It's getting to be that time of year. The weather is becoming brisk, leaves are changing to gorgeous reds and golds, and while we appreciate getting cozy under a blanket with a hot coffee and reading a book, we know winter is coming. We're edging closer to mud, slush, and freezing mornings - and by February we're all going to need an escape to warm weather and palm trees.
Xcaret Hotel and Parks - Where the Action Is!
This resort is like a Walt Disney World for the slightly older set - although younger kids love it just as much. It has multiple parks and recreation possibilities, but it's located in the jungle of the Riviera Maya - about 40 miles south of Cancun - and only 5 miles from Playa del Carmen.
The rooms offer views of the ocean, rivers, garden, or pool - and they really are beautiful.
Note that this resort is not located on a natural beach, but it does have man made rivers and beach to explore, and there's plenty to do. There are 19 restaurants and bars, 11 pools, 3 fitness centers, a kids club, and a spa carved out of the rocks and surrounded by rivers and jungle offering treatments in 15 natural caves. Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling, cycling, yoga, and tai chi.
What sets Xcaret apart from other resorts is that your booking includes access to the six Xcaret parks AND to day-long excursions to Xenotes and Xichen. During the Xenotes Oasis Maya Tour you explore four cenotes as you rappel, kayak, swim and zip line in the Mayan jungle, and at Xichen your family will explore the ancient remains of Chichén Itzá and Valladolid.
At Xcaret you'll explore ancient Mexican culture through authentic food, and the ruins of Mayan civilizations at the Polé archaeological site. Xel-Há is for exploring nature through snorkeling, biking through jungle trails, and swimming in the natural pool. You'll find a ropes course and white water rafting at Xavage while at Xplor you'll zip line deep in the Mayan jungle explore caves through underground rivers. Xplor Fuego is the only nighttime park in the entire Riviera Maya. There you'll drive through torch-lit courses, paddle through “lava” rivers and zip line in the dark. Xoximilco is a party on barges with traditional Mexican food, an open beer and tequila bar, and plenty of games. (This one isn't really for kids). At Xenses (a half-day park) - you'll be in a land of optical illusions where water goes uphill and you're suddenly a giant.
Looking for a more traditional, but great resort for the whole family?Check Out Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.
This resort in the Dominican Republic is only 15 minutes from the airport and is located in the gated enclave of Cap Cana. Located directly on Juanillo Beach, it has plenty to offer the entire family on property and in the surrounding area.
My favorite things about this resort are the pools and waterpark. There are infinity pools with swim up bars, pools that offer a view of the ocean, and waterpark with three big slides, water cannons by the play area, and a lazy river - which is actually not easy to come by.
There are 12 restaurants and bars, a wide variety of daily activities including pottery, dance class, virtual reality experiences, aqua-cycling, non-motorized watersports, and a Kid's Club as well as a Teen Club for the kids 13-17 - with virtual reality simulators and Formula 1 racing.
There's also the cenote inspired Larimar Spa - located in a natural cave system with a waterfall at the hydrotherapy pool and the DR's first Himalayan Salt Lounge, and live entertainment every night in the outdoor amphitheater.
Swim-up suites are available, but note that to book those rooms kids have to be 13 and up. It's also worth noting that the hotel opened in 2019 - so it's in great shape!
Want to get a better sense of where the resorts in Mexico are? Check out my blog that covers the Riviera Maya HERE
These are just two we're looking at today - look for more to come soon!
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*All pricing is subject to change.
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