See also: Top Cancun All-Inclusives (and non-AI) for Families
Cancun was a small fishing village in 1967, when the Mexican Dept. of Tourism picked this spot to develop the Yucatan. Cancun now gets 20% of Mexico's tourism, and its 25-km Hotel Zone of double waterfront (ocean and lagoon) is wildly popular with night-club-goers, shoppers, and diners-out.
Cancun also has many all-inclusives that welcome families, and is a convenient launch-pad for day-trips in the Mayan Riviera, a terrific region with Mayan ruins, snorkeling lagoons, coral reef, Xcaret and other "eco-theme parks".
Most of Cancun's resorts are in the Hotel Zone which has a 14-mile stretch of white-sand beach. The state of the beach is not a constant. Hurricane Wilma (2005) swept away much sand; major reconstruction followed, but Hurricane Dean (2007) undid some of this work. The Mexico government gives top priority to Cancun's tourist appeal, and rebuilding after hurricanes has been swift. Still, always read recent comments at a site like TripAdvisor for the latest beach conditions at any resort.
CANCUN ALL-INCLUSIVES: ALPHABETICAL LIST
See where they are: map of the Hotel Zone
Avalon Grand Cancun
In the Cancun Hotel Zone, with all-inclusive plan; Wild Things kids' club for ages 4 to 10; guests can eat and play at the Avalon Reef Club on Isla Mujeres (a nice day-trip.) Next door is boutique hotel Avalon Baccara, geared to adults but families can use the kids' club at Avalon Grand Cancun.
Avalon Reef Club
So near busy Cancun, and yet so far: on its own private islet on laid-back Isla Mujeres, the Reef has gentle beaches, friendly little town nearby. Guests can day-trip to the Avalon Grand Cancun. Kids club; small rooms but nice suites.
Beach Palace, Cancun
In the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone, with kids'club; guests can "play" at other Palace Resorts.
Blue Bay Club Cancun
Well-priced all-inclusive resort, five miles north of Hotel Zone. White-sand beachfront; junior suites; kids' club; good comments! (At time of writing.)
Club Med Cancun Yucatan
Prime spot, on its own 22-acre peninsula at the edge of the crowded Hotel Zone. The Club Med brand of all-inclusives has unique ambiance. Mini-Club Med for ages 4 to 10, "Passworld" for 'tweens and teens, Baby Welcome program; windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, trapeze...
Crown Paradise Club, Cancun, Mexico
9 miles from the airport, on quieter end of Cancun's Hotel Zone; family-of-five-friendly; four pools, supervised kids' waterpark; minigolf; Baby club for ages 18 mos. to 3 yrs.; Mini-Club for 4 to 12.
Dreams Cancun
Choice location, with beach on three sides; snorkeling right off-shore; kids club, watersports.
Fiesta American Grand Coral Beach Cancun
Near Cancun's northern tip; all-suites; kids' club, lagoon pool; regularly named a AAA 5-Diamond property; not an all-inclusive, though.
Gran Melia, Cancun
This large resort-- part of the Sol Melia group-- has kids club; not an all-inclusive but an inclusive plan is available. "Royal Service" has an exclusive area and amenities.
Grand Oasis Hotel
Features include a pyramid-shaped building and 450 meters of interlocking pools. Kids' program; long beachfront; watersports.
Great Parnassus Resort & Spa
At the south end of the Hotel Zone anddesigned for families, with baby care, kids clubs, teen clubs, and rooms that can accommodate families of five. Five pools, a waterpark in the kids' club, indoor minigolf, 400-seat theater, good price point.
Moon Palace
The Moon Palace Golf Resort (on Cancun's south shore, in the Mayan Riviera) has over 2000 rooms in 3-story villas, two giant lagoon pools, watersports, in-line skating, kids' club, etc.
Riu Cancun Resort, Cancun, Mexico
Riu is a Spain-based company with over 100 properties world-wide; there are several in the Cancun area. All-inclusive; kids prices for ages under 12; watersports, fun activities, etc.
Royal Resorts
Primarily timeshare-owned, but anyone can book a vacation, the Royal Resorts operate as private clubs, limited to members and registered guests. Royal Yacht Club Marina, kids pool, sports centers, kids' activities, and more; guests can also use sailboats, bicycles, snorkeling gear, tennis courts (including rackets), and golf clubs free of charge.
Sun Palace - a quieter, smaller property in the family of Palace resorts. Stay at one, play at all.
• Compare prices of many Cancun all-inclusives
* Always check hotel sites for updates, including latest condition of beaches affected by hurricanes; check recent visitors' comments too.
*photo © Teresa Plowright
