Best Family-Friendly Beach Resorts in Playa del Carmen

Enjoy the best in boutique luxury when you plan a stay at the Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya Resort in Playa del Carmen. Start each day with a complimentary breakfast buffet, but not before you take in the view from your spacious suite. Beachfront rooms comprise about half of the property’s accommodation options—and the view of the ocean is known to be breathtaking—while other rooms sport their own impressive views of serene lagoons and Playa del Carmen’s lush tropical greenery.

The four restaurants at the Andaz provide creative spins on traditional Latin American cuisine, offering flavors that are both accessible and adventurous while playing up local ingredients, like freshly caught seafood. While the hotel is large, guests are welcome to hop on a bike (no fee required) to get around. If you’re traveling here as a family, you won’t no one will miss out on fun or relaxation with the hotel’s luxurious Naum Wellness & Spa and the on-site kids program. Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya Resort is also an ideal location for large events—whether you’re hosting a business conference or destination wedding, the 14,000 square feet of event space is sure to wow guests. All these impressive features, plus access to the El Camaleón Golf Club and the Mayakoba Tennis Center, make this a great choice for your next beach getaway.

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If you’re looking for a resort that boasts both stylish architecture and stunning natural beauty, a kid-friendly atmosphere, and lots of on-site amenities and activities, look no further than the Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort in Playa del Carmen. The options here are endless, beginning with the eclectic dining options—all of which are rated highly by guests and critics alike. And, whether you’re working on your handicap or playing for the love of the game, playing through the 18 holes at El Camaleon—home to the annual Mayakoba Golf Classic, the only PGA Tour event in Mexico—is a must.

Of course, after a long day at the golf course, you’ll want to unwind in your own private paradise, and the rooms here fit that bill perfectly. Each of the Banyan Tree’s luxury villas is quite large and showcase the same impeccable eye for design you’ll see on the rest of the property. On top of that, each comes with its own private garden area, complete with its own pool—meaning you won’t have to compete for a lounge chair when it comes time to go for a swim.

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A warm greeting, complimentary cocktail and all, welcomes guests to the sprawling Fairmont Mayakoba resort, located in Playa del Carmen. Here, romantic partners, families and even pet owners can easily customize the vacation of their dreams. There’s a stunning, private white-sand beach, where shaded lounge chairs offer guests the opportunity to look out at the crashing waves or, if they choose, the untamed jungle scenery that surrounds the property on either side. There’s also an impressive dining program, run by acclaimed Mexican chef Richard Sandovar, showcased across three impressive restaurants.

As far as accommodations go, 401 luxurious guest rooms, casitas and suites overlooking either jungle, lagoon or beach provide ample space for relaxation or as Fairmont Mayakoba puts it, “room to dream.” While this gated complex can be intimidating in its size, free boats, bikes and golf carts allow visitors easy, accessible transportation for freely roaming the grounds. And there’s certainly a lot to explore, including a whopping five pools and four bars. All-inclusive packages are optional but well worth it—it’s a great value and the best way to enjoy these exotic surroundings without opening your wallet.

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Whether you’re looking to relax or chase adventure, the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is the ideal location for a beachside vacation. Ready to unwind? Lounge around the indoor or outdoor pool areas while the staff brings your favorite drinks and snacks. For the utmost relaxation, schedule a trip to the award-winning Cenote Spa for a massage or facial.

Guests of the Grand Hyatt Resort are also privy to some of the most mesmerizing views of the Maya Riviera. Many of the hotel’s 314 rooms offer 180-degree beach views, providing an idyllic perspective of the coastline. The resort’s outdoor infinity pools further enhance the tropical experience by creating the illusion that they flow directly into the beautiful turquoise ocean.

The resort also offers an on-site restaurant, The Grill, and snack bar, as well as 24-hour room service. In-room amenities include a minibar, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. For outdoor activities, visit their garden area, take a dip in the ocean or go boating to get a closeup view of the area’s majestic sea life.

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Packed with unique features and attractions, this five-star resort offers something for the whole family. Kids are sure to love the game room and mini club, which provides exciting daytime activities for children between the ages of four and 12. There are also nighttime entertainment options, featuring a mini disco, theater and video game room. While the kids are having fun, the adults can take a moment to relax at the spa.

The Grand Riviera Princess Hotel features seven on-site restaurants and nine bars. There are also 16 swimming pools and to access the beautiful Caribbean sea, guests walk through the Avenue of Gods—a collection of statues that line the pathway to the beach. From beach volleyball to jet skis, there’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy the seaside during your stay.

The resort features 674 rooms with seven different accommodation options. Each level offers its own set of perks, but all of the rooms have WiFi access. The unique Family Club Room is available in standard and swim-out options. By choosing this room style, guests gain access to all of the Grand Riviera Princess’ Family Club amenities, including a special section of the resort dedicated to family fun.

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Mahekal Beach Resort features 196 rooms with ocean or garden views, and many are thatched-roof bungalows. The décor—described by the resort itself as “Gypset style”–tastefully and seamlessly blends Mexican tradition with forward-thinking design. The beach is, of course, the main attraction, and 920 feet of soft, white sand–the longest uninterrupted beach in Playa–is just what the doctor ordered to unwind and disconnect. Recent additions to the resort include an ice cream shop and a boutique that offers exclusive Mahekal beachwear and unique, locally-made gifts and art.

Four pools are located onsite, including an infinity pool, a heated pool with a hot tub and a pool with a swim-up bar. Choose the Las Olas Pool for a gorgeous beachfront setting or the Treehouse Pool for a serene garden location; you’ll share the space with birds, iguanas and lush jungle vegetation. Additionally, many of the oceanfront casitas have their own private plunge pool.

Three bars and three restaurants are on-premises and ready to serve guests. The Cocina Restaurant is open-air and great for a breezy lunch, while Las Olas Restaurant and Bar offers a magical nighttime setting by the glow of the pool lights. Check out Boli’s Bar for drinks and a fun atmosphere, and try your skills at table tennis or at one of the cobalt-blue pool tables.

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Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen provides the comfort of home with the hands-off convenience of a large hotel. The all-inclusive resort offers something for visitors of all ages. The Camp Jack program offers kid-friendly fun with face painting, arts and crafts, and mini-golf. There’s also the T-Zone, which is designed to offer exciting activities for teenagers.

When the parents are ready to unwind, there are plenty of upper-level activities complete with jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean Sea. Lounge next to the second-floor pool or take a relaxing dip in the hot tub before grabbing fresh seafood from Off the Hook—the hotel’s beloved rooftop sushi bar. Follow up your meal with a relaxing visit to the Playa del Carmen resort’s Aura Spa for a couples massage, mud wrap or anti-aging treatment.

The laid-back atmosphere of the resort also extends to its suite options. From standard to premium, every style of accommodation is fitted with convenience and comfort in mind, which includes free WiFi and a mini-bar that’s restocked daily. Want to wake up and hit the beach? Choose a beachfront walk-out option or for elevated views, opt for an oceanfront suite with a private balcony.

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Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda is where dream family vacations become a reality. The resort is equipped with a broad selection of amenities. Soak in the sun in style on an exclusive Bali bed at one of their two lagoon-style pools, or enjoy family time in the water at the kid’s pool, which is fitted with its very own pirate ship.

When it comes time to relax, drop the kids off at the resort’s daycare facility while you hit the spa for a massage, facial or sauna visit. You can also sign up for one of the hotel’s many adult classes, including tequila tasting and sushi making. Meet back up with your family for a delicious dinner at one of the resort’s 16 restaurants.

All of the resorts 488 suites are fitted with terraces or balconies, so guests have the opportunity to take in the jaw-dropping seaside views without ever leaving the room. Each room also includes a flat-screen TV and minibar, but some options also offer a hydromassage bathtub. Want to take a dip in the pool first thing in the morning? Book one of their 62 swim-up suites. They also offer family concierge rooms with private check-ins, all-day snacks and a special welcome kit for children.

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Sandos Playacar Beach Resort offers a refreshing approach to all-inclusive accommodations by meeting the unique needs of both families and adult vacationers. For couples who want to enjoy a stress-free vacation, the Select Club provides access to adult-only sections of the resort—including exclusive access to a kid-free pool, spa, bar, restaurants and section of the beach.

Families, on the other hand, will enjoy access to the resort’s Kids and Teen clubs, both of which are supervised by trained staff. Parents can take a break with a spa visit or trip to the thermal areas before rejoining the rest of the family for a round of miniature golf. Everyone in the resort has access to eight pools, a hydromassage hot tub and water sports center. There is also a performance stage in the Main Plaza, which features nightly entertainment.

Sandos Playacar offers 819 rooms, and each is decorated to reflect local culture and style. There are multiple suite options in both family and adult sections of the resort, and some of them are available with ocean views. All rooms are equipped with an in-room safe, minibar and coffee maker.

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You don’t have to worry about hidden costs at Allegro Playacar, as “all-inclusive” means just that. Three restaurants and five bars—including a swim-up bar—offer unlimited meals, appetizers, snacks and beverages. Choose from Mexican, Italian, International, Asian, pizza and grilled favorites. When you want to play sports activities include volleyball, tennis, beach soccer, diving lessons, kayaking, sailing and of course lounging in one of the two glimmering pools—one is active and lively and the other a designated quiet pool.

While all of this might leave little time to spend in your room, the accommodations at Allegro Playacar are bright, clean and comfortable. Caribbean-style bungalows with thatched roofs add to the picturesque setting of the resort. Amenities—depending on which type of room you choose—include a terrace or balcony, hammock, ocean view, king-size bed and in-room minibar. Family accommodations with two bedrooms and suite options are available.

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Guests will never run out of things to do and see when they stay at the Azul Fives in Playa del Carmen. This sprawling property caters to families looking for an all-inclusive beachfront experience just outside of the city’s main drag, making it ideal for escaping the stresses of the modern world. There are a whopping 480 units on the property, and accommodations are spacious and modern. Plus, roomier suite options—with kitchenettes and up to three bedrooms—are also available to those traveling with larger groups.

Children of all ages are taken care of here, with numerous amenities for babies, a playfully designed gym for kids ages 4 and up and the Extreme Breeze Teens Club—a great place for older kids to bond over some of their favorite games and activities. There are even spa services intended especially for kids ages 5–17, so parents and children alike can enjoy their own personal day of relaxation. All this, plus some stellar dining options guaranteed to please even the pickiest palates, makes the Azul Fives the perfect pick for your next family beach vacation.

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