When I think of the Mexican resort of Cancun, I picture college kids on spring break partying hard.
So as a mom to an elementary school-aged child, it wasn’t on my list of ideal family-friendly spots. Thankfully, I had my eyes opened wide with a recent stay at the nearby Grand Residences Riviera Cancun.
This stylish hotel welcomes families and couples with a beautiful beachside setting, swimming pools, a kids club, a full roster of activities, and world-class dining. Located in the quaint and quiet fishing village of Puerto Morelos, here you’ll find all the natural beauty of the Mayan Riveria without any of the noise and non-stop partying usually found in nearby Cancun.
Active families who want to hire a car and do a bit of travelling around the region will find Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum all within a few hours drive.
But be sure also to check out the village of Puerto Morelos, where you can depart for boat and snorkelling trips, enjoy excellent food at a range of restaurants and pick up some gifts at the colourful souvenir shops and market stands.
Here are the top experiences for families in and around Puerto Morelos.
Relax at the Hotel
The Grand Residences Riviera Cancun hotel has more than enough activities and events to keep the whole family entertained. You can take Zumba and yoga classes, watch cooking demonstrations, learn Spanish, play tennis, enjoy a spa day, or swim in the ocean.
The kids will love the open and light-filled Kid’s Club where they can take part in a program of specially designed activities, play hockey and football tournaments, get their face painted, learn Mexican games, and so much more.
While the little ones are busy you can stretch out poolside where the concierge will make sure you have the ideal shady or sunny spot to your specification and will provide drinks, Evian face spray and fresh towels.
Book a suite with a full-service kitchen to make travelling with children just that little bit more convenient and enjoy the balcony with a jacuzzi for the ultimate in luxury- bathtime with a view!
One of the little touches I appreciated so much at The Grand Residences Riviera Cancun was that the fridge was always stocked with drinks, and on arrival, every guest receives a gift. You can expect local Mezcal, a stylish hat, and a beach bag which are yours to take home.
Go on a Cenotes Tour
This area of Mexico has so many cenotes. These underground naturally formed swimming pools occur when the rock gives way and mineral-rich water fills the space. You can find them all over the region but the Cenotes Zapote tour offers a full day of fun for the entire family.
You’ll be able to swim in the cenotes as well as ride ATVs, zipline through the trees and enjoy a traditional Mexican meal.
Tour Puerto Morelos Village
Look for the leaning lighthouse, which was knocked off its axis during a hurricane in the 1960s, and you’ll be right in the heart of Puerto Morelos Village.
There are some great restaurants here, like La Sirena which has a lovely rooftop patio for drinks and appetisers and Punta Corcho for the freshest seafood and inventive, modern Mexican dishes.
Snorkel the Barrier Reef
This area is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef so you cannot leave without going snorkelling to see all the beautiful creatures that live under the water.
Leave from the Pelicanos Marina and don’t forget to wear a rash guard and skip the sunscreen as even the biodegradable varieties can damage the precious reef.
For a family-friendly vacation in a charming Mexican village with more than enough activities to keep everyone busy, choose Puerto Morelos.
The author travelled to Mexico in October 2019 and was a guest of Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. The hotel did not review or approve this article.
