ducks are in a row to reap the benefits of the VAT exemptions.
Our expert planners are here to help navigate the logistics so you can take care of your team and soak up the sunshine. If you’re ready to plan a corporate retreat in Cancun or Mexico, let’s chat! Feel free also to explore some of our other favorite locations for company retreats in Mexico and worldwide.
.jpeg)