What comes to your mind when you visualize the perfect tropical vacation? Is it about comfortable accommodations, great service, delicious food, and sunny days spent lounging on the beach while sipping something cool and refreshing? It all depends on what you want to get out of your vacation and how you want to feel–inspired, rejuvenated, relaxed, enriched or cultured.
Ask a child or youth what’s on their list for a fun beach vacation and you’ll no doubt get a very different response!
Traveling with children can be a challenge anywhere. Especially here in the Riviera Maya can that be the case. The overwhelming party atmosphere that pervades the hotel zone in Cancun and the 5th Avenue area of Playa del Carmen may give parents cause for concerns. On the other hand, there are some destinations and resorts that cater to an older crowd and leave kids feeling bored.
Do not fear, many of the world’s finest all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya are not only family-friendly but also fun, with spectacular swimming pools providing the center of the action! Here are 6 resorts worth a look for your next Mexican vacation.
Moon Palace
Located just south of Cancun
Here you will find something for a variety of ages. The younger ones will enjoy the pirate-themed waterpark, while older kids will find hours of entertainment at a large spiral water slide and surf pool. If you’re looking for something a little less daring, you can make your way to the lazy river. At Moon Palace there’s a little something for everyone in the family.
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Royal Solaris Cancun
Cancun Hotel Zone
If you are traveling with small children, this is a very good option. They have a very cute waterpark that’s been designed with a safari theme. There are life-size animals scattered throughout the park, with multiple slides running between. The water is shallow and perfect for kids that are approximately ten and under. This hotel is very accessible; only about 10 minutes from the airport.
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Crown Paradise Club
Cancun Hotel Zone
This resort boasts possibly the largest of the hotel waterparks in the area. There’s a multi-tiered swimming pool, a castle, pirate ship, several slides and rain showers. It’s designed very well and offers attractions for a wide span of ages. This represents another extremely accessible destination for your family.
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El Cid
Located in Puerto Morelos
The resort features several pools, the larger one especially designated to having a good time! At one end you find a swim-up bar and a relaxed zone. The other end, however, is another story. There’s a shallow area for toddlers, with fountains and small slides as well as a longer curving slide and rock tower for the brave of heart that want to make the jump.
Close by you will find water volleyball, water basketball, ping pong and other games. The activities staff at El Cid are tireless. Games and competitions are organized and carried out all day and into the evening. If you have a broad age range of children, this is an excellent choice.
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Iberostar Paraiso
Located at Maroma Beach, north of Playa del Carmen
This large and very popular resort has several branches, all clustered together between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos. It boasts a staggering seven swimming pools on the huge property. Included among them is a small waterpark for little ones, as well as a kids’ club and a theater for nightly entertainment. There’s also a lazy river and wave pool. That adds up to lots of fun in the sun for your kids!
5 Iberostar Paraiso Resorts
Iberostar Paraiso Maya
Iberostar Paraiso Lindo
Iberostar Paraiso Beach
Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda
Located in Playa del Carmen
Paradisus is a huge new resort at the north end of Playa del Carmen. One side is for Adults Only and the other side, called La Esmerelda, caters to families.
This is a fun spot for your little ones. The pirate ship-themed waterpark will keep them busy for hours on end. When they need a little break, they can swim up to the kids’ pool bar for a little refreshment, then get back to the business of having a great time.
