The Spread:
Costa Azul has all the ingredients for an active vacation, including surfing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding on the resort’s horses—or all of the above. When you need a break, lounge in the hammocks on the lawn lined with palm trees. Set on 36 acres along a private beach surrounded by jungle, the resort lies 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and the international airport in the small fishing village of San Francisco.

The main building contains 18 of the 28 suites, and the remaining ten are villas tucked into the hillside. In addition to a large pool with a children’s area, the property has a restaurant and an open-air spa that offers massages to the sound of rolling waves.

Why Families Love It:
Costa Azul offers both all-inclusive and room-only rates, and the all-inclusive packages are a great pick for families. Along with lodging, meals, kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing, the packages include excursions to preserves, bird sanctuaries, and archeological sites. Daily surfing lessons (best for ages ten and older) on soft-foam longboards equate teen heaven. The resort encourages families to learn. The Kids Camp, complimentary for all-inclusive guests, operates for ages three to nine and runs daily, year-round from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Non-package guests pay $36 per child per day. Campers go hiking in the jungle to search for iguanas and parrots, build sandcastles, learn about Mexican culture, and play pool volleyball, among other activities.

Special Events & Activities:
Take the weekly, half-day excursion to San Blas and the La Tova Preserve, about 30 miles north of the resort. Search for crocodiles, turtles, and an array of exotic birds while on the boat ride. Enjoy swimming and lunch, and take the time to meet Felipe the crocodile up close and personal; he likes tourists. The tour is free for all-inclusive guests, $47 for others.

800.365.7613 www.costaazul.com