The Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Mexico
The best thing about an all-inclusive vacation is that you just have to get yourself there. Since everything is part of the price, you can relax and fully experience a destination without stress, especially in a place as beautiful as Mexico. The country is well known for its many all-inclusive resorts, which typically are located in beachfront areas (you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in Mexico City). Whether you want to indulge in a five-star resort or just keep things simple at a low-key all-inclusive, Mexico offers many possibilities ideal for families. Here are some of the best options for those traveling with babies, kids or teens.
AZUL Beach Resort Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya
A short drive from Cancun you’ll find AZUL Beach Resort, one of the many beachfront hotels along the picturesque Riviera Maya. This one is particularly accommodating to families with the Azulitos Playhouse kids club, spa services for teens and toddler amenities like cribs and strollers. The family suites will fit two adults and three kids—and leave some space for parents to get alone time. The resort also offers five restaurants with global cuisines and tons of activities, from sports to swimming to cooking classes.
Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Luxury is the name of the game at the Fairmont Mayakoba, located along a private stretch of sand on the Riviera Maya. Kids ages 5 to 11 are welcomed to the resort’s Discovery Club & Adventure Camp, which includes jungle expeditions and Mayan-inspired crafts. Adults can indulge at the Willow Spa, play a round of golf or go snorkeling (the Riviera Maya has the world’s second largest coral reef). Head into the nearby town of Playa del Carmen for some nightclubbing or shopping or just enjoy the private pool at your Beachfront Casita Suite.
Barceló Maya Grand Resort
This massive beachfront property is actually five resorts wrapped into one. It boasts 16 restaurants, seven swimming pools (one of which is adults only), a spa and gym, and plenty of on-site entertainment, from live shows to water activities. Several of the resorts offer family rooms, and the Barceló Maya Colonial and Barceló Maya Beach are the most recommended for travelers with young kids. Be sure to book directly with the resort since it usually has at least one promotion available (and you’ll score free Wi-Fi during your stay).
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya
Hard Rock Hotel’s Riviera Maya outpost is split into two resorts, one for adults only and one for families with kids—which means you won’t have to worry about your little one disturbing other guests by the pool. There’s a lot to keep kids busy anyway, from a dedicated Kids Club to The Cavern, a teen lounge and the Rockaway Bay water park. The resort also has a private beach, a family pool and numerous bars and eateries. Consider booking one of the resort’s Ultimate Playtime packages, which include kid-friendly amenities, several hours of included babysitting and free toy kits.
Las Brisas Huatulco, Huatulco
Venture farther into the unknown at Las Brisas Huatulco, a resort located in Oaxaca. It’s great for active travelers since there are tennis courts, water sports of all kinds and two swimming pools, but it’s also a beautiful place to just lie on the beach. Unlike other all-inclusives this one focuses on local dishes and actually serves up Mexican food (a serious bonus). It’s nearby to the Las Parotas Club de Golf Huatulco, but it’s really the beach that you’ll want to seek out while in Huatulco.
Hyatt Ziva, Puerto Vallarta
There’s a lot to like about the Hyatt Ziva in Puerto Vallarta, but its private beach, Las Estacas, might be the best. Book one of the swim-up suites if you want to splurge, or just enjoy one of the seven swimming pools (two of which are specifically for families). There are daily fitness classes, water sports and, of course, the very essential KidZ Club. With six restaurants included in the rate, you’ll never go hungry, but you can also venture out into Puerto Vallarta, which is well-known for its nightlife and food scene. While in the area be sure to head out to Aquaventuras Park, where kids can swim with dolphins and feed sea lions.
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Tulum
Tulum has become a wildly popular tourist destination over the past few years, but it’s not just for hip young couples and partygoers. Dreams welcomes families to its beachside resort, offering easy access to the area’s best spots like Xel-Ha water park and the Mayan ruins. The Explorer’s Club and the Core Zone Teens Club are great for kids if you’re looking for some blissful adult time, but you can also bond as a family while snorkeling, watching a movie on the beach or racing through the resort’s water park.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Playa del Carmen
The biggest draw for kids at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort will be the full-sized waterpark. For adults, however, it might be the beach scene, the spa or the possibility of swimming in a jungle cenote. Book into the resort’s specific family section, which features the Kids Club, several pools and family rooms with bunk beds and private plunge pools. Sandos Caracol, which also has an endless array of eateries and bars, is very close to Playa del Carmen, but travelers who rent a car can (and should) also head to nearby Tulum and Akumel for more outdoorsy adventures.
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Playa Mujeres
Just north of Cancun visitors will discover Playa Mujeres, a stretch of beach across the water from Isla Mujeres. It’s a nice alternative to the Riviera Maya, and Dreams Playa Mujeres is an expansive resort with several swimming pools, a water park and golf. Young travelers can spend the day at the Explorer's Club while older kids can avoid parental concern at the Core Zone Teen's Club. There are live shows, fitness classes, cooking lessons and tons of sports, from beach volleyball to Ping-Pong. The hotel is also home to Delphinus Dolphin Habitat, where guests can interact and swim with dolphins.
Grand Velas Resort, Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas is a great alternative destination in Mexico if you’re not into the crowds of Cancun. Located on the Pacific Coast, the city offers tons of shopping, restaurants and beaches, as well as a few solid all-inclusive resorts. One of the best is the Grand Velas Resort, which offers spacious rooms with chic contemporary decor (as well as a few family suites). Children can hang out at the Grand Velas Kids' Club while older kids will love the Teens’ Club, and there’s nearby snorkeling, whale watching and camel safaris (seriously).
Generations Riviera Maya, Cancun
Generations Riviera Maya bills itself as “family-friendly luxury,” and the resort is true to its word. Those under 12 can spend the day at the Eko Kids Club, and there’s a family lounge filled with games and books for travelers of all ages. Don’t worry about over-packing, either: Generations can provide cribs, bottle warmers and basically anything you need to keep your baby or toddler alive on vacation. The resort also caters to all sorts of tastes, with restaurants featuring everything from Indian to Pan-Asian cuisine (there is also an eatery called Wine Kitchen for after the kids go to bed).
Cozumel Palace, Cozumel
The Mexican island of Cozumel makes for a great family vacation, especially if you book into Cozumel Palace, a high-end resort that invites kids and teens to stay for free. There are nightly performances, a dolphin swimming experience and tons of activities, from snorkeling to nearby Mayan ruins. Although it’s easy to just relax on the resort property, be sure to explore all Cozumel has to offer as well, especially El Cielo Beach, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and Punta Sur Ecological Park.