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10 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Families in Mexico

These top all-inclusive resorts in Mexico were designed with the entire family in mind.

The pool at Paradisus Cancun
Photo:

Peter A Panopoulos Diaz / Paradisus Cancun

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations in the world for family getaways, thanks to its wealth of sandy beaches, warm water, and a dizzying array of activities. It's also one of the easiest countries to access from anywhere in the United States. From Los Cabos to Puerto Vallarta and the Mexican Caribbean, most families in the United States can be somewhere on the ground in Mexico in four hours or less — a significant plus when the entire brood is in tow.

Finding a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort in Mexico is easy, but choosing the right one gets a bit more complicated. That's because Mexico is genuinely overflowing with fabulous all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts. From the Baja Peninsula's rugged desert landscape to the Mexican Caribbean's gentle turquoise waters, families looking to get away together on a hassle-free beach vacation will be spoiled for choice.

Our picks for the best all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts in Mexico are a combination of Travel & Leisure award winners and editor-loved properties. They are known for their standout service, gorgeous design, location, and, of course, their kid-friendly offerings. Discover our picks for the best all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts in Mexico.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Guest room at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Resorts

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like
  • This all-suite hotel has a stunning 1,000-foot stretch of white sand beach.

What to Consider
  • There are many activities for kids and teens, but not as many evening activities for adults.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya is among the most sophisticated in the Mexican Caribbean if not all of Mexico. But for a resort with such elevated style and class, it also happens to be one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families in Mexico and a 2023 World’s Best Awards winner.

The 491-suite resort sits between 80 acres of mangrove forest and a powdery, soft white-sand beach. Suites are spread out across three buildings (two of which are family-friendly), and each building acts like a mini hotel within a hotel, with separate pools, gyms, and restaurants. Families will feel right at home in the Ambassador and Grand Class sections, which have the largest pools and several different restaurants. The Ambassador building is also the closest to the beach. Both buildings, however, have kids' clubs and many connecting rooms. Most restaurants have kid-friendly sections on the menus, as well. This is undoubtedly one of the country's most luxurious and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts.

The Details:

  • Distance to Cancun airport: 33 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Facilities for Families: Kid’s Club, Teen’s Club, and Baby Concierge
  • Gratuities: Yes
  • Rates: Start at $1,315

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Dining room at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas Resorts

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • A sprawling spa offers 20 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facilities.

What to Consider
  • The resort can often be fully booked and crowded.

If an all-inclusive resort can achieve Grande Dame status, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has made the cut. One of the icons of the Riviera Nayarit coastline and another World’s Best Award winner, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has set the bar on a luxury all-inclusive resort experience.

The 265-room resort features all suites, each with a balcony, ocean views, and plenty of sun-drenched space. The resort's focal point is its central infinity pool, which tiers down three levels before spilling out to a spectacular beach — one of the best in the Bay of Banderas. Like its Riviera Maya counterpart, the facilities for families are fabulous here. Kids and teens have separate clubs, while a baby concierge helps outfit parents with everything from strollers to bassinets. Six restaurants serve everything from casual beach food to fine dining French, Italian, Mexican, and Pan-Asian. The 20-treatment room spa is a posh playground for adults with plunge pools, hydrotherapy, and dozens of holistic treatments.

The Details:

  • Distance to Puerto Vallarta airport: 7 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Kid’s Club, Teen’s Club, Baby Concierge
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $909

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Also available to book at Hotels.com

What We Like
  • A huge selection of activities, restaurants, and airport transfers are included in the room rate.

What to Consider
  • It is one of the largest resorts in the Riviera Maya.

Few family-friendly all-inclusive resorts do it as well as Hotel Xcaret Mexico. That's likely why this resort topped our World's Best list for 2023. The massive upscale, family-friendly resort is one of the largest in the area, with 900 gorgeously designed rooms. But for a resort of this scale, one of the things that struck me most is how boutique it can still feel — maybe that's because it has so many different places for guests to hang out in or to disappear so that no area ever feels overcrowded.

The sprawling grounds are designed to look almost prehistoric, with stony-faced facades, thick tropical foliage, and even a denote-inspired river surrounded by canyon walls on either side. (This serene spot is where you'll find the luxe spa, by the way.) Ten restaurants, eight bars, and a kids' club round out the amenities. But perhaps the best perk for families is that the resort offers unlimited, all-inclusive access to any of the Grupo Xcaret theme parks — transportation included. Zip-lining, ATV tours, themed shows, and water parks are all part of the package, and families can go as many times as they want during their stay.

The Details:

  • Distance to Cancun airport: 41 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: A kids’ club and unlimited access to all Grupo Xcaret parks included in the room rate
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $900

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Guest room at Grand Velas Los Cabos

Grand Velas Resorts

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • All rooms offer ocean views and private terraces.

What to Consider
  • The beach here is not swimmable, which is common for Los Cabos.

Los Cabos leaves travelers positively spinning when it comes to choosing high-end resorts. But Grand Velas Los Cabos has the market cornered for all-inclusive, luxe resorts for families. It also earned a spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

The beachfront, classy hotel exudes understated elegance at every turn, but with plenty of kid-friendly amenities, it is anything but stuffy. Rooms are oversized and modern but cozy and relaxed, with ocean and pool views from all the balconies. Many rooms even come with private plunge pools. Grand Velas aficionados will recognize signature restaurant concepts Frida, Lucca, and Piaf, but signatures to the resort are Velas 10 and Cocina del Autor. A decked-out kids club features everything from Wii and Xbox to activities like jewelry-making and treasure hunts. Teens have a separate, sleeker space with pool tables, air hockey, a dance floor, and its own cafeteria. Adults can check into the spacious spa or lounge at the central multi-level pool deck.

The Details:

  • Distance to San Jose del Cabo airport: 20 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Kid’s Club and Teen’s Club
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $1,552

Mahekal Beach Resort

Mahekal Beach Resort

Mahekal Beach Resort

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • This beachfront resort is within walking distance of Playa del Carmen’s legendary Fifth Avenue.

What to Consider
  • Rooms do not have televisions.

A stretch of fluffy, white sand and rows of palapa-topped bungalows shrouded by shady groves of palm trees will have you forgetting that you're at a resort smack in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen. Mahekal Beach Resort, forever one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and a World’s Best winner in 2023, offers guests the best of both worlds. It enjoys one of the most beautiful beaches in Playa del Carmen but is also steps from the buzzy, energetic Quinta Avenida, lined with fabulous restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Families love this resort for the prime beachfront location, boho-chic beachfront bungalows, the family-friendly pool, and proximity to downtown attractions.

The Details:

  • Distance to Cancun airport: 35 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Ping pong, pool, ceramic painting, and a family-friendly pool
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $543 for all-inclusive

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Guest room at Garza Blanca

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • This resort has one of the best locations in Puerto Vallarta with the most stunning views of the Bahia de Banderas.

What to Consider
  • Guests of neighboring adults-only Hotel Mousai can use the facilities at Garza Blanca, but not the other way around.

I rarely advocate going to Puerto Vallarta and staying in an all-inclusive resort, but I will happily make the exception for Garza Blanca Preserve. I love this resort for families because of its spectacular location, generously sized rooms, and many adventure-based activities.

Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas are some of the best destinations for nature lovers and active travelers, and Garza Blanca Preserve puts families at the doorstep of all the action. Each of the 165 rooms at the resort spoils guests with the prettiest ocean views, plus the lush, jungle-covered mountains of the Sierra Madre. Three pools are on the property: two at the beach and one in the middle section between Garza Blanca and its adults-only sister resort, Hotel Mousai. In front of the resort is a small, white sand beach, which allows guests to launch kayaks directly from the shoreline and explore the coves and natural landmarks surrounding the resort. Hiking trails abound in the area, and the hotel staff is on hand to help point you in the right direction.

The resort does not have a dedicated kids club, but families who love spending time together with plenty of onsite things to do will feel right at home here. A new shopping village recently opened between Garza Blanca and Hotel Mousai, featuring a handful of locally sourced boutiques, a vintage-inspired carousel, and several restaurants.

The Details:

  • Distance to Puerto Vallarta airport: 10 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Kid’s Club
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $992

Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa

Pool at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres

Palladium Group

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • This beachfront resort offers something for everyone in the family, including a kid's pool, an impressive spa, and a beautiful stretch of sand.

What to Consider
  • The size of the resort means a lot of walking to get around.

Just 30 minutes north of the busy Cancun Hotel Zone puts travelers in a quieter, more secluded part of the Mexican Caribbean: the idyllic, bleached beaches of Costa Mujeres. Here, the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres is a sprawling resort that will entertain families at every turn.

The 670-suite resort has 10 restaurants, 19 bars, a palatial spa, and lots of activities for kids. While the property is quite large, it has a whimsical design with man-made canals where boats ferry guests around. Of course, you can always walk or take a golf cart to get from place to place. The best option for families here is to book the Family Selection suites, which operate like a hotel within a hotel and are geared toward kids.

Unique amenities include access to a fun zone with video games, cooking classes, arts and crafts, a personalized mini-bar selection, and a special milk-and-cookies service before bedtime. Adults who are part of Family Selection will have access to the more exclusive restaurants at the next-door sister resort, TRS Coral Hotel.

The Details:

  • Distance to Cancun airport: 21 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: A Family Selection option that includes exclusive VIP services just for families
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $912

Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos

Pool at Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos

Costea Photography / Hard Rock Hotels

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos offers a huge array of options and activities for families.

What to Consider
  • The beach here is not suitable for swimming.

Hard Rock has quite a few hotels across Mexico — all of which beckon travelers to unleash their inner rockstar. However, their Los Cabos resort turned a few heads when it opened in 2019. The 639-room resort glows like a neon-lit oasis surrounded by the stark desert beauty of the Baja Peninsula. Directly facing the resort is the crashing Pacific, which, while not safe for swimming, adds another level of drama to the scene and a booming soundtrack.

Guests may not be able to swim in the ocean (which is typical for Cabo), but Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos makes up for it with its impressive pools — five of them, including water slides and swim-up bars. While adults browse the eight dining options or get a signature massage at the Rock Spa, kids will kick back at the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club, Teens Club, or even the on-site bowling alley. Of course, the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos guests can expect the same glitzy rock star memorabilia, music-themed activities, and rooms with outdoor hydro spa soaking tubs.

The Details:

  • Distance to San Jose del Cabo airport: 35 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club, Teens Club, Music Lab, Bowling Alley
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $626

Paradisus Cancun

The pool at Paradisus Cancun

Peter A Panopoulos Diaz / Paradisus Cancun

Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com

What We Like
  • A dedicated family concierge can help to upgrade your stay with perks and amenities.

What to Consider
  • Rooms could use a refresh.

It's hard to miss Paradisus Cancun while driving down Cancun's Hotel Zone. It's the collection of five gleaming white pyramids that overlook a stunning stretch of beach. Fortunately, the hotel holds your attention well past its dramatic architecture. The 525-room Paradisus Cancun is a luxury all-inclusive resort on one of the best beach fronts in Cancun. While rooms could use a refresh, they are spacious, offering ocean or lagoon views.

Amenities are overwhelming, from many restaurants and bars to the beach, a massive pool, a nine-hole golf course, and a YHI Spa. But families are at a real advantage here, thanks to the Family Concierge services that can be booked to elevate a stay with additional in-room amenities and family-friendly activities. Guests can communicate with their Family Concierge to assist with things throughout the day, whether to guarantee bookings at preferred restaurants or help schedule activities and day trips. Kids are gifted with special beach kits, kid-size bathrobes and slippers, special bathroom amenities, milk and cookies at turn-down, and children's beverages in the minibar. Kids can even request a PlayStation in the room.

The Details:

  • Distance to Cancun airport: 12 miles
  • Wi-Fi: Included
  • Facilities for Families: Family Concierge, Kids amenities and activities program
  • Gratuities: Included
  • Rates: Start at $567

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • This under-the-radar all-inclusive resort has one of the most stunning locations on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

What to Consider
  • Unless you can fly into the Loreto airport, it is a very far drive from Los Cabos.

It's always a surprise to me that Loreto, Baja California Sur, is not busier than it is. It has an international airport, after all. But among those who love this sleepy town along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, no one is complaining. Loreto is one of those special places that you hope stays as perfect as it is forever, with sandy streets, a laid-back vibe, and prime real estate overlooking the crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez.

About six hours north of Cabo San Lucas, you won't find strings of hotels and resorts here. But you will find one in particular that is the jewel in the crown: Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto. Shielded by towering mountains on one side and overlooking the spectacular island-strewn Danzante Bay on the other, this gorgeous hotel sits on nearly 4,500 acres of natural beauty, including secluded Capri-like coves, pristine beaches, five pools, a sprawling 39,000-square-foot spa, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones. A $42 million investment in 2022 saw the revamp of 338 suites and the addition of a new wing with 158 new rooms.

Families love this resort for the sheer volume of things to do, from snorkeling or kayaking right offshore to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park to a lengthy list of activities designed exclusively for kids — think kids' yoga, pool games, movie time, nature walks, dance lessons, and even Spanish lessons for kids. Theme nights at the resort are fun for the whole family, with live performances of family-favorite musicals and Mexican-themed fiestas.

The Details:

  • Distance to airport: 25 miles from Loreto International Airport; 317 miles from Los Cabos
  • Wi-Fi: Free in the common areas
  • Facilities for Families: Dedicated kids activities, water sports, family-friendly shows and theme nights
  • Gratuities: Not included
  • Rates: Start at $714

Know Before You Go

Consider the season

Mexico is open for business year-round, but some times are better to visit than others. Optimal weather in the beach destinations is usually November through April. The weather turns scorching and humid around July through August. September and October are often hurricane season, and you may also have to consider sargassum season in Cancun, which is April through October.

Amenities sometimes outweigh location

A beachfront hotel is lovely, but sometimes Mother Nature has another plan. Most beaches in Los Cabos, for example, are unsafe for swimming. If you visit Cancun during sargassum season, the beach could be messy with seaweed. Picking a resort chock-full of amenities and a gorgeous pool scene will ensure everyone finds something to do.

Beware of the time share

Many hotels and resorts in Mexico also have timeshare desks on property, with salespeople on staff who look to recruit new timeshare holders. If buying a timeshare is not on your agenda, then it's okay to state you are not interested. Salespeople can be notoriously aggressive, and it is OK to firmly but respectfully say no.

How We Chose These Hotels

With hundreds of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, choosing the best can be challenging. Several hotels made this list because they've earned a spot in our annual World's Best awards, in which hundreds of thousands of T+L readers vote on their favorite hotels across the globe.

In addition to these award-winning properties, author Meagan Drillinger contributed her expertise. She has spent 15 years covering Mexico from coast to coast and has personally visited hundreds of resorts nationwide. Her selections focused on the quality of guest experience, as well as the design of the resort, thoughtful touches, and family-friendly services and amenities. Drillinger has reviewed hundreds of hotels in Mexico and around the world in her time as a travel writer.

And as with all hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.

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