Come February, we are starting to dream of getting away to somewhere warm. With spring break just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your beach vacation. We are lucky this week to be able to share a post from one of our favorite travel moms, Sarah Fazendin, from A Family Travel Blog. By the time you get to the end of this post, you will have your swimsuit packed and plane tickets booked!
“What’s your favorite family-friendly all-inclusive in Mexico?”
I get asked this question ALL. THE. TIME.
For many families, a trip to Mexico, for a week of sand and sun at the beach, is one of the first long-ish trips taken with kids. There are countless hotel, resort and vacation rental options, and the range can be utterly overwhelming. Understandably, parents don’t want to mess this up.
I remember setting up a pack-n-play on the beach in the hippie enclave of Tulum, Mexico when my oldest kiddo was just a few months old. Here she slept while my husband and I took turns splashing in the ocean, ordering smoothies from the roadside stand and relaxing under the welcome shade of the thatch palapa.
We’re not really all-inclusive people, but I absolutely understand the allure. All-inclusive resorts offer an ideal destination for busy families looking to totally relax and unwind for a few days on the beach in Mexico. Parents today are seeking out amenities like a kids club, kid-friendly pools, nannies, and of course access to all-inclusive dining and drinks.
Thanks to my day job in the travel industry, I’ve spent a lot of time inspecting resorts, hotels and vacation rentals across Mexico. I can honestly say that my all time favorite all-inclusive Mexico family resort is the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda.
Over the years I’ve referred many families to this resort … and they always return home with rave reviews! I think Paradisus Playa del Carmen’s La Esmeralda is the best resort for families in Mexico for a few key reasons;
Family Concierge
Be sure to book the “family concierge” program when making your reservation. This unique program is designed to make a relaxing family beach vacation even more awesome.
Upon arrival at the resort, you’ll be directed to a private family check-in room. Here, while you’re filling out paperwork and getting registered at the hotel, your kids will love digging into the snacks, drinks and games.
And better yet, you’ll be handed a mobile phone that is programmed with the direct number of your personal family concierge. This person will become your best friend during your stay. Need dinner reservations, more towels, warm milk, emergency nanny to watch the napping baby while the rest of the family hits the beach, board games or videos for after dinner in the room, a private shuttle into town or more chilled white wine (!)… all you have to do is call your concierge and he or she will make it happen immediately.
Trust me, these guys are seriously good!
Separate Sleeping Room for Kids
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my family never, ever stays in hotels. We prefer condos and vacation rentals, where we can spread out, enjoy separate sleeping rooms and have access to at least a basic kitchen.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen is the perfect hybrid of condo and hotel room. You’ll enjoy a mini-kitchen, complete with sink, microwave, mini-fridge and ample counter space, as well as to separate sink/bathroom areas and most importantly, two separate sleeping areas. Parents will sleep in a king bed adjacent to the bathroom, while kiddos will have a cozy bed made up for them each evening in the main living area. You can access the patio directly from the parent bedroom, so you can sit outside and enjoy the ocean breeze without worrying about waking up the kids.
Go Swimming Right From Your Room
Kids LOVE that they can jump into the pool directly from their private patio. The swimming pool here actually comes right up to each of the rooms, and for all ground-level rooms includes private access.
If you have little swimmers, be sure to book a ground-level room so you can enjoy this unique perk!
At Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda the food is fantastic, the design and décor are hip and the overall service is outstanding, which combined with the reasons mentioned above make this my choice for the best family all-inclusive resort in Mexico.
Have a look at their web site and make a reservation online or contact the hotel directly with questions.
