kaslcsw

We are planning a family trip to Mexico sometime in January. We consists of our parents (60's), myself and my husband (30's), sister-in-law (20's) and our children (4 years and infant). We are looking for a luxury/kid friendly resort (4-5 stars). We have thought about the Mexican Riveria and Puerto Vallarta. Any suggestions?

suze

Might you mean Mayan Riviera, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum?

Or the Mexican Riviera which refers to the west coast like Mazatlan, PV, Acapulco?

Those designations are easy to mix-up.

I love PV dearly but because of its lovely Old Town area and friendly local people. I don't think there are as many 5-star kind of places to stay as on the Caribbean side.

Both the beaches (white sand) and ocean (turquoise water) are prettier on the Yucatan peninsula, as the west coast beaches are often rough and rocky with a more quick drop off in depth.

TioGringo

Agree with suze.

From what you've said, I think you'd be happier with one of the big mega hotels on the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun (or maybe in Cancun itself). The beaches are definitely better and its a lot easier on the Caribbean side to find the luxury and kid friendly aspects together.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Little_Man

a luxury and kid friendly resort on the Mexican Riviera (?) is the Four Seasons resort Punta Mita, just outside of Puerto Vallarta. You won't find a better kids program anywhere!
On the Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun, the Iberostar all inclusive resorts aren't as upscale, are more crowded, but people seem to love them, and they cater to families.

traveller52

I agree that is sounds like you should stay at an all-inclusive. If you like the Caribbean water, head toward the so-called Riviera Maya. There are many to choose from. Also, look at the DeCameron Resort near Puerto Vallarta. This is a Colombian owned resort with excellent value for money. Great fun for each age group. Your best bet is to book this property thru Expedia or similar. They often have prices sooner and better than the hotel itself. I like this resort because it's guests are a mixture of South Americans, Canadians, Mexicans and Americans (as opposed to the Riviera Maya which is almost all Americans...nothing wrong with that, I just like to meet people from all over. My brother and his adult children stayed at Club Med Huatulco and loved it. Again, lots to do and a variety of nationalities there. Accomodations have improved and you can check the CM web site for details. I recommend you stay away from Cancun, except for a day trip perhaps. It has gotten just too glitzy.
If you're not completely wedded to Mexico, take a look at Club Med Punta Cana. We had a wonderful time there with various age groups. Have a nice trip!

Leonora

The Mayan Rivera (Carribean side) is becoming FILLED with luxury all inclusives all up and down the coast. Check out applevacations.com and cheapcarribean.com to find any number of amazing deals. We stayed at two all inclusives in that area--The Fiesta something or other, which has now changed its name, and the Moon Palace. Both of those experiences absolutely spoiled my husband in terms of the luxury he now expects from hotels (but which cannot be found anywhere else for those prices). Kids absolutely LOVE these resorts, and there is plenty of great cultural exploring to do off the resorts as well. Have fun!