Bring on the heat: Spring for a family fiesta south of the border
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula might not be top of mind for family forward vacationing, coming as it does with the image of spring breakers, bachelorette parties and overserved couples. But look beyond the all-inclusives lining the shores and you can find hidden gems where multigenerational travel is taking a front seat.
One such brand is Vidanta, which started as a brain wave of Daniel Chávez Morán in 1974, who saw the value of vacation club ownership and promptly opened his first timeshare hotel. Now celebrating 50 years, Grupo Vidanta has over 30 resorts, and is rolling out bold expansions under the banner VidantaWorld.
VidantaWorld consists of resorts in Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta — next year, an elegant mega yacht will be added to the portfolio. According to executive vice president Iván Chávez, 'we redefine family friendly ultra-luxury hospitality, ensuring kids and adults can truly relax and reconnect.'
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5 Jungala Park's recently opened waterpark Aqua Experience more than lives up to its name.
Vidanta
5 The only age requirement is to be young at heart.
Vidanta
Taking in VidantaWorld Riviera Maya, one thing becomes immediately obvious: you'll never feel crowded. The 1,000 acres sprawl along a half-mile of white sand coast on the Caribbean Sea, and contain a number of timeshare lodgings surrounded by landscaped foliage and a golf course.
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You'll also find 40 bars and restaurants (including a cevicheria and a high-end Italian, Tramonto, worthy of any city), two spas and fitness centers, 14 pools and a cabana-ringed beach club, so there's ample space to spread out.
And while VidantaWorld's vacation club program accounts for the bulk of the rooms, there's a standard hotel option at Jungala Park. (All suites, from $1,099 per night.) Families will love the spacious king suites, with a lounge area that closes off with sliding doors to sleep two adults and up to four children. There's also a functional kitchen — a small shop on-site provides essentials, although savvy travelers stop at Walmart on the way down from Cancun airport.
But don't forget that luxe bit. There's no kids' decor or motel vibes — suites are high end with neutral tones, and expansive balconies. A complimentary breakfast buffet, one-to-one concierge service and 24-hour room service makes sure everyone is truly on vacation.
Guests are also entitled to a cabana at the Beach Club with a dedicated butler — a jalapeño margarita while lazing on an in-pool lounger is recommended.
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5 Views and relaxation await at the seafront pool.
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As you might expect from a kid-friendly resort, there's lots to entertain, with a kids club offering everything from fitness to arts and crafts as well as naturalist-led visits to see the on-site crocodiles and flamingos. Stuff for adults-only runs to tequila tastings and Texas Hold 'Em.
But Jungala Park also has two unique things going for it. The first is the Jungala Aqua Experience, a recently opened water park. It was allegedly designed by retired Disney folk, and it looks like it — landscaped paths meander past cabanas tucked within the palms.
Aside from impaling yourself into your swimsuit on an assortment of slides, there's a kiddie area, wave pool and a super-long lazy river (over half a mile of it) where you can while away a lot of time and get really pruny. Better still, steer your inner tube to the swim up (bob-up?) bar. Genius. A day pass ($70 per adult; $50 per child) is complimentary for hotel guests.
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5 Cirque du Soleil performs acrobatics in the dinner theater show Joya at VidantaWorld in Riviera Maya.
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Their other ace in the hole is the on-site Cirque du Soleil campus, where the show Joya is now celebrating its 10th year.
While you can simply roll up and see the show (from $119), the best way to enjoy the acrobatics is with a dinner ticket (from $286).
The VIP experience ($384) starts with a smoking cocktail created by one of the show's magicians, while the dinner is a curated set menu with dishes artistically presented.
5 A vast theme park, BON, will bring thrills to roller-coaster lovers in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.
But, if you have roller coaster-loving kids, take note. VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta has just unveiled a new $1.3 billion theme park, BON (Beauty of Nature).
'BON will be the largest theme park in Latin America,' said Chávez of the venture, which is slated to have 23 rides from 'top manufacturers,' 25 restaurants, its own licensed characters, a new resident Cirque du Soleil show and a host of hotels and retail all in a lush, natural setting. It's 'designed to engage all ages,' said Chavez.
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