by Jessica Howell
Powdery soft sand. Brilliant blue water. And for most U.S. parents, it’s a convenient non-stop flight away.
I’m talking about Mexico. If you’ve got your sights set on a vacation that’s actually going to offer some relaxation for mom, you’ll want to read up on our wish-list properties below, as well as the biggest takeaways from our recent Mexico adventure with little kids…
✈️ Airport Transfers: I felt nervous about the chaotic airport arrivals experience and getting our kids to the hotel safely given that they still use a five-point harness car seat and booster, but I found and pre-booked a service (I used Happy Shuttle Cancun) and they simplified everything. On time, with snacks and car seats / boosters installed, plus reasonable pricing.
👶🏼 Nanny Service: We were in Mexico for a friend’s wedding and worked with our hotel concierge to book nanny services through a local agency partner. We booked an hour to hang together with the nanny and kids beforehand, coordinated room service and movies, communicated throughout and ensured we could book the same lovely caretaker both nights she’d be needed. Our nanny Isabel was confident and experienced and it showed, which made sneaking away so much easier on us parents.
🍽️ Club-Level Guestroom: We didn’t stay at an all-inclusive hotel, but with a family of four, it was a no brainer to upgrade to a club-level room with a balcony (hello, post-bedtime cocktail!) and free daily breakfast and happy hour. Because breakfast was a plentiful buffet that ran till 11 am, it essentially served as our lunch each day—saving us pricey restaurant bills. If you’re heading to a standard resort, don’t skip looking into this option or asking about upgrades when you arrive.
🌊 Beaches: On this trip, I learned that the best time to experience generally seaweed-free beaches is Nov-Mar. (Peak seaweed season is Apr-May.) The beaches during our January visit were pristine, and thank goodness, because my kids would’ve had a field day and I’d be covered in it otherwise. 🙃
💧 Drinking Water: If your kids have never visited a country where drinking from the faucet is not advised, take some time to sit down and talk about the concept with them in advance of your trip. By introducing the idea early (and even gamifying it), you’ll have better luck avoiding those bath-time or teeth brushing sips that can inadvertently slip by. Use a water bottle at home to practice brushing your teeth and teach them this little rhyme for your time away… “If it comes from the sink, don’t take a drink!”
When the beach is calling but you’ve got kids in tow, THESE are the accommodations that you need to know about. Family friendly but with just as many amenities that appeal to parents alone, these resort destinations in Mexico make booking your next trip a breeze.
Xcaret Resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 1 bedroom
A sprawling laid-back but luxurious resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Cancun region, Hotel Xcaret is a destination in itself. Across the all-inclusive property, three hotels exist. While two of the hotels are adults only, “Hotel Xcaret” is geared towards families, offering plenty of fun amenities – particularly for older kids – and a children’s club for ages 4 and up. In-room babysitting can also be arranged.
Located right on the beach and with a variety of pools, restaurants and parks, this all-inclusive hotel is a splurge, but frequently cited as one that’s worthwhile. If you’re heading to Cancun Mexico with kids, you’ll find plenty to keep the entire family occupied here. In fact, at first glance, it may feel overwhelming in sheer size and scope. (Tip: Check out this third-party Facebook Group as a handy resource for parents looking for specific details and anecdotes.)
GUESTS: Up to 7 (5 beds)
BEDROOMS: 2 Bedrooms
This all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya blends sophistication and family fun in a size that’s not as overwhelming as many. With whimsical kids play areas in the pool and designated children’s zones inside in this Cancun family resort, there’s a spot for everyone to settle in. While childcare is available for ages 4-12, a baby and toddler-focused play room is available for use by parents and little ones.
An aqua park, game room, cinema, indoor trampoline space, mini golf and zipline are especially well suited for independent older kids and teens. Another nice feature not often seen in all inclusives are family-friendly guestrooms that sleep up to seven. These include a kid-specific sleep space, with a bed and bunkbeds.
GUESTS: 8+
BEDROOMS: 2+ Bedrooms
For the family who simply wants to arrive at a tropical oasis and stay put, here’s your mecca. Planet Hollywood‘s beachfront resort offers pools, lazy river, trampoline park, mini golf, yoga, and surf simulation. Family-friendly events are on the calendar daily, including superhero beach parties, neon silent discos and weekly Purple Circus shows.
At Stars Kids Club, ages four to 12 can direct their own movie, design costumes and simply soak up the entertainment for limited hours each day. An outdoor “Seaside Camp” is also available to the same ages seasonally. Rates include all meals and drinks. The resort is home to 11 eateries and 11 bars.
And one more perk: Marriott loyalists take note! This property falls into the brand’s Autograph Collection, making it available for points redemption.
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 2+ Bedrooms
Set on white sand beaches and not far from ancient Mayan wonders, the all-inclusive Club Med Cancun Yucatan brings all the family friendliness you’d expect to Mexico. Thorough children’s programming, circus school, yoga, sailing and wellness offerings are aplenty.
Accommodations sleep up to six guests and include family style guestrooms with separate sleeping spaces and single beds. Dedicated family zones offer kid-friendly pools, accommodations and play areas. A kids camp offers included childcare for ages 4 to 17 and childcare for babies ages four months and older and toddlers can also be arranged. Baby kits and child kits are also available to guests and include changing pads, strollers, travel cribs, child potty and more.
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 2+ Bedrooms
Do we really need to say more than swanky swim up suites and private butlers? This all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya takes family fun to another level with every room facing the sea and including two bathrooms. Beautiful beachfront, waterpark, Slime Zone and supervised kids club for ages 4 through 12. (Note that if you’re debating between this Nick Resort and the Dominican Republic location, you’ll find better rates in the D.R., which is a bit less upscale than this newer property.)
One of our favorite perks is the Autism Concierge, which is available to families traveling with an autistic family member and can help address specific needs.
GUESTS: Up to 5
BEDROOMS: 2+ Bedrooms
This all-inclusive resort in Cancun was specially designed to accommodate families as well as every other traveler. With family suites, pools – including a kiddie pool and waterslide – and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone. Including swim-up suites and private pools. Childcare is available in the Mini Club (ages 3-6) and offers a full day of supervised activities like treasure hunts and costume parties. Meanwhile, Maxi Club (ages 7-11) offers a mini water park, team sports, glow parties and more. Teens Club caters to ages 12-15 and includes water balloon fights, movie nights and bonfires. A “Stay and Play” area is designed for parents and children younger than 3 with both indoor and outdoor areas including a splashpad and kitchenette and naptime room.
Located near the restaurants is Imagine Lounge childcare, available during breakfast and dinner hours for potty-trained children ages three and older. On the resort menu, guests will also find natural homemade baby purees, and a host of baby equipment to use during your stay, including baby bottle sterilizer, electric kettle, baby monitor, highchair, infant tub and travel crib.
