Destinations

Wyndham Alltra Cancun overview: Nice for households and budget-minded {couples}

Cancun is perennially widespread with vacationers due to its sandy seashores, beautiful climate and numerous lodging choices, starting from family-friendly all-inclusive resorts to top-shelf luxurious resorts and party-hearty resorts with swim-up bars galore. It doesn’t matter what sort of tropical expertise you are searching for, you are positive to seek out it in Cancun and the encompassing resort space.

Whereas I’ve stayed in a variety of lodging in my 25-plus years as a journey journalist, I used to be by no means drawn to the all-inclusive resort expertise. Preconceived notions of 24-hour booze-soaked partying or droves of youngsters marauding by way of water parks stored me away from each couples-only and family-oriented resorts. Nonetheless, I wished to problem my perspective, so I booked a keep on the Wyndham Alltra Cancun to know the all-inclusive expertise higher for myself.

Here is every thing you might want to learn about this resort and why it could — or might not — be your cup of tequila.

What’s Wyndham Alltra Cancun?

KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY

The Wyndham Alltra model is without doubt one of the new children on the all-inclusive resort block. It launched three Mexico resorts, beginning with Wyndham Alltra Playa Del Carmen, Adults Solely, in late 2021. Each Wyndham Alltra Cancun and Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit (in Nuevo Vallarta) opened in 2022. Moreover, the model’s Wyndham Alltra Samana – All-Inclusive Resort within the Dominican Republic started welcoming visitors in December 2023.

The “higher midscale all-inclusive model,” as Wyndham describes it, provides a fairly priced all-inclusive trip for singles, {couples} and households.

Previous to its April 2022 opening, Wyndham Alltra Cancun was Panama Jack Cancun Resort. The rebranding included adjustments like room updates and a refresh of some public areas. I used to be instructed that every one Panama Jack employees remained. No surprise the constantly nice customer support critiques of the earlier resort that I might learn proceed to be born out with the present resort, and each employees encounter I had was optimistic and welcoming. Every greeting from the resort staff included inserting a hand on their hearts with an endearing smile and nod.

Wyndham Alltra Cancun is billed as a family-friendly all-inclusive and definitely delivers with a pirate-themed splash park, designated household pool and a sturdy children membership. Nonetheless, the concentrate on children didn’t detract from my “{couples}” keep, and even solo vacationers will probably discover one thing they take pleasure in.

Associated studying: The 12 finest Wyndham resorts on the planet

Day by day Publication

Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day publication

Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists

Reserving particulars

One of the best choices to guide a keep at this property are to both use a Wyndham Rewards cobranded bank card or a normal journey rewards bank card, just like the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve.

I booked instantly with the property utilizing my Chase Sapphire Most well-liked card. Our two-night keep in early December was $751 based mostly on double occupancy, however charges begin from $337 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards Factors per night time. We weren’t charged a resort charge, however visitors can pay an environmental tax per room per night time (72.62 Mexican pesos, or about $4.50).

Getting there

The Wyndham Alltra Cancun sits on the northern portion of Cancun’s Resort Zone, a few 25-minute drive from Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN). It is handy to many eating places and purchasing, although you may guide excursions farther afield by way of the resort.

Complimentary airport transfers are usually not included in resort reservations, however you may guide transportation by way of the concierge, which I do not suggest. The price was $85 one-way, with a slight low cost for round-trip transfers ($175). We booked a switch for arrival however opted for a $40 taxi journey upon departure. Taxis filtered by way of the entrance of the resort with some consistency. After we requested the employees to safe one for us, we waited lower than 5 minutes for one to reach. As talked about, it was lower than half the price of a shuttle organized by way of the resort.

Checking in

We arrived within the morning, and the foyer was uncrowded and welcoming, although it may get busy at different occasions of the day. Our room was not but prepared, however we obtained our all-inclusive wristbands and got entry to every thing included in our keep, resembling eating within the eating places or ordering drinks on the bars.

We obtained black wristbands after we checked in, and one of many concierge employees members later instructed us it was a “VIP” band (although I had not upgraded or booked something additional). He instructed us we received a free tour or cabana rental however wasn’t clear on how we earned this VIP standing after I inquired. We had already booked a cabana (extra particulars on that beneath) and weren’t staying lengthy sufficient to do an tour, so we declined. You may discover extra particulars on our cabana rental and tour choices beneath.

A second concierge approached us later that afternoon with the identical supply. Fortunately, she defined the method. Apparently, numerous visitors obtain VIP bands randomly at check-in (without cost). You possibly can rating a “free” tour or resort credit score should you attend an data session in regards to the VIP bundle (bookable on your subsequent keep).

Time did not permit us to attend, however the entrance desk employees defined that VIP standing comes with a premium suite reserving or greater (sixth flooring) with out attending the data session. A VIP reserving will get you diversified perks like in-room fruit baskets, goodies and different additional facilities, in addition to entry to the Alltra VIP Lounge on the sixth flooring. You may as well add VIP standing to any room for $40 per individual per night time for visitors ages 18 and up.

It seems our reserving of a premium junior suite would have earned us VIP standing with entry to the Alltra VIP Lounge. I am unsure why that wasn’t communicated to us extra clearly at check-in. We additionally did not obtain any fruit baskets or goodies throughout our keep.

Rooms are spacious however may use a refresh

The 458-key property provides normal rooms and a bevy of suite choices. Customary rooms at Wyndham Alltra Cancun function a separate open-concept sitting space with a desk and chairs, in addition to a furnished semi-private terrace or balcony. In addition they embrace a minifridge, a flat-screen TV, a bathrobe, a hair dryer and different conventional in-room facilities.

Suite choices are in depth. You possibly can select amongst junior suites, premium junior suites, grasp suites, household suites, and spacious 1,366-square-foot presidential suites. Suites embrace oceanfront, ocean-view, lagoon-view or beachfront walkout choices. Facilities within the suites class might embrace non-public balconies with hammocks, in-room sizzling tubs and a private seashore cabana.

As beforehand talked about, suites include unique entry to the Alltra VIP Lounge.

The household suites embrace rooms that sleep as much as three children with dad and mom. These rooms embrace a bunk mattress with a pull-out trundle mattress and a furnished non-public balcony with a hammock. It additionally supplies easy accessibility to Camp Alltra, the resort’s children membership, which provides supervised actions for teenagers ages 4-12. Along with having fun with the splash park and household pool (extra on that beneath), youthful visitors can take part in film nights, magic reveals and different occasions.

Our premium junior suite was ethereal, with marble tile flooring, grayish-beige furnishings and pops of sea blue. Steps flanked by white wrought iron railing led to a good-sized sitting space with a love seat, espresso desk and small eating desk. It gave an early Eighties Palm Seashore resort vibe; I personally favored it, but it surely may not be for everybody. I simply want I had packed my favourite caftan.

The closet held robes and slippers. There was additionally a espresso maker, an iron and ironing board, a protected, and a minifridge stocked with complimentary sodas, juice, beer and water.

I favored how the self-importance area was separate from the lavatory and bathe space. Nonetheless, the self-importance part was open to the remainder of the room, which permits gentle to spill in should you’re preparing whereas others are sleeping. The double self-importance space was spacious, with loads of room for our private toiletries, my flat iron and brush. The supplied toiletries included your normal cleaning soap, lotion, stitching equipment and bathe cap; it additionally got here with extras like a shaving equipment with a razor and shaving cream, a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste and a shoe sprucing equipment.

The bathroom and bathe room didn’t have a second sink however featured a lighted mirror and a slim marble ledge that could possibly be used to stash make-up or further toiletries. There was no bathtub, however the glass-walled bathe was spacious and included a bathe seat. A steel rack contained in the bathe held additional towels.

We additionally had a small balcony overlooking the youngsters’ play space, and it supplied a glimpse of the ocean to the fitting. With two chairs and a small desk, it was a pleasant spot to loosen up with morning espresso or a night cocktail.

Lodging obtained some updates with the changeover to Wyndham, however some components may use additional enchancment. For instance, the darkish wooden of the closets and reddish marble self-importance counter tops did not match the lightness of the remainder of the room. Additionally, the closet doorways did not at all times wish to keep shut.

KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY

The fitted sheet on the mattress was so skinny that you possibly can learn the mattress label. That stated, the cover and pillows had been plush and comfy, and I slept nicely each nights. Additionally, not one of the USBs within the wall labored, so we used our private chargers.

Fortunately, the Wi-Fi in our room and the general public areas was quick. Once we did a velocity take a look at in each our room and foyer, we received a obtain velocity of 263 Mbps (room) and 125 Mbps (foyer) and an add velocity of 57 Mbps (room) and 200 Mbps (foyer).

Eating places and bars

KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY

In fact, one of many large appeals of all-inclusive resorts is that every one (or a minimum of most) drinks and meals come together with your keep. This fashion, you get unfettered entry to drinks and meals with out pulling out your pockets. Nonetheless, the standard of foods and drinks choices can typically be hit and miss.

Whereas I wasn’t blown away by a eating expertise that I am going to dream about for months to return, the meals had been constantly good, and I appreciated the number of included meals choices out there. We selected to not pay additional for particular add-ons like a tomahawk steak (1,490 Mexican pesos or about $88) or lobster tail (990 pesos or about $58) that maybe may have leveled up our eating expertise.

Essential eating venues included Viaggio (rustic Italian fare), Azul (buffet and Asian dishes), Casa de Rosa (Mexican) and Ventanas (breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet). There was additionally a wide selection of spots for a extra informal expertise. Amongst them had been Cafe Mexico (espresso, pastries and small sandwiches), Agave Bar (poolside), At Sundown (Mediterranean), Cravings (candy treats) and Brasas Grill (barbecue specialties served poolside).

Friends may sit back at a handful of on-site bars like Kaa Bar and Lounge (foyer bar), Bar Agave (by the principle pool) and beachside Olas Bar, full with swings. Should you spring for a collection (or add VIP standing to your normal room), you will even have entry to the Alltra VIP Lounge on the sixth flooring. We could not hit all of them inside a two-night keep, however here is my tackle those we did.

Viaggio

I liked the vibe of Viaggio, which had black-and-white tiled flooring, vintage-style photographs on the partitions and a vivid crimson Alpha Romeo parked by the host stand.

You do not want reservations for included eating venues, however had been instructed to get there after they opened at 5 p.m. to keep away from a wait. We rolled up at round 6:30 p.m. on a Friday and had been seated immediately.

We ordered a Caesar salad, beef carpaccio, mahi mahi and rooster Parmesan. All the things was hearty and attractive. The home wine on supply was Don Silvestre (Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc), which tends to go for about $10 a bottle. I am specific about my wine, and I assumed each had been stable, having fun with multiple glass at dinner. (Nonetheless, I will not be operating out to Dealer Joe’s to choose up a bottle of it to have at dwelling.)

Azul

This buffet outlet had the everyday breakfast choices (omelet station, waffles, Mexican breakfast dishes) in addition to some a la carte choices. Resorts do not at all times get one thing easy like scrambled eggs proper, however mine had been fluffy and completely executed. The breakfast pizza I ordered was easy however scrumptious. Lunch objects included salad fixings, sizzling seafood dishes, a stir-fry station, desserts and different objects. We did not eat dinner right here, however I used to be instructed that Asian dishes had been the spotlight.

Casa de Rosa

The resort’s Mexican restaurant didn’t disappoint. I began off with shrimp aguachile, a kind of ceviche made with shrimp or different seafood that is marinated in a mix of lime juice and chili peppers. It was contemporary and flavorful with a pleasant kick to it. I ordered the ocean bass and paired it with a passionfruit margarita. My husband ordered the blended grill fajitas (with beef and rooster) and was happy with each the style and the beneficiant portion.

KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY

Dessert was churros served with tequila-infused sizzling chocolate sauce. I might want to retract my earlier assertion about memorable meals on this occasion. The churros had been superior, and I take into consideration them usually.

Ventanas

Meals choices right here mirrored these out there at Azul. Inside, there have been largely wood-top tables with steel and fabric banquet-type chairs. I traded a wonky chair out for a gentle another than as soon as. The tables and chairs outdoors had been good, although, so we ate alfresco there when the solar wasn’t aggressive. We dined right here for lunch twice, and each occasions, I stacked my plate with salad, selfmade guacamole and chips, contemporary fruit and rolls. I sampled the flan for dessert, and it was scrumptious.

Kaa Bar and Lounge

We hit Kaa Bar and Lounge within the foyer whereas ready for our room. I ordered a margarita (frozen) and wasn’t a fan. The flavour had an virtually plastic style to it. I attempted a margarita on the rocks later, hoping for a unique end result (considering the premade frozen combine might need been the problem). It wasn’t a really tasty tipple, both. I caught with vodka and cranberry juice after that.

We did benefit from the bar’s environment, and it was a hub of exercise throughout our keep, with prime people-watching alternatives. There have been TVs above the bar and a big TV display screen on one wall that confirmed soccer video games and sports activities reveals. Nonetheless, the area did not have a powerful sports activities bar vibe after we had been there. Maybe that may change if there was a championship sport many visitors had been enthusiastic about. Whereas we had been right here, it was a preferred place for {couples} and teams of associates to converge for a drink.

Alltra VIP Lounge

You probably have entry to the Alltra VIP Lounge, ensure to return right here for cocktails. It is the one place you may get premium spirits resembling Patron tequila and Absolut vodka as a part of your bundle. It was a pleasant, quiet place to get a bit work achieved whereas having fun with a drink. A small buffet of sunshine bites — small sandwiches and charcuterie objects, fruits and veggies, pastries and mini desserts — had been out there all through the day.

Nice pool and seashore areas

There have been two swimming pools on the resort. The principle pool was simply off the principle foyer (maintain strolling straight forward from the resort entrance). You may discover the second pool, which is widespread with households, by strolling by way of the foyer bar (because it’s on the opposite facet).

The principle pool overlooks the seashore, offering easy accessibility for a fast ocean dip as an alternative choice to swimming within the chlorinated water. The pool deck was expansive, with loads of lounge and cabana seating.

There at all times appeared to be empty loungers out there, and I solely noticed a handful of chairs “saved” with seashore towels each mornings. The Agave Bar was simply steps away should you wished to seize your personal drink, however the beverage service on the pool was attentive after we had been there.

As talked about above, Wyndham Alltra Cancun payments itself as a family-friendly all-inclusive, and a incredible household pool space separate from the principle pool was proof.

Stroll by way of the foyer bar to seek out the household pool, and simply past it’s the place you will discover the splash space, waterslide and Camp Alltra children membership.

The Wyndham Alltra Cancun is on the northern portion of the Resort Zone, and the seashore here’s a bit narrower than the seashores within the southern space. Nonetheless, there was a great stretch of lovely white sand to lounge on. It was well-groomed and meticulously stored. For instance, at dawn the morning after an enormous storm, employees had been selecting up stray palm leaves, hosing off stray sand from the deck and sweeping the seashore again to close perfection.

Throughout our go to, the waves had been fairly robust, and I did not see anybody swimming. Numerous visitors loved leaping the waves near shore, although. Lifeguards had been current and really attentive, ensuring folks did not enterprise over to the areas marked with crimson flags.

Rows of lounge chairs with thatch umbrellas had been simply in entrance of the resort’s seashore bar, Olas Bar. There have been additionally rentable cabanas to the left of the loungers.

To the fitting had been two rows of cabanas in entrance of the walk-out seashore rooms. There have been two lounge chairs on the foot of every cabana and a facet desk by the cabana on your drinks.

If you wish to splurge a bit, contemplate renting one of many above-mentioned seashore cabanas. I wasn’t positive how shortly they booked up on the weekends, so I pre-booked one earlier than we checked in. There have been loads to select from, and there have been a number of nonetheless out there all through the day on Saturday (after we rented ours). The price for our full-day rental was 1,500 pesos (about $88) and got here with premium cocktails and a bottle of glowing wine.

Friends can safe their cabana on the hut on the seashore’s edge close to the resort. It was the proper approach to spend a lazy day on the seashore and supplied sufficient shade to keep away from getting a sunburn. Cabana waiters had been proactive and pleasant. We hardly ever needed to ask for something, as they anticipated our wants remarkably nicely.

Inside 10 minutes of settling into our cabana, spa employees greeted us and supplied a free mini-massage, which included a rundown of accessible therapies. The therapeutic massage was good, and the attendant wasn’t pushy after I declined her supply to guide a full remedy.

Over the following few hours of our cabana time, we obtained provides to buy hats, sun shades, scarves and jewellery from passing distributors. They had been all very well mannered, and a easy “no, thanks” stored them transferring, but it surely did detract a bit from the comfort of the expertise.

Numerous methods to remain busy or loosen up

The health heart was spacious and well-equipped with free weights, cardio machines and weight machines. Solely a handful of individuals had been there each occasions we visited.

Nonmotorized water sports activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding are usually a part of the all-inclusive providing. Nonetheless, the water was tough throughout our keep, so visitors caught to wading close to the shore, taking part in seashore volleyball or collaborating in pool actions led by the resort exercise workforce.

The actions kiosk was a number of steps away from the principle pool. A rack of brochures supplied primary data on the kinds of excursions however lacked any pricing particulars. The attendant appeared reluctant to supply me particular costs until I used to be able to guide one thing, which was irritating. Nonetheless, a number of minutes of questions yielded me a spread of $50 per individual for an Xcaret snorkeling tour (excluding taxes and a park charge of $20 per individual) to “lots of of {dollars}” for a full-day crusing tour in Cancun with an open bar, snorkeling, a seashore membership and buffet.

Wyndham Alltra Cancun additionally levels dwell performances, music or themed events every night time by the pool, in one of many ballrooms or different places. Throughout our keep, we loved a superb Michael Jackson Tribute efficiency, full with backup dancers. It befell on a stage by the principle pool and drew many visitors.

KRISTY TOLLEY/THE POINTS GUY

I did not get to expertise the total scope of Aura Spa, but when my cabana-side mini-massage was any indication of what is in retailer, I’ll guide a session upon my return. Therapies vary from 25 to 80 minutes and value wherever from 1,361 pesos (about $80) for a 25-minute Swedish therapeutic massage to three,298 pesos (about $195) for an 80-minute deep-cleansing facial.

The spa was tucked away off a walkway throughout from the health heart. Should you aren’t paying consideration, it is going to be simple to overlook.

Causes Wyndham Alltra Cancun may not be for you

Wyndham Alltra Cancun is a stable alternative for vacationers who do not wish to spend a ton on an all-inclusive keep however nonetheless take pleasure in a wide range of eating, drinks and leisure. No resort is ideal for everybody or each sort of keep, although. Listed here are occasions Wyndham Alltra Cancun may not be your best option:

  • The meals was good, however should you search upscale delicacies and craft cocktails with top-shelf liquor, select elsewhere.
  • We loved our time right here as a pair, and the households with children did not detract from our expertise in any respect. Nonetheless, should you desire a totally child-free atmosphere, select a unique resort.
  • The property was constantly clear and well-maintained, however some components — like wonky closet doorways and worn banquet eating chairs — may use some love. Should you’re searching for modern, new and modern environs, guide one other resort.

Accessibility

There was an intensive community of ramps all through the property that supplied wheelchair entry to eating places, bars and the pool space. Moreover, the foyer and different public areas had been extraordinarily open, providing loads of room to maneuver. The resort additionally has wheelchairs out there for visitors.

The resort provides two ground-floor suites totally geared up for visitors with bodily limitations. The rooms function an entry ramp resulting in the terrace. Their bogs embrace a assist railing; the showers function sliding curtains for entry and a railing and assist chair. Moreover, the telephones within the room and loo have a direct line to an operator in case of an emergency.

There is not a chair carry in both pool, however visitors can enter the principle pool by way of a shallow portion by the sting. Whereas there is a boardwalk to the seashore, it could be tough to transcend that.

Alternate options to Wyndham Alltra Cancun

Cancun’s Resort Zone is chock-full of all-inclusive resorts to attraction to numerous touring wants.

Earn or redeem Hilton Honors factors at Hilton Cancun (for households) or Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe. World of Hyatt loyalists searching for an adults-only escape will admire Secrets and techniques Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.

Should you’re a Marriott fan, contemplate Planet Hollywood Cancun, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Assortment or the Royalton CHIC Cancun.

For extra lodging inspiration, take a look at our roundup of 13 finest all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

Trying out

My children are adults now (sobbing quietly as I write this), and I am slowly leaning into empty-nester journey (and I do find it irresistible). There was rather a lot to love about Wyndham Alltra Cancun.

Whereas it touts itself as a household resort, there was a great mixture of households and {couples}. The designated household pool, a separate splash space and an energetic children membership left the principle pool for the grownups, which I appreciated.

Moreover, the housekeeping and upkeep employees appeared ever-present (however not intrusive). The resort grounds and seashore space had been constantly clear and well-maintained.

I loved my keep and would guide one other keep right here (whether or not alone, with my husband, or with my girlfriends) if given the possibility.

Related Articles

Back to top button