Photo courtesy Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Whether you’re seeking a beachfront escape on the Caribbean Sea or an adventure-filled retreat, Mexico‘s Riviera Maya continues to attract families year after year with its turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and exceptional hospitality. This 80-mile coastline between Cancún and Tulum hosts an impressive collection of family resorts, from sprawling all-inclusive complexes to intimate boutique properties.
The region’s nearly 500 beaches, stretched across four bodies of water, have made Mexico a premier beach destination for multiple generations. Mexican coastal resorts have refined the art of family hospitality over decades, and today’s properties feature everything from sophisticated kids’ clubs to world-class dining programs that rival any major city.
Here are the premier family resorts along the Riviera Maya that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Our Pick of the Best Riviera Maya Resorts for Families
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Hotel Xcaret Mexico tops every recommendation list for family-friendly Riviera Maya resorts. Families love the resort’s All-Fun Inclusive concept, which provides access to Xcaret‘s eight parks (including Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage, and Xenotes), nature tours, and ferry service to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel aboard Xcaret Xailing. And its extensive selection of restaurants, pools, and daily activities keeps every family member engaged.
The resort recently expanded, doubling its capacity to 1,800 guestrooms distributed across 10 Casas, each inspired by Mayan symbols and designed for specific age groups. Families with children aged 0-9, tweens aged 10-12, and teens aged 13-17 will each have dedicated Casas with age-appropriate programming and spaces. Adults-only Casas will feature private rooftops and exclusive dining venues for couples or groups seeking a more sophisticated atmosphere.
The pool selection has expanded to 16 pools total, including four rooftop pools: two for families, one for teens, and one for adults. Five new waterslides will add to the aquatic entertainment options. Entertainment upgrades include a kids’ hotelito (a miniature hotel concept designed specifically for children), a lunateca, a dedicated teen club, and Xinema, a 24-hour restaurant-movie theater hybrid that promises to become a family favorite. The Muluk Spa has also gotten in on the act and has introduce family-focused wellness experiences.
Barceló Maya Palace
Located approximately 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen in Puerto Aventuras, the Barceló Maya Palace anchors the larger Barceló Maya Grand Resort complex. This four-star property allows guests to access amenities at five additional family-friendly Barceló properties within the sprawling compound.
The all-inclusive resort features family suites with minibars stocked with juices, cereals, and milk, plus microwaves. These accommodations include two bedrooms and comfortable beds with quality linens. Families can choose from 26 restaurants across the resort complex, along with 14 swimming pools.
The water park offerings provide substantial entertainment for children. Three on-site water parks include Barcy Water Park for younger children and Pirates Island Water Park, which features slides and attractions designed for all ages. The Ventura Fly & Ride Park represents the newest addition to the complex, with its Fly section offering a zipline course, bungee jump, and parachute landing included in the base rate.
The resort complex includes a bowling alley, ice-skating rink, and the Kids Spa provides age-appropriate treatments and hair-braiding services for children.
Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba earned recognition as the Best Hotel in Mexico by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 and received two Michelin Keys. Set within the 620-acre Mayakoba resort enclave between Playa del Carmen and Cancún, this five-star property welcomes families while maintaining its ultra-luxury positioning.
The resort features 129 newly renovated suites, each with private plunge pools, butler service, garden showers, and individual docks. Families with older children can request connecting suites for additional space while maintaining privacy. Children particularly enjoy the private plunge pools, while parents appreciate the exceptionally comfortable king beds and sophisticated design throughout the accommodations.
The Rosewood Explorers kids’ club provides daily activities and programming designed to engage younger guests. The Sense Spa, is located on its own island and is designed around a cenote, a natural waterholes considered sacred to the ancient Mayans. The spa recently introduced family-focused wellness experiences through its collaboration with Ground Wellbeing.
Water sports enthusiasts can borrow kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats for use in the ocean and lagoons. The resort provides access to El Camaleón, the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course within the Mayakoba complex and one of the region’s best golf courses.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Also located within the Mayakoba resort complex, Banyan Tree Mayakoba features Asian-inspired architecture, including a pagoda-style lobby and water lily ponds. Villa accommodations offer one to three bedrooms, providing ample space for families. All villas include private heated swimming pools and outdoor soaking tubs, with beachfront villas commanding premium rates for their direct beach access.
The Rangers Club provides supervised activities for children aged 5-12 years old, while kids aged between 3 and 5 years old can participate when accompanied by an adult. Families can borrow kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from the beach to explore the surrounding waterways.
Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya
Located in Puerto Aventuras, approximately 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya sits on a secluded bay within a charming marina village. This all-inclusive property delivers the Dreams brand’s Unlimited-Luxury concept, which includes wristband-free access to all amenities.
The kids’ club offers extensive daily programming organized by age group, keeping children engaged throughout the day. The resort’s beachfront location features a white sand beach meeting turquoise Caribbean waters, with natural tidal pools that prove especially popular with younger children. The resort provides 24-hour room service for families wanting in-room dining options.
Eight dining options include El Patio (Mexican cuisine), Gohan (sushi lounge), Oceana (seafood), Portofino (Italian), and Seaside Grill (steakhouse). Additional venues include a buffet restaurant, beach grill, and café. Water sports include sailboats, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and catamarans (some activities require additional fees).
The Landmark Resort of Cozumel
Families who prefer self-catering accommodations should consider The Landmark Resort of Cozumel, an upscale beachfront property with 63 two- and three-bedroom condo-style units. Located on the island of Cozumel off the Yucatan Peninsula‘s east coast, this property functions more like a serviced residence than a traditional resort.
The apartment-style accommodations feature full kitchens and washers and dryers, plus large balconies with ocean views. This setup allows families to maintain their own schedules and food preferences while enjoying resort amenities.
The property centers around a large swimming pool with modern sun loungers, a hot tub, cabana beds, and umbrellas. The property maintains a private pier where fishing trips and boat excursions can be arranged. The residential atmosphere appeals to families seeking a quieter, more private vacation experience without the constant activity of a large resort.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.
