Finding a resort that elicits the “like” button for both children and adults can pose a challenge. Do you opt for a kid-friendly haven, leaving you and the grandparents twiddling your thumbs by the pool? Or do you choose a more adult-centric getaway and risk your kids bouncing off the walls from boredom?
As an increased number of hotels caters to all ages, vacations with the extended family are more fulfilling (and actually relaxing) than ever before. Grandma can enjoy her salsa dance classes while the teenagers learn how to make traditional mortar-and-pestle salsa. Dad can swing his golf club while the toddlers swing at the kids club playground. Then, in the evening, everyone can come together for dinner and talk about the day’s adventures. Thanks to all the excitement, everyone sleeps well, wakes up in a good mood and stays happy.
Embark on your own family holiday at one of these Mexican beach resorts that have thrills for ages three to 103.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
One of the Riviera Maya’s newer resorts, the 900-suite Four-Star property opened in late 2017. The all-inclusive concept extends beyond the hotel — a stay here includes admission to nearby adventure parks like Xel-Há and Xcaret. In addition, Hotel Xcaret is the first hotel in North America to earn the EarthCheck certification, which recognizes environmental and socially sustainable design and construction.
Adult Perks
- Your stay includes unlimited admission — and round-trip transportation — to all nine Xcaret adventure and theme parks.
- The rooftop pool at Casa Fuego — the adults-only section of the hotel — provides incredible views of the Caribbean and stunning photo ops. Note: access to the pool requires a stay in one of the Casa Fuego suites.
Kid Perks
- The Xiquillos Kids Club, for ages 4 to 12, stays open until 10 p.m., allowing for a real date night, even if your vacation includes little ones. In addition to all the exciting Kids Club activities that you’d expect, Xiquillos also explores Mexican culture, making the experience both fun and educational.
- Don’t miss out on the octopus slide in the kiddie pool.
Insider Tips
- Noted chefCarlos Gaytan (you might recognize him from Bravo’s Top Chef show) opened Hå at Hotel Xcaret. Hå features a seven-course tasting menu paired with Mexican wines, and it’s one of the country’s most highly regarded restaurants. Since Hå is open to the public, reservations need to be made far in advance.
- Local artists decorated the resort’s 900 suites.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Los Cabo’s most stylish all-inclusive near the southern tip of Baja, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel features seven gourmet restaurants led by top chefs, a contemporary art gallery, the Four-Star Se Spa and three swimming pools. And to top it off, every room has stellar Sea of Cortez views and guests get their own personal concierge.
Adult Perks
- The two-level, 35,000-square-foot spa features amazing treatments rooted in healing Mexican ingredients, like the blue agave plant.
- The five-sense dining experience at Cocina de Autor justifies the splurge. Expect a playful 10-course tasting menu showcasing the finest locally sourced produce and proteins.
- Sip CBD cocktails at the adults-only oceanfront serenity pool.
- NASA considers the Los Cabos Baja Peninsula as one of the top 20 places for stargazing. Get access to a professional telescope, champagne and canapes with the hotel’s stargazing package.
Kid Perks
- For ages 4 to 12, the Kids Club provides non-stop action. Choose from activities like storytelling, board games, arts and crafts, bingo, Spanish lessons and cooking and baking classes.
- Ages 13 to 18 will enjoy the Teens Club’s video games, premier sound system, dance floor, karaoke and bar with nonalcoholic drinks.
- For Grand Velas’ littlest guests, a baby concierge can help coordinate a crib, Mexican toys, baby floats, gentle bath and shampoo gels, and organic foods in advance.
- Family time does not go overlooked here with astronomy nights, sandcastle building, oceanfront movies and cooking classes.
Insider Tips
- Great for a date night, the three-hour sunset cruise aboard the resort’s swanky yacht ends with a marvelous, fine-dining meal by chef Sidney Schutte on the beach.
- This is an all-suite hotel, which is even more of a reason to bring the entire brood.
- Expect to spend your water playtime in the pool — the ocean’s rocks and undertow make swimming unsafe.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
The Five-Star escape sits on a private white-sand beach in a 52-acre enclave. Discover the property’s 10 restaurants, two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and, of course, plenty of pools, and even a lazy river. In 2020, the hotel underwent a renovation to update every room with the latest technology for ultimate comfort.
Adult Perks
- Intrigued by Mexico’s agave-based spirits? The resort’s new mezcal bar MEZ offers flights as well as the opportunity to blend your own tequila to bottle for a unique souvenir. Plus, you can get a tequila-infused massage in the Four Seasons Apuane Spa.
- For the crafty, learn how to make a beautiful dreamcatcher using materials inspired by Lakota traditions.
- When visiting the adults-only pool, reserve one of the seven cabanas and make sure not to miss the roaming churro cart for a special afternoon treat.
Kid Perks
- Wellness extends even to little ones at Four Seasons Punta Mita with the new KidsWell program. Children learn to practice mindfulness in a fun way, like bubble-blowing breathwork, gratitude journaling, rainbow relaxation watercolor classes and sensory box sessions.
- Complimentary with your stay, the Kids for All Seasons program for ages five to 12 includes guided classes and a teen gaming area constructed from shipping containers.
- Kids under the age of 6 eat for free at the resort’s restaurants.
Insider Tips
- Ideal for multi-generational vacations, the luxury Punta Mita resort’s recently remodeled oceanfront beach homes can accommodate up to 12 guests, including 11 children. One home even has a movie theater.
- The two-bedroom casitas provide another family-friendly option with bunk beds and a convenient location near the resort’s kid activities and teen gaming center.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún All Inclusive Spa Resort
Roughly 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, the Four-Star getaway boasts loyal guests who return year after year. Certainly, the resort has all the bells and whistles of a typical all-inclusive resort with endless food, sprawling pools, all-day entertainment for kids and adults alike, and bottomless drinks. But what sets it apart is its staff, who are personal, gracious and eager to go the extra mile.
Adult Perks
- Dance the night away on the beach. At the resort’s newest dining outlet, the beachfront Nah K’aax, a DJ spins nightly and there’s a fire show on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- On different evenings throughout the week, enjoy complimentary tequila and Mexican wine tastings.
- Channel your inner child with afternoons filled with hosted games like blackjack, bingo and dance lessons.
- End the day on a high with nightly Vegas-style shows, from a gravity-defying acrobatic troupe to incredible impersonations of hit songs of the ’80s and ’90s.
Kid Perks
- The Coral KidZ Club, a 40,000-square-foot high-tech kids club specially designed for ages 3 to 12, comes with more than 40 indoor and outdoor activities. It includes specific zones catered to different age groups.
- Great for a “mommy and me” day, the spa has a children’s service menu available, too.
- There’s a supervised movie night camp, from 7 to 10 p.m. daily, on the beach.
Insider Tips
- Suited for multigenerational travel, Grand American Fiesta offers adjoining suites with two to four bedrooms.
- Take advantage of the tranquil ocean with complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddles. Jet skis are available for an additional fee.
- Set aside at least one hour before your spa treatment to fully enjoy the 10-step hydrotherapy ritual that’s complimentary with each service at the Four-Star Gem Spa. It’s a sublime moment of self-care you don’t want to miss.
