Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
When people think of Cancún, they often picture spring break crowds, but this area of Mexico is so much more than that. Cancún is the city you fly into, while the Riviera Maya is a region to the south that includes smaller cities like Playa del Carmen and luxury resort areas such as Kanai and Mayakoba. You’ll likely stay in one of these areas. The Riviera Maya is home to incredible family-friendly resorts that offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and luxury. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens or grandparents, there’s truly something for everyone.
I’ve personally stayed at more than 15 properties in the area — with my family, my husband and, on several occasions, with my girlfriends. Most recently, I had the chance to explore the region from Cancún down to Playa del Carmen with nine other Fora Advisors, visiting some of the best resorts firsthand. Based on my experience, here are my top recommendations — places I confidently book for my clients.
The best family hotels near Cancún
Again, even though you and your family will fly into Cancún, you won’t be staying here. Cancún the city is more geared toward adults and spring-breakers. Once you touch down, head south to the Riviera Maya, where numerous family-friendly hotels and beachfront resorts await.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
Set within the new Kanai development, just 35 minutes from Cancún airport, The St. Regis Kanai blends luxury with family-friendly amenities. I fell in love with the pristine beach and the walkways over the mangroves — perfect for morning strolls, star gazing and Instagram-worthy photos.
With three pools, including a family pool, plus the light-filled Tortuga Children’s Club, kids have plenty to do while parents relax at The St. Regis Spa or enjoy adults-only dining at select times.
I visited the bright and inviting Tortuga Children’s Club and was impressed by its dedicated kids’ pool and engaging daily activities such as yoga, papier-mâché, super hero crafts, water polo, Mexican bingo, ceramic painting and a piñata party. I also love that some restaurants offer adults-only dining hours, giving parents a well-deserved break while the kids are entertained. For ultimate relaxation, parents can also slip away to The St. Regis Spa to enjoy the soothing experiences such as the Hydrotherapy Circuit or aroma-infused massages honoring the traditional Mayan healers’ knowledge of herbs.
Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection
My clients are big fans of Auberge Resorts because they always create a real sense of place, blending culinary adventures, local art and culture into the experience. With their two- and three-bedroom suites, Etéreo is no exception, and it’s a fantastic option for families looking for both relaxation and meaningful experiences.
One of the things I love about this resort is how well it caters to families without feeling like a typical kid-focused resort. It felt incredibly peaceful. Special family experiences include exciting excursions to cenotes and hands-on cooking classes, where you and your kids can learn to make local dishes together.
For structured activities, instructors lead age-appropriate lessons in things like yoga and stand-up paddleboarding, which is a great way for your kids to try something new. I also appreciate the babysitting services, which allow you to enjoy a romantic dinner together. I recommend Etéreo for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. It is a perfect resort for a multi-gen family vacation.
Etéreo culinary experience is focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold Mexican flavors. At their signature restaurant, Itzam, chef Carlos Segura crafts sustainable menus that celebrate long-standing relationships with local farmers, fishermen and artisans. His dishes highlight regional flavors, from Oaxacan-inspired Wagyu Tetelas — a modern take on a classic Mexican dish — to fresh bluefin tuna tacos inspired by the port city Ensenada.
Che Che offers a lively experience, featuring Japanese tacos, sushi, spring rolls and tataki, all crafted with Japanese techniques and Mexican ingredients, served in a vibrant outdoor dining setting.
Children aged four and under enjoy complimentary meals from the kids' menu year round. You can also savor poolside dining and in-room service for a more private experience.
Fora Reserve perks include $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Mayakoba
Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
I highly recommend Rosewood Mayakoba for families who want to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying ultra-luxury. Situated in the exclusive Mayakoba complex just north of Playa del Carmen, this eco-conscious resort is a true gem. I love how the design blends beautifully with the surrounding mangroves and lagoons, creating a peaceful yet engaging environment.
One of the reasons I always recommend this resort for families is the wide range of activities it offers. Kids can explore nature trails, join Mayan storytelling sessions and even learn about local wildlife through hands-on experiences. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with wellness experiences or indulge in the resort's exceptional dining, featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
The Rosewood Explorers program is a standout, offering exciting adventures like lagoon eco-tours, cooking classes and enchanting beachside movie nights. The lagoon suites and villas provide stunning views of emerald waters and lush mangroves, making this the perfect destination to reconnect with nature.
Fora’s Rosewood Elite partner perks include $125 resort credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Image courtesy of Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree Mayakoba is an incredible destination for families looking for a balance of luxury, nature and adventure. Set within the exclusive Mayakoba complex, the resort offers a serene, nature-filled escape that caters to kids, parents and multi-generational travelers alike. The lush surroundings, winding waterways and pristine beaches create a peaceful yet engaging atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind while still enjoying plenty of activities.
One of my favorite aspects of Banyan Tree Mayakoba for families is the villa accommodations, each featuring a private pool. Having this extra space and privacy means kids can swim and play freely while parents relax. The villas also include separate living areas, making them ideal for larger families or multi-generational trips where everyone can spread out comfortably. With in-villa dining options and family-friendly restaurants, mealtime is stress-free and enjoyable for all ages.
The resort offers a wide range of activities that make it easy for families to explore together. Eco-tours through Mayakoba’s mangroves and lagoons provide a chance to see local wildlife up close, while cooking classes offer a hands-on way to experience Mexican culture. The private beach has calm waters perfect for swimming, along with kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling. The Rangers Club keeps kids entertained with supervised activities like treasure hunts, water sports and even lessons at Jim McLean’s Golf School. For parents, a quiet bike ride through the scenic trails of Mayakoba is the perfect way to unwind.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
All-inclusive hotels for families near Cancún
If you want a set-it-and-forget-price, consider these all-inclusive resorts.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico & sister properties
Image courtesy of Hotel Xcaret Mexico
One of my favorite resorts in Playa del Carmen is the all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico, a unique property made up of three distinct hotels, each offering something special for different types of travelers. Hotel Xcaret Mexico is a vibrant, family-friendly resort that’s perfect for families with teens and tweens. I recommend this property to anyone looking for adventure because it includes access to Xcaret Park’s incredible attractions, such as cenotes, wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. It’s ideal for families who want to immerse themselves into nature and adventure while enjoying a stress-free, all-inclusive stay.
Hotel Xcaret Arte is an adults-only property that stands out for its art-focused design and atmosphere. It’s a beautiful, sophisticated space, with a strong connection to Mexican culture through art. This resort is perfect for those looking for a more refined experience and peaceful escape, but still with all the perks of an all-inclusive.
If you are seeking something even more exclusive with your adult children, Casa de la Playa is a luxury boutique hotel. I love that it offers a more intimate and private experience — perfect for couples or those wanting a quieter getaway. While it's smaller and more luxurious, it still includes all the benefits of the larger hotels, including access to the park attractions.
These resorts are perfect for multi-generational families and groups. The variety of options makes it easy for everyone to find their ideal experience, whether it’s adventure, relaxation or a mix of both.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Image courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Grand Velas Riviera Maya, in Playa del Carmen, is one of my go-to recommendations for families. This resort is perfect for families who want a little bit of everything: luxury, adventure and relaxation. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in an environment designed for both adults and kids to have an incredible experience.
What I really love about Grand Velas is the spacious accommodations. The suites are enormous, and the family-friendly options make it easy for everyone to feel comfortable. The kids' club is fantastic, offering a variety of engaging activities, and the resort provides incredible family excursions like eco-tours, cooking classes and Mayan art workshops.
For parents, it’s not just about what the kids can do — Grand Velas also offers an amazing spa for a little relaxation, along with gourmet dining that caters to every taste. The resort is all-inclusive, which means that everything is taken care of, from meals to activities, and that’s a huge plus for busy families. The variety of options means there's something for every age group, from toddlers to teens, and there’s always an option for a quiet retreat when you need one.
The beach is another highlight, offering calm, swimmable waters where kids can play safely while parents lounge nearby. Plus, the teen club is a great option for older kids, offering activities like video games, sports and movies, giving parents a chance to enjoy some downtime on their own.
Fora Perks include $50 daily spa credit, a complimentary hydrotherapy session for two, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Family activities near Cancún and Riviera Maya
For families interested in history, the Tulum Ruins offer a peek into Mayan civilization. Xcaret Park and Xel-Há Park provide cultural experiences, wildlife encounters and water activities like snorkeling and lazy rivers.
Families can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, where boat tours offer chances to see dolphins and turtles. The region’s famous cenotes like Gran Cenote and Cenote Azul are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. I personally love Akumal Bay, where you can snorkel with sea turtles.
For adventure, Xplore Park offers zip-lining and cave exploration, while Aktun Chen features cenote swimming. Families can also visit Cozumel for museums and jeep tours. My family also enjoyed a day trip to Isla Mujeres, where we rented a golf cart to explore the island. We stopped by the Isla Mujeres Women's Beading Co-op for amazing deals on handmade jewelry that support local artists. And if you're considering traveling elsewhere in Mexico, consider this guide to Cancún vs. Cabo.
