The Spread:
In spite of its name, the Paradisus Riviera Cancun is actually located 30 minutes south of Cancun, along the Riviera Mayaa more family-friendly, less boisterous region than bustling Cancun. The property, 494 rooms in 14 three-story buildings designed with a nod to the areas Mayan history, lies on a mangrove preserve on 5,000 feet of Caribbean coastline. As a chain, Paradisus Resorts, on the upscale end of the Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts chain, offer amenities and services not typically associated with all-inclusives. The spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, and Jacuzzi tubs. Other perks include four swimming pools (one just for kids), six restaurants, and complimentary room service 24-hours daily.
Why Families Love It:
Club 4, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., serves children ages two months to four years, while the Mini Club, open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., caters to ages five to 12. Both offer complimentary activities ranging from crafts and art to swimming and pool play. At the game room, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., ages six and older keep busy with X-Boxes and PlayStations. There are many outdoor activities that parents and kids can do together, including paddling kayaks, pedaling water bikes, windsurfing, snorkeling, and sailing.
Paradisus ups the pampering for families with its new Family Concierge Service. Available with a Family Concierge Suite, which has a pull-out sofa in the sitting area, these rooms come with childrens amenities including kid-sized robes and slippers, special bath products, as well as a mini bar filled with milk and juices. Parents receive a walkie-talkie so they may instantly communicate with their children from a romantic dinner at a restaurant.
Special Events & Activities
The nearby archaeological site of Tulum, the only Mayan ruins standing at the edge of the sea, is a compelling site (extra fee).