Mexican Family Vacation

Mexico is one of my favorite places! I have visited this country six times and would love to keep exploring and visiting this beautiful place. But it was not until I met Jerry that I learned how fun the all-inclusive Mexican resorts can be.

We decided to have our honeymoon at El Dorado Royale by Karisma, and I absolutely love it. Since then we’ve been 4 different times to all-inclusive Mexican resorts, three of them we stayed at Karisma’s hotels.  We really like them, their food is delicious and they have a good variety of restaurants, al la carte and buffet style. Actually they claim to be gourmet inclusive. The service had always been excellent and the facilities are well maintained.

Recently we went back and stayed in Azul Beach Resort in Cancun. This was a very special trip for us, as we traveled with Alex and Katie as well. For a couple years we have been talking about having a family vacation the five of us to celebrate, Alex graduating from medical school, Katie from her masters and Isabella moving on to kindergarten. We had a bonus person this time, my Mom joined us as well.

We spent 7 nights and we had a great time. I loved seeing Alex, Katie and Isabella together and creating wonderful memories. They have a very special bond and for that I’m so grateful. Big brother and big sister are always taking care of Isabella, spoiling her and giving her so much love.

We spent a lot of quality time under the sun and at our breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Isabella particularly loved her time in the water, and made some friends. We went for long walks trying to find iguanas, and coconuts. Yes coconuts, Isabella was obsessed with coconuts, she collected them and played with them in the room.  We tried new food and drinks and my Mom, Katie and me had massages

We always try to go out on a tour at least one day, and this time we chose a Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Island. I had my doubts on doing this because I thought maybe it was going to be to tough on Isabella. But guess what, she did amazing and she enjoyed it so much! We had the opportunity to snorkel, and yes Isabella had her first try at it and she can’t wait to do it again. Once we got to the Island we went to Playa Norte and it was spectacular. White, silky sand and crystal clear water! It was a very sunny and warm day and the temperature of the water was perfect. Katie, Alex and Weli joined us at the beach after they did a little shopping and we had such a nice time together.

If you are planning to go to an all-inclusive resort here are some tips for you.

Take plenty of sun block, take a couple bottles more than what you think you will need. Why? Well, you won’t want to ruin your vacation because you are sun burnt. And also the sun block in the resorts is extremely expensive. This time Jerry paid $50 for two bottles. So yes, be sure you have more than enough and don’t forget your after the sun aloe vera gel.

Take your essential toiletries and over the counter medications you may need. Remember the shops at the resorts are crazy expensive, and in some cases the resort can be a long taxi ride from convenience stores.

Always take a tour outside the resort. All-inclusive resorts have all you need. But in my opinion to get the most out of the trip you need to get to know a little bit of the culture, visit a new place or do a new thing. We had taken different tours through the years, we visited Tolum, swam in cenotes, visited Playa del Carmen town and shops, visited a Mayan village among others. They are affordable and a great way of getting to know a little bit more of the amazing Mexican culture. You can coordinate these tours before you get to the resort or even when you get there.

Although the tips are included in this type of  all-inclusive resorts, my recommendations is to always give a little extra tip. The service is so good that is only fair to do it!

Do your research before you purchase your trip, so you can select the best resort and area for your vacation. Some resorts are for adults only,  they have family ones, targeted to younger crowds. The ambience and amenities are different at each resort as well.

For parents traveling with children, but needing a little break I have good news. They have a kids club with different activities for them to enjoy, while you can have your well deserved adult time. For the first time we felt Isabella was ready to be in one of this activities, but she said no, no and no! Every day we asked, in case she changed her mind but she wanted to spend all her time with her family.

Try all the restaurants, join in the activities, take walks, order room service and enjoy to the fullest all that is included, so you get the most out of it.

All-inclusive resorts in Mexico are definitely a popular vacation in my household. There’s always something for everyone and is a great way of spending quality time with your family.