Have you ever taken a vacation and didn’t enjoy it? I don’t know about you, but one year I got so stressed about packing that I developed a fever blister on my lip! I kept thinking, “How can a toddler need so much stuff to bring?” Once I arrived at my destination, my family fought over what we were going to do and when. Then there was dealing with meals and cooking foods that everyone liked. Cooking on vacation isn’t vacation! At the end of the trip, I discovered that I didn’t enjoy it that much because all I was trying to do was please everyone. I kept thinking that there has got to be a better way to vacation.
I recently went on a press trip with 50 Macaroni Kid publishers and think that the resort we went to would be an excellent way for any family to vacation. During the trip, I thought, “This would be an amazing way for my family to vacation!” The amazing resort we went to is called Azul Beach Resort Rivera Cancun by Karisma. It’s a stress free, all-inclusive resort that has everything a family would ever want. From a splash pad to teen center, this place has you covered.
The last thing you need is stress about bringing all of your kid’s accessories. At Azul Beach Resort Rivera Cancun, you won’t have to bring any extra kid accessories. They already have strollers, cribs, pack 'n plays, bottle sterilizers, high chairs, and all your necessary baby and toddler items. They even have free baby food that you can use so you don’t have to worry about traveling with breakable jars. You can also order organic baby food.
I don’t know about you but when we go out to eat, my kids hardly eat anything. My dad loves to tell the story of how we would go to the $6 kid buffet and I would only eat a few pieces of lettuce and a dinner roll. At Azul, you won’t get upset when your kid eats practically nothing. Each person in the family can pick what they want to eat and not worry about getting your “money’s worth”. The Azul Resort has a beautiful spread of fresh food displays which is so much more elevated than food sitting around at a buffet. They even have a special food area for kids that is child sized and adorably decorated. There is a special display case for all the kid’s desserts. We all know that kids can be picky eaters and having all-inclusive is ideal. I saw the full range of kid friendly foods like macaroni and cheese, mini pizzas, bite sized sandwiches, and self serve ice cream. I know my boys would feel special if they knew that there was a kid’s food area that had all their favorite foods. Or better yet, take advantage of the all-inclusive room service and make it look like you personally cooked it while you were really taking a nap by the pool!
Dining is a dream at this resort because they have 5 gourmet restaurants, a kid’s pizza place, and a family beach BBQ! This place is so VIP that they have a top restaurant, Le Chique, which was voted the #1 restaurant in Mexico. Le Chique isn’t included in the all-inclusive, but it’s an experience like no other. At the all-inclusive restaurants, you can “travel around the world” by choosing Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, and Spanish themed places. Each restaurant has a different themed decor and you feel like a celebrity with the 4 course meals and friendly service.
Speaking of service, I have never had such great care. I felt like a queen! The poolside butlers were always making sure that I was well taken care of with anything I needed. Their lobby service was efficient and friendly as well as any staff that walked by would nod and greet you. It was definitely a VIP experience and I felt spoiled.
There are so many different types of activities! I checked out the splash pad, water slide, dump buckets, teen hot spot, beach activities, giant pools, playhouse club, and fun playground areas. They have Nickelodeon characters and themed games and crafts.
There is a My Gym right on their premise which is great for kids to expend their energy. If you aren’t familiar with My Gym, it has ropes, parallel bars, trampolines, springboards, and big floor pads. I’m amazed at how much they have families in mind! For the teens, they have movies, music videos, Xbox, Playstation 3, Wii, billiards and air hockey. For the whole family, you can kayak, paddle board, play tennis, snorkel, play volleyball, enjoy 6 breath-taking pools, and of course play the beach.
With respect to kids, they definitely go above and beyond. Each bathroom has a little stool so children can reach the sink. Now if that’s not being thoughtful, I don’t know what is! They also have the cutest custom kid sized lounge chairs!
The rooms are to die for! I love their aqua and white color scheme that is so beach chic. You can get a room with a king, double beds, suite, or combined suite. They even have swim-up suites that allow for a pool right outside your sliding glass door. Each room comes with a jetted tub, rain shower, and fully stocked mini fridge with water, drinks, and snacks. Perfect for kids!
You might be wondering about the adults. Well, I saved the best for last. They have an adult pool that is lined with relaxing “beds” so you can sun and be in the pool at the same time. You can enjoy it all in the shade of a cabana, pamper yourself at the beautiful spa, and have some fun at any of the 8 all-inclusive bars. Now you might be wondering how do you get to have some kid-free adult time? They have a kids space that has babysitting services so you can have a date night or spa day. How cool is that?
Making the most of your family vacation is key. At Azul Beach Resort Rivera Cancun, you can have it all because it’s perfect for any family. Now if you are looking for a different type of resort, Karisma has a large selection. Here are some family-friendly properties within the Karisma Hotels & Resorts brand include:
• Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya
• The Fives Azul Beach Resort Playa Del Carmen
• Azul Beach Resort Negril (Jamaica)
• Generations Riviera Maya
• Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
• Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (coming in 2020!)
• El Cielo Winery & Resort (Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico - west coast)
• Xolumado Inspiration Village
Seeking some adults-only time? Try these stunning properties, also in the Karisma Hotels & Resorts family.
• El Dorado Royale
• El Dorado Royale Casitas
• El Dorado Maroma
• El Dorado Palafitos - Overwater Bungalows
Lafayette Macaroni Kid was compensated for this review. All opinions are our own.
