Travel Tuesday: Family-Friendly Mexican Resorts

If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination this summer, why not consider Mexico? We took our kids when they very young , ages 2 and 3, and it really was a great vacation for us. We relaxed while they were entertained in the Kid’s Club, which is when I became a fan of all-inclusive resort kind of travel. There’s nothing wrong with a parent getting a little R&R and a break from their everyday life.

When I recently came across the Villa Group resorts, I was excited. All of the Villa Group resorts are incredibly family-friendly, with both their room design (huge rooms/suites with kitchens) and their activities. The New York Times named the destination of Loreto as one of the “must-see places of 2011” and it has tons of family-friendly activities including a Kid’s Club from 9am to 9pm, 24 hour babysitting services, expansive private beaches and whale watching excursions.

Villa del Palmar Cancun is on Playa Mujeres (a beach area about 25 minutes north of Cancun’s hotel zone and 35 minutes from the airport….just as accessible yet more quiet and serene). The spacious rooms are perfect for families and offer private terraces, kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and spa tubs. For larger groups, one and two-bedroom suites have distinct living rooms, separate bathtubs and showers, fully-equipped kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves and utensils, plus washer/dryer. While not playing in the pool or building sandcastles on the beach, children will be fully entertained with Spanish lessons, kite-making and other exciting activities designed for all ages. Adults can enjoy dancing lessons, beach volleyball games, yoga classes and nightly live music and entertainment. Nearby activities include kayaking, surfing, sailing, horseback riding, fishing, eco-tours, bike rentals and tennis. In May and June, rates start at just $122 per person, per night, all-inclusive, based on double occupancy. Children up to 2 are free and 3-12 are $66.50 per child, per night.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is set in Mexico’s next “it” destination, Loreto (it’s Baja California’s hidden gem with totally untouched and unspoiled beaches). Only a 90-minute flight from Los Angeles and set in a spectacularly secluded area along the Sea of Cortez with views of the neighboring majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountains, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto features 181 ocean-front suites, free-form multi-level swimming pools, pristine beaches and gourmet restaurants. Within the next two months, they will also open tennis courts and a stunning 35,000 square-foot spa and fitness center. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the destination, Villa del Palmar is the first property in the Villa Group Resort’s planned 1,800 acre development in the destination, “Danzante Bay,” which will feature seven resort hotels, 240 home sites, additional restaurants and a Rees Jones golf course. Those looking for an “Ultra-Inclusive” getaway including meals, beverages, golf and many outdoor activities can book travel starting at $250 per person, per night, reflecting a 30% discount. To celebrate the opening, the resort is currently offering 30% off of rates, which comes to $146 per room, per night (an incredible value).