Luxury family resorts in the Riviera Maya and Cancun are the perfect place to take your loved ones. Not only are they blessed with the wonderful Mexican-Caribbean climate, but they also offer a plethora of kid-friendly amenities and the opportunity for plenty of exciting adventures.
Treat your family to the vacation of a lifetime with a stay in one of these luxury kid-friendly resorts in the Riviera Maya.
11 Luxury Family-Friendly Resorts in the Riviera Maya
Hotel Esencia
Where: Xpu-Ha, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
In brief: A chic beach-side retreat of just 40 villas set upon the white sands of Xpu-Ha. Once the winter retreat for an Italian duchess, Esencia is now a relaxed luxury getaway ideal for those looking to relax in paradise.
For kids: Ideal for slightly older children, Hotel Esencia has plenty of water-based activities to keep them entertained. They’ll love to snorkel with the turtles that live just off Esencia’s white sands and will get a kick out of kiteboarding and paddle boarding.
For adults: A spa and health club at the east end of the gardens offers the chance to completely unwind while the youngsters are playing. Alternatively, head to one of the excellent on-site restaurants or sip signature cocktails at the beach bar. Babysitting services are also available.
Nizuc
Where: Cancun.
In brief: Nizuc is a tranquil and stylish beach-front retreat at the far end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The award-winning resort boasts 274 luxurious suites and private villas spread across 29-acres. Ocean views and lots of amenities make for a dreamy and exciting vacation.
For kids: The Winik’s Kids Club (above) is the perfect place for youngsters to burn off some steam while mom and dad relax in peace. Designed for four to 12-year-olds, Winik’s is run by qualified staff who lead activities at the club, pool, and beach – think cooking classes, mini-Olympic tournaments, and piñata parties.
For adults: Nizuc offers a range of exciting activities throughout the week to keep adults entertained. Enjoy yoga classes, take a kayak onto the seas, or enjoy a private dinner on the beach. Make sure to try one of Nizuc’s gourmet restaurants before heading to the Havana Lounge to listen to live Cuban music and to sample their collection of Caribbean rums.
Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa
Where: Punta Maroma, between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
In brief: Nestled within lush jungle next to a white-sand beach, Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa offers high-end luxury in paradise. It boasts 63 rooms and suites plus an award-winning spa and excellent dining options.
For kids: Perfect for the adventure-loving youngster, Belmond Maroma offers a range of outdoors activities that can be enjoyed with the whole family. Go on a morning bike tour around the jungle, play at the games center, or even learn some Spanish phrases from the local staff. After, treat the little ones to a specially designed children’s treatment at the spa.
For adults: Mom and Dad should head to Kinan Spa to enjoy a traditional temazcal experience or an early-morning yoga session. Alternatively, stroll through the verdant gardens to walk among the resident parrots and butterflies.
Rosewood Mayakoba
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: Twisting lagoons, mangrove jungles, and white sand beaches are the perfect backdrop for any family holiday. Plus, with 129 exclusive suites and multi-room private residences available, there’s plenty of choice for all family sizes.
For kids: Rosewood Mayakoba offers a bounty of fun activities for children, including boat tours with a biologist who will explain about the local flora and fauna. Also enjoy scavenger hunts, pizza, and cookie-making classes, and themed nights such as Mexican Night, Pirate Night, and a Mayan Celebration.
For adults: Enjoy a host of sensational restaurants, play golf at the resort’s signature Greg Norman 18-hole course, or simply relax at Aqui Me Quedo, an adults-only private beach club with three sunken infinity pools.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: Head to Banyan Tree Mayakoba to enjoy a luxurious, tranquil resort of lagoons, mangroves, and natural dunes. There you’ll find a selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, each with their own pool.
For kids: Youngsters will love the array of activities available at Banyan Tree. Explore the waters of Mayakoba on an Eco Tour, release baby turtles at the Sands Beach Club, or explore Mayakoba’s twisting nature trails. There’s also a fun kids club that specializes in exciting outdoor activities.
For adults: There’s almost no end to the adventures available for adults at Banyan Tree Mayakoba. Head to El Camaleon PGA Championship Golf Course, play a spot of tennis or enjoy a cocktail or two at The Shack Beach Club.
Fairmont Mayakoba
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: Nestled within the gated Mayakoba resort, Fairmont Mayakoba is set among 16km of canals and lagoons. Select from a range of luxury suites, guest rooms, and casitas nestled within a tropical haven.
For kids: The Discovery Club & Adventure Camp is the place for children aged five to 11 to while away their days. Exciting adventures into the Maya jungle await, with the opportunity to learn all about the local wildlife.
For adults: While the children play, so can the adults. Stretch your legs at the Runners Club or take a guided tour in a catamaran. Alternatively, try to kitesurf or simply eat sensational food at the resort’s magnificent range of dining options.
Andaz Mayakoba
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: A vibrant, modern, and ultra-stylish resort, Andaz Mayakoba is a work of art in itself. Combine that with its enviable location on the Caribbean coast, and you’ll understand why this is one of the most desired resorts in Mexico. Guests can choose from 214 rooms, including 41 suites.
For kids: Along with all the attractions of the wider Mayakoba community, Andaz has its own kids club, KIMBO, for four to 12-year-olds. Activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and exciting games.
For adults: At Andaz Mayakoba, it’s less “what can we do?” – more “how much can we fit in?”. With an extensive list of incredible activities on offer, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy watersports, golf, eco-tours, yacht charters, and much, much more.
Mahekal
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: Barefoot living and chic style mark Mahekal resort out as a cool yet relaxed way to enjoy the delights of Playa del Carmen. A range of accommodation styles nestled within towering palms offers plenty of options for all family sizes.
For kids: Children can get creative at the Artisan Palapa, where an afternoon of ceramic and ornament painting awaits. Alternatively, head to the Agave Bar to play table games, or to peruse the family-friendly library.
For adults: Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue – with its busy nightlife, shopping opportunities, and lively entertainment – are close by. Adventurers may want to enjoy the resort’s idyllic beach-side location with a day of water sports or scuba diving.
Chablé Maroma
Where: Punta Maroma, between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
In brief: A world-class wellness resort sitting at the meeting point of the Maya jungle and the Caribbean Sea. Stay in everything from presidential villas, suites, and independent villas.
For kids: With an ideal spot in the Riviera Maya, Chablé Maroma offers the perfect base to explore its nearby wonders. Trips to the Yucatan Peninsula’s many cenotes are a must as is a tour of the local ancient Maya ruins. In the resort itself, youngsters can burn off steam on the private beach, nature trails, and swimming pools.
For adults: Chablé offers the next level in wellness vacations. Head to the spa where ancient Maya knowledge is combined with high-end facilities for a truly world-class offering. Its beautiful beach offers the chance to lie back and relax, while its gastronomic delights have been designed by chef Jorge Vallejo, the creator of famed Mexico City restaurant, Quintonil.
Mukan
Where: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
In brief: “The only luxury resort in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve” offers luxury living in one of Mexico’s most important natural habitats. Mukan offers five luxury rooms in the main villa, three ocean bungalows, and one premium bungalow with a private garden.
For kids: The lure of the Sian Ka’an will prove too strong for most families with its endlessly diverse habitats hiding a wealth of tropical creatures. Big cats, manatees, spider monkeys, and whales all call this incredible place home, and kids will love going on a wildlife safari.
For adults: Aside from exploring the Sian Ka’an, moms and dads can completely unwind at Mukan’s spa or spend their days relaxing on the beautiful beach. An alfresco dining experience is the perfect way to combine outdoors living and Mukan’s delightful gastronomic offerings.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Where: Playa del Carmen
In brief: One of the premier family resorts in the Riviera Maya, Grand Velas is an all-inclusive retreat with a beautiful golden beach and its own family section. The family-friendly area of the resort, known as The Ambassador, offers 195 suites with Jacuzzis, sitting areas, and homely amenities.
For kids: The options are extensive. Enjoy family games of volleyball and soccer on the beach, go on a snorkeling tour, swim with dolphins, or embark on a group bike ride. A kids’ club and separate teens’ club offer children the chance to mix with kids their own age and make some friends.
For adults: With the children making friends in the kids club, adults can enjoy a dizzying array of amenities at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. A stop at the spa, named by Forbes as one of the 30 most luxurious in the world, is a must.
Upgrade your family vacation in the Riviera Maya
Once you’ve found your favorite luxury family resort in the Riviera Maya, contact us to secure your stay. Simply speak to one of our expert Travel Planners who can organize every minute of your vacation. If you’d like, they can also help to book in a range of exciting activities for you and the whole family.
