Top Family Resorts in Mexico
1. Iberostar Pairaso Maya
Great Service/ Great Beach/ Wave Pool & Lazy River
Iberostar Paraiso Maya is an all-inclusive resort located just minutes away from Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is a part of the Iberostar Pairaso Complex. When you walk in the first thing that you want to do is pick up a headset so you can start your tour of the museum. There are two giant statues greeting you along with a reception desk. The beautiful and elaborate decor running throughout this hotel is a sight to see! You are welcomed in a lobby bar that is actually inside an exact replica of the Chichen Itza pyramid, this all-inclusive five-star resort is a masterpiece in its own right.
This resort has a lot of ways to keep your entire family entertained. From parents who want to reconnect in bars and nightclubs. To a number of pools and live nightly shows for teens. And to Lucy’s Club, a friendly atmosphere for kids where they can read, color and watch movies. Plus, let’s not forget the crystal-clear beach where everyone can have fun (The beach at this resort is especially large). This resort is one of my top picks because they offer a little something extra for the kids that other resorts don’t have- a lazy river and a wave pool.
2. Azul Beach
Excellent Service/ Kid’s Programs/ Beautiful Beach/ Fine Cuisine
Azul Beach Hotel is a family-friendly, boutique-style property (It’s going to be much more intimate than something like the Iberostar Maya which has over 400 rooms) located on a gorgeous beach (one of my personal favorites) 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport. All of the 98 rooms are just steps from the beach, pools, restaurants and bars.
At Azul Beach they not only cater to Mom & Dad with beach beds and a fabulous beach butler service, but they have plenty to keep the kiddos entertained too. The Azulitos Kid’s Club has equipment and special programs created for children from 4-12 years old. There is a play space designed by Fisher-Price® with all the latest educational toys to enhance early childhood development. Kids sing, listen to stories, and work on talking and sharing skills in playgroups. Highlights for older children include video games and a full schedule of challenge games and activities. There is mini-yoga, handcrafts, face painting and movie time. Kids love all the beach activities, which include a treasure hunt, sandcastle building, balloon wars and flag football.
This resort is one of my favorites for families because they have mastered the combination of 5 star qualities with family friendliness. Just as an example how the kids are never left out of anything; upon arrival Mom & Dad are greeted with a glass of Champaign and a cool towel AND the kids are greeted with a chocolate milkshake with whip cream and sprinkles or a smoothie.
3. Marival Residences
Great Service/ Beautiful Property/ 1-4 bedroom suites!!!
Introducing Marival Residences & World Spa, the new gem in Riviera Nayarit! This resort is truly designed for maximum comfort and luxury. Superior luxury begins at ground level with unique garden residences and rises to the sky in penthouses with private rooftop pools. They offer 162 residences and penthouses with one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom options (3,300 sq ft), all with spacious terraces, fully-equipped, and with garden, pool or ocean views. If you like, even a nanny comes at no cost for eight hours at your request.
Even more made to order are the seven privileged villas, each with its own private pool. Expect only the very best service with space to entertain or to realize your dream vacation. This resort if perfect for a larger family that wants space and doesn’t want to be cramped in a family suite with a pull-out bed, a trundle, a roll-away, etc. This is one of my top picks because at this resort Mom & Dad can have a room, the kids can have their own room, and even Grandma & Grandpa can have a room and you’re all still together- Here you’re not inconvenienced by walking across the resort to meet with family members.
4. Dreams Cancun
Rooms Categories for all Budgets/ Dolphin Lagoon
Located in the heart of the famous Cancun Hotel Zone. At the Dreams Cancun you are steps away from Cancun’s hottest nightclubs, restaurants and shopping malls.
Every room or suite in the Dreams Pyramid or Preferred Club Tower is absolutely deluxe with private terrace and sweeping views, including the exclusive Dolphinview rooms overlooking our private lagoon. And you also have the option of upgrading to The Preferred Club, an exclusive area providing exceptional services, a private lounge and Preferred Club suites offering impressive ocean views, most with outdoor Jacuzzis, all in premium locations. I personally prefer The Azul Beach or The Marival Residences because there everyone is a VIP. They don’t roll out the red carpet for some guests in a preferred section, they roll it out for everyone. Again, this may just be me, but I believe that you would be hard pressed to find better service than that offered at The Azul Beach.
This resort is one of my top picks because they have their own private dolphin lagoon on property. They have their signature Delphinus Dolphin experience* where a limited number of guests can actually swim and play with live dolphins in their sea water lagoon. Whether you partake or just watch, it’s simply fascinating.
5. Gran Porto Real
Perfect Location for Shopping/ Nice Family Suites/ Beautiful Beach
(Location! Location! Location!) The lovely Gran Porto Real is located on a beautiful beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen, or “Playa” as the locals call it. It is just 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. The picturesque Gran Porto Real Resort & SPA is on a beautiful, protected stretch of swim-friendly beach and is mere steps from Fifth Avenue’s shops, clubs and restaurants. This is the nicest family friendly resort in Playa and you simply can’t beat the location. This is one of my favorite family friendly resorts because here you truly get the best of both worlds- You can lounge about and just relax while watching the kiddos build sand castles on the beautiful beach or you can enjoy all the shops, restaurants, and even night clubs on Fifth Avenue The best part is that you can enjoy all this without ever having to worry about catching a cab because everything is within walking distance.
Their New Family Junior Oceanfront Suites includes extra square footage and bunk beds with a trundle bed. Also, their Family Suites allow a maximum occupancy of up to five people (2 adults and 3 kids/ teenagers). They also offer a Gran Master One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite which includes such extras as; Separate oceanfront bedroom and living/dining area, one private terrace with hammock, Best views of Cozumel and downtown Playa del Carmen beach, NEW! Royal Bed® with pillow-top mattress, fine high thread count linens, plush duvet cover and multiple pillows, Pillow menu, and many other upgraded amenities. However, the most notable perk with staying in this room category is that you get to enjoy the adults-only property next door at THE Royal.
Pssst…. 2 more weeks!!!