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With its alluring blend of white-sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, Riviera Maya kid-friendly resorts are the most family-friendly destinations in the world. This idyllic coastline on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is perfect for aquatic-loving families wanting to snorkel past coral reefs, swim in cenotes and explore eco-parks. There are many family-friendly resorts in Riviera Maya that offer all-inclusive packages and activities for children of all ages, here’s our pick of what’s on offer…
5* Nickelodeon Hotel & Resort
This has to be the resort for the ultimate family getaway! What child, (or big kid), isn’t going to absolutely love partying in their PJs with some of their favourite Nickelodeon characters, dining with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or getting slimed at Plaza Orange slime nights?! The home of North America’s first ever Aqua Nick, the whole family can enjoy wild thrills, conquer dizzying slides or float along the lazy river during this unforgettable experience. And after all the excitement, you can take some time to chill in your very own balcony pool or relax with a soothing session at Naay Spa. Babysitters are also available if the adults want to treat themselves to a date night.
4* Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Located in the beautiful bay of Playa Del Carmen, this spectacular all-inclusive resort offers luxurious facilities, endless activities, and entertainment for guests of all ages. Set in a stunning protected mangrove forest, there are plenty of opportunities to be as relaxed or energetic as you like. Whether that’s splashing around with the kids in the tropical-themed water park, chilling in the spa or dining at one of the many restaurants and bars that offer exquisite cuisine to suit all tastes. With a nursery service and Kids Zone to keep the younger travellers entertained, the adults can enjoy some activities too – from cocktail making and massage classes, to jet skiing and kayaking – there really is something for everyone here!
4* Barcelo Maya Palace
Sitting on the front line of one of the Caribbeans most impressive beaches this luxury hotel sits on a complex with 4 other hotels offering an all-inclusive program meaning you can stay in one hotel but enjoy the bars, restaurants, pools, and beach facilities of all five! All rooms at the Barcelo Maya Palace are fully equipped with every detail and comfort to make your stay a unique experience. There are 6 restaurants offering Brazilian, French, and Caribbean delights as well as international cuisine. With 11 swimming pools, Barcy Water Park, Pirates Island Water Park as well as tennis, 18-hole mini golf and an activities program, the name of the game here is fun, fun, fun!
5* Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Nominated for the Conde Nast Traveller 2023 Readers Choice Awards, this spectacular resort is renowned for its hallmark excellence and unforgettable luxury experiences. It is located on a picture-perfect beach to the south of the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos. As well as offering a wide range of entertainment and activities for all ages – from Kids Clubs to cooking classes, spa relaxation to bike rides – what really gives this property its wow factor is the attention to detail – from the bottle of Tequila and fresh fruit in your suite on arrival, to the thoughtful gifts including personalised cookies for the children, Mexican alebrije hand-carved figurine and traditional women’s necklace.
5* Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Looking for a destination that is fun, in an idyllic setting and caters for larger families can be tricky but here you can have it all! There’s a range of stylish and comfortable suites available providing accommodation for 4-8 guests, plus buffet and A la Carte meals across a range of restaurants. Here you’ll have the freedom to roam this desirable location as well as benefitting from the privileges at two neighbouring resorts, so you’ll never struggle to find activities to keep everyone entertained. Adventurers can take advantage of the location and explore the nearby Caribbean Coral Reef or charter a deep-sea fishing excursion in the private marina. Those looking for more R&R can enjoy the pool dotted with waterfalls, children’s slides, and a swim up bar. Clubs for kids and teens, nightly entertainment, boogie boards, biking tours plus much more, mean your time here is guaranteed to fly!
4* Family Club Grand Riviera Princess
Discover a truly unique way to experience Riviera Maya as a family! This newly opened hotel forms part of the Princess complex allowing guests to also enjoy all the facilities on offer at the Grand Riviera Princess. The accommodation is superb, not only are the rooms bright and functional and able to sleep 5 people, a deluxe suite also comes complete with hot tub while the swim out suites offer private direct access to the pool. Plus, across the two resorts, you’ll have access to 9 bars as well as a 24hour sports bar, and a total of 13 restaurants meaning you can dine somewhere different each day! And with a fantastic entertainment program, facilities for kids, teens and adults, there’s so much to do you may need to stay longer to fit it all in!
5* Hotel Esencia
Originally built as the private home of an Italian Duchess, this is a place where past traditions meet modern cosmopolitan living. This aristocratic oasis sits where the Yucatan jungle dissolves into the pristine sands of Xpu-ha, one of the only remaining undeveloped shores of the Mayan Riviera. This 30-acre estate offers a collection of luxury suites and villas, all with private terrace that either overlook the jungle or the sea. With water sports on offer and some of the Rivieras best nightclubs close by, this is perhaps a hotel more suitable for families with older children, however with separate adults and children’s pools, children’s menu and a baby-sitting service, younger children are catered for too.
4* Hard Rock Hotel
Enjoy the very best of paradise for the entire family. This large self-contained complex offers 5 swimming pools and a water slide, unspoilt beaches and children’s activities. The lavish traditional Mexican style rooms all have double spa bath, bathrobes, and rock spa toiletries. This all-inclusive hotel boasts 9 restaurants that cover all tastes and there’s 9 bars to choose from including a sports bar, a swim up bar and a health bar serving fruit juices. When it comes to activities you can partake in a game of tennis, enjoy yoga, hire a bicycle, learn to dive, snorkel or go kayaking. And whilst that keeps the adults entertained, there’s a kids club to keep the little ones happy too.
3* Grand Bahia Principe Coba
A secluded retreat nestled in a coastal paradise where adults and children can have fun together or enjoy their own space, all while appreciating the beautiful natural surrounding and fascinating culture. Perfect for young children, there’s a water park oasis that’s full of excitement with themed swimming pools and waterslides, as well as a kids club, Bahia Scouts, where they’ll enjoy learning about nature. Adults can take advantage of the babysitter service on offer and relish in a round of golf, or head to the beach and discover the sea in an entirely new way by learning how to jet ski, paddle board or parasail. By night, why not try your luck and enjoy the magic of Las Vegas at the casino, or delight in an exclusive show transporting you to a world of culture, surprise, light, history, and passion.
5* Hotel XCaret Mexico
Sitting on acres of beachfront land, this hotel offers a variety of choice to ensure everything is taken care of during your family holiday. The resort offers an ‘All-Fun Inclusive’ package which allows you to experience any of the Xcaret signature adventures including zip-lining, snorkelling and cave exploration tours. For nature lovers there are eco-parks with exotic animals and botanical gardens. There are kids’ clubs for children aged 4-12 years where they will be entertained with activities such as arts and crafts, games, and movies.
