Playa del Carmen
Drive south from the hustle of Cancun for a vacation in Playa del Carmen. Purposefully more relaxed and less developed than its northern neighbor, Playa, as it is called, is good base for families to enjoy the coast and explore the surrounding areas. The beach is the main attraction and is almost a cliché with its white sand, palm trees with the occasional hammock, and water slightly cooler than the average bath. When this gets tiring, take the ferry and enjoy the live band on the way to Cozumel Island where the streets of San Miguel can be explored. For something extra, take the kids to the Xcaret Eco Park. Combining nature conservation, Mayan history and theme park amusements, Xcaret will also entertain the kids with programs such as swimming with dolphins or sharks, and recreations of Mayan cultural events.
Xcaret Eco Park
Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5
Hotel Zone
Cancun, Mexico
011 (+52) 988 883 0470
xcaret.com
Puerto Vallarta
Let someone else do the work for you. An all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta might be just what the family needs. Found on the Pacific Ocean and due west of Guadalajara, everyone will enjoy the Melia Puerto Vallarta Resort. Designed with families in mind, this resort on the shore offers activities including Flintstones Land, arts and crafts, and Pirate Nights for the young ones, a Cool Club for the 9 to 13 year olds, and tennis courts and a golf course for parents. Also included are the largest swimming pool in the city, a bungee trampoline, zip lines and an archery range. Nightly stage productions provide entertainment suitable for everyone, and the resort offers water sport activities including snorkeling and kayaking.
Melia Puerto Vallarta
Sur 7 Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta 48354
Jalisco, Mexico
(866) 436-3542
melia-puerto-vallarta.com
Casa Sagrada
Located south of Mexico City in the state of Oaxaca, Casa Sagrada is a lodge and dude ranch set in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Horseback and burro riding is the main activity here with some excursions lasting half a day, others lasting multiple days. The area around Casa Sagrada has a strong native tradition and families can enjoy local arts and crafts, village tours, educational classes, pre-Hispanic energy practices and also drumming and fire circles. Additionally, the lodge offers hikes and treks, yoga classes, bird watching tours, massage therapy and regional cooking classes. The hotel only has 12 rooms, so guests receive plenty of customized attention.
Casa Sagrada
(310) 455-6085
casasagrada.com
