Today’s all-inclusives have finally dusted off yesteryear’s mindset and are playing a whole different ballgame. Here’s a handful of reasons why recommending an all-inclusive vacation for today’s family makes sense:
1) Most incidentals are included in the room rate, including dining, entertainment and activities; 2) Dining options at today’s all-inclusives abound and are anything but cookie-cutter; 3) The marketplace is so competitive that all-inclusive brands are upping the ante when it comes to offering unique activities for everyone in the family; 4) Accommodations come in a wide range of options, from budget-minded to high-end; and 5) Mom and dad are going to take comfort in knowing that their kids (no matter the age) are being looked after while they indulge in a little “our time.” And here are a few more reasons you’re going to want to send your family clients on an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico.
Jam Out & Jump Around
Trampolines, hip hop, Parkour, BMX, snowboarding…all in a day’s roster of activities while vacationing in Riviera Maya, right? As soon as Hard Rock All Inclusive Collection’s Camp Woodward facility debuts at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya it will be (as of press time, an exact date was not confirmed, although it’s definitely a summer opening). Yes, Recommend has been reporting on this unique facility as soon as we got wind of it, but it offers such a different vacation opportunity—there’s also skateboarding and snow skiing—that we want to make sure it’s on your radar for upcoming bookings. In the meantime, your family clients headed to Cancun or Riviera Maya can get their creative juices flowing with Hard Rock’s Music Lab, which debuted a couple of years ago, but again, such an offbeat offering, we thought we’d bring it to your attention again. Clients choose from four different experiences—Jam Band, Spin Session, RockTube and Studio Time—stemming from playing in a rock band to learning how to spin like a DJ, and even recording a music video (it’s open for guests 12 and over). hardrockhotels.com/all-inclusive.htm
A Cool Space for Trendy Teens
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit recently debuted a teens club with all the bells and whistles. Thirteen- to 18-year-olds are going to love the bright, inspirational quotes and designs along the staircase (in both English and Spanish); the funky mismatched furniture resembling a 20-something’s first studio apartment; the bright pops of color; and cozy nooks. There are also circular cubbies with comfy seats for playing video games, as well as a large screen and seating area for movies, games, and more. The teens club also features a bar and deli area called the Chill Out Zone offering soft drinks and deli snacks, as well as a pool table, air hockey, ping-pong, foosball, and karaoke with a vintage dance floor. grandvelas.com
Teen Blast
Why should the little ones get all the attention? With the launch of teen-specific activities, Paradisus Resorts is hoping teens vacationing at their resorts will look up from their mobile devices and immerse themselves in the world around them. The hotel company is now offering teens everything from watersports and adventures sports such as rock climbing or Eurobungy to pool rallies, as well as life-enriching activities like DJ classes. Not new, but definitely something to note, Paradisus offers Family Concierge Suites that include a dedicated Family Concierge who can coordinate activities for both the parents and kids. The suites come with a host of in-room amenities that speak specifically to a family’s needs. paradisus.com
Mom & Dad Need Some Playtime, Too
At Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Riviera Maya, it’s no longer just the kiddies slipping-and-sliding through a watery wonderland. The resort has just opened an expanded water park featuring seven newly designed waterslides for teens and adults (and five smaller waterslides just for the little ones). And keep in mind, the water oasis initially featured 17 slides and water games, so this is a game-changer. Another notch under the resort’s belt is the creation of the Xcalacoco Experience, which offers an up-close look at Mayan and Mexican cultures via a slew of activities that include everything from storytelling to rituals. sandos.com
Hanging with Raggs
The Grand Palladium properties in the Riviera Maya have a Play at Palladium with Raggs offer that features character meet-and-greets; dining and musical experiences; activities and fully produced live musical stage shows at the resorts’ onsite theaters. In May, per night pricing begins at $264 for a jr. suite at the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa (prices vary depending on property and room category). palladiumhotelgroup.com
Kids Only!
Oasis Hotels & Resorts has just completed updates to the kids club at Grand Oasis Palm, the 15,095-sq.-ft. Kid-O Zone. It features a playroom designed as a kitchen; a wide variety of activities including a beauty salon for children, karaoke, and a disco; an outdoor food plaza with various walk-up stations—each station sized for the little ones; a kids beach area, where the lounge beds are kid-sized, and lined
with mini surfboards; a separate pool for children with a pirate ship in the pool and various waterslides; a full-sized pirate ship docked at the onsite marina—the ship sails daily, taking kids on a “Pirates of the Caribbean” experience; and a sweet parlor with every kind of confection imaginable. oasishoteles.net
