The Spread:
After a year-long, $24 million renovation, Club Med Cancun Yucatan showcases the brand’s new philosophy—more luxury plus categorized properties. As a Discovery Resort, the first Club Med in North America to earn this designation, the focus is on local culture and heritage. With a seven-night stay, guests receive a complimentary, half-day outing to climb the Maya temple at El Meco and the resort offers 16 other excursions, including trips to Maya ruins and to marine parks (for additional fees).
Also, children are welcome at this property for the first time. Many rooms have been enlarged and all feature balconies. If you want top service, book the Jade Villa. These accommodations come with evening turndown, stocked mini-fridge, free wireless Internet, room service, access to a less-crowded beach and a concierge, as well as a private car pick-up at the airport.
Why Families Love It:
Near enough to Cancun for a day of shopping, this Club Med sits on 22 acres blessedly removed from the city’s crowded hotel zone. All children’s and teen’s programs are complimentary and operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a dinner break. The Mini-Club for ages four to ten will be up and running in 2007, with kids typically divided into ages four and five, six and seven, and eight to ten. There’s also a Junior Club Med for ages 11 to 13 and an additional program for ages 14 to 17 that operates during Christmas, Easter, summer, and other major school holidays.
Kids and teens swim, snorkel, juggle, fly on the trapeze, exercise to hip-hop music, play tennis, and inline skate. The younger ones also play beach games, do arts and crafts, and take part in kitchen science experiments. The resort also offers the relatively new Babies Welcome program designed to ease the burden of schlepping strollers, baby bathtubs, bottle warmers, and potty seats all the way to your destination. (Equipment is available in limited quantities at the front desk.)
Meanwhile, what can parents do? Nothing or everything their kids can—with or without them.
Special Events & Activities:
Visit Xcaret, an 80-acre eco-park with an aquarium, dolphins, flamingos, swimming, and evening folkloric shows.
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