The kids are in charge—or at least they think they are—at these resorts where sandboxes, bunk beds and splash zones rule.
A Cancun Debut
Reconnecting—that’s one of the pillars for a successful family vacation, and that’s the concept behind the brand-new Seadust Cancun Family Resort. Opened just last month and located in the destination’s popular Hotel Zone, the 505-room, family-centric resort is actually the former Great Parnassus Family Resort, except it’s undergone a multimillion dollar enhancement, and now offers more inviting guestrooms, new culinary offerings and family-centric amenities and attractions. There are three infinity pools; a spa menu featuring manis, pedis, and facials for everyone from grandma to the little princess; the Treasure Island Water Park; a mini golf course; a 20-ft. rock climbing wall and a 245-ft. zipline. There are also age-appropriate lounges, including separate ones for children and teens, and seven a la carte restaurants so even picky eaters will find just their spot (recommend a stop at either Magnus or Atlantis, as they offer breathtaking views of the ocean).
A Reopening in Los Cabos
For clients who like to feel at home even when they’re on vacation, recommend the recently reopened Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa. The resort features 147 villas ranging in style from the 506.-sq.-ft. studios to the 2-bedroom Ocean Villas (1,030-1,486 sq. ft.). All are equipped with kitchenettes—a two-burner cooktop, a microwave, a compact refrigerator with an icemaker, and a dishwasher—as well as a washer and dryer. There’s also an array of organized activities such as Taco Night Tuesdays at Cocina Casera, and classes created especially for the little ones ages 4 to 12 at the kids clubs such as piñata making and Spanish and English classes, as well as treasure hunts, talent shows, and
cultural lessons.
It’s Showtime!
A few months back we reported on the completion of Phase 1 of Sandos Caracol Eco Resort’s renovations of its Family Section, and now Phase 2 is nearing completion and is set to debut this December. The family-friendly accommodations, in Eco Superior (sleeps up to 4), Eco Family Suite (sleeps up to 5) and Eco Family Penthouse configurations, feature newly designed splash pools, bunk beds and private bathrooms. The penthouses, of which there are 24, are ideal for a family of five that is looking for ample space with a master bedroom featuring a king-size bed and a private bathroom for adults, along with a separate bedroom with a bunkbed for three, a sofa and an additional bathroom for the children. It will be tough to leave the smartly decorated accommodations—think natural, earthy tones, rustic wood paneling, and pops of Caribbean-inspired colors—but exploring is what it’s all about. There are baby, kids and teens clubs, as well as the Aqua Park, and the Xcalacoco Experience, which is exclusive to Sandos and allows families to immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in 40 different daily activities, from Eco Tours to Sandos Survivor competitions. The new accommodations will be available for booking Dec. 23.
Get Ready to Explore
Mayan legends, Yucatan jungles and temples—that’s what the kids will be exploring when they dive head first into all of the fun at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun’s 40,000-sq.-ft. Coral KidZ Club, which unveiled a new section earlier this year. There’s now a Mayan-themed outdoor sand and water-filled play zone that allows children to go on an expedition outdoors through the jungles of the Yucatan, climbing the ruins of a Mayan Temple and slithering through caves to find winding slides that lead to pools of water and soft sand. There are also secluded spots hidden in the rock walls, a spray ground with water guns (for spraying down the enemies), a brightly colored pool and a large sandbox for digging to their heart’s content. Part of La Coleccion, the resort offers 602 all-suite oceanview accommodations, and a plethora of activities, including a marina where families can opt for nonmotorized watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
Contact Information
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun: coralbeachcancunresort.com
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort: sandos.com
Seadust Cancun Family Resort: seadustcancun.com
Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa: westinloscabos.com
