Recommendations wanted: Caribbean/Mexico Resorts with a Toddler

cltk12 · December 2013

We're looking to take a vacation to a resort in the Caribbean or Mexico this winter. DS will be 21 months about the time we plan to go. Looking for recommendations on family friendly resorts. Would prefer AI.

rubber_chicken · December 2013

I usually check out Apple Vacations and CheapCaribbean and see what they have on sale. Once I've identified a couple resorts I check them out on TripAdvisor and see what people have to say - you can filter resorts/hotels on TripAdvisor to only look at family reviews.

The thing about all these sites is, you really need to have a destination in mind. They're fantastic if you know you want to stay in Punta Cana, DR - but they're no use in deciding WHERE in the caribbean or mexico to go. (even if you don't care where you go, you just have X amount of money to spend - now THERE'S an idea for a travel website)

In terms of "WHERE" - I would probably stay away from the party areas - Bahamas, Jamaica, Cancun, etc. Everyone I know who has been to Aruba with family has loved it, but it's $$$$. I've been to the Dominican Republic - there's not much to do off the resort there. Puerto Rico is great but there aren't many all-inclusives, you're probably better off with a vacation rental. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Riviera Maya/Tulum area of Mexico - south of Cancun, a bit quieter but still tons to do off the resort, and the further south you go, the nicer the beaches get.

cltk12 · December 2013

Thanks, we've been to many places in the Caribbean and Mexico, but now are looking for family resort vs a couples resort so I'm looking for specific resorts that people have been to and would recommend. We most likely won't go off the resort so the city doesn't matter much to us, more looking for a great resort that we can kick it at.

djm31012 · December 2013

my whole extended family does aruba every year and we stay at the marriott surf club. so perfect for families with kids!

D&HMom · December 2013

Sensatori Azul in the Mayan is really nice. Its all a la carte. Lots of kid friendly amenities. You can order toys to your room. There are toys in the restaurants. There is a kid pool and a family pool. Playground on the beach. The beach isn't the best but its okay.

Bahia Principe Coba is also really family friendly. Food is good (not as great as the Azul) but good. But its also a lot less money. There is an awesome splashpad. Dolphins on site (they do a little show every day). the beach is great for little ones (its sandbagged). We had a great holiday there. Only downside is its about an hour from the airport. It was fine for us as my little guy was thrilled to be on a bus! They also serve beer on the bus so we were happy!

rubber_chicken · December 2013

I have some friends that love Atlantis. I get the sense it's basically Disneyworld without the Disney - which is fine if that's your thing. Personally, if I'm going to spend the money to leave the country, I don't want to arrive in Little America.

I've also heard great things about Beaches resorts.

AmberDerek · December 2013

Beaches Turks and Caicos! We went there this past January and it was awesome!! The resort is gorgeous. We stayed in the french village and it was nice and quiet and very close to the coffee shop which I loved. If you have any questions about this place let me know. It was wonderful except that our son didn't sleep the best. He was only 13 months old though.

LoCarb · December 2013

I found a lot of Marriott hotels in tourist Mexico cities (one example Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta) are family friendly with playgrounds, kids camp, kid pools,etc... Any Beaches resorts. Personally, I would also keep in mind direct flights and choose a location then look into hotels.

ap142193 · December 2013

we stayed at The Royal Playa on our honeymoon and it was fabulous! It is adults only, but they own a Family resort immediately next door. If the whole resort family is as awesome as the one we stayed at, I wold highly commend it!

https://www.realresorts.com/The-Royal-Playa-Carmen/?gclid=CNze8s6Sk7sCFSEV7AodvmkArw

ccam · December 2013

I would check out both of the Marriotts in Aruba - ocean club and surf club. There is also a regular Marriot there, but these two have huge suites, which would be perfect for a family. One of the 2 also has a lazy river and they are both really kid friendly. Since they are next door to each other, I believe they share amenities.

We stayed at the surf club a few years ago. My parents have a Marriott timeshare and they traded it for us to stay in Aruba, so I can't really comment on the prices. We've always had great luck with Marriott though.

ETA: And the location is great - it's far enough removed from the city and cruise ship port, but walkable to some great restaurants and shopping.

rockychryslerb2010 · December 2013

I've stayed in two different Iberostar resorts in Mexico. They were both very family friendly, we went with a large group of family. Very reasonably priced for all inclusive. My husband's aunt always plans/books and works with Apple Vacations.

cltk12 · December 2013

D&H MOM - would you recommend the Azul Sensatori over Azul Beach? I've called a couple times and each person recommended Azul Beach over Sensaorti with a toddler so just curious if you know why? The pictures online make the Sensatori look nicer, I think.

EastCoastBride · December 2013

We stayed at Dreams Tulum, south of Cancun, about 3 years ago. DS was 1.5 and we were w/ another couple and their 1.5 year old. It was great. They have a kids club that while DS was too young to participate, we'd see the club crew out and about and they looked to be having a blast.

We specifically requested ocean view and had a junior suite and those buildings are at the kids end of the pool - perfect location.

AND the bathrooms are HUGE and we actually put DSs PNP in the shower at night. Wrapped a blanket around the outside mesh and set up a little fan so that we could sneak in and use the toilet (which had it's own door, actually). So we had full use of our room in the evenings.

jasminelorraine20 · December 2013

I agree to book through Cheapcaribbean.com. We found great rates and a beautiful resort for the Bahamas next Spring.

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Recommendations wanted: Caribbean/Mexico Resorts with a Toddler

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