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Cancun
resorts we’ve experienced
family-friendly
Cancun consists of the hotel zone (central), Playa Mujeres to the north, and the Riviera Maya to the south.
Below are photos and opinions from the all-inclusive resorts we have personally visited in the Cancun area...
Playa Mujeres (north)...
Hotel zone (central)...
Riviera Maya (south)...
*These resorts are technically family-friendly, but tend to have a more mature atmosphere.
Ask us about these resorts, and others not listed here. Email Cassie at cassie@oddballescapes.com for more information!
Ask us about these resorts, and others not listed here. Email Cassie at cassie@oddballescapes.com for more information!
Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort is located in the northern stretch of the Riviera, and has great water features.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Water fun!. - Little kids enjoy the Splash area, and big kids have a waterpark! Everyone enjoys the lazy river and many pools!
- Cave restaurant. - Wow, walk into a cave-like room and enjoy dinner with low lighting in this unique atmosphere.
- Game room. - Bowling, trampolines, and laser tag are available for an extra charge.
- Diamond Club. - Upgrade to Diamond Club for access to another pool, lazy river, beach area, and extra amenities in your room.
Planet Hollywood Cancun (north of Cancun)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort with plenty of activities & movie-star themed décor. The Adult Scene is the adults-only side of the resort.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Water features! - The lazy river is amazing! And there's a large pools and fun splash areas for the kiddos!
- Star Class. - Upgrade to Star Class and receive perks, including a "personal agent" to make you feel like a movie star!
- Adult Scene. - A completely separate area with it's own pool, beach, and restaurant. Available only to adults staying on this side.
Dreams Playa Mujeres (north of Cancun)
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Overview. A family-friend resort located in the gated community of Playa Mujeres, where adults can visit the Secrets resort next door.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Kids areas. - Wow, the kids have a lot of fun options, both with indoor and outdoor entertainment, including two a full-sized waterslides!
- Pools. - For families that love pools, the large courtyard has multiple levels of pools, with plenty of space to relax and have fun!
- Swimout rooms. - The 2 buildings that are closest to the beach have an elevated terrace for swimout rooms, with fantastic ocean views!
Dreams Natura (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. This compact family-friendly resort in the Riviera Maya doesn’t require much walking, but has plenty of fun features & amenities!
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Activities! - The courtyard has several pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a splash bucket, a rock wall, and a Rollglider Aerial ride! So fun!
- Spa décor. - Feel like you're relaxing in an underground cave when you visit the spa! What a unique relaxing experience.
- Restaurant décor. - Each restaurant has a fun and unique atmosphere, complete with intriguing items that grab your attention.
Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. Perfect for young families looking for a lush tropical setting without sacrificing classy décor & adult attention to detail.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Pools. - Water is everywhere! The pools wrap in front of each building - enjoy beautiful views of the the pool from your room!
- Comfy patios. - Whether you're on the ground level or have a balcony, enjoy the comfy furniture as you relax directly outside your room.
- Toddler friendly! - No need to pack baby food, bottles, monitors, baby bathtubs, pack-n-plays - Azul has you covered! And MORE!
Garza Blanca Cancun (north of Cancun)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort is located near the Playa Mujeres area just north of Cancun, and offers luxury rooms & amenities.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Pools! - The courtyard features 6 large pools that lead out to a wide white-sand beach. Plus there's an adults-only rooftop pool!
- Baby amenities. - No need to pack a lot! The resort provides car seats, strollers, bouncers, monitors, bottles, bottle warmers, & more!
- Suites. - The 3- and 4-bedroom suites are amazing! Choose a single-level suite or a 3-level suite with fantastic layouts.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. Built into the natural landscape, this resort offers premium accommodations that let you truly escape from your daily life.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Stunning architecture! - You will feel surrounded by nature with jungle, caves, rivers, and buildings with natural stone & colors. Beautiful!
- All-Fun Inclusive. - Receive unlimited access to the parks & tours at Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, Xel-Ha, Xoximilco, Xenotes, and Xichen.
- Roof pool in the adults-only section. - Wow. Breathtaking! This rooftop pool is large and offers stunning views of the area & coastline.
Royalton Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the northern stretch of the Riviera Maya area, with the luxury stamp-of-approval for families.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Kids area. - Amazing kids entertainment is available both indoor and outdoor, complete with an entire pool designed for the kiddos!
- Diamond Club. - Upgrade and enjoy all areas of the resort, including 3 different courtyards, each with their own pool and entertainment!
- Tropical beach. - Enjoy the natural landscape that separates the resort from the beach, with beautiful walkways to the beach and ocean.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun (hotel zone)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort sits directly on the “point” of Cancun’s hotel zone, and provides options for families of all sizes.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Distinct areas. - Its location on a "point" creates 2 separate beach and pool areas to enjoy. The beach is wide, and the pools are large!
- Swimout rooms. - Only a handful of rooms are swimouts, and most overlook a natural rocky shoreline with vibe a golf-course vibe.
- Adults-only area. - One building is exclusively for adults. Adults can enjoy the rooftop bar and infinity pool with beautiful ocean views.
Dreams Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort for all ages, with a beautiful central courtyard featuring the pool, beach, and entertainment.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Pool and beach. - This large main pool area is broken up into sections so that people are spread out and pick their favorite spot.
- Kids club. - The kids club has awesome activities for kids of all ages, including a mini rock wall, bungee, and other unique options!
- Layout & décor. - The central courtyard houses most activities and entertainment, and the buildings are within easy-walking distance.
Dreams Vista Cancun (hotel zone)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort located slightly outside of Cancun’s hotel zone, with amazing views… it’s all about the VISTA!
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Balconies. - Not only are the views terrific, but there are beanbag chairs on the balcony! Perfection.
- Family suites! - Many rooms with 1-king bed connect with rooms with 2-double beds. Perfect for families with more than 2 kiddos.
- Rooftop pool. - Adults staying in Preferred Club have access to a rooftop pool and lounging area. Again, with beautiful views.
Sandos Caracol (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort is built into the surrounding natural landscape, and located on the northern edge of Playa del Carmen.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Nature! - Tucked into the natural landscape and featuring 7 cenotes, mangroves, an area with ancient ruins, and plenty of wildlife.
- Aquapark! - One of the largest on-resort waterparks in the Riviera, enjoy 29 slides of various sizes as well as other fun water features!
- Snorkeling. - While the beach may be a bit rocky (bring water shoes), it's ideal for snorkeling and viewing the natural marine life!
Sensira (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort that’s easy to get around, and is perfect for families with small children who don’t want to sacrifice luxury.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Small kiddos. - The kids club area is amazing for the little ones! There's even a baby club for families with toddlers.
- Teens area. - A loft features several video game cubbies, that overlook an entertainment stage, complete with games & activities.
- Pub. - This adult-only area has pool tables, poker tables, and feels like you're right in the middle of an English Pub.
Dreams Jade (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort featuring three spacious 3 courtyards, lots of greenery, and 2 main pool areas.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Windows in the bathroom! - With windows in the bathroom, enjoy the views from the jacuzzi tub or shower!
- Spacious Jr. Suites - The living space is separated on a lower level from the bed. (Handicapped rooms available.)
- Adults-only pool. - The pool on the Preferred Club side is exclusively for adults, with plenty of space and beautiful ocean views.
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort is spread out with various pools so that you can relax or participate in the activities.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Buildings & pools. - Not all rooms face the courtyard, but each building faces a smaller pool so that you get easy pool access & views!
- Large rooms! - The rooms are very spacious, have inviting colors, and offer all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
- Waterslides. - A handful of slides will keep both the younger and older kids occupied for hours! Maybe even the adults too!
Ventus at Marina El Cid (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A complex with 3 family-friendly resorts with exchange privileges, located in the Riviera just south of Puerto Morelos.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- 3 options. - Marina and Ventus are beachfont and located side-by-side, which the Ventus Ha is an oasis located behind them.
- Swim-ups. - The swimup rooms at Ventus have their own elevated pool which overlooks the main pool.
- Suites. - The 2- and 3-bedroom suites and fit up to 8 guests! Perfect for families with several children, or families traveling together.
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)
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Overview. A modern sophisticated hotel that is blended with approximately 70% adults-only rooms and 30% family-friendly rooms.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Is this a palace? - I personally love the décor! The mix of pillars, stone & wrought iron feels like you're staying at a palace... or a mansion!
- Layout. - This resort sits wide along the beach, offering a larger pool area and more swimout rooms than most resorts in the hotel zone!
- Spa & gym. - The spa and fitness areas are fantastic! The gym even has a pilates center and an outdoor lap pool!
Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort is located in Costa Mujeres, and features a very large, very modern concept.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Layout. - A man-made lake is in the center of the resort, providing scenic views and a taxi-boat service to get from place to place.
- The Village. - A must-experience dining and entertainment area, with big bold restaurants, a theater, and a cabaret venue ($).
- Loft suites. - The loft suites provide lots of space, with a living area downstairs and the bedroom upstairs! Very spacious and modern.
Moon Palace The Grand Cancun (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A family-friend resort located in the northern section of the Riviera, with plenty of activities for kids and teens!
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Waterpark & The Playroom. - An arcade & activity center is in the middle of the waterpark, with a lazy river surrounding the building.
- Entertainment. - There's plenty to do! Have fun at the theater, bowling alley, arcade, and any of the 9 pools!
- The library. - Adults can escape to the library. Just push on the wall of books to enter a secret door into the speak easy lounge!
Crown Paradise Club (hotel zone)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort located on the southern stretch of the hotel zone, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Kids activities! - Sports courts, a cinema, themed nights, activities by the pool, waterslides, games area... kids will not get bored here!
- Covered pool. - Crappy weather? Or need a break from the sun? A kids pool is located indoors, just next to the kids splash zone!
- Families of 5. - The standard rooms accommodate families with 3 kids. The rooms feature 1 king bed and 1 double bed.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya
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Overview. With its signature decor, this resort has both a family-friendly and adults-only side plenty of space along the beach.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Beautiful coves. - The beach area is set against a rocky barrier, providing calm, clear waters perfect to relax, swim, snorkel or kayak.
- Night club for adults! - Wow! The hot tubs INSIDE of the nightclub are amazing! Thursday-Saturdays only, from 11pm to 2am.
- Full but not crowded. - The pool and beach areas may feel less full during the day - many guests are often attending conferences.
The Fives Oceanfront (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. A boutique hotel refuge on the edge of Puerto Morelos, a charming beach community located in the Riviera Maya.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- All suites. - Perfect laid-back resort for guests needing 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suites with separate living area and a fully-equipped kitchen.
- Access to town. - Puerto Morelos is a fishing community that's easily accessible from the hotel, perfect for a local experience!
- Rooftop! - The rooftop has a pool, bar, and lounging area. And, the views are perfect for enjoying the colorful sunsets in the evenings.
The Fives Beach (Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya)
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Overview. With 2 family-friendly sections, you can choose the Beach experience or the Residences experience, both with their own vibe.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Suites. - Suites feature 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom layouts, perfect for families traveling together or for families with lots of kiddos!
- Mangroves. - The resort is tucked into nature, so enjoy the wooden walkways through mangroves as you try to spot wildlife!
- Pools! - Both sections feature several pools, and the beachfront area features a pool with terrific views of the ocean.
Hard Rock Cancun (hotel zone)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, with a lively upbeat vibe and featuring their signature memorabilia.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Compact. - A Hard Rock resort that doesn't require as much walking, and has a great convention center perfect for groups.
- Fun vibe. - The pool area is lively, fun, and has great views of the ocean! Plus, several restaurants are located on the pool level.
- Ocean views. - The rooms feature decor that will make you feel like a rockstar, and the upper levels also have terrific ocean views!
Generations Riviera Maya
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Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the Riviera Maya that has the luxury stamp-of-approval with a yummy all-gourmet concept.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Infinity pool balcony suites. - Is it a balcony? Swimout? Both! Three levels enjoy a swimout balcony stretching the length of the building!
- Large Suites. - Each room is spacious, but you can also choose from 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites to accommodate more people!
- Gourmet Tower. - This ocean-front building features many gourmet-inclusive restaurants that offer stunning views of the ocean.
Iberostar Paraíso - Maya + Lindo (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. With 5 resorts on this complex located in the Riviera Maya, I recommend either the Maya or the Lindo sections for families.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Stay at 1, play at 4! - When you stay at the Maya or Lindo, you will also have access to two additional resorts, the Beach and Del Mar.
- Mexican culture. - "Mexico" is captured with bold colors and fun design elements such as pyramids, statues, and Mayan hieroglyphics.
- Pools at Maya and Lindo sides. - There is a very large main pool, a quiet pool, a volleyball pool, a wave pool, a lazy river, and waterpark!
RIU Dunamar + RIU Palace Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)
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Overview. Located side-by-side in Costa Mujeres, the RIU Palace CM has access to the RIU Dunamar. (Photos are of RIU Palace CM.)
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Layout. - Many of the facilities, restaurants, entertainment areas, etc. are located on the elevated level that overlooks the pools.
- Waterpark. - Both resorts share the waterpark that's located between them - with slides for younger kids and older kids... and adults!
- Swimout rooms. - Although there are only a handful, the Palace does have rooms with swimout access to your own plunge pool!
Ocean Coral + Turquesa (Riviera Maya)
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Overview. This family-friendly resort stretches along the beach in the Riviera Maya, and offers an adults-only section called El Beso.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Layout. - Spread out across multiple u-shaped enclaves, the pools and beach are close to all the rooms.
- Daisy Club. - The kids club and teens club areas offer plenty of activities, plus extra amenities are provided for little kids and babies.
- El Beso. - This is the adults-only section with adult-only rooms, a large pool, its own restaurant and bar, and beach section.
Catalonia Costa Mujeres (north of Cancun)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort with a modern vibe that features two main courtyards, each with their own large pool.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Room size. - All of the rooms are suites - the smallest room is spacious with a living room and a good-sized patio/balcony.
- Quinta Avenida. - 5th avenue is at the center of the resort, with very nice grab-and-go style restaurants, sitting areas, and shops!
- Spa and gym. - Both the gym and the outdoor hydrotherapy pool are located at the end of the buildings, with stunning views!.
Dreams Sands Cancun (hotel zone)
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Overview. A family-friendly resort located in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, that typically is very budget-friendly.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- The view. - With 12 floors, the upper levels are reserved for Preferred Club, and they have the best ocean views.
- Swimming. - The shallow water allows for you to venture deeper into the ocean and enjoy splashing around in the fairly calm waters!
- Short walking distances. - This resort is compact, for short walking distance to your room, the pool, the beach, and the restaurants.
Zoetry Paraíso de la Bonita Riviera Maya (R.Maya)
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Overview. A low-key boutique resort that focuses on wellness and luxury. While kids are allowed, it has a mature vibe and style.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Décor. - The style blends a hacienda vibe with unique local artwork, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
- Layout. - With only 100 suites, all rooms face the ocean and stretch the length of the beach, at only 2 or 3 floors high.
- Impression Club. - A more intimate luxury experience, the 9 Impression rooms have their own villa with amazing suites!
Dreams Cape + Sunscape Sabor + Secrets Aura (Cozumel)
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Overview. Sharing a complex, both Dreams and Sunscape are family-friendly, which Secrets is reserved for adults-only.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- Beachfront. - The resort stretches along the beach, and you're just steps away from the beautiful waters of Cozumel!
- Dreams. - All guests at Dreams are Preferred Club, and have beautifully modern rooms with swimout options.
- Shared facilities. - Guests staying at Dreams can use the entire complex - if you're over 18 years old, you also have access to Secrets.
Fiesta Americana + Explorean (Cozumel)
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Overview. Both family-friendly located about 10 minutes south of Cozumel’s main town, the Fiesta Americana is a more traditional resort, while the Explorean is tucked into the jungle, offering an escape to a quiet oasis with only 56 rooms. Both are on the same property.
- Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
- The beach. - The beach area across the street is fantastic! Sitting areas, beds, a restaurant, bar, a pool, and access to the ocean waters!
- Fiesta Americana. - With only 102 rooms, you'll have all the necessities of a resort, but with easy access to explore the island.
- Explorean activities. - A daily off-site expedition or activity is offered for all guests of the Explorean and included in the rate.
Cirque du Soleil Joya
Overview. I LOVE Cirque du Soleil shows and this one did NOT disappoint! Located about a half hour south of the airport.
- Top 3 favorite things about this show:
- Always here! - Joyá is Cirque du Soleil's first resident show in Latin America, and it is exactly what you'd expect from Cirque du Soleil.
- Dinner and a show. - This is the first show that Cirque du Soleil has paired with a dinner experience... a very unique experience!
- What a welcome! - An impressive structure pops out of the jungle landscape, and is surrounded with fun tiki-hut areas.
Xcaret
Overview. The namesake park by Xcaret, here you can experience Mexican culture, nature, and a touch of adventure all in 1 park.
- Top 3 favorite things about this park:
- Underground rivers. - Built into natural landscape, float down 3 underground rivers! Sometimes lasting more than a half hour!
- Culture. - Enjoy typical Mexican dances, spectacular presentations & performances, and explore onsite Mayan archaeological vestiges!
- Optional activities. - Fill your day with memorable experiences such as Snuba, Sea Trek, or Adrenalina!
Xplor
Overview. One of the famous parks by Xcaret, Xplor is for those you love adventure and want a day filled with active experiences.
- Top 3 favorite things about this park:
- Natural caverns. - Built into natural caverns and caves, walk inside the earth or through the jungle to get to each adventure in the park.
- Adventure activities. - Fill your day with zip lines, amphibious vehicles, hand-paddled rafts, river swims, hammock splashes & MORE!
- Xplor Fuego. - The park's nighttime experience that comes to life with fire throughout the park.
Woodward Riviera Maya
Overview. A world-class facility featuring a skate park, a BMX park, trampolines, jumps, and more! Designed for all skill levels.
- Top 3 favorite things about this activity center:
- An active kid's paraside! - Wow, what a facility for kids (or kids at heart) that like to be on wheels.
- Timed sessions. - Timed sessions help regulate the number of people sharing the park. Mandatory instructional sessions are required.
- Outdoor experience. - The Ninja Obstacle Challenge is located outside of the main building that seems very fun... and not as scary!
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