Planning to spend an upcoming vacation basking by the pool or the beach? If so, staying in a cabana is one way to make your day!
Cabanas (for the unfamiliar) are stylish roofed or walled structures created for shelter and leisure by the pool or the beach area. They’re a lot more lavish than simple pool loungers or daybeds, allowing guests to enjoy their outdoor stay in comfort and even luxury.
The downside is that most resorts and hotels offer cabanas for rent. Oftentimes, asking for hundreds of dollars for a single use.
However, if you want to do away with cabana fees altogether, there are luxury properties offering these as complimentary amenities. Here are the best resorts with complimentary cabanas.
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- 1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
- 2. Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- 3. Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos (Adults Only)
- 4. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (Adults Only)
- 5. Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
- 6. The Westin Verasa Napa
- 7. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons
When you’re one of the top Four Seasons resorts in the world, you can offer guests only the most premium amenities.
The Four Seasons Bora Bora gives you a slice of heaven in a large 108-villa megaresort package. Popular with honeymooners and celebrities, the resort is spread out over several islets connected by bridges.
A majority of the accommodations are 1 to 2-bedroom overwater bungalows. Showcasing a modern French Polynesian vibe, these thatched roof dwellings present over 1,000 square feet of space with 27 fitted with private plunge pools.
There’s a distinctive space for the bedroom with a king bed, fluffy duvets, cushy pillows, and a view of the water. Inside the bathroom is a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, a toilet, and a double vanity, with all the bath products you need.
The living room is equally grand with a sofa, desk, flatscreen TV, and desk. Sliding doors connect the three spaces and can be slid open to create an open-plan interior. At the outdoor deck, is a dining space, a lounger as well as a ladder leading into the water.
For amenities, the resort has several swimming pools on the far side of the resort. It has lounge chairs and daybeds with umbrellas and cabanas. These are all available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Just keep in mind the resort gets busy especially with large groups so sometimes the pools can get hectic. Complimentary water and sunscreen are also available.
If the pool isn’t your thing, head to the lagoon or go directly to the beach for a swim. For ultimate leisure, grab a treatment or two at the spa. A multitude of water sports and other activities are available to keep you busy too. For dining, there are 4 onsite restaurants and several boutique shops for those who want to shop.
At the moment, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has no points booking option.
For cash bookings, they start at $1,626 to $3,529 per night for a standard room (average $2,200).
2. Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Pool Area. Image Credit: Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
It was in 2008 when the Ritz-Carlton launched an exclusive set of resorts (branded as Reserve properties) that promises all the luxuries of a 5-star property but in a unique and gorgeous spot.
All Reserve resorts weren’t available for cash bookings until 2021 when Marriott decided to incorporate them into their Marriott Bonvoy program.
It offers 115 rooms, suites, and villas. All rooms are spread throughout the property, providing guests with the privacy they need. Starter rooms start at 700 square feet to thousands of feet in the most lavish villas.
Each villa has a large deck with sun loungers, a daybed, and even plunge pools. Inside, limestone floors and walls inject texture and style to the room. A king bed highlighted by a hardwood headboard sits invitingly in the space alongside chairs and a table. Glass walls provide sunlight with a view of the Sea of Cortez in the distance.
There’s also a desk for work, stylish art pieces and ceramics, a flatscreen TV, lamps, accessible controls and outlets, a closet area, and a minibar.
Walk to the bathroom for twin vanity sinks, a private water closet, a walk-in shower with rainfall and body showerheads, as well as a deep soaking tub. Spa Alkemia products are all around even lavender-scented toilet paper!
Choose from Zadun’s beautiful array of restaurants. You can get casual, beachy fare at the poolside El Barrio or treat yourself to a lavish fine dining experience at Humo.
For recreation, guests can stay at any of the 2 swimming pools at Zadun. The pool loungers and umbrellas are free to use throughout the property and staff are always on hand ready to provide, water, sunscreen, or change towels for you.
In addition, there’s a fitness center, a lap pool, a kid’s club, and Alkemia Spa. Golfers will love the fact there are 3 golf courses in the area, including a 9-hole Greg Norman Signature course.
As a Marriott property, you can book this hotel on Marriott points starting at 131,000 to 212,000 points per night.
Cash rates for Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $1,200 to $2,363 per night for a standard room (average $1,350).
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3. Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos (Adults Only)
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos. Image Credit: Le Blanc Resorts
Cabo has some of the most stunning resorts in the world, Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is no exception. This exquisite resort is within a 20-minute car ride to San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Plus, only a 10-minute drive to the swimmable beaches of Playa el Chileno.
Designed for honeymooners and couples, cavernous rooms showcase contemporary furnishings punctuated with stylish walls, rich wood accents, and upholstered statement headboards. There’s a king bed, sleek lamps, chairs, and tables as well as neutral shade fabrics with patterns exuding a nod to Mexican culture.
Each room has a balcony and a pleasing view of the outside. The bathroom comes with an immense mirror, double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a private water closet, and a shower.
There are 4 swimming pools at Le Blanc. Each one is lined with loungers or cabanas. The basic pool cabanas and loungers are available for free on a first-come first served basis. You can ask your butler to help you secure a spot if you intend to lounge in the pool area.
However, the more premium cabanas, the ones with a TV, ceiling fan, a bottle of Moet, and even a charcuterie spread can cost anywhere from $160 to $350 per use.
Other facilities to check out include the gym, the spa, various activities, beach access, and even photography services. Dining options are offered at 8 restaurants serving anywhere from Italian to French fare.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is an all-inclusive resort, at the moment there’s no option to book it with points.
Cash rates start at $864 to $1,484 for a standard room (average $1,200).
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4. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (Adults Only)
Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort. Image Credit: Playa Mujeres Resort
First built in 2014, the resort sits right on the beach of Playa Mujeres. Set a further 35 minutes from Cancun’s hotel zone, the area around the resort is quieter and more relaxing.
All rooms are Suites, each one ranging anywhere from 600 to 1,000 square feet. These have modern decor, elegant white walls, rich wood furnishings as well as exquisite Mexican accents sprinkled throughout.
There’s a balcony or patio with views of the garden or partial views of the water. Standard amenities like flatscreen TV, a tablet with hotel information, a minibar, and a coffeemaker are all here.
Inside the bathroom are beige marble floors with rainfall showerheads and even jetted tubs in some.
For amenities, guests can indulge in any of the 3 swimming pools. Each pool is separated by a walkway, making it seem they’re all connected. The two main pools close to the swim-up bar are heated. It’s lined with pool loungers and cabanas. Preferred Club members and those who upgrade get complimentary use of the cabanas.
Other facilities to enjoy here include a fitness center with loads of cardio machines as well as classes to join. There’s also beach access, a spa, 8 restaurants and bars, and a beach party held at night complete with a mariachi band.
As a World of Hyatt hotel, you can book this in points starting with 29,000 to 37,000 Hyatt points per night.
Cash prices start at $518 to $1,710 per night (average $800).
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5. Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort. Image Credit: Hyatt
Looking for a great vacation with the kids? Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is one of several all-inclusive family-friendly properties found in Cancun, Mexico.
It’s only a 40-minute drive from the Cancun International Airport (CUN) and offers access to the gorgeous beaches of Playa Mujeres. There’s not much to do within walking distance but the resort has enough facilities to keep you and your family busy.
Like its sister resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, the rooms here are trendy with pops of vibrant teals echoing the waters nearby. Starter rooms begin at 602 square feet, with exquisite king beds in white sheets and chic teal / turquoise pillows. Simple blonde wood furniture produces an airy feeling while standard amenities like a flatscreen TV, Nespresso machine, minibar, and more complete the space.
The swish bathrooms have everything you need from rainfall showerheads, robes, slippers, and more. Higher category spaces feature private plunge pools too.
If you upgrade to a Preferred Club status, you get extra perks. This includes free cabana use at the pool as well as access to the Preferred Club Lounge where you can get free breakfast and hors d’oeuvers.
Guests can use the many amenities available at the resort including two kids’ clubs. Adult guests also get exclusive access to the Secrets resort next door including all its amenities. There’s beach access, a nearby golf course, several swimming pools, a waterpark, a gym, and a spa. There are 6 restaurants open at various times of the day, a casual eatery, and a grill.
If you want to book this resort in points, you can do so by exchanging 34,000 to 39,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
You can also pay in cash with rates starting at $432 to $1,837 per night (average $630).
6. The Westin Verasa Napa
The Westin Verasa Napa. Image Credit: The Westin
Chic and soothing, The Westin Verasa Napa is within proximity to the Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
All the rooms here are immense, ranging from 657 to 1,200 square feet. Take your pick between 1 to 2-bedroom rooms with contemporary furniture, a lovely earth-tone palette, and all the modern touches you could ask for. All suites have a balcony and contain kitchenettes.
Gorgeous bathrooms show off lovely tile and slate work with contemporary granite countertops. Smaller spaces include a shower tub combination while more lavish suites have separate showers and tubs.
At the back of the resort, there’s a heated saltwater pool where you can lounge and relax. The cabana and day loungers are all complimentary so you can relax in peace.
While there’s no spa onsite, there is one within a 5-minute walk. There’s also a gym, a restaurant, and a bar, including plenty more food options within an easy stroll.
You can book a rewards night here by using 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Pay for a stay here in cash, starting at $489 to $810 per night (average $620).
7. The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun
The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun. Image Credit: The Westin
As the only resort in Cancun’s hotel zone that’s not all-inclusive, The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa stands out.
Great for both families and couples, the resort sits on a gorgeous stretch of white sand and provides easy access to central downtown.
A sprawling resort, it has 580 rooms and suites. These come in condominium-style amenities with current decor, tiled floors, and dark wood furniture built-ins. Each room has a balcony with some providing views of the ocean or lagoons.
Entry-level spaces measure 400 square feet with a king bed, complete kitchenette including dishwashers and coffeemakers, as well as ample bathrooms to ensure your stay is comfortable.
There are 3 swimming pools available with loungers and daybeds. Like most Westin resorts, the cabanas are free to use, you just have to secure them early.
You’ll also find a kid’s club, event space, various activities for both kids and adults, a fitness studio, and a nearby Mayan ruin. For food, there are 2 restaurants, 2 bars, public grills as well as a food market.
Stay at this resort on points by using 40,000 to 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
If you opt to pay in cash, the rate starts at $257 to $350 per night (average $280).
Wrapping Up
Retreating in a cabana by the pool or beach makes any vacation extra special!
While some resorts may hike up the prices of a cabana rental, some offer them free or with little requirement, like getting a specific room. So, if lounging at a cabana is part of your dream vacation, go ahead and check out the resorts mentioned above.
Safe travels!