Looking for a family-friendly vacation destination that has it all? Look no further than Riviera Maya, Mexico! This stunning stretch of coastline offers something for everyone, from world-class beaches and resorts to ancient ruins and lush jungles. And with direct flights from Boston, it's easier than ever to get there.
As a mom of two young children, I know how important it is to find a vacation destination that is both relaxing and fun for the whole family. After dozens of trips myself to Riviera Maya with my family, I have booked many amazing vacations for families from Arlington, Lexington, Belmont, Medford, Cambridge and beyond that want to escape the Boston cold in exchange for the amazing resorts and activities of Riviera Maya.
Why do I love this region so much? I want to give you a quick guide on some of the best activities that are great for the whole family as well as some of my favorite resorts in the area.
First let's start off with some of the activities that make this region unique. Here is a sample of what you can do:
Spend the day at the beach: Riviera Maya has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and swaying palm trees, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Unlike Cancun (where you land from your direct flight from Boston), the Riviera Maya towns that dot along the coast are calm wonders rich with a jungle atmosphere yet are all within 45 mins to an hour from the airport. My favorite resorts are around the Playa del Carmen area but there are fabulous options in Akumal Bay and Tulum.
Explore ancient ruins: Riviera Maya is home to a number of ancient Mayan ruins, including Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. These ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan people. Chichen Itza is by far the most impressive city of pyramids that are definitely a site to be seen and your kids will love. However, it is a bit of a trek to get there so if you still want to see Mayan ruins then Tulum might be a better pick for you. Either way, organizing a day trip with local guides and comfortable transportation is a breeze.
Go swimming with dolphins: Riviera Maya is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. This is a truly unforgettable experience that your kids will love. Xcaret is an eco-park located in Riviera Maya. The park features a variety of activities for families, including swimming with dolphins, exploring underground rivers, and visiting a butterfly pavilion. Xcaret is a great place to learn about the natural beauty of Mexico and have some fun with the family. Its no wonder Xcaret is a 5 star rated destination with thousands of verified reviews---including my own!
Visit a cenote: Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are formed when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing underground rivers and caves. These cenotes are a great place to cool off on a hot day and explore the underwater world. These are particularly popular stops along the way on your day trip to Chichen Itza or Xcaret, but I can also help you organize a shorter visit if you do not plan to visit those other sites.
Go zip-lining through the jungle: Riviera Maya is home to a number of zip-lining tours that offer a thrilling way to see the jungle from above. This is a great activity for families with older kids.
As a mom myself, I know that sometimes it may be too much of a hassle to round up the kids on a day trip---after all this is your vacation to relax as well. Luckily, the Riviera Maya has some of my favorite resorts that allow you to fully relax while at the same time provide enough activities for the kids that will keep them happy. Here are some of my favorite resorts with the best combination of luxury, relaxation, activities---and kids clubs!
Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in the heart of Riviera Maya. The resort features stunning beaches, lush gardens, and a variety of activities for families of all ages. Kids will love the kids club, water park, and nightly entertainment. Parents will appreciate the adults-only pool, spa, and golf course.
My absolute favorite things about Fairmont Mayakoba include the food & cocktails (the restaurant options range from Sushi to a French bakery to an amazing steakhouse), the amazing beach (think loungers with comfy mattresses and some nice shade from the palapas), and the impeccable service that you find throughout the resort.
Paradisus Playa Esmeralda
Paradisus Playa Esmeralda is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort located in Playa del Carmen. The resort features beautiful beaches, a variety of pools, and a kids club with activities for all ages. Parents will appreciate the adults-only pool, spa, and fitness center. A relatively new addition to the hotel is a great splash park for the kids. My kids absolutely love the staff at the Kids Club and being able to relax by pool or beach while they are having a great day is great for me and my husband as well.
Besides the Kids Club, my favorite things about the Paradisus are the large modern rooms (with optional 'butler' service), a wide selection of sleek restaurants (our family favorite is the Japanese Teppanyaki style restaurant), and the nightly entertainment options (both for the kids and adults)
Overall there are dozens of great resort options to fit any budget and style. One of the main reasons I chose to be an independent travel advisor was to make sure families get honest advice based on their needs. So to figure out which resort and activities may be right for you, just get in touch!
A common question I get from families looking to book their vacations is about safety of going to Mexico. The question is understandable given the news reports we hear from time to time about crime in Mexico. However, there are a few important things to note about the Riviera Maya that should help you with your decision.
Crime in Mexico is indeed a problem but its largely not in this part of the country (i.e. the border area with US is the most problematic yet hundreds of miles away) and the Riviera Maya region is heavily protected both by police, national guard, as well as hotel security.
Riviera Maya is one of the most popular destination spots for decades for US and Canadian travelers. Just last year there were over 5 million visitors from the US and many of the people that I have met on our dozen or so trips keep coming back because of the service, beauty, and safety of the region.
When I book trips both for my family and my clients, I always provide reputable transportation companies that will pick you up directly from the airport and take you to your resort. Same idea in terms for any day trips that you may be interested in.
Of course nobody can guarantee anyone's safety whether in Boston, Chicago, or Riviera Maya but I do have to say that there are lot more resources there for protection of travelers than I have seen virtually anywhere in the world. Frankly, if it did feel dangerous I would of course avoid going here year after year with my children or recommend it to my clients who have also enjoyed their stays. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to reach out and I will be happy to share what you can expect as well as any alternatives if you still feel uncomfortable.
Riviera Maya is the perfect family-friendly vacation destination. With its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and lush jungles, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And with direct flights from Boston, it's easier than ever to get there. So what are you waiting for?
Contact me today to learn more about our Riviera Maya vacation packages and to get started planning your family's dream vacation. As always, I will provide you with independent and honest advice for what is best for your needs. My goal is to make sure you have an amazing vacation at an even more amazing price.
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