I just got back from spending a week at the Panama Jack Resort in Cancun, and wow, what a trip! If you’re looking for a family-friendly, all-inclusive getaway with plenty of activities and a stunning beach, this place delivers. Let me break it down for you.
The resort is in a prime spot in the Hotel Zone of Cancun: close to shopping and nightlife if you want to venture out, and secluded enough that you don’t have to mingle with the local crowd if you don’t want to.
The rooms are quite cozy and clean, dressed up in the signature acqua color of the Caribbean beaches, so it’s like the ocean is right inside your room. I stayed in one of the ocean-view suites, and waking up to that view every morning was amazing. The balcony even had a hammock—perfect for lazy afternoons. The minibar was always stocked (big plus!), and the bed was comfy enough to crash after a long day in the sun.
The food here is pretty solid for an all-inclusive. The buffet at Ventanas had a great variety, and I loved their fresh fruit and pastries in the morning. It’s emptier before 9AM, but despite what time of the day (or night) you choose to eat at the buffet, there’s never a line. From the a-la-carte restaurants that the Panama Jack hotel offers, Casa de Rosa was my favorite. We ate there a few times for dinner, and it was excellent! You simply can’t go wrong with authentic Mexican food. Oh, and if you’re a coffee person, the little café (Panama Jack Coffee Co.) makes awesome cinnamon rolls and iced coffee.
That said, you might have to wait a bit at some of the a-la-carte restaurants during peak hours, but hey, that’s vacation life, right?
The pools are where we spent most of our time. There’s a main pool with an ocean view, and it’s got a shallow area that’s great if you’re traveling with kids. Speaking of kids, the pirate-themed splash park was a hit with the little ones. The beach was gorgeous, though it could get crowded. If you want a shaded spot, you’ve got to get there early! The ocean was a bit rough on some days, but still fun to wade in. Even when you don’t feel like braving the waves, there’s always something happening here. From yoga and cooking classes to nightly entertainment, you won’t get bored.
What I Loved
The staff is fantastic: very friendly and always helpful.
The views are unbeatable, especially at sunset.
The vibe is relaxed but fun, perfect for families or couples.
A Few Downsides
It can feel a bit crowded, especially around the pool and beach.
The restaurants could do better with managing wait times.
If you’re looking for total peace and quiet, this might not be the place—it’s lively and family-oriented.
All in all, Panama Jack Resort Cancun was a great choice for a fun and relaxing family vacation. I’d definitely go back next time I have relatives visiting, especially for the food, the views, and the great service. For the quality of its food, the beauty of its beach and the comfort of its rooms, BUT taking into account that the pools were quite busy and the staff was running like headless chicken trying to deliver drinks, I rate the Panama Jack Hotel in Cancun, 4 STARS
