Looking for the Ultimate Cancun Beach Club?

(Last Updated On: December 4, 2020)

When people imagine Cancun its our sandy white beaches and crystal clear, turquoise water that initially comes to mind. Although, Cancun and it’s surrounding areas offer so much more than just that, spending time at the beach is high on the list for visitors to this region. Whether you are staying at a hotel or Airbnb in the Hotel Zone or downtown if you are looking for a Cancun beach club then a visit to one of these three places should definitely be on your list of must-do while on vacation.

Mandala Beach Club

Trendy Mandala Beach has been a popular beach club for locals and tourists alike for years. My husband, friends and I have spent many fun afternoons as well as celebrate a few birthdays here. Whatever you are in the mood for that day Mandala has the perfect option for you. Families and beach access only tickets enjoy comfortable loungers on the beach and a kid-friendly pool. For those who feel like partying a VIP pass is the way to go! This gets you into the adults-only area and features its very own swimming pool. Feel like splurging? Pay for your very own villa which includes a private pool.

In my opinion, the beach-only option is great if you just want to chill but if you don’t have any kids I recommend the VIP area every time! The sexy pool-side dancers, live DJ music, contests and shot-girls make for best beach parties in Cancun. Regardless of where you choose to hang out that day at Mandala the view, food, drinks, service and music can’t be beat for a memorable vacation experience.

PRO TIP

Ask for Daniel (Manager) and tell him CancunAsh sent you to help you find the best deal. He is the greatest!

• Feel safe at Mandala Beach: COVID PROTOCOLS

Sacbé Beach Shack

In March 2020 I went to Marriot Cancun Hotel’s Sacbé Beach Shack’s first-ever Full Moon Party to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was such a blast that we planned on going to every full moon event in the near future. Later that same month, Cancun, just like so many other places, went into quarantine. Life as we knew it suddenly underwent a drastic change that nobody was prepared for.

After five long months of virtual isolation, a Facebook post appeared on my timeline in mid-August that Sacbe Beach Shack was open, in a limited capacity, to receive clients. In general, beaches were still off-limits at that time but Sacbe was one of the few places that were exempt. We immediately made a reservation for the following day. To access the beach club you have to pass through the Marriot’s impressive lobby. Living in Cancun, one can almost become immune to the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean Sea when viewed day after day. For us, when we caught that first glimpse of the water again after so many months it felt like we were seeing it for the first time. It reminded me just why I love Cancun so much.

Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that day and many days thereafter. Sacbe Beach Shack is situated on a beautiful stretch of beach and offers great food, service, music and a fun beach atmosphere.

PRO TIP:

Order the hamburger. You won’t be disappointed!

Xpu-Ha Beach Club

Although Xpu-Ha isn’t technically in Cancun it is worth mentioning because it is one of the most picturesque beaches in the Riviera Maya. If you have a car you can get there in less than 1.5 hours from Cancun and from Playa del Carmen it will take you 20 minutes. Should you decide to rent a car you can also visit lots of cenotes along the way. There are several other ways to get to Xpu-Ha using a taxi or a colectivo.

Over the years when I have felt like getting out of Cancun for the day Xpu-Ha has often been at the top of my list. Here, the ocean, for the most part, is relatively calm. You won’t find the ever-present red flags that are so common on lots of the beaches in Cancun warning you of potential rip-tides and dangerous surf. This makes for ideal swimming conditions. Pre-COVID there was also live tropical music in the afternoons from Thursday-Sunday. Hopefully, that will return one day soon.

Another reason I really enjoy Xpu-Ha is the expansive shoreline that is ideal for taking a post-lunch walk to break-up your day spent lazing in the sun. A plus if you are trying to get those 10,000 steps in every day and burn off all those extra calories. If you are foodie like me you may not be overly impressed with the food. In my opinion, in the last few years the quality and bang-for-buck value has suffered somewhat but the view makes up for it. Overall, Xpu-Ha Beach Club is still worth a visit if you can get there.

PRO TIP:

Go during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. If you do go on a weekend in your own car go early to get parking close-by otherwise you will have to park near the highway and walk-in.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya has lots of beach clubs to choose from. There are new ones cropping up all the time. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit all of them (yet) but subscribe to my blog and you’ll hear more about them as I check them out. In the meantime, these three are some of my favourites.