Love cruising? You should try an all-inclusive resort

Amy Winehouse just handed me a frozen lime daiquiri. Slash from Guns N' Roses is practicing guitar riffs down by the swim-up pool bar. This morning, Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham stared back at me from a framed photograph in the shower. He was naked too.

Everywhere I go at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, I see Mexican staff dressed as superstars of the music world, past and present. The lobby, restaurants, guest rooms and, yup, the showers, are decorated with photographs of pop stars and legendary rockers. It's an all-immersive, all-inclusive resort universe.

I'll admit, I had some doubts about this trip to Mexico. Cancun's beachfront Hotel Zone has a party-hard reputation, while I'm more inclined to watch the sunset and spend quiet time in the pool. Ever wanted to compete in a twerking competition to win a tequila shot? No? Me neither.

Ultimately, the lure of an easy holiday filled with sun, sea and Vitamin T (tacos, tostadas, tamales) won me over. I made a reservation at an all-inclusive resort and then had a few reservations of my own. Would I be bored? Might I prefer to eat in local restaurants instead of at the resort three times a day? How committed was I to water aerobics and Michael Jackson impersonators?

Americans love the all-inclusive concept. They fly to and flop in beachside resorts from Key West to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and beyond. The appeal is obvious. Endless cocktails are included and guests can eat as much as they want from the buffet. There's a packed schedule of activities, nightly entertainment and a laser focus on having fun with a capital F. Unpack once, put your wallet away, eat and drink on demand, let somebody else do the planning.

Aussies, generally speaking, prefer a more independent, exploratory style of travel. We don't like to be stuck in one place for days on end. Except, that is, when it comes to our insatiable appetite for cruising. All-inclusive resorts, I am told, are just like cruises, but on land, with the added bonus of no seasickness.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is like one of those themed cruises, where every opportunity to be on-brand is seized with gusto. If I want to unleash my inner Lady Gaga or Pink, I can get sudsy at the foam party. Guests can "Rock Om" in a morning yoga class, sing karaoke with a live band, or "Face the Music" with a spa facial utilising sound vibration that promises to turn back the clock and have you red-carpet ready in an hour. I don't even want to think about what's gone down in the massive hot tub jacuzzi in my room, roomy enough for a six-person entourage.

I suspect somebody under 30 was responsible for dreaming up "The Sound of Your Stay" program. Say the word to concierge and an electric Fender guitar or Crosley turntable can be delivered to your room, ready for an all-night jam session (headphones recommended, but not enforced). Fabulous for the middle-aged man reliving his wild youth. Not so much fun for the woman in the next room trying to sleep.

Throughout the resort, there are special VIP areas for Rock Royalty guests staying in more deluxe rooms, where the drinks and the views are more top-shelf. All guests have access to multiple restaurants and bars, no reservations or payment needed. The best of the bunch is Isla, a new seafood restaurant on the beach, serving octopus ceviche, shrimp tacos, grilled salmon and much more.

The steakhouse, Toro, is also a winner, offering a wide range of beef and lamb cuts plus delicious side dishes. If I want to "Turn Up The Volume", as the dinner upgrade menu suggests, there's an option to order 530 grams of king crab for a mere $US174 ($255). After a few days at the resort, I fully understand the all-inclusive appeal. Whatever you want, whenever you want it. Your wish, their command. That can really rock your world.

The writer stayed with assistance from Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, rooms from $US399 a night.

Tulum is to Cancun what Byron Bay is to the Gold Coast. From its origins as a laidback village on the Riviera Maya, it now attracts influencers and wellness warriors from all over the world. At upscale Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, guests enjoy 13 restaurants and bars, multiple pools, a secluded beach and the impressive Conrad Spa.

From $US390 ($570) a night, see hilton.com

In the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains, Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit (pictured) awaits. It's a great choice for adventure-seekers, who will enjoy access to waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, snorkelling and hiking. At the resort, unwind at the Tzicuri Spa and dine on fresh ceviche, teppanyaki and more. Located 23 kilometres from Puerto Vallarta airport, it's close to hippy-chic Sayulita and San Pancho's surfing breaks.

Named one of Travel + Leisure's best hotels in Mexico, Marquis Los Cabos is an all-inclusive luxury resort and spa in celeb-favourite hangout, Los Cabos. Leave the kids at home for this oceanfront, adults-only haven, located in a prime spot on The Corridor between Los Cabos International Airport and the party town of Cabo San Lucas. Attention to detail and excellent service is evident from the minute you check in.

From $900 a night for a Junior Suite Ocean View double room, see marquisloscabos.com.

Once a vast coconut plantation on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Ixtapa is now a popular resort town a few hours north-west of Acapulco. Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive is an affordable choice for families with kids, offering nightly shows, games, kids' areas and water sports for all ages. Splash around in one of two outdoor pools or soak up the sun on El Palmar beach.

From $298 a night, see ihg.com